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Office Hours: 10 Indoor Plants to Dress Up a Desktop

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PothosIssue 36 — Modern Workshop

Office Hours: 10 Indoor Plants to Dress Up a Desktop

September 7, 2018

Does your office feel a little too Dilbert? Here’s a quick fix: Banish institutional cubicle culture with a little greenery (a plant or two will improve air quality too).

Studies show you’re more creative–and productive–if your workspace feels like home. Here’s some inspiration, featuring 10 of our favorite indoor plants to perk up your desktop.

Pothos

Photograph courtesy of The Sill. See more in \10 Tips for Selecting Office Plants, from The Sill.
Above: Photograph courtesy of The Sill. See more in 10 Tips for Selecting Office Plants, from The Sill.

One of the easiest houseplants to grow, pothos will tolerate low light and dry soil.

False Cypress

For more, see DIY: Desktop Zen Garden. Photograph by Justine Hand.
Above: For more, see DIY: Desktop Zen Garden. Photograph by Justine Hand.

Hardy Blue Fern

For more, see A Fern of a Different Color. Photograph by Erin Boyle.
Above: For more, see A Fern of a Different Color. Photograph by Erin Boyle.

Succulents

For more, see DIY: How to Plant an Open Terrarium. Photograph by John Merkl.
Above: For more, see DIY: How to Plant an Open Terrarium. Photograph by John Merkl.

Juniper Bonsai

Photograph courtesy of Mjolk.
Above: Photograph courtesy of Mjolk.

Asparagus Fern

Photograph by Mimi Giboin for Gardenista.
Above: Photograph by Mimi Giboin for Gardenista.

Pencil Cactus

For more, see The New &#8\2\16;It&#8\2\17; Houseplant. Photograph by Matthew Williams, courtesy of Workstead.
Above: For more, see The New ‘It’ Houseplant. Photograph by Matthew Williams, courtesy of Workstead.

Air Plant

An air plant (Tillandsia) is a low-maintenance choice for a desktop; dunk it under water once a week to keep it happy. For more, see A One-of-a-Kind Jielde Signal Lamp on Remodelista. Photograph by Emily Johnston Anderson.
Above: An air plant (Tillandsia) is a low-maintenance choice for a desktop; dunk it under water once a week to keep it happy. For more, see A One-of-a-Kind Jielde Signal Lamp on Remodelista. Photograph by Emily Johnston Anderson.

Rubber Tree Plant

For more, see Shopper&#8\2\17;s Diary: Garden Objects in Auckland. Photograph by Neeve Woodward, courtesy of Garden Objects.
Above: For more, see Shopper’s Diary: Garden Objects in Auckland. Photograph by Neeve Woodward, courtesy of Garden Objects.

If you’ve got floor space as well as desk space, consider a large potted plant like a rubber tree. Instant office jungle.

Philodendron

For more, see DIY: A Living Wall for the Office. Photograph by Erin Boyle.
Above: For more, see DIY: A Living Wall for the Office. Photograph by Erin Boyle.

If space is tight, annex the wall next to your desk and create an instant living wall with vine tendrils in simple glass vases.

See more recommendations in our curated guides to Houseplants 101 in our Garden Design 101 guides. For more hardworking houseplants, see:

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