Local Botanist

Embellishing your office environment with succulents and desk plants will unquestionably transform your workplace into a productive and visually pleasing space.

Want to find out what makes these charming little plants the perfect office companion? Dive into our article to unearth the fabulous benefits of keeping succulents as office plants, and discover a range of beginner-friendly succulents that will spruce up your workspace (with care tips)!

8 Benefits of Having Succulents as Desk Plants

From hassle-free, low-maintenance to their unique, characterful appearances, there’s a multitude of reasons that make succulents sought-after indoor office plants. Explore the wondrous benefits of keeping succulents as workspace companions below:

#1 Low Maintenance

Succulents are among the easiest indoor plants to care for, as they have few maintenance needs. With remarkable water-storing qualities, succulents don’t require regular watering and are drought-tolerant. They’re also adaptive to various light conditions, including low light, making them great for indoor office environments.

These attributes make succulents perfectly suited to busy, hardworking individuals who are seeking botanical companions without the hassle of time-consuming and complicated gardening demands.

#2 Visually Pleasing

Succulents come in an array of unique shapes and vibrant colours, offering a diverse selection that appeals to every aesthetic preference.

Whether you’re seeking something elegant and chic, such as the Crassula undulatifolia ‘Curly Jade’, or want a plant that’s more sleek and contemporary, like the Senecio vitalis ‘Narrow Leaf Chalksticks’, you’ll have no problem finding a succulent variety that matches your preferences!

#3 Boosts Productivity

Adorning your desk with succulents will do more than simply improve the aesthetic of your workspace; it will boost your productivity!

Psychological studies suggest the positive impact that natural greenery has on concentration and efficiency in work environments. It’s believed that the calming presence of these plants enhances cognitive function, supposedly contributing to a more fulfilling workday.

#4 Elevates Mood

Clinical studies have linked indoor plants, including succulents, to improved mental state, reduced stress, and even lower blood pressure! It’s believed that we humans have an inherent desire to be around nature, so the indoor presence of plants resonates with our deep-rooted longing for nature and supports our emotional and mental wellness.

#5 Promotes Feng Shui

Feng Shui, also known as Chinese geomancy, is an ancient Chinese practice that harnesses energy forces, including plants, to achieve a harmoniously balanced environment.

With their calming presence, succulents play a fundamental role in Feng Shui. According to the sacred belief of this practice, strategically placing the plants in your office will encourage positive energy to flow, promoting tranquillity.

#6 Natural Air Purifier

Succulents perform a naturally occurring photosynthetic process that can improve the indoor air quality of your office. Through photosynthesis, succulents absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which helps maintain a healthy work environment.

#7 Long Lifespan

Succulents are championed for their incredible resilience and longevity. With the right amount of care, certain specimens, including various types of Crassula, can live between 20 to 100+ years. This makes succulents lifelong and sustainable work buddies that have the potential to adorn your workspace until you retire!

#8 Perfect Size

Succulents come in a variety of sizes, suited to small, medium, and large desks. The typically petite and often slow-growing nature of succulents makes them wonderful small office plants, providing the perfect solution for anyone who’s seeking a beautiful touch of nature without the worry of overcrowding or obstructing their workspace.

Stylish Succulents and Desk Plants to Spruce Up Your Work Environment

If you’re searching for office desk succulents that are beginner-friendly, low-maintenance, and endlessly stylish, then look no further! Below, we have rounded up the best office plants (available to shop at Local Botanist) to help you discover your perfect workspace companion:

#1 Senecio amaniensis ‘Amani Senecio’: 

With small, velvety-soft leaves, often displaying a tinge of bright pink and purple at the tips, the Amani Senecio succulent makes a charming desk edition that will certainly uplift your workspace.

Plant Profile:

Characteristics: Small and compact green leaves with a fuzzy, velvety texture, often featuring a touch of pink or purple colour at the tips.

Best For: Compact desk spaces with moderate sunlight.

Care: 

• Does well in indirect light and tolerates low light conditions
• Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
• Requires a well-draining soil
• Prefers average room temperature
• Appreciates a diluted, balanced fertiliser during the growing season (spring and summer)

Pet Safety: Non-toxic to animals.

#2 Crassula undulatifolia ‘Curly Jade’:

Featuring flamboyant curly leaves, the Curly Jade, also known as the Ripple Jade, will add a touch of elegance and enchantment to your office desk.

Plant Profile:

Characteristics: Compact and dense light-green frilly foliage. 

Best For: Small desks with moderate sunlight.

Care: 

• Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight – can also tolerate a few hours of full sun each day
• Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
• Must be planted in a well-draining soil
• Needs a well-ventilated atmosphere
• Appreciates a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser during the growing season (spring and summer)

Pet Safety: Toxic to pets.

#3 Pachyphytum hookeri ‘Moonstones’:

With thick and elongated pebble-shaped leaves, the Moonstones succulent boasts a captivating, otherworldly appearance that will undoubtedly transform your office desk from dull to captivating.

Plant Profile:

Characteristics: Silvery-blue/green thick round leaves with a velvety texture.

Best For: Small desks with ample light.

Care: 

• Prefers an abundance of bright and direct sunlight
• Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
• Needs well-draining soil
• Doesn’t need fertiliser but does appreciate soil replacement every year

Pet Safety: Non-toxic to pets.

#4 Crassula ovata Compacta ‘Dwarf Jade’:

Featuring tiny and dense circular leaves, often with a fiery red edge, growing along sturdy woody branches, these tree succulents will infuse your office environment with serenity and uplifting vibrancy.

Plant Profile:

Characteristics: Tiny, thick and glossy leaves, often with bright red tips, compactly growing on woody branches.

Best For: Small to medium-sized desks with bright light.

Care: 

• Prefers an abundance of bright and direct sunlight
• Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
• Requires well-draining soil
• Appreciates a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season (spring and summer)
• Enjoys a mild, warm environment – protect from drafts and cool temperatures

Pet Safety: Toxic to pets.

#5 Senecio vitalis ‘Narrow Leaf Chalksticks’:

With long, slender foliage that exudes architectural elegance, Narrow Leaf Chalksticks deliver a contemporary botanical display that will gracefully refresh your desk.

Plant Profile:

Characteristics: Slender and long green cylindrical leaves, typically growing upright.

Best For: Limited desk space with ample light.

Care: 

• Thrives in bright light
• Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
• Needs a well-draining soil
• Doesn’t need fertiliser but will enjoy an annual soil replacement

Pet Safety: Toxic to pets.

Succulent Sidekicks: Diversify Your Mini Desk Garden With These Top Suggestions

If you want to diversify the botanical landscape of your office desk, consider accompanying your succulents with these eye-catching, easy-to-care-for workplace plants:

• Spathiphyllum ‘Peace Lily Plant’: Refresh your office with the endlessly elegant Peace Lily. Not only does this plant boast beautiful white blooms, but it’s also an exceptional air purifier and has low maintenance needs.

• Epipremnum aureum ‘Devil’s Ivy Plant’: With amorous multi-toned heart-shaped leaves, this trailing plant will add natural charm to your office desk.

• Senecio rowleyanus String of Pearls Plant’: Distinguished by trailing vines adorned with pearl-shaped leaves, the String of Pearls plant will embellish your desk with opulence and sophistication.

• Dracaena trifasciata‘Snake Plant’: With eye-catching sword-like leaves that proudly stand upright, Snake Plants boasts a sleek architectural form that will certainly elevate your workspace’s aesthetic.

• Monstera adansonii ‘Swiss Cheese Plant’: Characterised by deep green leaves with large holes reminiscent of Swiss cheese, this characterful plant creates a playful and inspiring atmosphere.

• Tillandsia ‘Air Plant’: the unusual air plants absorb nutrients from the air with no need for soil, making them the most unique plants you can get. Their sculptural appearance adds an artistic flair, making them superb for creative work.

FAQs on Desk Plants:

For your convenience, we have answered the most frequently asked questions about succulents as desk plants: