Desk plants

Small and large office plants for a better working day

Office plants do more than decorate. They also say something about who you are. Day to day, you get the benefit of their colour and, with some varieties, slightly better air around you. Of course, not everyone has green fingers or the time to look after demanding houseplants at work. That's why we'd point you towards our easy-care, robust office plants. Choose from a wide range of large and small plants that are perfectly happy with very little attention.

Key features and benefits of our office plants (depending on the model):

• Easy-care plants for the office: many varieties, such as cacti or sansevieria, only need watering now and then and will forgive you if you forget from time to time.
• Robust species: hard-wearing plants cope well with air conditioning, dry heated air and changing light conditions.
• Better working environment: office plants can have a positive effect on the atmosphere, and some even help to increase humidity in a pleasant, natural way.
• Decorative plants for your desk: striking leaf patterns, elegant flowers and rich shades of green create eye-catching accents in any work setting.
• Flexible placement: our plants are at home on windowsills, shelves, desks or in empty corners – wherever they work best for you.
• A range of sizes: from compact succulents for your desk to generous leafy plants for corners and reception areas.
• Ready-potted: many plants come already potted, so they can get to work brightening your desk straight away.

Fancy a bit more colour in your working day? Explore our range of beautiful office plants. Some varieties can't be ordered online, for practical reasons, so it's worth coming into your IKEA store to see them for yourself. For a more personal touch, pair your plant with one of our many plant pots. And if you want to keep things as simple as possible, you can choose one of our ready-potted office plants – some even come in handy sets.

What effect do plants have in the office?

How about looking at lush greenery instead of bare walls at work? Office plants have been shown to improve the working environment: they increase humidity and some even subtly freshen the air. Their green tones have a calming effect and support a sense of general wellbeing. Just one plant on your desk can be enough to create a more natural, relaxed atmosphere.

Which easy-care plants are suitable as office plants?

The best option is to go for robust species that don’t need much care. Aloe vera, sansevieria and cacti all cope well with irregular watering – ideal if your schedule is packed. Want something a little more decorative? Then take a look at monstera and calathea, with their unusual, eye-catching leaves. Flowering houseplants such as orchids add splashes of colour. The key is to think about the light at your workplace. Some plants prefer bright spots, while others are quite happy in more shaded corners.

What are typical office plants?

Some plants have really proved their worth in day-to-day office life. Classics among office plants include sansevieria (also known as mother-in-law’s tongue), cacti and peace lilies. Why are they so popular? It’s simple: they need little care, look good and are extremely resilient.

Which plants are suitable for an office desk?

Compact potted plants are the ideal choice for your office desk. Succulents, mini cacti and small aloe vera plants take up hardly any space and fit neatly into any desk corner. Small green plants in decorative vases or bowls can also add charming accents without overwhelming your workspace. Our tip: choose plants that don’t spread out too much as they grow – otherwise you might soon be hunting for your pen in a jungle of ivy.

How do I look after office plants properly?

The good news is that looking after office plants is easier than many people think. While the details depend on the type of plant, one basic rule always applies: water less rather than more. Standing water is bad news for most office plants and can lead to root rot. Make sure they have a suitable spot with enough light, but not in harsh midday sun. You'll find watering cans, spray bottles and other accessories in our range too. Decorative glasses, carafes or jugs can also work beautifully as watering aids that you keep close to your plants. Keep an eye on your plants and adjust how much you water them according to the season – in winter, for example, they usually need significantly less.