(cover image:  Arnel Hasanovic)

Having a plant on your desk is like having a quiet colleague who doesn't gossip but still manages to make you feel better about being stuck in the office. It silently sucks up all the toxins, breathes out fresh oxygen, and doesn’t judge you for your caffeine addiction. Plus, staring at something green and alive is a nice change from the soul-sucking abyss of your computer screen. And, as an added bonus, it won't steal your lunch from the office fridge. So, in a nutshell, a desk plant is the ideal coworker that helps you stay sane and productive, without any of the drama. Just don't think of this in the creepy stocky way.

Before getting into the plants, let's get into the gears to get you ready:

1. Watering Can: A small watering can with a narrow spout is essential for watering your plants without making a mess.

2. Spray Bottle: For misting the plants that prefer higher humidity.

3. Fertilizer: A balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer is suitable for most indoor plants. However, some plants like succulents, cacti, and orchids require specialized fertilizer.

4. Pots with Drainage Holes: It's important to have pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

5. Saucers: To place under the pots to catch any excess water.

6. Humidity Tray: Serve as a saucer but provide extra moisture for those that need a moist environment. It's a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase the humidity around the plants.

7. Grow Light: If your office does not receive enough natural light, a grow light can help provide the necessary light for your plants.

8. Humidifier: If the air in your office is too dry, a humidifier can help maintain the necessary humidity levels for your plants.

9. Thermometer and Hygrometer: To monitor the temperature and humidity levels in your office.

10. Soil Moisture Meter: To help you determine when your plants need water.

The boring part is done, let's get us some plants! 

1, Snake Plant

This plant is known for its ability to purify the air by removing toxins and releasing oxygen. It requires very little light and water.

Care: 

• Light: Low to bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct sunlight.
• Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water approximately every 2-8 weeks, depending on the humidity and light levels.
• Fertilizer: A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once in the spring.

2, Spider Plant

An easy-to-care-for plant that is known for its air-purifying abilities. It thrives in indirect sunlight.

Care

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct sunlight.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water approximately every 1-2 weeks.
• Fertilizer: A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

3, Cactus

They are low maintenance and require less water. Plus, they can thrive in direct sunlight, which is common in many office environments.

Care

• Light: Bright, direct light.
• Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water approximately every 2-4 weeks in the growing season, and less frequently in the winter.
• Fertilizer: A cactus fertilizer once in the spring and once in the summer.

4, African Violet

African Violets are popular for their charming, colorful flowers and fuzzy leaves. They prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered from the bottom to avoid getting the leaves wet. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Care

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water from the bottom to avoid getting the leaves wet.
• Fertilizer: Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

5, Kalanchoe

Description: Kalanchoe is a succulent with thick, green leaves and colorful flowers that can be red, orange, yellow, pink, or white. It prefers bright, indirect light, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season.

Care

• Light: Bright, indirect light.
• Water: Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water approximately every 2-3 weeks.
• Fertilizer: A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

6, Rubber Plant

This plant is known for its ability to remove toxins from the air. It prefers bright, indirect light and requires moderate watering.

Care

• Light: Bright, indirect light.
• Water: Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water approximately every 1-2 weeks.
• Fertilizer: A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

7, Prayer Plant

The Prayer Plant has beautifully patterned leaves that fold up at night, resembling hands in prayer. It prefers low to bright, indirect light, and the soil should be kept evenly moist. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Care

• Light: Low to bright, indirect light.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water approximately every 1-2 weeks.
• Fertilizer: A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

8, Fittonia

Fittonia, also known as the Nerve Plant, has striking, patterned leaves with a network of bright, colorful veins. It prefers low to bright, indirect light, and the soil should be kept evenly moist. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

 Care

• Light: Low to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water approximately every 1-2 weeks.
• Fertilizer: A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

9, Purple Heart Plant

The Purple Heart Plant is known for its purple leaves and pink flowers. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. The soil should be kept evenly moist, and a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

• Light: Bright, indirect light.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water approximately every 1-2 weeks.
• Fertilizer: A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

10, Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus is known for its colorful flowers that bloom during the winter months.

• Light: Bright, indirect light.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water approximately every 1-2 weeks.
• Fertilizer: A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.