14 Table Top Plants Perfect for Your Home or Office

Looking to transform your space with a touch of greenery? Table top plants are a fantastic way to add life to your home or office without overwhelming your decor. These compact plants are easy to maintain, visually appealing, and come in a variety of options to suit your style and environment.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your indoor gardening journey, tabletop plants can enhance your space with minimal effort. Many of these plants are perfect for small apartments, work desks, coffee tables, or even kitchen countertops, bringing a refreshing and calming vibe to any setting.

Below, we cover 14 tabletop plants that are ideal for plant lovers, home decorators, and apartment dwellers. You’ll find everything from low-maintenance picks to trendy favorites, so you can find the perfect plant to elevate your space.

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Why Choose Tabletop Plants?

Space-Saving: Ideal for small spaces, these plants fit perfectly on desks, shelves, and counters.

Low Maintenance: Many tabletop plants require minimal care, making them great for beginners.

Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a natural touch to any room, improving ambiance and air quality.

Versatile Styles: From modern succulents to classic leafy greens, there’s a tabletop plant for every decor style.

Now, let’s dive into the 14 best tabletop plants to enhance your home or office!

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant is a classic choice for tabletop plants. With its tall, upright leaves and striking variegated patterns, it adds a modern vibe to any setting. This hardy plant is perfect for beginners and busy individuals who want greenery without the hassle.

Why it’s great: Hard to kill, requires minimal watering, and thrives in indirect light.

Care tip: Water every couple of weeks, allowing the soil to fully dry out between waterings.

Bonus Benefits: The snake plant is known for its air-purifying qualities, helping to remove toxins from the air. It’s also a great plant for bedrooms since it releases oxygen at night, promoting better sleep!

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Known as the “devil’s ivy,” pothos is a vining plant that looks stunning cascading over the edge of a table or shelf. Its heart-shaped leaves come in various shades of green, with some featuring beautiful variegation in white, yellow, or neon green.

Why it’s great: It’s forgiving, grows quickly, and can thrive in low or bright light.

Care tip: Trim regularly to maintain a lush, compact appearance and encourage fuller growth.

Bonus Benefits: Pothos is an excellent air-purifying plant, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. It’s also one of the easiest plants to propagate—just snip a vine, place it in water, and watch new roots form!

3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is a popular choice for tabletop plants, offering glossy, dark-green foliage that adds a sleek and modern touch to any space. Its upright, structured growth makes it a great option for desks, coffee tables, and shelves, enhancing the aesthetic of both homes and offices.

Why it’s great: Low-light tolerant, drought-resistant, and extremely low-maintenance—perfect for beginners or those with a busy schedule.

Care tip: Avoid overwatering—it only needs water every 2–3 weeks. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

Bonus Benefits: The ZZ plant is highly efficient at filtering toxins from the air, making it a stylish and functional addition to your indoor space. It also thrives in almost any lighting condition, from bright indirect light to low-light corners!

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The peace lily is synonymous with elegance, thanks to its graceful white blooms and deep green leaves. It’s a timeless favorite among tabletop plants, bringing both beauty and functionality to your home or office. This plant thrives in indoor environments and is well-loved for its ability to purify the air.

Why it’s great: Excellent at improving indoor air quality by filtering toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. It also signals when it needs water by drooping slightly, making it easy to care for.

Care tip: Place it in indirect light and water when the soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as peace lilies prefer slightly moist soil but dislike sitting in standing water.

Bonus Benefits: The peace lily is known to increase humidity, which can help reduce dry air symptoms like irritated skin and allergies. Plus, its elegant blooms make it a stylish addition to any tabletop or workspace!

5. Succulents

Succulents come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, making them a versatile and stylish choice for any tabletop. Whether you prefer rosette-shaped Echeveria, trailing String of Pearls, or spiky Haworthia, these compact plants add a modern touch to your home or office decor.

They are among the easiest tabletop plants to care for, requiring minimal attention while providing maximum visual appeal.

Why it’s great: Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and available in countless unique varieties to match any aesthetic.

Care tip: Ensure they receive plenty of indirect sunlight and allow the soil to dry completely before watering. Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.

Bonus Benefits: Succulents store water in their leaves, making them perfect for forgetful plant owners. They also help purify the air and can thrive in small containers, making them ideal for desks, shelves, and coffee tables!

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6. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is not only a beautiful addition to your collection of tabletop plants, but it’s also incredibly practical. Known for its thick, fleshy leaves filled with soothing gel, this plant is a must-have for those who love both aesthetics and functionality.

Aloe vera thrives indoors and makes a great conversation piece on desks, kitchen counters, or coffee tables.

Why it’s great: Hardy, stylish, and doubles as a natural first aid kit for soothing burns, cuts, and dry skin.

Care tip: Place it near a sunny window, and water sparingly—only when the soil is completely dry. Aloe vera is highly drought-tolerant and prefers well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

Bonus Benefits: Aloe vera helps improve air quality by removing toxins like formaldehyde. Plus, its medicinal properties make it a great plant to keep in your home for quick, natural skincare remedies!

7. Fern (Boston Fern or Maidenhair)

Ferns are lush and dramatic, adding a soft, textural element to any tabletop. Their feathery, cascading fronds bring a refreshing and elegant look, making them one of the most charming tabletop plants for home or office spaces.

Whether you choose the hardy Boston Fern or the delicate Maidenhair Fern, these plants thrive in environments with consistent moisture.

Why it’s great: Ideal for humid environments like bathrooms or kitchens, where they can absorb moisture from the air. They also help improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins.

Care tip: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and avoid direct sunlight. Place them in bright, indirect light and mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity.

Bonus Benefits: Ferns naturally increase humidity, which can help prevent dry skin and respiratory discomfort. Their elegant, trailing fronds also make them a perfect accent for bookshelves, coffee tables, or plant stands!

8. Cactus

If simplicity and uniqueness are your goals, cacti are an easy-to-manage option for tabletop plants. These resilient desert plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tall and spiky to round and compact, adding a bold, sculptural element to your space.

Perfect for desks, side tables, and sunny windowsills, cacti require little attention while offering plenty of charm.

Why it’s great: Extremely low-maintenance, visually striking, and available in endless varieties to suit any decor style.

Care tip: Water sparingly, once every 3 weeks or so, and provide lots of sunlight. A bright windowsill or a well-lit shelf is the perfect spot for a happy cactus.

Bonus Benefits: Cacti are highly drought-tolerant, making them perfect for forgetful plant owners. Their unique and sometimes quirky appearances make them excellent statement pieces for modern or minimalist spaces!

9. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

The jade plant is a symbol of luck and prosperity in many cultures, with its thick, glossy leaves resembling tiny coins. This compact succulent is one of the most popular tabletop plants, bringing both beauty and positive energy to your home or office.

With proper care, jade plants can live for decades, making them a meaningful long-term addition to your indoor greenery.

Why it’s great: Easy to care for, long-lasting, and believed to attract good fortune and wealth.

Care tip: Water only when the soil is completely dry, and place it in bright, indirect light. Avoid overwatering, as jade plants store moisture in their leaves.

Bonus Benefits: The jade plant is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in small containers. It also helps purify the air and adds a refreshing green touch to desks, countertops, and bookshelves!

10. Anthurium

Anthurium plants boast waxy, heart-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of red, white, or pink, adding a bold pop of color to your space. Their glossy green leaves and long-lasting blooms make them one of the most eye-catching tabletop plants, perfect for brightening up desks, coffee tables, or side tables.

Why it’s great: Eye-catching, vibrant, and long-blooming—Anthuriums can produce flowers year-round with proper care.

Care tip: Keep it in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, and use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.

Bonus Benefits: Anthuriums are not just decorative—they also help purify the air by removing toxins. Their bold, tropical look adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any indoor space!

11. Bamboo Palm

For a tropical feel, the bamboo palm brings tall, slender foliage that adds a refreshing, jungle-like vibe to any indoor setting. As one of the more graceful tabletop plants, it enhances your space with soft, arching fronds without taking up too much room.

Why it’s great: Adds height and texture without being overwhelming, making it perfect for desks, side tables, or small corners. It’s also a natural air purifier.

Care tip: Mist the leaves occasionally to maintain humidity, and water when the topsoil is dry. Keep it in bright, indirect light for optimal growth.

Bonus Benefits: Bamboo palms are known for their ability to filter indoor air pollutants while increasing humidity, making them ideal for improving air quality and reducing dryness in your home or office!

12. Calathea

Nicknamed the “Prayer Plant,” Calathea is one of the most visually stunning tabletop plants, thanks to its bold, patterned leaves that fold up slightly at night. With intricate designs in shades of green, purple, and pink, this plant adds a striking decorative element to any home or office.

Why it’s great: Highly decorative with unique leaf patterns that make it a standout piece in any indoor setting.

Care tip: Place it in indirect light and keep the humidity high. Mist the leaves regularly or use a pebble tray to maintain moisture levels.

Bonus Benefits: Calatheas help improve air quality while adding a tropical, artistic touch to your space. Their movement in response to light changes makes them a fascinating plant to observe throughout the day!

13. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)

Fittonia, also known as the Nerve Plant, is a compact and vibrant choice for tabletop plants. Its delicate, veined leaves come in stunning shades of green, pink, red, and white, making it a perfect accent for desks, shelves, or coffee tables. This low-growing plant thrives in humid conditions and adds a lively touch to any indoor space.

Why it’s great: Adds a splash of color and texture to small spaces, making it ideal for tabletops and terrariums.

Care tip: Water frequently to keep the soil consistently moist, but ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. It thrives in high humidity, so misting the leaves regularly is beneficial.

Bonus Benefits: Fittonia’s striking foliage brings a bold contrast to greenery-filled spaces. Plus, it’s a fantastic plant for terrariums and miniature gardens due to its small size and love for humidity!

14. Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma)

For an Instagram-worthy aesthetic, the Mini Monstera is a delightful, compact version of its trendy counterpart, Monstera deliciosa. With its signature split leaves and vining nature, this plant adds a modern, designer look to any tabletop.

Despite its resemblance to a Monstera, it’s actually a different species that grows faster and stays more compact, making it perfect for smaller spaces.

Why it’s great: Its split leaves give it a stylish, contemporary appeal, making it a favorite for plant lovers and home decorators.

Care tip: Provide bright, indirect light and water when the soil feels dry. Support its vining growth with a small trellis or moss pole if you want an upright display.

Bonus Benefits: The Mini Monstera is a fast grower, rewarding plant owners with lush new leaves regularly. It also adapts well to indoor conditions and can be trained to climb or trail, adding a dynamic touch to your space!

Benefits of Tabletop Plants

Improve Air Quality: Many tabletop plants, like the Peace Lily, Bamboo Palm, and Snake Plant, help filter toxins from the air, improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier environment.

Boost Mood & Productivity: Studies show that having greenery indoors can reduce stress, increase focus, and enhance creativity—making tabletop plants perfect for workspaces and home offices.

Add a Stylish, Natural Touch: From modern minimalism to lush tropical vibes, tabletop plants enhance décor by bringing color, texture, and life into any space.

Save Space While Elevating Interiors: Since tabletop plants are compact, they fit beautifully on desks, coffee tables, bookshelves, or nightstands, making them ideal for small spaces.

Require Minimal Maintenance: Many tabletop plants, like ZZ Plant, Pothos, and Succulents, are easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and attention.

Styling Tips for Tabletop Plants

Use Decorative Planters: Choose pots that complement your home or office décor. Opt for ceramic, woven baskets, or sleek modern planters to match your aesthetic.

Group Plants for a Lush Look: Arrange tabletop plants in clusters of different heights and textures for a dynamic, visually appealing display. For example, combine a tall Snake Plant, a trailing Pothos, and a compact Fittonia for contrast.

Add a Pop of Color: Incorporate vibrant plants like Anthurium or Fittonia to introduce color into neutral spaces. Their bold foliage adds a statement touch to any setting.

Elevate with Plant Stands or Trays: Use stylish trays, wooden risers, or tiered plant stands to create depth and dimension on tables or shelves.

Match Plants to Lighting Conditions: For bright spaces, choose Succulents or Mini Monstera. For low-light areas, opt for ZZ Plant or Bamboo Palm to maintain greenery without high maintenance.

Incorporate Hanging or Trailing Plants: Let Pothos or Mini Monstera drape over the edge of a shelf or table for a cascading effect, adding a soft, organic touch to modern interiors.

By choosing the right tabletop plants and styling them thoughtfully, you can transform any space into a vibrant, refreshing oasis!

Adding tabletop plants to your home or office is an effortless way to bring life, color, and freshness into your surroundings. Whether you prefer sleek, low-maintenance greenery or bold, tropical foliage, there’s a perfect plant on this list to match your style.

For the best results, choose plants that thrive in your space’s lighting and humidity levels to keep them healthy and vibrant.

Ready to start or expand your indoor plant collection? Share your favorite picks from this list, or visit your local nursery to discover these stunning tabletop plants in person!

FAQs:

1. What are the easiest tabletop plants to care for?

If you’re looking for low-maintenance options, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, and Succulents are some of the best choices. They require minimal watering, can thrive in various lighting conditions, and are resilient even if you forget to care for them occasionally.

2. How often should I water my tabletop plants?

Watering frequency depends on the plant type. Succulents, cacti, and ZZ plants only need watering every few weeks, while Ferns, Fittonia, and Peace Lily prefer more frequent watering to maintain moisture. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil—water when the top inch feels dry.

3. What are the best tabletop plants for low-light spaces?

If your space has limited natural light, consider ZZ Plant, Pothos, and Peace Lily. These plants are adaptable to lower light conditions and can still thrive with minimal sunlight.