Have you ever wondered why so many people keep a small plant on their work desk? Besides being a treat to the eyes and offering a momentary escape from cubicle life, these green wonders may also boost productivity.A 2014 study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied found that workplace productivity increased by 15% when potted plants were introduced in office environments. A more recent 2023 study from the Netherlands observed that desk plants also enhance the feelings of privacy, comfort, and overall workspace satisfaction.And these aren’t isolated findings; you’ll find plenty of such studies that echo the connection between greenery and well-being at work. So it’s safe to say that these low-maintenance greens do more than just add to the decor.If you, too, are looking to brighten up your workspace (and your mood), here are five small, beautiful, and low-maintenance desk plants, all readily available in India, that’ll amp up your work desk.1. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)With jam-packed schedules and back-to-back meetings, it can be tricky to hone your gardening skills. Here enters Zamioculcas zamiifolia, a waxy green that comes from the drought-prone areas of Africa. It thrives in low light and only needs watering every couple of weeks. It stays upright and adds a sleek touch of minimalism to the desk. It is also thought to attract wealth, prosperity, and well-being in some cultures. Bonus point? It’ll purify the aura around you!2. Pothos (Money Plant / Epipremnum aureum)Money plant is a go-to choice for most office goers with a green heart. It comes with zero fuss, nil demands, and can thrive in both water and soil equally well. In fact, it is commonly called as devil’s eye, because of its resilience. All you need to do is cut a money plant stem at an angle with at least two nodes in your cutting, add it to water, and voila! Feng Shui, the plant is believed to radiate positive energy and good vibrations. Money plant vines can grow rapidly, adding 12 to 18 inches in a month under ideal conditions (source: pexels)3. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)Jade plants are ornamental succulents with fleshy, button-like leaves that store water. Their compact structure makes a neat addition to any place they are placed. So even if you have a small desk or an entire workstation, jade plants will fit in perfectly. If, however, you prefer bushier greens, you can also go for its bonsai versions. Jade plant prefers bright, indirect light and can go weeks without watering.Story continues below this ad4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – Miniature varietyIf you’re a fan of aesthetics and want your greenery to serve as the perfect backdrop for your office selfies, the peace lily is a great choice. Though not an actual lily, it has an uncanny resemblance to one, thanks to its elegant, flower-like spathe (leaf) that surrounds the actual flower. And oh! It blooms frequently, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of visual delight. Despite its fancy appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to care for, needing just moderate light and regular watering. Despite their name, peace lilies are not actually lilies; they just resemble the variety in appearance (Source: Unsplash)Also Read | These indoor plants can grow over six feet!5. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)Despite what its name suggests, the baby rubber plant isn’t actually related to the popular rubber trees. It gets its name from the thick, waxy leaves that resemble those of its namesake. You can easily spruce up a tiny corner of your desk with this variety, as it typically grows only a foot tall. Plus, its thick glossy leaves are enough to keep up the glam. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight to prevent scorching, and be extremely cautious with watering: doing so when the soil isn’t completely dry can easily lead to root rot.