With a toddler and a changing pad on that dresser, I’d avoid one continuous shelf spanning the whole wall. I’d treat it as three zones: a short, shallow shelf over the desk near the window for a couple of small, lightweight plants in catch trays; a clear middle so the drying rack can open and fold; and nothing mounted above the dresser/changing surface. Check the actual daylight at the desk, the rack’s open footprint, and your rental’s drilling rules before buying anything. Mount any shelf or hanger to suitable structure per its rated instructions, keep pots and trailing vines out of your toddler’s reach, keep watering away from electronics, and anchor the dresser. The attached AI-generated concept illustration shows the idea, but it isn’t a photo of your room or a measured fit.

There are lots of pictures on Pinterest..search “plants over small desk” which may help. What has to be considered though is how much there is already squeezed in. If plants are small and limited and will make you happy..aim for a more minimal injection. Maybe you could store some of the items on your desk in a basket on the floor and the shelves/plants will be more appreciated.

Take advantage of the window ledge..if interested.

Consider adding in other rooms and simple groupings are more interesting visually.

From the looks of your desktop it appears that more storage is needed rather than more plants. I love plants also, both indoor & outdoor, can you add in another room ? Sounds like there’s already more than enough going on there.

Perhaps 2 or more corner shelves to utilize that space for your plants. Directly above your desk, place 2 shelves for additional storage to clear the desk of clutter.

I like Roomxlab’s sample picture. That window on the left might offer enough plant light right in that corner.

Other than that, two suggestions:

1. No more stuff with all that’s going in already.

2. Such a sad and dreary wall color - I’d paint it if at all possible.

These are available from a variety of sources.

Plant Boxes

Maybe a shelf unit could hold both plants and other items that need storage?

^ agree, it’s easy to add lots of smaller storage/display pieces when 1 larger one does the job and feels less cluttery