10 Best Low Light Plants For The Office That Are Also Low Maintenance

For blooming displays in a low light office, we recommend getting cut flower arrangements that need to be changed weekly or Orchid plants that can keep blooming in low light spaces on average for 4-6 weeks.

15 Best Indoor Office Plants That Can Improve Your Working Environment

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The office environment can feel pretty dull and uninspiring at times. If you are having trouble focusing and do not like your setting, office plants can be an excellent addition to add some color and new energy to the room. There are many types of plants that thrive in indoor settings, making them the perfect fit for your office. We’ll explore some of the best office plants to add to your space.

Why Should You Consider Using Indoor Office Plants?

1. Stress reduction: A beautiful plant can go a long way in making the office a nicer and greener place for office dwellers and bringing a touch of nature indoors, which helps to reduce stress overall.
2. Natural air purifying properties: In addition to the benefits plants can bring to the workplace. They can also help to lower energy costs. This is because plants help to regulate temperatures by absorbing heat and releasing moisture, making the air feel more comfortable.
3. Low maintenance: If you’re looking for ways to brighten up your office space, there are many plants that are extremely low maintenance and easy to care for. You don’t need to spend a lot of time taking care of them, but you will still get the benefits.
4. Low cost: Small spaces like offices can be decorated with office greenery because these are relatively inexpensive plants that require very little maintenance. Many office dwellers add plants to their space because they are affordable but still look good.
5. Productivity boost: Having an office space that looks good and makes you feel good is so essential when it comes to productivity. Plants are a wonderful addition that brightens up the room and makes you feel comfortable and happier in your office.

If you want some tips for styling your indoor plants, you’ll want to check out this video after reading.

What Qualities Make Good Indoor Plants?

When adding plants to your office, it is important to consider the type of plant you want to bring in. Different plants require different levels of light, water, and care. In addition, some plants may be better suited for certain types of environments than others.

1. Water: Indoor plants are best if they do not have to be watered frequently, making them easy to care for
2. Light: Think about whether your office gets indirect sunlight or direct sun, as that will dictate what plant will do best. Most office plants do best in medium light or bright indirect light.
3. Soil: Keeping the soil moist is important for some types of plants, especially if there is lower light. Doing some research on the soil needed will help in deciding whether it’s suitable for office desks or better off outside.

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Best Indoor Office Plants

Many indoor plant options are available, from small office plants to larger, slow-growing plants. Here are some of the top office plants you should consider adding to your space today.

1. Spider Plant

The spider plant is a fast-growing, easy-to-care-for plant that is perfect for an office. Spider plants are known to be very efficient at removing formaldehyde from the air, making them a great choice for a healthy indoor environment. Spider plants are always a great addition to an office and are like a type of air filter and can improve air quality overall.

2. Snake Plant

The snake plant, or Mother in Law’s Tongue, is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that can survive in a variety of light and temperature conditions. Snake plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, helping to remove toxins from the air. In addition, a snake plant is one of the best office plants as it converts carbon dioxide to oxygen overnight, so it does well in indoor settings.

3. Cast Iron Plant

A cast iron plant is a relatively low-maintenance plant with gorgeous leafy green leaves. The cast iron plant can be a great office plant since it is small and does not require a lot of light, unlike other plants.

4. ZZ Plant

A ZZ plant can easily brighten up a dimly lit office with its dark green leaves and low maintenance needs. You can find both large and small options for a ZZ plant, which can easily be kept in plastic pots with minimal watering needs.

5. Air Plants

If you like variety with your plants, consider getting air plants. These are little succulents that come in all types of shapes and sizes and need very little care. They mostly need a lot of light, but you don’t need to overwater them, making them good office plants

6. Jade Plant

A jade plant is very easy to grow and does well with low light so it can be another option for an office plant. Jade plants are healthy, grow fast, are relatively easy to take care of, and are popular in many indoor settings.

7. Rubber plants

Rubber plants have grown in popularity, and you have likely seen them in many offices already. Rubber plants are beautiful with shades of burgundy and other colors and are available in a variety of sizes and pot options so that you can customize them to your needs. They do well in low light and are not very difficult to take care of.

8. Swiss cheese plant

Known for their distinctive leafy likeness to swiss cheese, Swiss Cheese plants are a lovely addition to an office that adds a decorative touch. They don’t require much light or water, so they can easily thrive in indoor settings.

More of the Best Office Plants

When considering which type of plant is best for office spaces, make sure to consider size, light requirements, water needs, and care requirements. This will ensure that you select the right plant for your office and that it will thrive in its new environment.

Indoor office plants can provide many benefits to a workspace. Not only do they look great and bring a sense of peace and tranquility, but they can also increase productivity, purify the air, and help to reduce energy costs.

9. Peace Lily

The peace lily is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant that is known to be very effective at removing toxins from the air. Peace lilies are also a very low-maintenance plant, requiring little attention and low light, making them perfect for an indoor office plant option since it does not need direct sunlight.

10. Lucky Bamboo

The lucky bamboo plant could be the right fit if you want a smaller plant that still looks beautiful. Lucky bamboo plants are tiny and adorable and are one of the best plants if you want to add some greenery without taking up space in the office.

11. Aloe Plant

Aloe plants are both decorative and functional. Like other succulents, they do not require a lot of watering or light, making them easy to care for. And the aloe gel from aloe plants can be beneficial for a variety of cuts, scraps, sunburns, and more, making it a beneficial plant to have.

12. Money plant

Money plants are easy to tend to and are known for their trademark heart-shaped leaves. You can find money plants in many shapes and sizes, perfect for large and small office spaces. They can also grow in different directions since they are trailing plants, which can be great for adding a touch of brightness to an office.

13. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen plants have beautiful white and green speckled leaves, which add an artistic flare to an office. If you are looking for plants that brighten up your space without being too much effort to take care of, consider getting a Chinese evergreen plant.

14. Philodendron

Philodendron is another hardy, low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a variety of light and temperature conditions. It is known to be very efficient at removing toxins from the air, making it an excellent choice for an office.

15. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Pothos is a fast-growing, hardy plant that can thrive in low-light and low-maintenance conditions. The Pothos plant is known for its air-purifying qualities and ability to reduce stress.

Best Low-Light Plants for a Home Office with Pets

If you work at home, you may have cats and dogs. When selecting low-light plants for your work-at-home office, it’s important to consider the safety of both. Here are some pet-friendly options that are suitable for both feline and canine companions:

1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Areca palms are safe for both cats and dogs. Their tropical appearance and air-purifying qualities make them a great choice for a work-at-home office with low-light conditions.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Boston ferns are not only safe for cats but also safe for dogs. Their lush foliage adds a touch of elegance to any space, making them an ideal choice for a home office.
3. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata): Friendship plants are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Their textured leaves with deep green or bronze patterns can enhance the visual appeal of your work-at-home office.
4. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): Parlor palms are safe for both cats and dogs. With their delicate palmate leaves, they can thrive in low-light conditions, adding a touch of greenery to your workspace.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants are safe for both cats and dogs. Their long, arching leaves and air-purifying abilities make them an attractive and pet-friendly addition to a work-at-home office.
6. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura): Prayer plants are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. They have strikingly patterned leaves that fold up at night, creating a unique and visually appealing look in your work-at-home office.

By incorporating these pet-friendly low-light plants into your work-at-home office, you can enjoy the benefits of greenery while ensuring the safety and well-being of your furry companions. However, it’s still important to monitor your pets and discourage any chewing or ingestion of plants to maintain their health (and your beautiful plants!).

What Indoor Plants Do Best in Low Light Conditions?

Many indoor plants thrive in indirect light and very little light, including the spider plant, snake plant, and air plants.

Which Indoor Plants Thrive in Direct Sunlight?

Plants in the lily family tend to do better in natural light and are more likely to grow in bright light versus dim light if watered in the correct amount.

What Are the Most Low-maintenance Office Plants?

The most low-maintenance plants include the spider plant, snake plant, and ZZ plants, as they do not need a lot of water or light to grow. Succulents like agave and crassulas, along with cacti and air plants are also extremely low-maintenance varieties that can look striking in the right arrangement.

• Office Desk Plants to Brighten your Business
• Best Fake Plants for Your Office
• Best Desk Lamp Options for Your Office
• The Best Desk Organizers for a Small Business Owner

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Myra is a a staff writer for Small Business Trends as well as freelance writer and researcher based in London, UK. Myra has been writing for businesses across a variety of sectors and industries since 2013.

Awesome! Thanks for sharing this amazing list of office plants. It’s so cool that I’ve already got most of them covered because I come from a family of green thumbs. In my home office, I’ve got the snake plant, lucky bamboo, and pothos.

10 Best Low Light Plants For The Office That Are Also Low Maintenance

W orking in an office may be boring, to say the least. Unless you work in a very cool start-up that throws parties on a regular basis, your corporate workplace is most likely dull and uninteresting. Most offices are corporate, cold, and lack any kind of creativity or inspiration.

The fluorescent lighting, lack of plants, and a general sense of being trapped all day long doesn’t help. Fortunately, there are ways to bring nature into the office and help relieve stress at the same time.

Growing plants at work will not only lift your spirits but also improve air quality, reduce stress, and improve concentration.

For more than a decade we’ve been greening New York office spaces as well as providing plant maintenance services . We’ve learned a lot about which plants work well in low light office conditions and also are low-maintenance office plants.

This post includes our list of 10 office plants that don’t need a lot of light to grow. If your office is in the NYC area and you are too busy to go through our list 😀, schedule a FREE consultation with one of our plant specialists. They will put together a custom proposal tailored specifically for your workspace – at no cost to you!

Let’s start by addressing some of the most frequently asked questions about growing plants in low-light office settings.

What are low light plants for the office?

Low-light plants for offices or any other spaces are plants that can grow with little natural light, as well as under just fluorescent lighting.
Very often low light plants are also low-maintenance plants. This is ideal for office settings since no one really has time during a busy work schedule to attend plants once or twice a week.

Can indoor plants survive in spaces without any light source?

No , common houseplants can’t thrive indoors without any light, but there are a lot of plants that can grow happily in a windowless room with artificial lighting.
Watch our video about 7 best plants for windowless spaces 👇

Can low light plants be happy in direct sunlight?

The majority of plants dislike direct sunlight, especially when placed under South or West direct sun rays, but there are a few that can endure strong and long sun exposure. Snake plants and ZZ plants are just two examples of greenery that can spruce up any office space, whether it has bright or low light.

When natural light is considered low light?

Office spaces that have North-facing windows or face the backyard, are located on a ground floor or have a building across the street blocking the light and have a low light environment. Important to remember – if in an office one can not read a book in the middle of the day without turning the light on, the light in these types of spaces is too low for any plant to survive.

Can plants grow in offices that only have artificial light?

Lucky for us there are plants that can grow in offices with fluorescent or another bright artificial lighting. Very important to keep the light ON for at least 5 days a week, 4-6 hours a day for these types of plants to survive.

Are there any flowering plants that will do well in an office space with very little light?

There are a few flowering plants that will do well in an office space with very little light. Some flowering plants that grow in fluorescent light or little natural light include the Corn plant, Dracaena Lisa, Peace Lily, Aglaonema, Philodendron, and Snake plant.

Even though these flowering plants will thrive and some can produce flowers in a low light environment, they need a brighter light to bloom frequently.

For blooming displays in a low light office, we recommend getting cut flower arrangements that need to be changed weekly or Orchid plants that can keep blooming in low light spaces on average for 4-6 weeks.

Avoid placing plants in these office spaces:

• Low natural light or no natural light rooms that have automatic light sensors

Avoid placing plants in rooms with limited natural light or where artificial light is controlled by automatic sensors. Indoor plants need a minimum of 6-8 hours of consistent light exposure at least 5 days a week. Most conference rooms these days are automatically outfitted with light sensors and if these rooms are not in use, which happens often, the light is turned off, so pay close attention to how long light exposure is available to plants.

Restrooms with no windows

The worst place to keep your office plants is in a restroom without windows. Restroom artificial light is often dimmed or the light is on only when the restroom is in use, which doesn’t provide enough light for indoor plants. If your office restroom doesn’t have any windows, we would recommend using artificial plants or plant art, like photos or paintings.

Here are 10 low light office plants that are perfect for growing in an office environment

These low maintenance indoor plants are perfect for offices or any other spaces with little or no natural light and can thrive in darker spaces.The majority of these plants are also air purifiers and have proven to help filter harmful toxins and pollutants out of the air.

1. Dracaena Lisa

Dracaena Deremensis “Lisa” ©️ My City Plants

If you’re looking for an indoor plant that can thrive with very little care, the Dracaena Lisa plant is a perfect choice. It is one of the hardiest plants around, so it has a chance to survive in the majority of office environments.

The Dracaena Lisa is a wonderful plant for an office because it can adapt to bright indirect light, low light, and artificial light.

Because these plants are tall and have a slander shape, they are often used for greening up empty corners or high foot traffic areas. The stalks of this plant resemble bamboo, which makes them stand out from other indoor plant types. The “Lisa” is also more robust and disease-resistant than most plants.

Dracaena Lisa plants are excellent for improving air quality and removing common pollutants that cause allergies, such as pet dander, mold, and mildew.

2. Bamboo Palm

Bamboo palm a.k.a Chamaedorea ©️ My City Plants

Although the Bamboo palm is a slow grower, its vibrant foliage makes it ideal for tropical-themed décor.

Bamboo palms don’t only look good, but they also improve the quality of your indoor air! They efficiently remove pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
Additionally, they get rid of mold and mildew spores – making them ideal for office settings. And if you’re worried about your office pets, have no fear – Bamboo palms are pet friendly!

Low to bright light conditions are ideal for this plant.

3. Snake Plant

Snake plant a.k.a Sansevieria ©️ My City Plants

Sansevieria a.k.a Snake Plant a.k.a Mother-in-law’s tongue is the toughest of all plants. It can survive the harshest conditions and thrives in almost any light. This makes them the perfect choice for offices with little natural or just artificial light.

Snake plants are excellent for improving air quality and removing common pollutants. They are especially good for removing trichloroethylene, a compound that is commonly found in the cleaning products used in offices.

Snake plants don’t require much water, just like any other succulent plant, and can be watered as little as once a month or every other month.

Low to bright light conditions are ideal for this plant.

4. Pothos Plant

Pothos a.k.a Epipremnum Aureum ©️ My City Plants

Pothos is one of the most popular office plants in America. It is a good plant to have in your office because it improves indoor air quality and is easy to care for.

Pothos vines are one of the simplest houseplants to cultivate and may be trained to grow on a trellis, draped from the ceiling or shelves. Pothos vines thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for work settings.

Pothos plants are excellent at removing common pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. They also remove trichloroethylene, making them great office plants.

Pothos does best in an environment with low to medium light exposure.

5. ZZ Plant

ZZ plant a.k.a Zamioculcas Zamiifolia ©️ My City Plants

If you’re looking for an office plant that’s easy to grow and doesn’t require much care, a ZZ plant is a great choice. ZZ plants are extremely tolerant and require very little attention.

ZZ plants have excellent air filtering properties and are great at removing common pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. They also remove trichloroethylene, making them great office plants.

They grow well in low or bright light conditions and prefer very little water, making them perfect for the office environment.

6. Aglaonema

Aglaonema a.k.a Chinese evergreen ©️ My City Plants

It is one of the most popular low-light houseplants and for a good reason: it’s incredibly easy to grow.

The Aglaonema plant , also known as the Chinese evergreen, is an adaptable survivor that can endure almost any environment! If you’re looking to add some greenery to your office without any hassle, this is the plant for you!

Aglaonema is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so it’s easy to find one that fits your style and create an interesting green display using just one plant type.

Aglaonema grows happily almost in any indoor light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light.

7. Corn Plant

Corn plant a.k.a Dracaena fragrans “Massangeana” ©️ My City Plants

The Corn Plant, or Dracaena Fragrans “Massangeana”, is a popular houseplant. Long, sword-shaped, arching, rich green color leaves with bright yellow stripes are what give this plant its appeal, making it a beautiful addition to any office.

Corn plants are relatively easy to care for, so even if you’re not great with your office plants, this could be a good option for you. The Corn plant is often used in office buildings and hotels due to its ability to purify the air.

The plant is adaptable and can thrive in various lighting conditions: bright indirect lighting, low lighting, and artificial light.

8. Peace Lily

Peace Lily a.k.a Spathiphyllum ©️ My City Plants

Peace Lily aka Spathiphyllum or White Flag is a flowering plant with dark green leaves. If you want to grow a beautiful indoor plant that will thrive in low light conditions and look great on your desk, a Peace lily is a perfect choice.

Peace Lilies are excellent at removing common pollutants, such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. They also remove benzene and trichloroethylene, making them great office plants.

The Peace Lily is a hardy plant that doesn’t need much light to survive. Peace lilies bloom twice yearly, and each bloom lasts for several months. NOTE: in order for these plants to produce flowers, they need to be placed in a room with medium or indirect bright light.

In low light areas, even without flowers, these plants, with their beautiful dark green leaves and round elegant shape, make an excellent addition to any office.

9. Schefflera Amate

Schefflera a.k.a Umbrella plant ©️ My City Plants

Schefflera plant aka Umbrella plant has large, shiny, dark green leaves that droop gracefully from a central stalk. This plant needs some room to grow and spread its glossy, beautiful leaves. Because of its full and round shape, we can green up a larger office area with just one plant.

Schefflera Amate is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for busy office workers. It is easy to care for and does not require much watering. This hardy plant can tolerate low humidity and can even survive under fluorescent light.

If you are looking for a low light plant that is easy to care for and will brighten up your office space, then the Schefflera Amate is the perfect plant for you!

It does best in medium or bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate low light conditions.

10. Bird of Paradise Plant

Bird of Paradise plant a.k.a Strelitzia Nicolai ©️ My City Plants

The Bird of Paradise is popular among plant lovers for its beauty, and it will make any space more vibrant with its large paddle-shaped leaves. You’ll feel like you’re surrounded by a tropical rainforest every day with this plant!

Bird of Paradise plant a.k.a Strelitzia Nicolai is known for its vibrant flowers that resemble a bird’s head, hence its name. They don’t bloom on the East Coast, unfortunately.

These plants do best in medium, bright or indirect sunlight. But they can also tolerate low light conditions if placed by a large North facing window.

This plant is easy to care for. In a low light environment, the watering frequency for Bird Of Paradise is much lower compared to when these plants are exposed to bright light.

You may have and enjoy plants in your office!

Not all offices have access to natural light, but this doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful plants in the office and enjoy their benefits. Adding plants to your office space has many benefits, including reducing stress, increasing creativity, and improving concentration and air quality.

If you are new to plants we suggest starting slow.

Pick one plant from our list and see how it does in your office space, and how much time it takes to care for one before adding more plants.

Need help in choosing the right office plants?

If you are located in New York City and need help choosing the right plants for your office space or need help with indoor plant care, schedule a free consultation with one of our plant specialists.

We will prepare a custom FREE plant proposal for your workspace , deliver beautiful and healthy plants and, if needed, provide plant maintenance service. With our Plant Maintenance Service, you can sit back and relax while we do all of the work to keep your office plants healthy and looking their best.