Top 10 Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants For An Office That Thrive In Artificial Light
Transforming your office space into a welcoming oasis can be achieved with minimal effort. By incorporating low-maintenance houseplants, you can turn your workspace into the envy of colleagues. The best part? Caring for these plants is surprisingly straightforward. Most varieties thrive on moderate watering (about once a week), indirect natural light, and good air circulation – all conditions easily met in an office setting.
But that’s not all; houseplants also play a crucial role in creating a peaceful working environment by removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air, thereby improving overall office air quality.
#1. Pothos
Houseplants encompass a diverse range of species, with one of the most ubiquitous office varieties being Epipremnum, more affectionately known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy. This versatile plant is renowned for its ability to thrive in a variety of environments and can be trained to ascend up walls or allowed to cascade elegantly down the side of a desk.
In terms of lighting requirements, Pothos plants are surprisingly low-maintenance, tolerating limited illumination while actually preferring to dry out completely between waterings. To further enhance their natural beauty, mist these plants twice weekly to provide a subtle increase in humidity.
#2. Snake Plant
The Sanservieria, affectionately known as the ‘Snake Plant’ or ‘Mother-In-Law’s Tongue’, brings a touch of elegance to an office setting. Its unique, variegated foliage and upright growth habit make it a standout addition to any room. With leaves that can grow quite tall and require minimal care, this plant is perfect for busy professionals. One of its most convenient features is its ability to thrive in a pot-bound environment, eliminating the need for annual repotting.
Additionally, the Snake Plant is incredibly adaptable when it comes to lighting conditions, able to survive equally well in both bright and low-light environments.
#3. Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum, affectionately known as the ‘Peace Lily’ or ‘Closet Plant,’ brings an uncommon element to the office – blooming flowers! To thrive, these plants require a well-lit environment where humidity can be maintained. Achieving optimal humidity levels is straightforward: mist the plant regularly or place a tray filled with water and pebbles beneath its pot.
The pebbles prevent direct contact between the pot and water, eliminating the risk of root rot that can occur when the two come into contact. Additionally, Peace Lilys prefer to maintain a consistent level of moisture; if they’re not receiving enough water, they’ll signal their distress by drooping their leaves. However, rest assured – a good soaking will revive them in no time.
#4. Spider Plant
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) stands out for its striking, slender leaves. This low-maintenance houseplant has a unique ability to produce shoots that can be used to propagate new plants. This feature makes it an excellent way to share plants with colleagues or friends. To keep your Spider Plant thriving, you’ll need to water it sparingly – once every two weeks is sufficient. It also prefers moderate lighting conditions, making it an ideal choice for indoor spaces.
#5. Aloe
In many offices, Aloe Vera is more than just a decorative addition – it’s a valuable resource for soothing minor injuries. The plant’s thick, green leaves contain a sap that can be used to treat a range of ailments, from sunburns and paper cuts to minor burns and scrapes. When applied, this sap provides pain relief and accelerates the healing process.
One of the best things about Aloe Vera is its low-maintenance requirements.
Because it’s a succulent, it can survive with minimal watering, as it stores water in its leaves. This makes it perfect for busy offices where plant care might not be a priority.
Despite its low demands, an Aloe Vera plant can thrive in an office setting with moderate to bright indirect light. In fact, with proper care, it can grow quite large over time.
If it becomes too big or unruly, simply trim it back and share the cuttings with your coworkers – a thoughtful gesture that’s sure to be appreciated.
#6. Madagascar Dragon Tree
For those lucky enough to have larger offices, the Dracaena marginata – or ‘Madascar Dragon Tree’ as it’s affectionately known – provides a striking vertical feature that can’t be missed. Its dramatic, elongated leaves are adorned with sharp, spiked green foliage and outlined with a deep, rich red hue. To keep this plant thriving, it’s essential to maintain consistent moisture levels, avoiding dryness at all costs.
Interestingly, when placed in low-light conditions, the variegations of the dragon tree become even more pronounced – making it an excellent choice for offices with limited natural light.
#7. Ponytail Palm
Beaucarnea Recurvata, also known as ‘Ponytail Palm,’ is a uniquely adapted desert plant that thrives on minimal care. Its slow growth rate makes it an ideal choice for individuals with limited office space or those who want to add some greenery to their home without committing to constant maintenance. To keep this palm happy and healthy, simply provide it with bright light and infrequent watering – once every 10 days is sufficient.
This low-maintenance requirement has made the Ponytail Palm a popular choice among indoor plant enthusiasts. If you’re interested in learning more about other types of indoor palm trees that can thrive in your home, click here to explore our comprehensive guide.
#8. Diffenbachia
The Dieffenbachia species is a popular choice for indoor spaces, such as homes and offices, thanks to the unique shape of its leaves. Characterized by their elliptical profile, these plants have a distinct aesthetic appeal that makes them a sought-after addition to many rooms. In terms of care, Dieffenbachias thrive in environments with consistently moist soil, requiring weekly watering sessions.
Additionally, they prefer moderate light levels, making them an excellent option for spaces with limited natural illumination.
#9. Purple Heart
The vibrant Setcreasea purpurea, affectionately known as ‘Purple Heart,’ is a highly sought-after addition to any office space. Its rapid growth habit makes it an ideal choice for adding a pop of color to even the most mundane work environments. When grown as a hanging plant or trailing across a surface, its striking purple foliage is sure to turn heads. To bring out its best features, place it in a sunny window and ensure consistent watering.
#10. Christmas Cactus
Among the many benefits of having a Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) in the workplace is its unique, tropical appearance. The plant’s jagged leaves and vibrant flowers create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for boosting morale and productivity. As the common name suggests, the Christmas Cactus typically blooms around the holiday season, making it a popular choice for office spaces.
To encourage blooming, provide 12 hours of darkness and temperatures around 50F daily from September onwards until buds are set. The plant’s flowers come in a range of colors, including bright pink, white, red, and salmon. It’s essential to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. For novice gardeners, selecting a houseplant can be overwhelming.
However, with the wealth of online resources and local agricultural extension offices available, growing plants indoors can be a successful endeavor. To ease into this new hobby, start by choosing low-maintenance plants like cacti and succulents that require minimal watering and care. With patience and minimal effort, you’ll soon have a thriving office garden that will impress your coworkers.
