It’s well-known that plants are good for our health, which is essential in the office where we spend a lot of our time. Just the sight of green, luscious plants and natural light can be a soothing, welcoming addition to any space. They can improve air quality, increase creativity and productivity, reduce absenteeism and promote engagement at work. By adding pops of greenery, you can make your office a more joyful, healthier environment for all.
You’ll find several easy-to-care-for and aesthetically pleasing plants for this environment, even in low-light conditions. The following are 10 of the best office plants you can add to your office, from low-maintenance office plants to space-saving and aesthetically appealing options.
1. Snake Plant
The snake plant is a hardy option that can withstand various conditions — making it one of the best plants for the office. The dwarf versions, like “Futura Superba” or “Whitney,” are a great choice if you need a space-saving solution. They require little special attention except for a quick watering on your way out the door.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Water: Water deeply once or twice a month
- Mature size: Grow to 2 feet tall indoors
2. Weeping Fig
The weeping fig or ficus tree is a broadleaf evergreen often placed in office corners in well-lit spaces. This plant can live up to 50 years, but be sure not to move or neglect it. Its leaves often feature small, glossy green ovals, making a bright, welcoming addition to any office. You might add a few weeping figs as a gorgeous, natural barrier between desks in an open office floor plan.
- Light: Bright, filtered sun
- Water: Keep the tree consistently moist but never soggy
- Mature size: 3 to 6 feet tall
3. Philodendron
Whether your office is flooded with natural light or in a cozy corner, the easy-going philodendron makes a beautiful addition with its glossy green leaves and trailing habit. This plant requires regular moisture to keep it lush, so you might invest in a self-watering pot to make things easier. The stunning silver “Brandi” cultivar and the simple green Philodendron hederaceum are a lovely combination for a container to liven up your space.
- Light: Partial sun
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
- Mature Size: Trailing, one to 20 feet tall, 1 to 6 feet wide
4. Pothos
With its simple, heart-shaped leaves and fast-growing vines, pothos make the perfect addition to an otherwise simple office space. These are great no-light office plants that can even tolerate fluorescents, with the “Neon” and “Silver Satin” cultivators doing especially well in dark offices. Just be sure that your pothos have plenty of room to grow — these plants will quickly start trailing along the walls of your cubicles, creating a lush trellis with up to a foot of growth each month.
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water every one to two weeks
- Mature Size: Trailing, 20 to 40 feet long, 3 to 6 feet wide
5. Spider Plant
Spider plants feature distinct long arching leaves, are fast-growing and do not require much care. They make good office plants if you can maintain a humid and warm space, and they thrive in indirect light. Just be sure to keep them away from air conditioning vents and repot the plant when it becomes sparse. With the proper care, you can propagate baby plantlets and add more greenery to the rest of your office. The compact spider plant “Bonnie” is a lovely choice, as it produces gorgeous yellow flowers that will brighten any space.
- Light: Partial sun, shade
- Water: Regular watering to keep the soil moist
- Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide
6. Parlor Palm
The parlor palm is one of the best plants for the office, as it can tolerate low light without much watering. This graceful, slow-growing and long-living plant will even tolerate air conditioning. It makes a great addition to corner offices or a welcoming sight for lounge areas, gracefully swaying in the slightest breeze.
- Light: Indirect light
- Water: Water weekly or if the fronds start turning yellow
- Mature size: 2 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
7. ZZ Plant
Zamioculus zamifolia are good office plants. Better known as the ZZ plant, they are drought-tolerant, forgive low light conditions and require little water to thrive. They will flourish with fluorescent bulbs as their only light source, making them an excellent choice for interior offices. The stunning “Raven” version features nearly black stems and foliage — making them a focal feature for your office.
- Light: Bright, indirect or low light
- Water: Water when the soil is dry
- Mature Size: 2 to 4 feet tall and wide
8. Jade Plant
The jade plant produces thick, green, tear-drop-shaped leaves that grow cheerfully upright. The right light is vital for this hardy succulent. Place the plant on sunny window sills but away from direct, harsh sunlight, or the leaves will burn. Pair it with other colorful succulents and enjoy it throughout the year.
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Keep the soil moist and water once a month in the winter
- Mature size: 3 to 6 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
9. Echeveria
Echeveria are good office plants because of their compact size, ease of care and ability to improve air quality. The attractive succulent releases oxygen during the day, is drought-resistant and thrives off little watering. Since they are succulents, they require bright light — even a few hours of direct morning sun. They do not take up much space on a desk and have a gorgeous rosette look that can vary in color from pale white to blue, purple or fiery red hues.
- Light: Bright light
- Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering, letting it drain through
- Soil mixture: A succulent mix or well-drainage soil mixture
10. Peace Lily
The large, glossy peace lily leaves and their rare white flower are a sight to behold. These plants can tolerate low light, making them ideal for workspaces away from bright windows. Just note that these plants do require attention — as soon as your peace lily starts to droop, give it water.
- Light: Filtered light
- Water: Keep it more underwatered than moist
- Mature Size: 1 to 4 feet tall and wide
How to Choose the Right Office Plant
Consider the following factors to choose the best office plant for your specific space:
- Level of care: Low-maintenance plants are perfect for offices, as you can work without needing to care for the plant every moment. Lily and spider plants are excellent choices, as they tolerate little water and low light and do not require much pruning.
- Air-purifying qualities: To liven up stuffy offices or create a healthier environment for employees, look for plants known for their air-purifying qualities, such as the snake plant, parlor palm or peace lily.
- Space and growth: If you’re in a smaller office, you might opt for a space-saving plant like a small desktop succulent, or a hanging pothos that will trail along your walls or cubicles. If you have more room, opt for a parlor palm or ficus tree.
- Aesthetic appeal: You’ll find all kinds of attractive plants, but if you want to take your office space to the next level with a unique contender, choose the ZZ plant or snake plant. The ZZ plant’s bright, rubbery leaves and the snake plant’s vibrant green and yellow hues are sure to enhance your office’s visual appeal.
Design an Attractive Workspace With Help From COE Office
When you’ve chosen the right plants for your space, elevate your office environment with ergonomic furniture and cubicles from COE Office. Our expert design team specializes in creating spaces that promote collaboration while ensuring privacy and sound reduction. We offer free space planning to create the perfect office space for your industry, whether it’s health care, education or government. Let us help you design a workspace that enhances productivity and comfort.
Reach out to us now to explore our variety of furniture styles that will complement your new plants and bring life to your office!
