Best Office Plants
Research shows that office plants boost concentration, reduce stress, and improve productivity. These tough species thrive in dry air, fluorescent lighting, and the occasional forgotten watering.
Typical Office Conditions
Light
Fluorescent or LED overhead lighting. Limited or no direct sunlight unless near a window.
Humidity
Low (30-40%) due to air conditioning and central heating systems.
Temperature
Consistent 68-75°F (20-24°C). May drop on weekends when HVAC is reduced.
Challenges
Low humidity, artificial light, inconsistent watering, and weekend/holiday neglect.
Top 10 Office Plants
The ultimate office survivor. Thrives under fluorescent lights and tolerates weeks without water during holidays.
Handles low light, dry air, and irregular watering. Its upright form fits neatly on desks and floor spaces.
Care guideTrails from shelves or filing cabinets. Tolerates low light and long stretches between watering.
Care guideColorful variegated foliage brightens cubicles while tolerating low light and dry air-conditioned environments.
Tall varieties add greenery without taking up desk space. Handles low light and typical dry office air.
Nearly impossible to kill. Handles low light, temperature swings, and the most irregular watering schedules.
Heart-leaf varieties are compact, trail nicely from desk edges, and forgive all manner of office neglect.
If you have a sunny windowsill, small succulents add color and personality with watering needed only every two weeks.
Wilts visibly when thirsty (a helpful reminder) and purifies recycled office air effectively.
Care guideGrows in water alone, needs almost no natural light, and adds a calming zen element to any desk.
Office Plant Care Tips
- 1Choose drought-tolerant species that survive weekends and holidays without water.
- 2Use a moisture meter or set weekly phone reminders to stay on a watering schedule.
- 3Wipe leaves regularly to remove dust that accumulates in climate-controlled offices.
- 4Supplement with a small desk grow light if your workspace lacks natural light entirely.
- 5Use self-watering pots for desk plants to reduce maintenance demands.
- 6Group plants together to create a small humidity pocket in dry office air.