Offices are hard on plants in three ways: the light is often fluorescent or LED overhead lighting with no window, the air is dry from heating and air conditioning, and nobody waters on Friday afternoon. The plants below are the ones extension horticulturists describe as suited to offices or as tolerating those conditions.
Start by deciding which office situation you have.
1. Windowless office or interior desk
Overhead lighting can be much weaker at desk level than daylight by a window; a light-meter app gives a rough reading. Choose plants that tolerate very low light, and consider a small desk grow light.
| Plant | Why it suits an office | Water | Cats and dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) | NC State: grows in very low light, even where there is only fluorescent light; one of the easiest houseplants, seen frequently in commercial interiors | Let it dry completely; about monthly in winter | Toxic (NC State) |
| Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) | NC State: one of the easiest to grow in a home or office. Missouri: can tolerate as little as 10 foot-candles | Moderate | Toxic (ASPCA) |
| Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) | Tolerates very low light and low humidity; difficult to kill (NC State) | Let it dry; every 1–2 months in winter | Toxic (ASPCA) |
| Nerve plant (Fittonia albivenis) | NC State: performs well under fluorescent lights; stays small | Keep evenly moist | Non-toxic (ASPCA) |
| Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) | Survives long periods in extremely low light (NC State) | Moist, well-drained | Toxic (ASPCA) |
2. Desk near a window
With some daylight, compact plants that like bright, indirect light do well.
| Plant | Why it suits an office | Water | Cats and dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) | NC State: easy care makes it “the perfect plant for the home and office” | Moist, well-drained | NC State: safe for pets and children |
| Round-leaf peperomia (Peperomia rotundifolia) | NC State: “ideal as a houseplant or office plant due to its easy care and compact size” | Moist; yellow leaves mean overwatering | Not listed by ASPCA |
| Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) | Very easy; prefers bright, indirect light and survives long periods in low light (NC State) | Let it dry between waterings | Toxic (ASPCA) |
| Pigtail anthurium (Anthurium scherzerianum) | NC State suggests it for a home or office; flowers if light is good | When dry to the touch | Toxic (ASPCA) |
| Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | Prefers medium light, tolerates deep shade (NC State) | Keep moist | Non-toxic (ASPCA) |
3. Reception areas and floor spots
| Plant | Why it suits an office | Cats and dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) | NC State: widely grown as an interiorscape plant; slow-growing. Missouri: tolerates low light | Toxic (ASPCA) |
| Lady palm (Rhapis excelsa) | NC State: withstands deep shade, has low humidity requirements, and is “a good specimen to use near doors” because it tolerates periodic winter drafts | Non-toxic (ASPCA) |
| Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) | Missouri: one of the best plants where only low light exists; tolerates cool locations. NC State: withstands neglect | Non-toxic (ASPCA) |
For more floor plants, see our large indoor plants guide.
Lighting a windowless office
University of Missouri Extension gives a practical target for low-light plants under fluorescent light: 10–15 watts of fluorescent light per square foot of growing space. A single 2-foot, 20-watt tube or 4-foot, 40-watt tube provides enough light for low-light plants only. Plant tips should sit 15–30 cm (6–12 in) from the tubes.
Ceiling lights are often too far from the desk to meet that. A small LED desk grow light on a timer solves it; see our grow light comparison. Missouri suggests 16–18 hours a day for plants with no outdoor light, so a timer that runs through evenings and weekends helps.
Watering around weekends and holidays
- Choose plants that store water. ZZ plant (water-storing rhizomes) and snake plant tolerate drying out. NC State calls cast iron plant drought tolerant.
- Water thoroughly, not little and often. Soak the pot, let it drain fully, and empty the saucer.
- Check before watering again. Office plants under weak light use water slowly. Feel the mix rather than watering on a fixed day.
- Avoid moisture lovers such as nerve plant for desks that go unattended for long periods, unless someone can water them.
For longer absences, see our guide to watering houseplants while you are away.
Dry office air
Heating and air conditioning dry the air. Lady palm and snake plant tolerate low humidity, according to NC State. Plants that prefer moderate humidity, such as Chinese money plant and round-leaf peperomia, tolerate normal indoor conditions. Keep any plant away from heating and cooling vents.
Pets in the office
If dogs visit the office, choose from the non-toxic plants: cast iron plant, lady palm, spider plant and nerve plant (ASPCA), or Chinese money plant (NC State). ZZ plant, snake plant, pothos, philodendron, Chinese evergreen, corn plant and anthurium are toxic.
References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Zamioculcas zamiifolia, Aglaonema, Dracaena trifasciata, Epipremnum aureum, Philodendron hederaceum, Pilea peperomioides, Peperomia rotundifolia, Fittonia albivenis, Dracaena fragrans, Rhapis excelsa, Aspidistra elatior, Anthurium scherzerianum, Chlorophytum comosum
- University of Missouri Extension, D. H. Trinklein (rev. 2016): Lighting Indoor Houseplants, G6515
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and non-toxic plant list