Working in an office with little or no natural light can feel uninspiring, but low light office plants can transform your workspace—whether it’s a home office, an office desk setup, or an entire office without windows—by boosting air quality, enhancing decor, and improving your well-being; the following guide presents over 30 of the best indoor plants for low light offices that thrive even in spaces with no sunlight.
Contents
- 1 Top 30 Low Light Office Plants
- 1.1 Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- 1.2 ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- 1.3 Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- 1.4 Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- 1.5 Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- 1.6 Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
- 1.7 Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
- 1.8 Dracaena Marginata
- 1.9 Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- 1.10 Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- 1.11 Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
- 1.12 English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- 1.13 Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- 1.14 Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
- 1.15 Peperomia obtusifolia
- 1.16 Peperomia caperata
- 1.17 Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)
- 1.18 Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- 1.19 Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
- 1.20 Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- 1.21 Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
- 1.22 Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
- 1.23 Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
- 1.24 Hoya Carnosa
- 1.25 Calathea Ornata
- 1.26 Guzmania Bromeliad (Guzmania spp.)
- 1.27 Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
- 1.28 Dracaena Reflexa
- 1.29 Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
- 1.30 Fatsia Japonica
- 2 Designing Your Office Space with Low Light Plants
- 3 Caring for Your Low Light Office Plants
- 4 Conclusion
Top 30 Low Light Office Plants
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Every 2–3 weeks
- Notable feature: Extremely low maintenance and excellent air purifying abilities
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Light requirement: Very low
- Watering frequency: Every 2–3 weeks
- Notable feature: Thrives on neglect with waxy, resilient leaves
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Once a week (when dry)
- Notable feature: Versatile trailing habit, perfect for shelves or desks
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: Blooms in low light and enhances indoor air quality
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Light requirement: Very low
- Watering frequency: Every 1–2 weeks
- Notable feature: Exceptionally hardy, ideal for windowless offices
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
- Light requirement: Low
- Watering frequency: Every 1–2 weeks
- Notable feature: Features colorful foliage that adapts well to dim conditions
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
- Light requirement: Low
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: An elegant trailing plant that fits perfectly in compact spaces
Dracaena Marginata
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: A striking architectural form with minimal upkeep
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Every 1–2 weeks
- Notable feature: Brings a compact tropical vibe ideal for indoor settings
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Every 1–2 weeks
- Notable feature: A renowned air purifier with adaptable, arching leaves
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
- Light requirement: Low
- Watering frequency: Maintain a steady water level
- Notable feature: A unique decorative option commonly grown in water
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: A versatile trailing vine perfect for creative office decor
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Light requirement: Low
- Watering frequency: Keep the soil moist
- Notable feature: Lush, feathery foliage that thrives in humid environments
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: A sculptural form with broad, attractive fronds
Peperomia obtusifolia
- Light requirement: Low
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: Compact, attractive, and perfect for desk displays
Peperomia caperata
- Light requirement: Low
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: Variegated leaves that add texture and a pop of color
Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Water when the soil is dry
- Notable feature: Feathery foliage adds a delicate texture to any space
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: Unique, patterned leaves that create visual interest
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Occasional misting
- Notable feature: A mounted display with distinctive, antler-like fronds
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: When the top soil dries out
- Notable feature: Robust foliage that serves as a bold statement piece
Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
- Light requirement: Low
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: A bushy, adaptable structure great for dim spaces
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: Attractive variegation with versatile growth habits
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Water when the soil is nearly dry
- Notable feature: Striking trunk and effective air-purifying qualities
Hoya Carnosa
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Water only when dry
- Notable feature: A slow-growing trailing plant with occasional blooms
Calathea Ornata
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: Distinctive patterned leaves that add texture
Guzmania Bromeliad (Guzmania spp.)
- Light requirement: Low
- Watering frequency: Keep the central cup filled and mist occasionally
- Notable feature: Offers an exotic look with vibrant bracts
Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Every 7–10 days
- Notable feature: Elegant blossoms that brighten indoor spaces
Dracaena Reflexa
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: Adaptable foliage with varied, interesting leaf shapes
Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
- Light requirement: Low to moderate
- Watering frequency: Every 1–2 weeks
- Notable feature: A classic indoor palm with a graceful, elegant form
Fatsia Japonica
- Light requirement: Low
- Watering frequency: Weekly
- Notable feature: Bold, glossy leaves that add a lush, tropical feel
Designing Your Office Space with Low Light Plants
Integrating low light office plants into your workspace can be both an art and a science. Consider placing small office desk plants like the snake plant or peperomia on your work table while using taller options—such as the rubber plant, corn plant, or Kentia palm—as statement pieces in corners or near doorways. Group plants together to form mini indoor gardens that serve as natural dividers in open-plan offices and enhance office decor; even an office with no sunlight or windows can be transformed using creative container choices and strategic placement near artificial light sources.
Caring for Your Low Light Office Plants
Even though the plants listed above are prized for their ability to thrive under minimal light, they still benefit from attentive care. Water each plant according to its individual needs, ensuring the soil is allowed to dry between watering sessions to avoid root rot, and make a habit of wiping dust from the leaves to maximize light absorption. Additionally, rotate your plants periodically so all sides receive similar light exposure, and consider using a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to maintain robust health.
Conclusion
Creating an inviting, productive workspace is possible—even in offices with no windows—by choosing the right low light plants. This comprehensive selection of over 30 indoor plants offers options for every taste and space, from compact desk enhancers to lush floor models that define an entire office decor. By thoughtfully designing your office space and providing simple, tailored care, you can enjoy the benefits of nature indoors, transforming your work environment into a refreshing and inspiring haven.