Adding some greenery to your workspace can change your whole mood. If you work in a cubicle or a room with no windows, finding the best plants for low light office spaces is the way to go. You do not need a green thumb to keep these alive. Most of them are very tough and only need a little water. These plants help clean the air and make your desk look much better. We have found the top options that thrive even when the sun is not shining on them.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Best Plants For Low Light Office Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Monstera Adansonii Swiss Cheese Plant – Low Light Air Purifying Tropical Houseplant for Modern Office Spaces
The Monstera Adansonii is a show-stopper that adds a tropical feel to any workspace. It is famous for its heart-shaped leaves that have natural holes, making it look like swiss cheese. It grows well in low light and is very easy for beginners to keep alive.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Beautiful heart-shaped leaves with unique natural fenestrations
- ✓ Air-purifying properties to keep your office air fresh
- ✓ Thrives in indirect light and requires very low maintenance
- ✓ Arrives in a 4-inch pot, ready to decorate your desk immediately
Why We Recommend It
We love this plant because it adds instant character to a boring office desk. It is very hardy and can handle the typical dry air found in most office buildings. It is the perfect blend of exotic style and easy care.
Best For
This is best for anyone who wants a “cool” looking plant that does not require a lot of sunlight or attention.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very unique leaf patterns that spark conversation
- Can climb or vine depending on how you style it
- Very forgiving if you forget to water it occasionally
- Arrives healthy and well-packaged for shipping
Cons:
- Can grow quite fast and might need a trim
- Toxic to pets if you bring it home from the office
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This plant has been in my home for weeks now, and it is apparently doing well. I have low-light conditions, but add a plant light. Looks nice.
Customer Review: Absolutely stunning! My Monstera Adansonii arrived in perfect condition—lush, vibrant, and full of life. The leaves are a rich green with beautiful fenestrations, and the plant looks incredibly healthy.
2. Calathea Burle Marx Indoor Houseplant – Low Light Office Air Purifier Plant in a 3-Inch Pot
The Calathea Burle Marx is a stunning indoor plant with leaves that look like they were painted with stripes. It is a fantastic choice for low-light corners where other plants might struggle. It also works hard to clean the air around your desk.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Eye-catching zebra-patterned leaves in shades of green
- ✓ Specifically bred to thrive in lower light conditions
- ✓ Natural air purifier that filters toxins from your workspace
- ✓ Compact 3-inch pot size fits perfectly on small desks
Why We Recommend It
This is our editor’s choice because it stays compact and tidy, making it perfect for office life. The patterns on the leaves are very bold and help brighten up a dim workspace without needing a window.
Best For
Best for office workers who have very little desk space but want a plant with a lot of visual impact.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Leaves move slightly throughout the day as light changes
- Stays relatively small and won’t take over your desk
- Safe for pets, just in case you take it home
- Helps maintain humidity in your immediate area
Cons:
- Prefers distilled or filtered water over tap water
- Leaves can curl if the office air gets too dry
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This was the first time I ordered live plants from Amazon and I have to say I am very happy with the result. The plants arrived this morning and were packaged individually in bubble wrap.
Customer Review: I was looking for a low light plant that loves humidity for my bathroom. Showed up healthy and is doing good so far. Unique plant. I love it!
3. Calathea Lancifolia Rattlesnake Plant – Pet Friendly Low Light Indoor Houseplant for Easy Office Care
The Rattlesnake Plant gets its name from its long, wavy leaves with dark green spots. It is a very sturdy plant that doesn’t mind a bit of shade. It is also completely safe for pets, making it a worry-free choice for any environment.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Distinctive wavy leaves with dark green markings
- ✓ Deep purple undersides on the leaves for extra color
- ✓ Pet-friendly and non-toxic to cats and dogs
- ✓ Thrives in low to medium indirect light
Why We Recommend It
We chose this as the best budget option because it offers high-end style at a great price. It is very durable and easy to care for, making it a great “first plant” for your office desk that won’t break the bank.
Best For
This is best for pet owners and those looking for a very affordable but exotic-looking desk companion.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very tactile leaves that feel interesting to touch
- Doesn’t require bright sunlight to keep its patterns
- Grows well in standard office temperatures
- Beautiful color contrast between the top and bottom of leaves
Cons:
- A bit slow to grow compared to vining plants
- Needs consistent soil moisture to stay happy
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This small piece is doing well and has me looking for a reason to get others. It is slowly growing and looking very healthy. Makes smile, it is so cute and friendly.
Customer Review: Beautiful, healthy, very full plant in excellent soil.
4. Green ZZ Plant Zamioculcas Zamiifolia – Hardy Low Light Tolerant Indoor Office Plant with Glossy Leaves
The ZZ Plant is often called the “king of office plants” because it is nearly indestructible. It has beautiful, waxy green leaves that reflect light, even in dark rooms. If you are someone who often forgets to water their plants, the ZZ is your new best friend.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Highly tolerant of extremely low light conditions
- ✓ Waxy, glossy leaves that look great all year round
- ✓ Drought-tolerant; can go weeks without watering
- ✓ Naturally filters air to remove common indoor toxins
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the ZZ plant because it is basically the “set it and forget it” option of the plant world. It thrives in the dark corners of an office and doesn’t mind the artificial lights that stay on all day. It looks professional and clean.
Best For
Best for busy professionals who want greenery but have zero time for plant maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Can survive in offices with no natural windows at all
- Very slow grower, so it won’t outgrow its spot quickly
- Resistant to most common houseplant pests
- Leaves stay green and shiny even with minimal care
Cons:
- All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten
- Will suffer if you water it too frequently
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: My ZZ plant arrived looking like it just came from a nursery. It has been sitting on my office desk for months with only fluorescent light and it’s still thriving!
Customer Review: Best plant for beginners. I forget to water it all the time and it still looks perfect. The leaves are so shiny they almost look fake.
5. Pearl and Jade Pothos Starter Plant – Low Light Indoor Vining Houseplant for Office Desks and Decor
The Pearl and Jade Pothos is a lovely vining plant with white and green variegated leaves. It is a starter plant, meaning it is small and perfect for sitting on a shelf or the corner of your desk. As it grows, it will trail down beautifully.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Beautiful white and green variegation on small leaves
- ✓ Vining habit that looks great on bookshelves or filing cabinets
- ✓ Very easy to propagate if you want more plants
- ✓ Comes in a small 2-inch pot, ideal for tight spaces
Why We Recommend It
We love this Pothos because it is more interesting than the standard green variety. The white splashes on the leaves help reflect whatever light is available in your office, making the corner feel brighter. It is a very tough survivor.
Best For
Best for people who have high shelves or want a plant that will eventually grow long, trailing vines.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely easy to care for even for total novices
- Tolerates low light and irregular watering very well
- The variegation is very stable and stays pretty
- Can be easily trimmed to keep it the size you want
Cons:
- Starter size is quite small when it first arrives
- Vines can get tangled if not managed occasionally
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: The variegation on this little pothos is very nice. It appears to be healthy. It arrived quick and was one of the most carefully and thoughtfully packaged plants I’ve ever received!
Customer Review: My plant arrived perfectly with no issues at all. A great price for such a unique plant. It’s so cute, I can’t wait for it to grow bigger 🙂
6. Calathea Burle Marx Live Indoor Houseplant – Low Light Office Air Purifier in a 2-Inch Pot
This version of the Calathea Burle Marx comes in a tiny 2-inch pot, which is fantastic for tiny cubicles or crowded desks. It still features those amazing zebra-striped leaves and air-purifying powers but in a miniature size.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Striking zebra-patterned foliage in a compact size
- ✓ Ideal for extremely low-light office environments
- ✓ Helps increase oxygen levels in your small workspace
- ✓ Tiny footprint fits almost anywhere
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this smaller version for anyone who wants a “desk pet.” It is small enough to sit right next to your computer monitor without getting in the way. It is a very healthy live plant that arrives ready to go.
Best For
Best for those with very limited desk real estate who still want a high-impact air purifier.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Doesn’t need much light to keep its vibrant patterns
- Great price point for a live tropical plant
- Very easy to move or relocate if you switch desks
- Non-toxic and safe for all environments
Cons:
- The small pot dries out faster than larger ones
- Needs a steady temperature to stay happy
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This small piece is doing well and has me looking for a reason to get others. It is slowly growing and looking very healthy.
Customer Review: Beautiful, healthy, very full plant in excellent soil. Even for a 2-inch pot, it looks great.
7. Aglaonema Richard Chinese Evergreen – Variegated Low Light Indoor Office Plant in a 4-Inch Pot
Chinese Evergreens are legends in the office world because they can handle almost any condition. The “Richard” variety has beautiful green and cream leaves. It is a very elegant plant that looks great in a professional setting.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Lush green and cream leaves for a tropical look
- ✓ Highly tolerant of low, fluorescent office lighting
- ✓ Tough, durable leaves that don’t drop easily
- ✓ Compact growth that fits perfectly on desks or shelves
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this Aglaonema because it is truly one of the hardiest plants on this list. It doesn’t mind if the office air is dry or if the light is weak. It just keeps growing and looking beautiful with very little help from you.
Best For
Best for professional offices where you want a classic, elegant plant that is guaranteed to survive.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Can go a long time between waterings
- Beautiful variegated leaves add color without flowers
- Very hard to kill even for non-plant people
- Arrives in a sturdy 4-inch pot
Cons:
- Not safe for cats or dogs
- Grows very slowly, so don’t expect it to double in size quickly
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I never leave reviews but just wanted to show off my lovely Katrina plant that is still thriving over a month later! It was so carefully packaged.
Customer Review: Plant is an eye-catcher and a stand-out in any garden. Easy grower, healthy appearance. Pleased to have added it.
8. Calathea Lancifolia Rattlesnake Plant – Easy Care Low Maintenance Indoor Houseplant for Low Light Office Spaces
This version of the Rattlesnake Plant is known for being extra healthy and robust upon arrival. It is a mid-sized plant that makes a great statement piece for a desk or a common area in the office. It’s safe, beautiful, and very easy to manage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Distinctive “rattlesnake” spots on long, elegant leaves
- ✓ Pet-safe foliage for a worry-free environment
- ✓ High tolerance for medium to low indirect light
- ✓ Excellent shipping protection to ensure a healthy arrival
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this specific listing because of the high quality of the plants. It is one of the healthiest versions of the Rattlesnake plant you can find online. It looks very exotic but behaves like a very simple, easy-care houseplant.
Best For
Best for someone who wants a slightly larger, very healthy plant that is safe around pets and people.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Leaves fold up at night and open in the morning
- Arrives in a very professional shipping container
- Doesn’t require any direct sun to stay vibrant
- Very soft, smooth texture to the leaves
Cons:
- Sensitive to very cold drafts from AC vents
- Brown tips can appear if the water has too many chemicals
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I love this plant! Packaged so carefully and arrived in very healthy condition. Would absolutely buy again!! Highly recommend.
Customer Review: Beautiful plant! I’ve purchased other plants through Amazon and this plant is by far the healthiest, loveliest one I’ve ever received.
9. Snake Plant Sansevieria Laurentii – Low Light Air Purifying Indoor Office Plant for Easy Care Desks
The Snake Plant is a vertical beauty with yellow-edged leaves. It is famous for being one of the best oxygen-producers, even at night. It is the ultimate low-maintenance office plant that can live in almost total darkness.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Upright, sword-shaped leaves with bright yellow edges
- ✓ Powerful air purifier that works 24/7 to clean your space
- ✓ Extremely drought-tolerant; survives weeks without water
- ✓ Thrives in “no sunlight” indoor conditions easily
Why We Recommend It
The Snake Plant is a must-have for offices. It doesn’t take up much space because it grows straight up, and it is almost impossible to kill. It looks modern and sleek, making it perfect for a professional desk setup.
Best For
Best for those in windowless offices or anyone who travels often for work.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Does not need daily or even weekly attention
- Tall growth adds height to your desk decor
- Very effective at removing indoor air pollutants
- Adapts well to any temperature in the office
Cons:
- Can be quite heavy once it gets taller
- Toxic if chewed by pets or small children
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This snake plant is the toughest thing I own. It’s been in a dark corner for months and still looks brand new. Perfect for my office!
Customer Review: Very healthy arrival. It’s much larger than I expected for the price. The yellow edges really make it pop against my desk.
10. Heartleaf Lemon Lime Philodendron Cordatum – Low Light Indoor Office Houseplant in a 3-Inch Pot
If you want a splash of neon color, the Lemon Lime Philodendron is perfect. It has heart-shaped leaves in a bright, glowing green. It is a vining plant, so it can trail down from your monitor or shelf, adding a fun vibe to the office.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Vibrant, heart-shaped “lemon-lime” neon green foliage
- ✓ Fast-growing trailing vines that look great on shelves
- ✓ Thrives in low to medium indirect light conditions
- ✓ Very forgiving and easy to care for in an office
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this Philodendron because the color is so bright it almost looks like it’s glowing. This is great for brightening up a dark office corner. It’s also very easy to tell when it needs water because the leaves will droop slightly.
Best For
Best for those who want a pop of bright color and a plant that grows quickly.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The neon color never fades even in low light
- Very easy to take cuttings and grow new plants
- Grows much faster than most other low-light plants
- Arrives well-packed and healthy
Cons:
- Can be sensitive to cold shipping in winter
- Vines may need occasional trimming to stay neat
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: The seller packed the plant so well; they even shipped it with a hot pack! It’s a little guy but it’s very healthy and I know it will grow beautifully.
Customer Review: Very vibrant color. It really stands out on my bookshelf. It’s already started putting out new leaves after just a week!
Complete Buying Guide for Best Plants For Low Light Office
Essential Factors We Consider
When you are looking for the best plants for low light office spaces, you need to think about how much light your desk actually gets. If you are under fluorescent lights all day, you need “low light” plants like Snake plants or ZZ plants. You also want to check the pot size. A 2-inch or 3-inch pot is great for a desk, while a 4-inch pot might be better for a filing cabinet. Always look for “easy care” or “hardy” in the description to make sure you won’t have to spend all day tending to it.
Budget Planning
The good news is that most office plants are very affordable. You can find great “starter” plants for a low price, which is perfect if you want to buy a few to decorate your whole cubicle. Keep in mind that larger, more established plants will cost a bit more but will make a bigger impact right away. Investing in a healthy plant from a good seller means you won’t have to replace it later.
Final Thoughts
Adding a plant to your office is one of the easiest ways to make your workday more pleasant. Whether you choose a vining Pothos or a vertical Snake plant, you’ll love the fresh air and the touch of nature. These ten plants are all proven winners for office life, so you can’t go wrong with any of them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can these plants live in a room with no windows?
A: Yes! Most of the plants on our list, especially the Snake plant and ZZ plant, can live quite happily under standard office fluorescent lights even if there is no natural sunlight at all.
Q: How often should I water my office plant?
A: Most low-light plants like to dry out a bit between waterings. For many of these, once every 10 to 14 days is usually plenty. Always stick your finger in the soil to check first!
Q: Are these plants safe for my office pet?
A: The Calathea varieties (Rattlesnake and Burle Marx) are pet-friendly. However, Snake plants, ZZ plants, and Pothos can be toxic if a cat or dog chews on them, so keep them out of reach if your pet comes to work with you.
Q: Why are the leaves on my plant turning brown?
A: This is usually due to dry office air or using tap water with too many minerals. Try misting your plant occasionally or using filtered water to see if that helps.
Ready to upgrade your workspace? Picking one of these best plants for low light office environments is the perfect way to start. They are easy to love, hard to kill, and look fantastic. Click one of the buttons above to grab yours today and start breathing easier at work!
