Bringing nature inside your workspace is one of the easiest ways to boost your productivity and reduce stress. Whether you have a sunny window or a windowless cubicle, the best plants to grow in office settings are those that thrive with minimal care. In this guide, we explore top-rated options from realistic artificial trees to air-purifying live greens that will transform your desk into a calm, green oasis. These picks are perfect for busy professionals who want the beauty of nature without a lot of extra work.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Best Plants To Grow In Office Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Realistic 16-Inch Artificial Bonsai Tree in a Ceramic Pot for Minimalist Modern Office Desk Decor
★★★★★ 5/5
This artificial bonsai tree is the perfect way to get that Zen feeling without any of the work. It looks so real that your coworkers will think you have a secret green thumb. It fits perfectly on any small desk or shelf.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Lifelike needles and branches made from high-quality materials
✓ Includes a sleek ceramic pot that looks modern and professional
✓ Standing at 16 inches, it is the ideal size for office desks
✓ Zero maintenance required—no watering, pruning, or sunlight needed
Why We Recommend It
We love this plant because it stays beautiful forever with zero effort. It is a great choice for dark offices or for people who are too busy to care for a live plant.
Best For
Busy professionals who want a high-end, modern look on their desk without the worry of keeping a plant alive.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Looks incredibly realistic from a distance
- Sturdy ceramic pot adds a touch of class
- Never needs water or sunlight
- Great size for standard office cubicles
Cons:
- Needs a little fluffing out of the box
- Does not improve air quality like a live plant
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Lovely bonsai tree, looks very realistic and quite the decent size, too. Just takes some fluffing up and it’s good to go!”
Customer Review: “Lovely bonsai tree, looks very realistic and quite the decent size, too. Just takes some fluffing up and it’s good to go!Read more”
2. Stunning 4-Inch White Anthurium Live Indoor Plant Perfect for Adding Tropical Color to Office Desks
★★★★☆ 4.4/5
The White Anthurium is a classic office plant that adds a pop of tropical style. It features glossy green leaves and beautiful heart-shaped white blooms. This live plant is fully rooted and ready to brighten up your workday.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Ships fully rooted in a 4-inch grower pot
✓ Produces long-lasting white blooms throughout the year
✓ Glossy, dark green heart-shaped leaves for a tropical look
✓ Compact size fits well on most office desks
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this plant because it is tough and beautiful. It manages well in typical office lighting and its flowers last a very long time compared to other plants.
Best For
Anyone who wants a live flowering plant that is easy to care for and stays compact on a small desk.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flowers stay pretty for weeks at a time
- Arrives very well-packaged and healthy
- Compact size is perfect for office cubicles
- Very elegant and professional appearance
Cons:
- Needs indirect light to bloom well
- Soil should be kept slightly moist, requiring regular checks
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Sheeeesh she’s perty guys & gals. This plant came so well wrapped, so healthy, soil still intact and moist, her leaves were shiny and green, and the red flowers are absolutely picturesque.”
Customer Review: “The plant was carefully wrapped and it is a perfect size for what I need and is healthy and very pretty , I would buy another plant if I needed one from this seller”
3. Easy to Grow Live Money Tree Indoor Bonsai in a 4-Inch Pot for Office Desk Prosperity
★★★★☆ 3.9/5
The Money Tree is a symbol of luck and wealth, making it a great addition to any office. It has a cool braided trunk and bright green leaves. It is very easy to care for and can live for a long time.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Unique braided trunk design for a tropical vibe
✓ Extremely low-maintenance and thrives in bright indirect light
✓ Comes in a decorative planter that matches any office decor
✓ Symbolizes prosperity and good fortune in the workspace
Why We Recommend It
This is a great value for anyone wanting a plant with character. The braided trunk looks very fancy, and the plant is hardy enough to survive even if you forget to water it once in a while.
Best For
Budget-conscious office workers who want a plant that looks expensive and brings a bit of “good luck” to their career.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very unique and eye-catching appearance
- Hard to kill, even for beginners
- Fits well in small spaces
- Healthy and green upon arrival
Cons:
- The size may be smaller than some expect
- Requires a specific watering schedule to avoid root rot
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Very adorable small money tree. However, it was well taken care off it arrived very healthy and remains so.”
Customer Review: “Not as big as I thought but still super cute and packaged with care”
4. Low Maintenance Live Money Tree Indoor Bonsai in a Stylish 4-Inch Matte Metal Pot for Offices
★★★★☆ 3.9/5
This version of the Money Tree comes in a sleek matte metal pot. It is perfect for those who want a more modern or industrial look for their office. The plant is just as hardy and beautiful as other Money Trees.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Stylish 4-inch matte metal pot included
✓ Distinctive braided trunk adds visual interest
✓ Thrives in indoor office conditions with low to medium light
✓ Easy-to-care-for tropical foliage
Why We Recommend It
The metal pot makes this plant stand out from standard plastic ones. It feels more like a piece of high-quality decor. The plant itself is very healthy and easy to maintain.
Best For
Offices with a modern or minimalist design where a plastic pot might look out of place.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Pot is very high quality and looks great
- Requires very little watering
- The braided trunk is a conversation starter
- Safe for shipping even in tight boxes
Cons:
- Metal pot does not have drainage holes, so watch watering
- Small size may not fill a large space
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Very adorable small money tree. It arrived very healthy and remains so. Inside the box tree was wrapped with soft cushion material.”
Customer Review: “Not as big as I thought but still super cute and packaged with care”
5. Vibrant Philodendron Prince of Orange Live Plant in a 2.5-Inch Pot for Brightening Compact Office Spaces
★★★★☆ 4.4/5
If you want color that isn’t just green, this Philodendron is for you. New leaves grow in a bright orange color before turning green. It is a tiny plant that packs a huge visual punch.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Unique color-changing leaves (orange to green)
✓ Very compact 2.5-inch pot size for tight desks
✓ Fast-growing and easy to propagate
✓ Arrives healthy and well-rooted
Why We Recommend It
This is one of our favorites because it is so dynamic. Watching the new orange leaves sprout is a highlight of the workday. It is incredibly hardy for such a small plant.
Best For
Collectors who love colorful foliage and have very limited desk space.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning orange color adds variety to a green collection
- Very easy to grow and thrives indoors
- Comes safely packaged with moist soil
- Can grow quite large over time with a bigger pot
Cons:
- Pot size is very small (2.5 inches)
- Needs a bit of bright light to keep the orange color vibrant
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought this little plant a year and a half ago, and it’s been thriving by leaps and bounds. It wasn’t content with just growing in one spot!”
Customer Review: “This plant came in perfect condition. It appears to be really healthy and it was very well packaged.”
6. Air Purifying Variegated Peace Lily Live Spathiphyllum Plant in a 4-Inch Pot for Low Light Offices
★★★★☆ 4.4/5
The Variegated Peace Lily is a powerhouse for office air quality. It looks different from standard Peace Lilies with its white-splashed leaves. It is a graceful plant that handles low light extremely well.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Naturally removes toxins from indoor office air
✓ Variegated foliage offers a unique patterned look
✓ Thrives in low to medium light with minimal water
✓ Produces elegant white flowers (spathes)
Why We Recommend It
We love this plant because it is both a beauty and a worker. It helps clean the air while looking incredibly sophisticated on a filing cabinet or desk corner.
Best For
Dim offices or cubicles that don’t get much natural sunlight.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This peace lily looks amazing in my office corner. It arrived healthy and the white patterns on the leaves are just beautiful.”
Customer Review: “I love that it tells me when it needs water! It’s perfect for my low-light workspace and really brightens things up.”
7. Rare Haworthia Fasciata Superwhite Live Succulent in a 4-Inch Pot for Easy Care Office Desk Greenery
★★★★★ 4.6/5
Succulents are the kings of office plants, and this Haworthia is one of the coolest. It has white stripes that make it look like a zebra. It is super tough and can go a long time without water.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Stunning “Zebra” stripes for a modern look
✓ Extremely drought-tolerant and hard to kill
✓ Compact size that is perfect for desk corners
✓ Ships in a 4-inch pot and is fully rooted
Why We Recommend It
This is the perfect “set it and forget it” plant. It looks like a piece of art and only needs water about once every two or three weeks. It handles dry office air like a pro.
Best For
Forgetful plant owners or anyone who travels for work and needs a plant that can survive solo.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Requires almost no maintenance
- Unique textured leaves look very interesting
- Slow growing, so it won’t outgrow its spot quickly
- Very well-packaged for safe arrival
Cons:
- Can rot if watered too frequently
- Doesn’t do well in completely dark rooms
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Very well packaged! Plant is a good size and very healthy. I’m impressed with this seller. I bought 5 succulents and all looked great!”
Customer Review: “After three purchases I need to give the recognition these guys deserve. You WILL get a beautiful succulent. They package them so well!”
8. Compact Full Spectrum LED Grow Light with Adjustable Height and Timer for Small Potted Office Plants
★★★★★ 4.6/5
If your office is dark as a cave, this LED grow light will save your plants. It is small, height-adjustable, and has a built-in timer. It allows you to grow almost any plant right at your desk.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Full spectrum light mimics natural sunlight for better growth
✓ Built-in timer (3/9/12 hours) handles the light for you
✓ 10-level dimming to suit different plant needs
✓ Adjustable height pole fits various plant sizes
Why We Recommend It
This light is a game changer for cubicle life. It looks like a sleek desk lamp but provides exactly what plants need to thrive. The automatic timer means you don’t have to worry about it over the weekend.
Best For
Office workers with windowless offices who still want to grow healthy live plants.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “My office has no windows and my plants were struggling. Since getting this light, they have grown new leaves and look so happy!”
Customer Review: “The timer is fantastic. I set it once and it turns on and off by itself. It looks very modern on my desk too.”
9. Low Maintenance Sansevieria Moonshine Live Snake Plant and Air Purifier in a 4-Inch Pot for Offices
★★★★☆ 4.3/5
The Moonshine Snake Plant has a beautiful silvery-green color that looks very high-end. It is one of the toughest plants on the planet. It cleans the air and is nearly impossible to kill.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Rare silvery-pale green leaves for a modern look
✓ Exceptional air-purifying capabilities
✓ Thrives on neglect and low light conditions
✓ Compact 4-inch size is ideal for small desk surfaces
Why We Recommend It
Snake plants are the ultimate office companions. They don’t mind the dry air from the AC and they only need a little water. This “Moonshine” variety is a step up from the standard green ones.
Best For
People who want the absolute easiest plant possible that still looks incredibly cool.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the best plants for air purification
- Can go weeks without water
- Beautiful silver color matches modern office decor
- Arrives very well-packaged and healthy
Cons:
- Slow growing compared to other foliage
- Over-watering is the only way to kill it!
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I ordered three plants for gifting. They were wonderfully wrap securely with no damage to the leaves. Will buy again!”
Customer Review: “It’s really a nice plant and I hope it survives me. I have high hopes 😄.”
10. Vertical Hydroponic Tower System with LED Grow Lights and 24 Net Pots for Productive Office Indoor Gardening
★★★★★ 4.7/5
For the office that wants to grow its own snacks, this hydroponic tower is amazing. It allows you to grow 24 different plants vertically. It has its own lights and watering system, so it is mostly automated.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 24-pot capacity for a huge variety of greens and herbs
✓ Built-in LED grow lights for year-round production
✓ Self-watering system requires minimal daily intervention
✓ Thick 2mm industrial walls for durability
Why We Recommend It
This is the ultimate office showstopper. It is great for a breakroom or a large open office space. It teaches people about gardening and provides fresh greens for lunch salads!
Best For
Corporate offices or creative spaces that want a high-tech, productive indoor garden.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Grows food and plants incredibly fast
- No messy soil involved
- Looks very impressive and high-tech
- Excellent customer support from the company
Cons:
- Assembly can be a bit of a challenge
- Takes up more floor space than a desk plant
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I am happy with this company. Being new at hydroponics, I called for help with assembly and they were great!”
Customer Review: “I love this tower! My greens grew like crazy. It runs like clockwork once you get it set up.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Plants To Grow In Office
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking the best plants to grow in office, we look at three main things: light, maintenance, and size. Most offices have harsh artificial light and dry air from the AC. We choose plants that can handle these tough conditions. We also prioritize plants that don’t need daily watering, so you can enjoy your weekends without worrying about a dying plant on Monday morning. Size is also key; most office workers need something that fits on a standard desk or a small shelf without taking up too much room.
Budget Planning
Adding greenery doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can find great live plants for under $20 that come in basic pots. If you want something that looks more professional, you might spend a bit more on plants that include ceramic or metal planters. For those who want zero recurring costs, artificial plants are a great one-time investment. If you are looking to outfit a whole office, high-tech systems like hydroponic towers are more expensive but offer a lot of value over time by growing actual food.
Final Thoughts
Adding just one plant to your desk can make a huge difference in how you feel at work. It makes the space feel more personal and alive. Whether you choose a hardy snake plant or a beautiful artificial bonsai, you really can’t go wrong. Start small with one plant and see how it changes your mood!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which plant is best for an office with no windows?
A: Snake plants and Peace Lilies are very good for low light. However, if you have zero windows, we highly recommend using a small LED grow light to help any live plant stay healthy. Artificial plants are also a perfect choice for windowless rooms.
Q: How often should I water my office plant?
A: Most office plants, especially succulents and snake plants, only need water every 2 to 3 weeks. A good rule of thumb is to poke your finger an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water.
Q: Do office plants really clean the air?
A: Yes! Plants like the Peace Lily and Snake Plant are famous for filtering out common toxins found in indoor air. They can help remove chemicals from carpets and office furniture, making your workspace a bit healthier.
Q: Are these plants safe if my office is cold?
A: Most indoor plants like the same temperatures humans do. If your office gets very cold at night when the heat is off, stick with hardier plants like the Haworthia succulent or the Money Tree.
Ready to green up your workspace? Choosing any of these best plants to grow in office will instantly brighten your day and improve your focus. Pick your favorite from our list and enjoy a more peaceful, productive office today!
