No windows? No problem. Just because your office doesn’t get natural light doesn’t mean you have to skip plants altogether. In fact, some thrive in low-light conditions. Let’s look at 25 of the best options to bring life into your workspace.
Table of Contents
Low-Light Champions
Low-light offices can be tricky, but some plants don’t mind at all. These tough indoor picks need just the basics and can handle windowless spaces without drama.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is practically made for windowless offices. It skips direct sunlight completely and only needs water every few weeks—perfect if you’re forgetful. Its thick, waxy leaves hold onto water, so the plant stays healthy even if you’re a little neglectful.
Pests aren’t much of a problem, and it’s one of those plants that helps clean the air, too. If you want greenery that won’t nag for attention, the ZZ Plant’s a solid bet. Plus, those upright stems give your desk a tidy, structured vibe.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant, or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is nearly impossible to kill. It’s fine with low light and can go ages between waterings. If you forget about it for a bit, it’ll probably forgive you.
It’s also known for boosting air quality and has a modern, upright look that fits most office styles. No need to fuss with pruning. If you’re not a natural plant parent, the Snake Plant won’t hold it against you.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast Iron Plant lives up to its name—it’s nearly indestructible. Low light? No problem. Its deep green, broad leaves bring some color and texture, and it’s not picky about watering schedules.
It grows slowly, but it’s steady and rarely bothered by pests or disease. If you want a plant that just sits there and looks good, no matter what, this one’s a safe choice. It blends in with just about any office decor.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a go-to for low-light offices. Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves look great draping from shelves or cabinets. It’s easygoing—just water it occasionally and trim the vines when they get wild.
Pothos also filters out some common toxins, so it’s working double duty. If you want to liven up a dull corner, this plant is a reliable pick.
Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
The Heartleaf Philodendron is another forgiving choice. Its soft, heart-shaped leaves bring a gentle touch to your space, and it’s happy in low light. Water when the soil dries out and you’re good.
You can let it trail or train it to climb, and it bounces back even if you forget about it for a bit. It’s not fussy, just quietly attractive—perfect for a low-maintenance office setup.
Compact & Desk-Friendly
It’s nice to have a bit of green on your desk, but you don’t want a jungle taking over. The best office plants for spaces without windows stay compact, manage with low light, and don’t hog your workspace.
Peperomia obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)
Peperomia obtusifolia is a breeze to care for. It stays small, with thick, glossy leaves that store moisture, so you won’t be watering all the time.
It’s fine with artificial light and doesn’t mind if you miss a watering here or there. Pop it on your desk or a shelf and just wipe the leaves now and then to keep them shiny.
Keep it away from drafts and skip the direct sun. It’s rarely bothered by pests, making it a no-fuss choice for your office.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants are super tolerant and do well under fluorescent lights. Their arching leaves look neat in a small pot, and the little “spiderettes” can be trimmed if they get out of hand.
They’re forgiving if you forget to water now and then, and they help freshen up the air. Just let the soil dry a bit between waterings and you’ll be fine.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreen brings a splash of color with its patterned leaves, from silvery speckles to deep greens. It’s low-maintenance, grows slowly, and stays a manageable size.
Watering once a week is usually enough, and it shrugs off most pests. Give the leaves a wipe every so often, and maybe rotate the pot for even growth. It doesn’t ask for much.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant’s leaves fold up at night, which is pretty fun to watch. It stays compact, likes steady low light, and fits nicely on a desk or shelf.
Keep the soil just barely moist and mist it if your office air is dry. The roots don’t spread fast, so you won’t be repotting every year. Just clean the leaves occasionally to keep them happy.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor Palm is a classic for small spaces. It grows slowly, stays compact, and those feathery fronds look great anywhere.
It’s happy with indirect light and only needs water every week or two. Let the top of the soil dry out before you water again. Fertilizer? Maybe once in a while. Pests are rarely an issue, so it’s a stress-free pick for a windowless office.
Hardy & Neglect-Tolerant
If you’re not always on top of plant care, don’t worry. These indoor plants are tough, handle low light, and don’t mind a little neglect. You can have greenery without the guilt.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky Bamboo is easygoing in low-light offices and can grow in water or soil. If you keep it in water, just swap the water every couple of weeks.
It doesn’t need direct sunlight—artificial light does the trick. Use filtered or distilled water to avoid yellow leaves from fluoride or fertilizer. Prune to keep it tidy and dust the leaves now and then. It’s an easy way to bring a bit of nature into a windowless spot.
Dracaena marginata (Dragon Tree)
Dracaena marginata is great for spots with no natural light. The narrow, spiky leaves handle low light and don’t mind if you occasionally forget to water. It’s fine with the dry air in most offices.
It grows upright, so it fits in corners. Water when the top of the soil is dry and steer clear of soggy roots. Give the leaves a wipe, and maybe fertilize once a month during the growing season. It won’t hold a grudge if you’re away for a bit.
Haworthia
Haworthia succulents are tiny, tough, and don’t need much attention. Their leaves store water, so you can forget to water now and then. Just let the soil dry out before you water again.
If the leaves go brown or mushy, it’s probably been too wet. Use a gritty soil mix and keep it under artificial light. No pruning needed—just dust the leaves sometimes. They’re perfect for cramped desks or shelves.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade Plants are resilient little succulents that can sit on your desk and mostly take care of themselves. Let the soil dry before watering, and a shallow pot works best.
The thick leaves store water, so it’s not a disaster if you skip a watering. Fertilizer isn’t a big deal—maybe once or twice a year. Just keep it away from cold drafts and don’t overwater. If it starts stretching, move it closer to a light source.
Ferns (e.g., Boston Fern)
Boston Ferns can handle low light, but they do like a bit of humidity. Mist the leaves or set out a tray of water nearby. They’ll forgive you for missing a watering here and there, but regular care gives the best results.
Keep the soil just a bit moist and use a light, peat-based mix. Trim off dead fronds and give the plant some space to spread out. Avoid dry air from vents, or the leaves might brown. They look great on a shelf or hanging up for a bit of texture.
Air-Purifying & Stylish
Some indoor plants not only look sharp but also help clean up the air. These ones don’t mind windowless offices and won’t demand much from you, either.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lily is famous for filtering out toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. You get those broad, shiny leaves and the occasional white bloom, even in low light. It’s just the right size for a desk or side table.
Mist the leaves, keep the soil a bit damp, and don’t panic if the flowers droop—they’ll perk up after a drink. Peace Lilies are flexible about where they live, so they work in all kinds of office setups.
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
Corn Plant stands tall with its cane-like stems and green leaves striped with yellow. It’s built for low-light spaces and helps filter out pollutants like trichloroethylene and xylene.
Water sparingly and avoid soggy soil. It’s happy with fluorescent lights and just needs the occasional dusting. The strong vertical lines add a touch of modern style, and it stays good-looking with minimal fuss.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Dieffenbachia brings bold, patterned leaves to your desk and doesn’t mind artificial light or moderate humidity. It also helps absorb some toxins from the air.
Keep it away from pets or kids—the sap can irritate skin. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and turn the pot now and then for even growth. It’s a fast grower and doesn’t need much else.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Bird’s Nest Fern has bright green, wavy fronds that grow in a tidy rosette. It’s a unique touch for your workspace and does fine in shade or under fluorescent lights, as long as you keep the soil lightly moist.
Use a pot with good drainage and don’t let water sit in the center. The fronds catch dust, so give them a wipe. It fits well on shelves or desks and brings a fresh, lush look without being overwhelming.
Calathea orbifolia
Calathea orbifolia stands out with its wide, striped leaves. It handles low light, likes a bit of humidity, but will adapt if you mist it now and then. Calathea helps clean the air, too.
Keep the soil just barely moist and avoid direct sun. The patterned leaves add a soft, decorative touch, making it a real centerpiece even in a simple office. Average temperatures and indirect light are all it needs to stay happy.
Unusual & Beautiful
Some less-common plants really make a statement and can still thrive where sunlight is scarce. Bold leaves, quirky shapes, and flexible light needs bring new life to a windowless office.
Staghorn Fern
Staghorn Fern’s antler-like fronds are a real conversation starter. You’ll often see them mounted on boards or in hanging baskets, and they like low to moderate light with a bit of humidity.
Keep the root ball moist but not soggy, and mist the leaves a few times a week. Staghorn Ferns do fine with indirect light and don’t even need soil—just some sphagnum moss. Fertilize monthly with a diluted liquid feed for best results.
Rex Begonia
Rex Begonia is all about the foliage—deep purples, greens, silvers, and pinks in wild patterns. It doesn’t need sun and is happy under fluorescent lights.
Use well-draining soil and let the top inch dry before watering. It likes a bit of humidity to prevent crispy leaves. This one’s mostly for its looks, not flowers. Fertilize lightly every couple of months to keep the colors vibrant.
Asparagus Fern
Asparagus Fern’s feathery fronds add a soft, airy feel to your space. It’s adaptable, doesn’t mind low light, and tolerates a missed watering or two.
Let the top of the soil dry before watering, but don’t overdo it—roots can rot if left soggy. Mist it weekly if you can. Only prune when stems fade. It’s not a real fern, but it gives that look with less effort.
Hoya (Wax Plant)
Hoya, or Wax Plant, has thick, shiny leaves and sometimes blooms with clusters of fragrant flowers. You can train it up a trellis or let it drape over the pot. Hoyas handle low light but bloom better with brighter, indirect light.
Water when the soil feels dry and don’t let the roots sit in water. Fertilize every few months during the growing season. Hoya’s tough leaves and occasional blooms make it a great pick for offices with only artificial lighting.
Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
Nerve Plant, or Fittonia, grabs your attention with its low, spreading growth and striking white or pink veins. It’s fine with low light and actually thrives under fluorescent bulbs.
Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy). Fittonia will wilt dramatically if it dries out, but it usually bounces back after a good watering. It likes a bit of humidity and should be kept away from cold drafts. Compact and colorful, it’s just right for desktops or small shelves if you want something a little different without extra work.
