29 Best Plants to Grow in Your Office
Offices come in all shapes and sizes. You may sit in a cubicle with artificial lighting or near a window with bright indirect sunlight. No matter the conditions, you can successfully grow beautiful, stunning houseplants. Start with one of these 29 perfect species for the office, from seasoned grower Jerad Bryant.

Contents
Plants evolved to grow outside, so how come they grow so well indoors? Indoor conditions are often dark, dry, and stale, not ideal for tender, green houseplants. Do not fear, though, as many plant species grow in outdoor conditions that match office environments.
Most of these plants are fleshy tropical perennials and vines that grow in forest understories. They crave filtered sunlight rather than direct sunrays; indoor reflected light is perfect for them! Others sit at the forest’s edges and prefer direct bright light most of the day.
Whether you prefer ferns, trees, perennials, or vines, this list has ample options for hardworking professionals. Choose a low-maintenance houseplant and forget about it, or pick a fussy one to obsess over when taking your breaks. Without further ado, here are 29 of the best plants to grow in your office!
Dragon Tree

|
botanical name Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 6-20’ |
|
hardiness zones 10-12 |
Dragon trees will have your friend in the next cubicle asking you, “What’s that plant?” It’s a tropical tree species that grows in the forest understory, preferring reflecting light rather than direct sun. It’ll perform well in your office near the window or under grow lights.
These trees tolerate low humidity levels common in offices and homes, although they’re picky about their water. Give them filtered, chlorine-free water rather than tap water, and let their soil dry out on top in between waterings.
Chinese Banyan

|
botanical name Ficus microcarpa |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 2-50’ |
|
hardiness zones 9-11 |
This plant is great for offices because it’s widely available! You’ll sometimes find it as a bonsai, with thin branches that connect to thick Ficus rootstock through grafts. It’s also a common landscaping plant in warm climates, perfect for evergreen hedges, topiary shapes, and living fences.
Chinese banyan bonsai fit into tight spaces so you can put them wherever you’d like. If you have a large office, train a Chinese banyan as a small tree, giving it reflected sunlight and watering it once the soil surface dries. A well-cared-for specimen will live many years, traveling with you from office to office.
Weeping Fig

|
botanical name Ficus benjamina |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 5-30’ |
|
hardiness zones 10-12 |
The weeping fig is a close relative of the Chinese banyan, with bright green leaves, zig-zagging branches, and a woody trunk. Train it as a bushy shrub, a tall tree, or a small bonsai. These tropical trees prefer well-drained soil and occasional watering after the soil dries on top.
Weeping figs in the wild reach epic heights of up to 30 feet tall, while indoor specimens stay around five to six feet. They may extend taller indoors if they have access to plenty of filtered light and room above themselves to grow.
Money Tree

|
botanical name Pachira aquatica |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 6-8’ |
|
hardiness zones 10-12 |
Another low-light lover, money trees are superstars indoors. They’re slow-growing, drought-hardy, and tolerant of brief cold spells near windows or doorways inside. Money tree leaves look like hands, with fingered segments that extend off a central point.
Store-bought money trees often have many trees in a single pot, with braided stems that intertwine. To keep the trunks together, growers sometimes place a plastic or metal band around the roots. Remove this band to avoid long-term damage from the roots swelling into it.
Green Ti Plant

|
botanical name Cordyline fruticosa ‘Glauca’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 3-15’ |
|
hardiness zones 10-12 |
The Hawaiian ti plant is a shrubby tree that grows throughout the Hawaiian islands. It typically sprouts purple, red, or maroon leaves in a circle on a central, woody trunk. The green ti plant sprouts bright green leaves and tolerates less light than its colorful relatives. Search for ‘Glauca’ ti plant when shopping, or Cordyline ‘Glauca.’
As a houseplant, the green ti plant performs well in warm areas with reflected light. It’s best for a bathroom or kitchen windowsill with high humidity levels. Let your specimen grow for a single-stem shape, or prune the trunk to encourage multiple stems to form.
Dwarf Umbrella Tree

|
botanical name Heptapleurum arboricola |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 4-25’ |
|
hardiness zones 9-12 |
Bridging the gap between trees and vines, the dwarf umbrella tree grows somewhat like both indoors. Outdoors it’s a towering tree to 25 feet tall, while inside it stays between four and six feet tall. It’ll lean towards the light with multiple branches, giving the appearance of a rambling vine.
Dwarf umbrella tree excels in the office, partially because it’s so low maintenance. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, then water it thoroughly so it’s wet throughout. The shrub needs three to four hours of reflected light daily and thrives under artificial light sources.
Spiderwort

|
botanical name Tradescantia spp. |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 1-3’ |
|
hardiness zones 4-12 |
Spiderworts have many names. You may have heard them as wandering dudes, dayflowers, inch plants, or trinity flowers. Many species and varieties offer unique traits like striped leaves, purple stems, or bright variegation. These plants are rambling scramblers, with free-rooting stems that crawl, creep, and hang.
Some spiderworts are native to North America! Grow native ones outdoors, and consider trying tropical ones from South America as office plants. These species tolerate lower light levels, warm temperatures, and infrequent watering. ‘Tricolor’ is a favorite, with green, pink, and white striped leaves.
Monstera

|
botanical name Monstera deliciosa |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 6-70’ |
|
hardiness zones 10-12 |
Monsteras are thick vining spreaders; they sprout lush, wide leaves with holes in them. The holes are one reason people call this tropical species “Swiss cheese plant!” They’re invasive in warm states from zones 10 through 12, although they’re ideal office plants throughout the U.S.
Bigger than most other indoor species, monsteras need lots of reflected sunlight and space to do their best. Without sufficient light, they’ll grow slowly and their leaves may not sprout with any holes in them.
This tree-climbing species will make you popular in the office. Simply snip off a piece of the stem with a leaf, place it in water, and gift it to your favorite coworkers. With one monstera you can create dozens more!
Pothos

|
botanical name Epipremnum aureum |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Partial to full shade |
|
height 1-40’ |
|
hardiness zones 10-12 |
Pothos is the ideal houseplant for offices! It’s tolerant of low light more than any other plant on this list. The stems grow long; they’ll climb up trellises or drape off hanging baskets. The roots tolerate infrequent watering, and they prefer to dry out a bit in between sessions.
Like monsteras, pothos vines are incredibly easy to propagate. If you have a thriving specimen, consider cutting some pieces off and gifting them to your nearby friends. They’ll root in water or soil, so you can put a stem in a glass of water and let it grow for months on your desk.
Swiss Cheese Vine

|
botanical name Monstera adansonii |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 3-13’ |
|
hardiness zones 10-12 |
If you like the look of monstera plants but prefer a specimen with smaller leaves, the Swiss cheese vine is an excellent choice. It’s also in the Monstera genus but is a different species with small, holey leaves. It grows like pothos, with long, rambling vines that root freely into soil or water.
Swiss cheese vine loves growing along a moss pole or up a trellis. It climbs trees in the wild, so any tall structure helps simulate its natural conditions. If you notice yellowing or dying leaves, try giving this vine more reflected sunlight or place it under grow lights. It loves humidity, consistent moisture, and warmth.
Heartleaf Philodendron

|
botanical name Philodendron hederaceum |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 1-6’ |
|
hardiness zones 11-12 |
Heartleaf philodendron is a more elegant version of pothos—this vine is of a different genus but behaves much like the low light lover. It sprouts heart-shaped green leaves that grow brighter the more light they receive. Dozens of cultivars exist of different hues, shapes, and habits.
‘Brasil’ is the classic option, with yellow-green variegated leaves on spreading stems. ‘Lemon Lime’ sprouts solid neon yellow leaves, while the species type has solid-green ones. Choose your favorite, place it under bright reflected light, and water it whenever the top soil layer dries.
Dragon Tail

|
botanical name Rhaphidophora decursiva |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 2-60’ |
|
hardiness zones 9-12 |
A rare houseplant, the dragon tail is an iconic vine for your desk. It sprouts split leaves that grow larger as the plant ages. Wild specimens climb to 60 feet tall! Your indoor plant won’t have enough light to grow that tall, and it’ll stay under 10 feet when it grows in office conditions.
Although rare, this vine is a bit more fussy than the others on this list. If it grows leggy stems with no leaves, chop them back to encourage more leaves and denser branching. It prefers growing up rather than hanging down, so give it a trellis or pole for support.
Climbing Asparagus Fern

|
botanical name Asparagus plumosus |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 1-2’ |
|
hardiness zones 9-11 |
This climber is less of a vine and more of a shrub. It sprouts lacy, ferny foliage, although it’s a member of the Asparagus genus! Climbing asparagus fern is a close relative of the edible varieties we enjoy, and it’s the perfect office plant.
Without support, this species stays between one and two feet tall. It can climb upwards of two feet if it has other plants or supports to cling to. I’ve seen specimens in Southern California that grew over 10 feet tall! When happy under reflected light, thai species may grow flowers and red berries. Avoid eating them as they’re toxic to humans and pets.
Snake Plant

|
botanical name Dracaena trifasciata |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 1-4’ |
|
hardiness zones 10-12 |
What better office plant than a snake plant? This shrubby perennial tolerates extremely low light levels, and some specimens survive under artificial office lights. Snake plants sprout long, thin, and hard fronds that come in all colors and sizes.
A perfect low-light-loving variety is ‘Black Gold,’ with dark green inner leaf sections that have gold edges. Professionals who prefer brighter colors should opt for ‘Laurentii’ or ‘Futura Superba.’
These plants drink less water in low-light conditions, so be sure to check their soil before you add more. They’re prone to root rot if they have soggy soil and little light.
Aglaonema ‘Curtissii’

|
botanical name Aglaonema nitidum ‘Curtisii’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 1-3’ |
|
hardiness zones 10-11 |
Aglaonema, or Burmese evergreen, is a lush foliage plant that grows like dumb canes, with thick central stems, long strappy leaves, and arum flowers with sheathes and central spadices. The plant needs lots of bright light to flower indoors and some specimens may never do so if they live in low light.
‘Curtissii’ is a favorite variety, with silver-green stripes throughout its footlong leaves. Happy plants send up additional shoots from the soil, creating dense, bushy specimens. Grant them regular water after the top of the soil dries, and ensure they receive filtered rather than tap water. They have sensitive roots that may not respond well to chlorine, salts, and excessive minerals.
Zonal Geranium

|
botanical name Pelargonium spp. |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
height 1-2’ |
|
hardiness zones 9-11 |
Zonal geraniums may not seem like the perfect plants for an office, however, their bright flowers and ruffled leaves add decorative charm wherever they sprout. They’re perfect for bright offices with a little direct sunlight, as geraniums require full sun or partial shade to thrive indoors.
Without sufficient natural lighting, consider adding grow lights to have this perennial on your desk. Position them a few inches away from the leaves and set them on a timer so they turn on and off automatically. With grow lights you can cultivate any plant you’d like! Many kinds exist, with some having hues that match the warm or white lights common in office spaces.
Kalanchoe ‘Tarantula’

|
botanical name Kalanchoe katapifa ‘Tarantula’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 1’ |
|
hardiness zones 9-11 |
You may have heard of florist’s kalanchoe, but what about ‘Tarantula?’ It’s a kalanchoe variety with spider-like leaves and large pink-red flower clusters that appear in spring and fall. This plant thrives outdoors in full sun or partial shade, however, indoors it appreciates reflected sunlight. Place it near a window away from harsh direct sunrays.
Unlike most other houseplants, this succulent species prefers dry soil rather than consistent moisture. Water once the soil dries, using your finger to check the moisture content below the surface.
ZZ Plant

|
botanical name Zamioculcas zamiifolia |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 2-4’ |
|
hardiness zones 9-10 |
Sometimes offices are super bright, but they lack natural light. Artificial light sources work for plants, however they aren’t nearly as effective as the sun. A few plants tolerate these lower light levels, as they naturally grow outdoors under filtered sunlight on forest floors. ZZ plant is one of these special specimens. It’s perfect for bright or dark offices alike.
As is the case with most plants, ZZ plants need less water the less light they receive. They store moisture and nutrients in bulbous rhizomes below the soil, allowing them to survive long droughts. Low feeders, ZZ plants need one or two regular doses of organic fertilizer during the growing season.
Spider Plant

|
botanical name Chlorophytum comosum |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 1-2’ |
|
hardiness zones 9-11 |
Spider plants are longtime favorites for indoor spaces. They thrive in reflected or low light, which is common in these spaces, and need little to thrive. They crave more water once their soil surface dries and they don’t like drying out completely. A weekly check-in with your plant ensures you notice what it needs before it starts declining.
Spider plants form “spiderettes,” or spider babies on their stems. These babies are mini clones of the parent plant. Leave them on the plant for a larger shape, or cut them off and place them in water to propagate more spider plants!
Cape Primrose

|
botanical name Streptocarpus spp. |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 8-12” |
|
hardiness zones 10-11 |
Not a true primrose, cape primrose is a look-alike perennial with dainty and showy flowers. They bloom on stems that grow above the leaves, and a single stem can have multiple flowers opening up. Below the blossoms like long, strappy green leaves that look their best under bright light.
Unlike most other low-light office plants, cape primrose prefers partial or full shade. It’ll tolerate some direct sunlight during the day, between three and six hours. It likes reflected sun the rest of the day, and it thrives with regular water so its soil stays moist, but not soggy.
Arrowhead Plant

|
botanical name Syngonium podophyllum |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 3-6’ |
|
hardiness zones 10-12 |
Arrowhead plant looks like a perennial but it’s a vine! It sprouts arrowhead-shaped leaves off of thin, fleshy stems that ramble and roam. They’ll grow up trellises, drape off hanging baskets, and root freely along the stems. Trim the stems regularly to encourage a bushy shape, or let them grow leggy for a vine-like appearance.
Many arrowhead cultivars offer special colors, dwarf shapes, and unique growth habits. Try my favorite variety, ‘Neon.’ It sports bright pink leaves that slowly fade to a light green hue. ‘Painted Arrow’ is an office favorite with creamy white leaves that have green variegation splashed throughout.
Rattlesnake Calathea

|
botanical name Goeppertia insignis |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 1-2’ |
|
hardiness zones 11-12 |
Rattlesnake calathea is unlike any other houseplant! It features light green leaves with forest green spots and lines on them. The undersides exhibit a rich maroon color that contrasts with the upper leaf portions. Although stunning, this perennial requires more care than most species to thrive in an office environment.
Grant your rattlesnake calathea bright, reflected sunlight. It hates low light; its roots rot or the leaves start yellowing and dying. If you notice brown leaf tips, promote higher humidity levels with a pebble tray or personal-sized humidifier.
Prayer Plant

|
botanical name Maranta leuconeura |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 6-12” |
|
hardiness zones 11 |
Prayer plants move around during the day and offer a nice distraction from computer work. Watch their leaves react to shifting light throughout the day, or set up a time-lapse camera to speed up the movement. At night, prayer plants fold up their leaves to rest, which is why they look like they’re praying!
A fussy perennial, prayer plant requires specific conditions to thrive indoors. It’s great for the office because of its beauty, but it’s best for experienced houseplant caretakers. It needs filtered water, high humidity, and regular water when the top layer of soil dries. This plant responds poorly to drafts, cold temperatures, and dry air.
Peace Lily

|
botanical name Spathiphyllum spp. |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 1-6’ |
|
hardiness zones 11-12 |
Peace lilies grace indoor landscapes with gorgeous white flowers, dark green leaves, and bushy shapes. They’re ideal office plants because of their extreme tolerance for low light. They survive in dark spots, functioning similarly to ZZ plants.
Dozens of peace lilies exist, although the white-flowered cultivars are the most common. Choose ‘Petite’ for a dwarf plant. The unique cultivar ‘Gemini’ displays white and green stripes on the leaves, creating a pleasing effect to look at.
Cast-Iron Plant

|
botanical name Aspidistra elatior |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Partial to full shade |
|
height 1-3’ |
|
hardiness zones 7-11 |
The cast-iron plant is as tough as its name suggests! It has frond-like leaves that sprout from individual stems. These stems grow out of thick rhizomatous root systems that allow this species to tolerate drought, short cold periods, and adverse weather. Indoors, it makes them incredibly hardy. Cast-iron plants are akin to peace lilies and ZZ plants, tolerating neglect and low light indoors.
More cold hardy than other houseplants, these perennials survive outdoors from zones 7 through 11. They’ll creep with their rhizomes underground and fill empty sites with lush, green leaves.
Crocodile Fern

|
botanical name Microsorum musifolium |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 1-3’ |
|
hardiness zones 10-11 |
If herbaceous perennials or small trees aren’t calling your name, a fern-like plant might! The crocodile fern is a relatively new nursery plant that’s gaining popularity. It sports long, thin green fronds that have vein patterns looking like crocodile scales. It tolerates low light levels common in offices, thriving best under filtered sunlight.
Crocodile fern fronds sprout from a rhizomatous root system that sits on the top layer of soil. They’re prone to root rot, so avoid overwatering wet specimens. Let the surface dry, then add plenty of water to soak through the containers.
Bird’s Nest Fern

|
botanical name Asplenium nidus |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 3-5’ |
|
hardiness zones 11-12 |
Bird’s nest fern is another frond-filled perennial. Its leaves have ruffled edges, and they’re a tropical green color when they receive sufficient sunlight. The fern tolerates low light, although it prefers bright reflected sunlight to do its best. Specimens in the dark may have thin, tiny leaves and brown tips.
Bird’s nest fern tolerates indoor winter conditions better than most tropical species. It’ll drink less water and tolerate less daylight during the cold months. It loves humidity, so consider giving it a pebble tray or small humidifier to boost ambient moisture levels.
Air Plant

|
botanical name Tillandsia spp. |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 6-12” |
|
hardiness zones 9-11 |
Air plants are one of the best office plants because they don’t need soil to grow! They grow aerial root systems that latch onto trees, power lines, and rocks in the wild. Place them in glass jars, terrariums, or a saucer near your desk. Mist them every one to three days, and soak them once a week—that’s all the care air plants need to survive.
Because these aerial plants lack thick roots, they pull in nutrients from the air. Spray them once a month during the growing season with a fertilizer spray meant for air plants or orchids.
Lucky Bamboo

|
botanical name Dracaena sanderiana |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Bright indirect light |
|
height 3-5’ |
|
hardiness zones 10 |
Lucky bamboo plants may be in the office already! It’s a common houseplant gift, as it grows easily in either water or soil. Some growers train the stems into curling or twisting shapes. From the woody, green stems sprout thin, yellow-green leaves.
Although lucky bamboo is this plant’s name, it’s not a true bamboo. It’s a close relative of dragon trees, snake plants, and corn plants. When growing the stems in water, change the water weekly to prevent rotting roots. Add a few drops of fertilizer to the water during the growing season to promote healthy, even growth.