27 Best Low-Maintenance Plants to Brighten Up Your Home Office

  • A curated list of easy-care plants perfect for workspaces
  • Improve air quality and productivity with these green companions
  • Expert tips on selecting and caring for office-friendly plants

Working from home has become increasingly common, and creating an inviting and productive workspace is essential. One of the simplest ways to transform your home office is by introducing some greenery. Plants not only add a touch of nature to your indoor environment but also help purify the air and boost your mood. If you’re looking for low-maintenance options that can thrive in office conditions, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s explore 27 of the best plants that will breathe life into your workspace without demanding too much of your time.

Why Add Plants to Your Home Office?

Before we dive into our plant recommendations, let’s consider the benefits of incorporating greenery into your work area:

  1. Improved air quality
  2. Increased humidity
  3. Reduced stress levels
  4. Enhanced productivity and creativity
  5. Aesthetic appeal

Now, let’s explore the best low-maintenance plants that can transform your home office into a green oasis.

Top Low-Light Office Plants

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

  • Scientific name: Sansevieria trifasciata
  • Common name: Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
  • Zone: 9-11
  • Light: Low to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Low to moderate
  • Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings

The snake plant is a hardy, upright plant that thrives in low-light conditions. Its striking vertical leaves add a modern touch to any office space. Plus, it’s known for its air-purifying qualities, making it an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality.

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

  • Scientific name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
  • Common name: ZZ Plant, Zanzibar Gem
  • Zone: 9-10
  • Light: Low to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Low to moderate
  • Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings

The ZZ plant is virtually indestructible, making it perfect for busy professionals or those new to plant care. Its glossy, dark green leaves add a touch of sophistication to any workspace.

3. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

  • Scientific name: Aglaonema
  • Common name: Chinese Evergreen
  • Zone: 10-12
  • Light: Low to moderate indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate
  • Water: Keep soil lightly moist

Chinese Evergreens come in various leaf patterns and colors, allowing you to choose one that complements your office decor. They’re excellent air purifiers and can tolerate low-light conditions with ease.

Best Plants for Bright Home Offices

4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

  • Scientific name: Epipremnum aureum
  • Common name: Pothos, Devil’s Ivy
  • Zone: 10-12
  • Light: Low to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate
  • Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings

Pothos is a versatile, trailing plant that can be grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb. It’s incredibly easy to care for and comes in various leaf variegations to suit your style.

5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

  • Scientific name: Chlorophytum comosum
  • Common name: Spider Plant, Airplane Plant
  • Zone: 9-11
  • Light: Moderate to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate
  • Water: Keep soil lightly moist

Spider plants are known for their air-purifying abilities and unique appearance. They produce little plantlets that can be easily propagated, allowing you to expand your green family effortlessly.

6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

  • Scientific name: Spathiphyllum
  • Common name: Peace Lily
  • Zone: 11-12
  • Light: Low to moderate indirect
  • Humidity: High
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist

Peace lilies are elegant plants that produce beautiful white flowers. They’re excellent air purifiers and can tolerate lower light conditions, though they thrive in brighter spaces.

Air-Purifying Office Plants

7. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

  • Scientific name: Ficus elastica
  • Common name: Rubber Plant, Rubber Tree
  • Zone: 10-12
  • Light: Moderate to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate
  • Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings

Rubber plants have large, glossy leaves that make a statement in any office. They’re effective at removing indoor air pollutants and can grow quite tall if given enough space.

8. Dracaena

  • Scientific name: Dracaena spp.
  • Common name: Dragon Tree, Corn Plant
  • Zone: 10-12
  • Light: Low to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate
  • Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings

Dracaenas come in various species with different leaf shapes and colors. They’re excellent air purifiers and can tolerate a range of light conditions, making them versatile office plants.

9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

  • Scientific name: Nephrolepis exaltata
  • Common name: Boston Fern, Sword Fern
  • Zone: 9-11
  • Light: Moderate to bright indirect
  • Humidity: High
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist

Boston ferns are classic houseplants known for their lush, feathery fronds. They’re excellent air humidifiers and can add a touch of elegance to your workspace.

Small Office Plants for Desks

10. Succulents

  • Scientific name: Various
  • Common name: Succulents
  • Zone: Varies by species
  • Light: Bright indirect to direct
  • Humidity: Low
  • Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings

Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They’re perfect for small desk spaces and require minimal care, thriving on neglect.

11. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

  • Scientific name: Tillandsia spp.
  • Common name: Air Plants
  • Zone: 8-11
  • Light: Bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate
  • Water: Soak in water weekly

Air plants are unique, soilless plants that can be displayed in creative ways. They’re perfect for small spaces and require minimal care, making them ideal for busy professionals.

12. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

  • Scientific name: Saintpaulia
  • Common name: African Violet
  • Zone: 11-12
  • Light: Moderate to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate to high
  • Water: Keep soil lightly moist

African violets are compact plants that produce beautiful flowers year-round. They’re perfect for adding a pop of color to your desk or windowsill.

Hanging Plants for Home Offices

13. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

  • Scientific name: Hedera helix
  • Common name: English Ivy
  • Zone: 4-9
  • Light: Moderate to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate
  • Water: Keep soil lightly moist

English ivy is a classic trailing plant that can be grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb. It’s an excellent air purifier and adds a touch of elegance to any office space.

14. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

  • Scientific name: Senecio rowleyanus
  • Common name: String of Pearls
  • Zone: 9-12
  • Light: Bright indirect
  • Humidity: Low
  • Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings

String of Pearls is a unique succulent with cascading stems of bead-like leaves. It’s perfect for hanging baskets and adds an interesting texture to your office decor.

15. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

  • Scientific name: Sedum morganianum
  • Common name: Burro’s Tail, Donkey’s Tail
  • Zone: 9-11
  • Light: Bright indirect
  • Humidity: Low
  • Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings

Burro’s Tail is a succulent with long, trailing stems covered in plump, fleshy leaves. It’s perfect for hanging baskets and requires minimal care.

Large Statement Plants for Spacious Home Offices

16. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

  • Scientific name: Ficus lyrata
  • Common name: Fiddle Leaf Fig
  • Zone: 10-12
  • Light: Bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate to high
  • Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings

Fiddle Leaf Figs are popular for their large, violin-shaped leaves. They make a striking statement in spacious offices and can grow quite tall with proper care.

17. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

  • Scientific name: Monstera deliciosa
  • Common name: Swiss Cheese Plant, Split-Leaf Philodendron
  • Zone: 10-12
  • Light: Moderate to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate to high
  • Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings

Monsteras are known for their large, fenestrated leaves. They add a tropical touch to any office and can grow to impressive sizes with proper care.

18. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)

  • Scientific name: Strelitzia
  • Common name: Bird of Paradise
  • Zone: 10-12
  • Light: Bright indirect to direct
  • Humidity: Moderate
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist

Bird of Paradise plants have large, paddle-shaped leaves and can produce stunning flowers when grown in ideal conditions. They make a bold statement in spacious offices.

Easy-Care Flowering Plants for Home Offices

19. Orchids (Phalaenopsis)

  • Scientific name: Phalaenopsis
  • Common name: Moth Orchid
  • Zone: 10-12
  • Light: Moderate to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate to high
  • Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings

Phalaenopsis orchids are relatively easy to care for and can bloom for months. They add a touch of elegance and color to any workspace.

20. Anthurium

  • Scientific name: Anthurium
  • Common name: Flamingo Flower, Tailflower
  • Zone: 11-12
  • Light: Moderate to bright indirect
  • Humidity: High
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist

Anthuriums produce long-lasting, heart-shaped flowers in various colors. They’re perfect for adding a pop of color to your office year-round.

21. Bromeliad

  • Scientific name: Various
  • Common name: Bromeliad
  • Zone: 10-12
  • Light: Moderate to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate to high
  • Water: Keep water in the central cup, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings

Bromeliads come in various colors and shapes, with many producing striking, long-lasting flowers. They’re relatively easy to care for and add a tropical flair to your workspace.

Plants for Improving Office Air Quality

22. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

  • Scientific name: Chamaedorea seifrizii
  • Common name: Bamboo Palm, Reed Palm
  • Zone: 10-11
  • Light: Low to moderate indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate to high
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist

Bamboo palms are excellent air purifiers and add a tropical touch to any office. They can grow quite tall, making them perfect for larger spaces.

23. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

  • Scientific name: Epipremnum aureum
  • Common name: Golden Pothos, Devil’s Ivy
  • Zone: 10-12
  • Light: Low to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate
  • Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings

Golden Pothos is a versatile, easy-care plant known for its air-purifying abilities. It can be grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb, making it perfect for various office setups.

24. Aloe Vera

  • Scientific name: Aloe barbadensis miller
  • Common name: Aloe Vera
  • Zone: 8-11
  • Light: Bright indirect
  • Humidity: Low
  • Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings

Aloe vera is not only known for its medicinal properties but also for its air-purifying abilities. It’s easy to care for and adds a touch of green to any office space.

Unique Office Plants for Added Interest

25. Pilea peperomioides

  • Scientific name: Pilea peperomioides
  • Common name: Chinese Money Plant, UFO Plant
  • Zone: 9-11
  • Light: Moderate to bright indirect
  • Humidity: Moderate
  • Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings

Pilea peperomioides is known for its unique, coin-shaped leaves. It’s easy to care for and propagate, making it a fun addition to any office space.

26. Marimo Moss Ball

  • Scientific name: Aegagropila linnaei
  • Common name: Marimo Moss Ball
  • Zone: N/A (aquatic)
  • Light: Low to moderate indirect
  • Humidity: N/A (aquatic)
  • Water: Submerge in fresh, cool water

Marimo moss balls are unique aquatic plants that require minimal care. They can be displayed in small glass containers, adding an interesting element to your desk decor.

27. Lithops (Living Stones)

  • Scientific name: Lithops
  • Common name: Living Stones, Pebble Plants
  • Zone: 10-11
  • Light: Bright indirect to direct
  • Humidity: Low
  • Water: Minimal, allow to dry completely between waterings

Lithops are fascinating succulents that resemble small stones. They’re perfect for adding a unique touch to your office decor and require very little care.

Conclusion

Incorporating plants into your home office not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also improves air quality and boosts your overall well-being. With this diverse selection of low-maintenance plants, you’re sure to find the perfect green companions for your workspace. Remember to consider your office’s lighting conditions and your personal schedule when choosing plants. Start small with one or two plants and gradually expand your indoor garden as you become more comfortable with plant care. Happy planting, and enjoy your new, green-filled home office!