Expert's Choice: The 9 Best Office Plants

Expert's Choice: The 9 Best Office Plants

African Violet houseplant

African Violet — Saintpaulia ionantha

Alocasia Polly houseplant

Alocasia Polly — Alocasia x amazonica

Flamingo Flower houseplant

Flamingo Flower — Anthurium andreanum

Golden Feather Palm houseplant

Golden Feather Palm — Dypsis lutescens

Baby Rubber Plant houseplant

Baby Rubber Plant — Peperomia obtusifolia

Bamboo Palm houseplant

Bamboo Palm — Chamaedorea seifrizii

Polka Dot Begonia houseplant

Polka Dot Begonia — Begonia maculata

Blue Barrel Cactus houseplant

Blue Barrel Cactus — Ferocactus glaucescens

Caladium houseplant

Caladium — Caladium bicolor

Expert listicle

Expert's Choice: The 9 Best Office Plants

April 25, 20268 min read

Are you tired of dull, lifeless offices that lack a touch of nature? Do you struggle to keep your indoor plants alive, despite your best efforts? You're not alone. Many of us want to bring some greenery into our workspaces, but we're not sure where to start. That's why we've put together a list of the 9 best office plants, carefully selected for their low-maintenance requirements and ability to thrive in indoor environments.

When it comes to choosing the perfect office plant, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, you'll want to think about the amount of light your plant will receive. Most offices have limited natural light, so it's essential to choose plants that can tolerate low-light conditions. You'll also want to consider the temperature and humidity levels in your office, as well as the amount of time you have to dedicate to plant care. With these factors in mind, we've curated a list of 9 plants that are sure to bring some life and energy to your workspace.

From the beautiful, delicate blooms of the African Violet to the striking, architectural shape of the Blue Barrel Cactus, each of the plants on our list has been chosen for its unique characteristics and ability to thrive in office environments. So, whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting out, you're sure to find the perfect plant to brighten up your workspace.

African Violet: The Low-Light Superstar

The African Violet is a popular choice for office plants, and for good reason. This beautiful, compact plant is capable of producing stunning, delicate blooms in a range of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant purples and blues. But what really sets the African Violet apart is its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it perfect for offices with limited natural light.

Why we recommend it: The African Violet is a low-maintenance plant that requires only 1-2 hours of direct sunlight per day and can tolerate temperatures as low as 65°F (18°C). It's also relatively small, reaching a maximum height of 8-10 inches (20-25 cm), making it perfect for small desks or shelves.

Quick Stats:

  • Light: Low-Indirect
  • Water: Weekly
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Pet Safe: Yes

Read our full African Violet care guide

Alocasia Polly: The Elegant Elephant Ear

The Alocasia Polly is a stunning, elegant plant with large, heart-shaped leaves that are sure to add a touch of sophistication to any office. But don't let its beautiful appearance fool you - this plant is also surprisingly low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and fertilization.

Why we recommend it: The Alocasia Polly is a great choice for offices with limited natural light, as it can tolerate low-light conditions and still produce beautiful, healthy leaves. It's also relatively compact, reaching a maximum height of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm), making it perfect for small to medium-sized offices.

Quick Stats:

  • Light: Indirect
  • Water: Weekly
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Pet Safe: No

Read our full Alocasia Polly care guide

Flamingo Flower: The Long-Lasting Bloomer

The Flamingo Flower is a beautiful, exotic plant with long-lasting, heart-shaped blooms that are sure to add a touch of color and elegance to any office. But what really sets this plant apart is its ability to produce blooms for up to 2-3 months, making it a great choice for offices that want to add some long-term color and interest.

Why we recommend it: The Flamingo Flower is a low-maintenance plant that requires only occasional watering and fertilization. It's also relatively compact, reaching a maximum height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm), making it perfect for small desks or shelves.

Quick Stats:

  • Light: Indirect
  • Water: Weekly
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Pet Safe: No

Read our full Flamingo Flower care guide

Golden Feather Palm: The Air-Purifying Powerhouse

The Golden Feather Palm is a beautiful, elegant plant with large, feathery leaves that are sure to add a touch of tropical flair to any office. But what really sets this plant apart is its ability to purify the air, removing toxins and pollutants from the environment and improving indoor air quality.

Why we recommend it: The Golden Feather Palm is a low-maintenance plant that requires only occasional watering and fertilization. It's also relatively compact, reaching a maximum height of 3-6 feet (90-180 cm), making it perfect for medium to large-sized offices.

Quick Stats:

  • Light: Indirect
  • Water: Weekly
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Pet Safe: Yes

Read our full Golden Feather Palm care guide

Baby Rubber Plant: The Low-Maintenance Marvel

The Baby Rubber Plant is a small, compact plant with beautiful, dark green leaves that are sure to add a touch of elegance to any office. But what really sets this plant apart is its low-maintenance requirements, making it perfect for busy offices or those new to plant care.

Why we recommend it: The Baby Rubber Plant is a great choice for offices with limited natural light, as it can tolerate low-light conditions and still produce healthy, beautiful leaves. It's also relatively small, reaching a maximum height of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm), making it perfect for small desks or shelves.

Quick Stats:

  • Light: Indirect
  • Water: Weekly
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Pet Safe: Yes

Read our full Baby Rubber Plant care guide

Bamboo Palm: The Natural Humidifier

The Bamboo Palm is a beautiful, elegant plant with large, feathery leaves that are sure to add a touch of tropical flair to any office. But what really sets this plant apart is its ability to act as a natural humidifier, releasing moisture into the air and improving indoor air quality.

Why we recommend it: The Bamboo Palm is a low-maintenance plant that requires only occasional watering and fertilization. It's also relatively compact, reaching a maximum height of 3-6 feet (90-180 cm), making it perfect for medium to large-sized offices.

Quick Stats:

  • Light: Indirect
  • Water: Weekly
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Pet Safe: Yes

Read our full Bamboo Palm care guide

Polka Dot Begonia: The Colorful Charmer

The Polka Dot Begonia is a beautiful, charming plant with stunning, polka-dot leaves that are sure to add a touch of color and whimsy to any office. But what really sets this plant apart is its ability to produce beautiful, delicate blooms in a range of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant whites and pinks.

Why we recommend it: The Polka Dot Begonia is a low-maintenance plant that requires only occasional watering and fertilization. It's also relatively compact, reaching a maximum height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm), making it perfect for small desks or shelves.

Quick Stats:

  • Light: Indirect
  • Water: Weekly
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Pet Safe: No

Read our full Polka Dot Begonia care guide

Blue Barrel Cactus: The Low-Water Wonder

The Blue Barrel Cactus is a stunning, architectural plant with a unique, barrel-shaped stem that is sure to add a touch of drama and interest to any office. But what really sets this plant apart is its ability to survive with minimal watering, making it perfect for busy offices or those who tend to forget to water their plants.

Why we recommend it: The Blue Barrel Cactus is a low-maintenance plant that requires only occasional watering and fertilization. It's also relatively small, reaching a maximum height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm), making it perfect for small desks or shelves.

Quick Stats:

  • Light: Indirect
  • Water: Weekly
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Pet Safe: No

Read our full Blue Barrel Cactus care guide

Caladium: The Vibrant, Versatile Choice

The Caladium is a beautiful, vibrant plant with stunning, heart-shaped leaves that are sure to add a touch of color and elegance to any office. But what really sets this plant apart is its ability to thrive in a range of lighting conditions, from low to bright, making it perfect for offices with varying light levels.

Why we recommend it: The Caladium is a low-maintenance plant that requires only occasional watering and fertilization. It's also relatively compact, reaching a maximum height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm), making it perfect for small desks or shelves.

Quick Stats:

  • Light: Indirect
  • Water: Weekly
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Pet Safe: No

Read our full Caladium care guide

How We Chose These Plants

We chose these 9 plants based on their low-maintenance requirements, ability to thrive in indoor environments, and unique characteristics that set them apart from other office plants. We considered factors such as lighting, temperature, humidity, and air quality, as well as the level of care and attention required to keep each plant healthy and thriving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way to water my office plants? A: The best way to water your office plants is to water them thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. This will help prevent overwatering and root rot. Q: How often should I fertilize my office plants? A: You should fertilize your office plants every 1-2 months, using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This will help provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive. Q: Can I keep my office plants in a room with no natural light? A: Yes, many office plants can thrive in rooms with no natural light, as long as they are provided with sufficient artificial lighting. Look for plants that are specifically designed to tolerate low-light conditions, such as the African Violet or the Pothos.

PlantCare Central — About This Guide

PlantCare Central publishes structured houseplant care content built around specific measurements and actionable guidance. All guides follow a consistent research framework covering light requirements, watering schedules, soil composition, and seasonal care.

Featured Plants
In This Guide

African Violet houseplant
Easy

African Violet

Saintpaulia ionantha

The African Violet is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant known for its delicate, exotic-looking flowers and attractive, fuzzy leaves. With proper care, it can thrive in indoor conditions, providing a beautiful display of color and air-purifying benefits.

Indirect LightWeekly
Alocasia Polly houseplant
Easy

Alocasia Polly

Alocasia x amazonica

Alocasia polly is a stunning and popular houseplant known for its beautiful, heart-shaped leaves with intricate vein patterns. With proper care, it can thrive in indoor environments, providing a touch of tropical elegance and helping to purify the air.

Indirect LightWeekly
Flamingo Flower houseplant
Easy

Flamingo Flower

Anthurium andreanum

The Anthurium, also known as the Flamingo Flower, is a popular and low-maintenance houseplant that adds a touch of elegance to any room with its long-lasting, heart-shaped flowers. With proper care, this plant can thrive and provide beautiful blooms for months, making it a great choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts.

Indirect LightWeekly
Golden Feather Palm houseplant
Easy

Golden Feather Palm

Dypsis lutescens

The Areca Palm is a popular and versatile houseplant known for its feathery leaves and ability to purify the air, making it a great addition to any home or office. With its golden stems and yellow-green leaves, this palm is not only a beautiful decorative piece but also a natural air freshener.

Indirect LightWeekly
Baby Rubber Plant houseplant
Easy

Baby Rubber Plant

Peperomia obtusifolia

The Baby Rubber Plant is a low-maintenance, compact houseplant with beautiful, dark green leaves that add a touch of tropical elegance to any room. It's an excellent choice for beginners, as it's easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions.

Indirect LightWeekly
Bamboo Palm houseplant
Easy

Bamboo Palm

Chamaedorea seifrizii

The Bamboo Palm is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant known for its feathery leaves and ability to thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, making it perfect for indoor spaces. With its air-purifying properties and humidity-boosting capabilities, this plant is an excellent choice for those looking to improve the air quality and aesthetic of their home.

Indirect LightWeekly
Polka Dot Begonia houseplant
Easy

Polka Dot Begonia

Begonia maculata

The Begonia maculata, also known as the Polka Dot Begonia, is a stunning tropical plant known for its beautiful leaves with silver spots and its ease of care, making it a perfect addition to any indoor space. With its moderate growth rate and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, this plant is ideal for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.

Indirect LightWeekly
Blue Barrel Cactus houseplant
Easy

Blue Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus glaucescens

The cactus barrel is a stunning and low-maintenance houseplant, known for its vibrant blue-green stems and striking yellow or red flowers. Its unique, barrel-shaped appearance makes it a popular choice for indoor gardens, adding a touch of desert charm to any room.

Indirect LightWeekly
Caladium houseplant
Easy

Caladium

Caladium bicolor

The Caladium is a stunning houseplant known for its vibrant, colorful leaves that add a pop of color to any room. With proper care, this low-maintenance plant can thrive indoors, providing a beautiful display of foliage and air-purifying benefits.

Indirect LightWeekly