Office workers spend a significant amount of time indoors, and studies have shown that indoor plants can have a positive impact on their well-being and productivity. However, not all offices have windows, which can make it challenging to find the right plants that can thrive in low light conditions. Fortunately, there are several indoor plants that are low maintenance and can survive in a windowless office environment.
When it comes to selecting the best plants for office with no windows, there are several factors to consider. For instance, some plants are better suited for low light conditions, while others require direct sunlight. Additionally, some plants are more resilient and can tolerate neglect, while others require regular watering and care. The ideal office plant should be easy to care for, visually appealing, and capable of improving indoor air quality. Some examples include Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Snake Plant, English Ivy, Bromeliad, Aloe Vera, Chinese Evergreen Plant, Dracaena, Money Tree Plant, Dumb Cane, Calathea Makoyana, and Zamioculcas Zamiifolia.
We will explore some of the best plants for an office with no windows, and give examples for low light and bright light. We will also cover low maintenance plants and plants help purify the air in your office! Finally, we will be providing tips on how to care for them and how they can benefit your workspace.
Plants for Low-Light Conditions
When it comes to choosing indoor plants for an office with no windows, you will want to select plants that can thrive in low-light conditions. Here are some of the best low-light indoor plants that can add color and life to your workspace.
Snake Plant
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, are one of the most popular low-light indoor plants. They are easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, including low light. Snake plants can also help purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
ZZ Plant
ZZ plants, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, are another great option for low-light conditions. They have glossy, dark green leaves that can add a touch of elegance to any office space. ZZ plants are also low-maintenance and can survive in a wide range of temperatures.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are a classic indoor plant that can thrive in low-light conditions. They have large, green leaves that can help purify the air and add a tropical touch to your office. Philodendrons are also easy to care for and can tolerate occasional neglect.
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreens, scientifically known as Aglaonema, are an excellent choice for a low-light indoor office plant that brings a sense of lush serenity to your workspace. With their striking, patterned leaves in various shades of green and silver, Chinese Evergreens are not only visually appealing but also low-maintenance and able to adapt to less-than-ideal conditions.
Peperomia
Peperomias, a diverse family of plants, are ideal low-light indoor office plants that can infuse your workspace with a vibrant and lively ambiance. Their small, textured leaves come in various shades of green, red, and even silver, making Peperomias not only visually captivating but also easy to care for and capable of tolerating occasional neglect.
Aglaonema
Aglaonemas, also known as Chinese evergreens, are a great choice for low-light offices. They have variegated leaves that come in a range of colors, including green, silver, and red. Aglaonemas are also low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions.
Spider Plant
Spider plants, also known as Chlorophytum comosum, are a popular indoor plant that can thrive in low-light conditions. They have long, narrow leaves that can add a touch of elegance to your office.
Pothos
Pothos, also known as Epipremnum aureum, are a low-light indoor plant that can add a touch of green to your workspace. They have heart-shaped leaves that come in a range of colors, including green, yellow, and variegated. Pothos are also low-maintenance and can tolerate occasional neglect.
Dracaena
Dracaenas are a diverse group of indoor plants that can thrive in low-light conditions. They have long, narrow leaves that come in a variety of colors and textures. Dracaenas are also low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions.
Cast Iron Plant
Cast Iron Plants, also known as Aspidistra elatior, are a low-light indoor plant that can add a touch of elegance to your office. They have dark green leaves that are thick and leathery.
Bromeliad
Bromeliads are a low-light indoor plant that can add a touch of color to your workspace. They have colorful, exotic-looking leaves that come in a range of colors, including green, red, and yellow.
Parlor Palm
Parlor Palms, also known as Chamaedorea elegans, are a low-light indoor plant that can add a touch of elegance to your office. They have delicate, green leaves that can help purify the air and add a tropical touch to your workspace. Parlor Palms are also low-maintenance and can tolerate occasional neglect.
Prayer Plant
Prayer Plants, also known as Maranta leuconeura, are a low-light indoor plant that can add a touch of color to your workspace. They have colorful, patterned leaves that fold up at night, giving them a unique appearance. Prayer Plants are also low-maintenance and can tolerate occasional neglect.
Dumb Cane
Dumb Canes, also known as Dieffenbachia, are a low-light indoor plant that can add a touch of tropical elegance to your office. They have large, variegated leaves that come in a range of colors, including green, yellow, and white. Dumb Canes are also low-maintenance and can tolerate occasional neglect.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera plants are known for their hardiness and ability to withstand low-light conditions, making them a suitable choice for an office without natural light. With their unique, fleshy leaves and numerous health benefits, Aloe Vera plants can be both a visually appealing and functional addition to your workspace.
Plants for Bright-Light Conditions
When it comes to finding the best plants for an office with no windows, it’s important to consider the lighting conditions. For offices with bright-light conditions or bright fluorescent lighting, there are several plant options that thrive in these conditions.
Succulents
Succulents are a great option for bright-light conditions in an office. They are low-maintenance plants that can survive in dry environments, making them perfect for office spaces. Some popular succulent options include the Echeveria, Jade Plant, lucky bamboo, and Aloe Vera.
Cactus
Cacti are another great option for bright-light conditions in an office. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and require minimal watering. Some popular cactus options include the Barrel Cactus, Bunny Ear Cactus, and Christmas Cactus.
Money Tree
The Money Tree is a popular plant for offices with bright-light conditions. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity, making it a popular choice for businesses. The Money Tree requires bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Monstera
The Monstera is a trendy plant that is well-suited for bright-light conditions in an office. It has large, glossy leaves that add a touch of green to any space. The Monstera requires bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Maidenhair Fern
The Maidenhair Fern is a delicate plant that is well-suited for bright-light conditions in an office. It has feathery fronds that add a touch of elegance to any space. The Maidenhair Fern requires bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Tillandsia
Tillandsias, also known as air plants, are a unique option for bright-light conditions in an office. They require no soil and can be displayed in a variety of creative ways. Tillandsias require bright, indirect light and regular misting.
Aloe
Aloe is a popular plant for offices with bright-light conditions. It has medicinal properties and is believed to improve air quality. Aloe requires bright, indirect light and minimal watering.
Bird’s Nest Fern
The Bird’s Nest Fern is a low-maintenance plant that is well-suited for bright-light conditions in an office. It has a unique shape and adds a touch of texture to any space. The Bird’s Nest Fern requires bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Peacock Plant
The Peacock Plant is a colorful option for bright-light conditions in an office. It has vibrant, patterned leaves that add a touch of personality to any space. The Peacock Plant requires bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Ficus
Ficus plants are a popular option for bright-light conditions in an office. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are well-suited for indoor environments. Ficus plants require bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Air Plants
Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are a popular choice for office spaces with no windows. These unique plants do not require soil to grow and can survive on air and moisture alone. They are low-maintenance and can add a touch of green to any workspace.
Air plants come in various shapes and sizes, from small and delicate to large and striking. They are versatile and can be displayed in a variety of ways, such as hanging from the ceiling or mounted on a piece of driftwood. They can also be placed in a decorative container or terrarium.
One of the benefits of air plants is that they can improve air quality by removing toxins and pollutants from the air. They absorb carbon dioxide during the day and release oxygen at night, making them ideal for indoor spaces. They also have a calming effect and can help reduce stress levels in the workplace.
When caring for air plants, it is important to mist them with water once or twice a week, or soak them in water for 20-30 minutes every two weeks. They should be placed in an area with bright, indirect light and kept away from direct sunlight, which can damage their leaves.
Low-Maintenance Plants
When it comes to office plants, low-maintenance options are ideal for those who do not have a green thumb or who are too busy to care for their plants regularly. Fortunately, there are plenty of low-maintenance plants that thrive in environments with no windows.
Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant is a popular choice for office spaces due to its ability to tolerate low light and neglect. This plant is known for its sturdy, dark green leaves that can grow up to two feet long. It requires little water and can even survive in dry air conditions.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant is another low-maintenance option that is perfect for offices with no windows. This plant is known for its long, upright leaves that come in various shades of green and yellow. It can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making it an ideal choice for busy professionals.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant is a popular choice for office spaces due to its ability to thrive in low light and dry conditions. This plant is known for its waxy, dark green leaves that can grow up to three feet tall. It requires minimal watering and can even survive in low humidity environments.
Spider Plants
Spider Plants are another low-maintenance option that is perfect for offices with no windows. This plant is known for its long, thin leaves that come in various shades of green and white. It can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making it an ideal choice for busy professionals.
Dumb Canes
Dumb Canes are a low-maintenance option that is perfect for offices with no windows. This plant is known for its large, tropical leaves that come in various shades of green and white. It can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making it an ideal choice for busy professionals.
Succulent Plant
Succulent Plants are a low-maintenance option that is perfect for offices with no windows. These plants come in various shapes and sizes and are known for their ability to store water in their leaves. This allows them to survive in dry environments with little water.
Overall, these low-maintenance plants are great options for office buildings with no windows. They require minimal care and can thrive in environments with low light and infrequent watering. Whether you choose a Cast Iron Plant, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Spider Plant, Dumb Cane, or Succulent Plant, you are sure to find a low-maintenance option that will thrive in your workspace.
Best Plants for Air Quality
When it comes to choosing the right plant for your office with no windows, it’s important to select ones that not only look great but also improve the air quality. Here are some of the best plants for air quality that can thrive in windowless environments.
Peace Lily
Peace Lily is a popular choice for offices with no windows because it is easy to care for and can help purify the air. It can remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it a great choice for improving air quality.
Spider Plant
Spider Plant is another great option for improving air quality. It is easy to care for and can remove harmful toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from the air. It is also non-toxic to pets, making it a great choice for animal lovers.
Snake Plant
Snake Plant is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in low-light environments. It can remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it a great choice for improving air quality in your office.
English Ivy
English Ivy is a great choice for improving air quality in your office. It can remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. It is also easy to care for and can thrive in low-light environments.
Bromeliad
Bromeliad is a beautiful plant that can help purify the air in your office. It can remove toxins like formaldehyde from the air and is easy to care for. It is also non-toxic to pets, making it a great choice for animal lovers.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a great choice for offices with no windows because it is easy to care for and can help purify the air. It can remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air and is also known for its healing properties.
Chinese Evergreen Plant
Chinese Evergreen Plant is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in low-light environments. It can remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it a great choice for improving air quality in your office.
Dracaena
Dracaena is a popular choice for improving air quality in your office. It can remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. It is also easy to care for and can thrive in low-light environments.
Money Tree Plant
Money Tree Plant is a great choice for improving air quality in your office. It can remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air and is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
Dumb Cane
Dumb Cane is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in low-light environments. It can remove toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from the air, making it a great choice for improving air quality in your office.
Calathea Makoyana
Calathea Makoyana is a beautiful plant that can help purify the air in your office. It can remove toxins like formaldehyde from the air and is also easy to care for.
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in low-light environments. It can remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it a great choice for improving air quality in your office.
How To Keep Office Plants Alive
Now that you know what kinds of plants you need, well how do you keep them alive in an office with no windows? Caring for office plants is no doubt important because you want to make sure that they thrive so they can provide the benefits of purifying the air, reducing stress, and increasing productivity.
Light Requirements
Most office plants thrive in bright, indirect light. However, some plants can tolerate low light conditions. It is essential to choose plants that match the available light conditions in the office. Plants that require low light include snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos. On the other hand, plants that require bright, indirect light include peace lilies, spider plants, and Chinese evergreens.
Humidity
Dry air can cause problems for office plants. Most office environments have low humidity levels, which can lead to leaf browning and wilting. To increase humidity levels, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant. Misting the leaves can also help increase humidity levels.
Watering
Overwatering is one of the most common problems that office plants face. It is essential to let the soil dry out between watering. The frequency of watering depends on the plant species, the size of the pot, and the light conditions. Touch the top of that is recommended to water the plants thoroughly until the water runs out of the drainage holes. It is also important to avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot. Some indoor plants do well with self watering pots and some do not.
Fertilizing
Office plants require nutrients to thrive. It is recommended to use a houseplant fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid overfertilizing, which can lead to fertilizer burn. It is also important to avoid fertilizing during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Repotting
Office plants may outgrow their pots and require repotting. It is essential to choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot. Repotting should be done during the growing season (spring and summer) when the plant is actively growing. It is also important to use fresh potting soil to avoid soil compaction and improve drainage.
Preventing Root Rot
Root rot is a common problem that office plants face. It is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent root rot, it is essential to let the soil dry out between watering and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water. It is also important to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes.
Benefits of Office Plants
Office plants are not just decorative elements, but they can also bring a range of benefits to the workplace. Here are some advantages of having plants in a windowless office.
1. Improved Air Quality
Plants are natural air purifiers. They absorb pollutants and toxins from the air and release oxygen, which can improve the air quality in the office. Some plants, such as the peace lily and spider plant, are particularly effective at removing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene.
2. Increased Productivity
Studies have shown that plants in the workplace can increase productivity and creativity. Greenery can help reduce stress and improve mood, which can lead to better job satisfaction and performance. Plants can also help reduce noise levels and create a more tranquil and calming atmosphere.
3. Feng Shui Benefits
Plants can also have feng shui benefits in the workplace. According to feng shui principles, plants can help balance the energy in a space and create a harmonious environment. Certain plants, such as the bamboo palm and money tree, are believed to attract wealth and prosperity.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
Finally, plants can add aesthetic appeal to an otherwise dull and lifeless office. Plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be used to create a natural and inviting atmosphere. They can also be used to decorate desks, shelves, and other areas of the office.
Overall, office plants can bring a range of benefits to the workplace, from improved air quality to increased productivity and aesthetic appeal. Incorporating plants into the office can be a simple and effective way to create a more vibrant and healthy working environment.
