Indoor beauties: The 10 best low upkeep office plants

Posted on 24/06/2025

Looking for a simple way to elevate your workspace? Incorporating low upkeep office plants into your indoor environment not only enhances aesthetics but also offers a range of health and productivity benefits. Research shows that greenery can reduce stress, boost creativity, and even purify the air. But for many, maintenance can be a concern. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy-care office plants that thrive with minimal attention. This comprehensive guide reveals the 10 best low maintenance indoor plants to make your office a lush, inviting, and healthier space!

Why Choose Easy Care Office Plants?

Office environments often have less than ideal conditions for plants: low light, inconsistent temperature, and, for the busy professional, limited time for maintenance. The best indoor plants for offices are:

• Resilient--able to survive occasional neglect or overwatering.
• Flexible regarding light requirements.
• Air-purifying, improving both air quality and mood.
• Aesthetically pleasing, adding beauty and vibrance to your workspace.

Below, find our expert-vetted list of the best low maintenance office plants. Each choice is unique, attractive, and requires very little effort to keep thriving!

Top 10 Easy-Care Office Plants for Every Workspace

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is a top contender among indoor beauties due to its stunning vertical leaves and hardy nature. This plant can tolerate low light, infrequent watering, and a variety of temperatures. One of its standout features is its ability to purify air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene--ideal for stuffy office settings.

• Light: Tolerates low to bright indirect light
• Water: Every 2-6 weeks, let soil dry between watering
• Benefits: Air purifying, resilient, attractive foliage

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

If you're new to caring for plants, the ZZ plant is a must-have. Sometimes called the "eternity plant," its attractive, waxy leaves maintain their shine with minimal attention. The ZZ plant excels in poor lighting and can survive weeks without water--perfect for forgetful owners or spaces lacking sunlight.

• Light: Low to medium indirect light
• Water: About once a month
• Benefits: Extremely low upkeep, excellent for beginners

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

The Pothos, or devil's ivy, is renowned for its trailing vines and lush, heart-shaped leaves. As one of the most versatile easy-care office plants, Pothos thrives in a variety of environments and tolerates missed waterings. It's also effective at filtering indoor air, making it a popular pick for office desks, shelves, and even wall planters.

• Light: Low to bright indirect light
• Water: Every 1-2 weeks, allow soil to dry out
• Benefits: Fast-growing, purifies air, adaptable

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The peace lily boasts elegant white blooms and deep green foliage. It is renowned for its ability to clean the air of toxins while requiring minimal care. Peace lilies are forgiving of low light and only need to be watered when their leaves start to droop, letting you know when they're thirsty.

• Light: Low to medium indirect light
• Water: Weekly, or when leaves droop
• Benefits: Beautiful blooms, air purifying, visual impact

5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is cherished for its arched leaves and baby "spiderettes" that dangle from the parent plant. It is nearly indestructible--flourishing in most lighting conditions and tolerating irregular watering. Spider plants are also known to help remove carbon monoxide and other pollutants from the air.

• Light: Moderate to bright indirect light
• Water: Every 1-2 weeks
• Benefits: Easy to propagate, improves air quality

6. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

The jade plant, with its attractive, fleshy oval leaves, fits nicely into modern office designs. As a succulent, it stores water in its leaves, making it highly drought-tolerant. Jade plants symbolize good luck and prosperity, making them a favorite desk companion.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
• Water: Every 2-4 weeks, let soil dry between watering
• Benefits: Low watering needs, attractive, symbolic

7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

True to its name, the cast iron plant is a tough and enduring option for spaces that are low on natural light, making it one of the best plants for office environments. Its dark green, leathery leaves unfurl slowly, giving it a sophisticated look with little to no effort.

• Light: Low light
• Water: Every 2-3 weeks
• Benefits: Tolerates neglect, thrives in shade

8. Philodendron

A perennial favorite, the philodendron comes in a variety of forms--from heartleaf trailers to elegant upright types. These popular easy-care office plants love indirect light and can tolerate some degree of underwatering. Their easy-going nature makes them a staple for any workspace.

• Light: Low to medium indirect sunlight
• Water: Every 1-2 weeks
• Benefits: Wide variety, attractive growth patterns, low fuss

9. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Looking for something a bit different? Lucky bamboo is a stylish plant that's popular in both homes and office settings for its tidy appearance and alleged good fortune. It's exceptionally low maintenance--simply place its roots in water (changed every two weeks) and provide indirect light.

• Light: Indirect light
• Water: Change water every 2 weeks
• Benefits: No soil needed, flexible display options, said to bring luck

10. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Last but not least, the striking rubber plant offers glossy, deep green (or burgundy) leaves and can grow to significant heights given time. This easy care office plant prefers consistent, moderate lighting and only needs water when the top inch of soil dries out.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
• Water: When soil is dry to the touch
• Benefits: Air-purifying, dramatic foliage, adaptable in size

How to Care for Low Upkeep Office Plants

Once you've selected your low maintenance indoor plants, keeping them healthy requires a few basic practices:

• Check soil moisture: Always check if the soil is dry before watering. Too much water can harm even the toughest plants.
• Provide proper lighting: While most easy-care office plants tolerate low light, ensure they are not in complete darkness. Artificial grow lights are an excellent alternative in windowless offices.
• Clean the leaves: Dust can block sunlight and hinder photosynthesis. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth every few weeks.
• Watch for pests: Regularly check undersides of leaves for pests like spider mites or aphids, and treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.
• Repot when needed: When roots begin to outgrow their pot, relocate your plant to provide ample space for continued healthy growth.

Choosing the Right Low Maintenance Office Plant for You

When picking a plant for your workspace, consider:

• Your office light levels: North-facing offices may have less natural light while south-facing windows offer more sunshine.
• Space available: Do you have room for a tall floor plant (like a rubber plant), or just enough for a small desk planter (like lucky bamboo)?
• Allergy concerns: Some plants emit pollen; choose varieties that are safe for you and your colleagues.
• Your own attention level: Be honest--if you travel often or have a hectic schedule, opt for ultra low upkeep office plants like the ZZ plant or snake plant.

Pro Tip:

Group similar plants together to create an attractive indoor oasis. Not only does this improve humidity and air quality, but it also impresses clients and adds a calming effect to your workday.

Benefits of Having Indoor Beauties in Your Workspace

Beyond their visual appeal, low maintenance office plants offer a wealth of advantages:

• Air purification: Many plants, including those listed above, are scientifically proven to remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air.
• Stress reduction: Having greenery nearby can lower anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, and promote a sense of calm.
• Productivity boost: Studies show employees work more efficiently and creatively in environments with plants.
• Noise reduction: Plants can help absorb background noise, contributing to a quieter, more focused workspace.
• Humidity control: Plants release moisture into the air, helping to combat dry office environments, which can cause uncomfortable skin and respiratory issues.

FAQs about Low Upkeep Office Plants

Which indoor plant is best for improving office air quality?

While many easy-care office plants purify air, the snake plant, spider plant, and peace lily are especially effective according to NASA's Clean Air Study.

Can office plants survive with only artificial light?

Yes! Plants like the ZZ plant, pothos, and cast iron plant do well under fluorescent and LED office lighting. However, it's best to gradually acclimate them and avoid direct contact with hot lights.

How often should you water a low upkeep office plant?

This depends on the species, but most low maintenance indoor plants prefer to dry out between waterings. On average, water every 2-4 weeks, always checking soil moisture first.

Do low maintenance office plants need fertilizer?

Generally, these plants thrive on neglect and don't require frequent feeding. If desired, a diluted balanced fertilizer in spring and summer suffices.

Can I have multiple low upkeep plants together?

Absolutely! Mixing different easy-care office plants can create a more stimulating and healthy workspace, provided each plant's lighting and care needs are met.

Conclusion: Create a Greener, Happier Workspace

Incorporating low upkeep office plants offers a simple, affordable way to beautify your workspace, improve indoor air quality, and boost your mood and productivity. With the right selection, you can enjoy the benefits of indoor beauties all year round--without adding extra stress to your busy routine. Whether your office is bathed in sunlight or tucked away in a dim corner, there's an easy care office plant waiting to enhance your space.

So, elevate your work environment today with one (or more) of these top 10 best low maintenance office plants--your mind, body, and coworkers will thank you!