Office Plants That Are Basically Unkillable
We’ve all been there: you buy a plant to brighten up your office, but after a few weeks of neglect (or accidental overwatering), it starts to look more like a dried-up stick than a thriving plant. The guilt sets in, and before you know it, your workspace is full of shriveled leaves and forgotten succulents. But what if I told you that there are office plants that are practically indestructible? No more stressing over your lack of green thumb—these hardy plants can handle the occasional neglect, poor lighting, and even the cold air conditioning that makes your office feel more like the Arctic.
If you’re ready to add a little greenery to your desk without the stress of plant care, here’s a list of the top office plants that are basically unkillable. These green warriors are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a touch of nature in their workspace without worrying about turning their desk into a plant graveyard.
Snake Plant
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Also known as the "Mother-in-Law’s Tongue," the Snake Plant is one of the most low-maintenance plants you can own. It thrives in low light and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making it perfect for the office environment. Snake Plants are highly adaptable and only need to be watered when the soil is dry, which makes them ideal for forgetful plant owners.
One of the Snake Plant's best features is its resistance to pests, so you won’t have to worry about critters invading your desk. Plus, it’s an excellent air purifier, helping to improve the air quality in your workspace. With its sleek, upright leaves and minimal care requirements, the Snake Plant is a perfect addition to any office.
Care Tips:
Light: Low to bright indirect light
Watering: Water when the soil is dry; less is more
Maintenance: Very low
ZZ Plant
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
If there’s a plant that exemplifies the "set it and forget it" approach, it’s the ZZ plant. Known for its resilience, the ZZ plant can tolerate low light and goes for long periods without needing water. Its glossy, dark green leaves add an elegant touch to any desk, and it’s virtually impossible to kill. The ZZ plant thrives on neglect, making it an ideal choice for busy professionals who don’t have the time or energy for complicated plant care routines.
Additionally, the ZZ plant has air-purifying properties, making it not just a pretty face but a functional one too. Whether you have a sunny office or one with minimal light, the ZZ plant will thrive, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of greenery without the hassle.
Care Tips:
Light: Low to bright indirect light
Watering: Water every 2-3 weeks; allow the soil to dry out between waterings
Maintenance: Very low
Pothos
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
For those who are constantly on the go, the Pothos is a plant that can handle the hustle and bustle of office life. This trailing vine is known for its ability to survive on minimal attention. It can tolerate low light and only needs watering when the soil is dry. Pothos plants are also very forgiving—if you forget to water them for a few days, they’ll bounce back with no problem.
What makes Pothos even more appealing is how easy it is to propagate. You can cut a piece of the vine, place it in water, and watch it grow roots. Soon enough, you'll have multiple plants to spread around your office or give to friends.
Care Tips:
Light: Low to bright indirect light
Watering: Water when the soil feels dry; don’t overwater
Maintenance: Low; easy to propagate
Aloe Vera
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is not just a tough plant; it’s also incredibly useful. Known for its soothing properties, Aloe Vera is often used to treat minor burns, cuts, and skin irritations. But when it’s not busy helping your skin, it’s thriving on your desk with very little care.
Aloe Vera prefers bright, indirect light and needs minimal watering. In fact, it’s better to let it dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. This succulent stores water in its thick leaves, so you don’t need to worry about frequent watering. With its striking appearance and health benefits, Aloe Vera is a must-have for any office.
Care Tips:
Light: Bright, indirect light
Watering: Water when the soil is dry; allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings
Maintenance: Low; occasional watering
spider plant
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is a beginner’s dream. Known for its long, arching leaves that resemble spider legs, this plant is incredibly easy to care for and highly adaptable. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light conditions. The Spider Plant is known for its ability to produce "babies" or small offshoots that can be propagated into new plants.
In addition to being low-maintenance, Spider Plants are air-purifying, making them a great choice for improving the air quality in your office. They’re also safe for pets, so you don’t have to worry about your furry friends getting into trouble.
Care Tips:
Light: Bright, indirect light (but can tolerate low light)
Watering: Water when the soil is dry
Maintenance: Low; produces baby plants that can be propagated
Cast-iron Plant
6. Cast-iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The name says it all—the Cast-Iron Plant is tough as nails. It’s a slow-growing plant that can thrive in low light and tolerate irregular watering schedules. Whether your office is hot and dry or cold and drafty, the Cast-Iron Plant won’t bat an eye. It’s perfect for environments where other plants might struggle, making it an ideal choice for anyone who forgets to water their plants on time.
This plant is also quite hardy when it comes to pests, making it a low-maintenance addition to your workspace. If you're looking for a reliable, no-fuss plant, the Cast-Iron Plant is the one for you.
Care Tips:
Light: Low to bright indirect light
Watering: Water when the soil is dry; it’s more tolerant of drought than overwatering
Maintenance: Very low
Potted Cactus
7. Cactus (Various species)
Cacti are the epitome of low-maintenance plants. These desert dwellers love bright, direct sunlight and need very little water to thrive. In fact, you can skip weeks (or even months) of watering, and your cactus will still look healthy. Cacti come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that fits your office aesthetic. Whether you're drawn to their spiky texture or their unique forms, cacti can be a stylish and practical addition to any workspace.
Just be careful of those spines! While cacti are great for adding character to your desk, they’re not the best choice for anyone with a tendency to knock things over. But if you're looking for a plant that can handle your erratic watering habits, a cactus is a great option.
Care Tips:
Light: Bright, direct sunlight
Watering: Water when the soil is dry; minimal watering required
Maintenance: Very low; be cautious of spines
Potted Chinese Evergreen
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese Evergreen is another great choice for offices with less-than-ideal lighting. It thrives in low light and is forgiving when it comes to inconsistent watering. Despite being low-maintenance, this plant is lush and vibrant, with beautiful green and silver-patterned leaves. The Chinese Evergreen adds a touch of elegance to any workspace without requiring constant attention.
This plant is also known for its air-purifying abilities, making it not only a visually appealing but also a functional addition to your office.
Care Tips:
Light: Low to bright indirect light
Watering: Water when the soil feels dry; don’t overwater
Maintenance: Low
Potted Peace Lily
9. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is often regarded as the diva of low-maintenance plants, but don’t let its delicate appearance fool you. It thrives in low to bright indirect light and only needs water every few days. While it may need a little more attention than some of the other plants on this list, it’s still relatively easy to care for.
The real reward comes when the Peace Lily blooms. Its white, elegant flowers are a sight to behold and will make you feel like a plant care expert—even if you’re not. Plus, Peace Lilies are known for their air-purifying properties, helping to create a healthier office environment.
Disclaimer: Peace Lilies are toxic to both cats and dogs, so be sure to keep them out of reach if you have pets in your office.
Care Tips:
Light: Low to bright indirect light
Watering: Water regularly, but avoid letting it sit in water
Maintenance: Moderate
Potted Jade Plant
10. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The Jade Plant is another succulent that requires minimal care. It thrives in bright light and can go for long periods without water, thanks to its ability to store moisture in its thick leaves. Not only is the Jade Plant easy to care for, but it’s also considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity, often referred to as the "money plant" or "wealth plant." This makes it an excellent choice for your office desk, as it’s believed to bring positive energy and financial success. Many people place a Jade Plant in their workspace to attract good fortune and even improve their overall mood.
This plant’s unique, tree-like appearance adds character to your workspace, and its low-maintenance nature makes it perfect for anyone with a busy schedule. Plus, its compact size makes it a versatile option that can fit on virtually any desk, bringing nature into your environment without taking up too much space.
Care Tips:
Light: Bright, indirect light
Watering: Water when the soil is dry; avoid overwatering
Maintenance: Low
Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or a complete beginner, these "unkillable" office plants offer a perfect solution for anyone who wants to add greenery to their workspace without the stress. From the low-maintenance Snake Plant to the air-purifying Peace Lily, each of these plants brings something unique to the table. So, go ahead and choose one (or several) for your office, and enjoy the benefits of a healthier, more inviting work environment. Happy planting!