Office Plants You Can't Kill: The 10 Best Low Maintenance Picks

Posted on 30/06/2025

Office Plants You Can't Kill: The 10 Best Low Maintenance Picks

Have you ever brought a beautiful plant into your office, only to watch it wilt away under fluorescent lights and forgotten watering cans? You're not alone! Many of us want a touch of greenery in our workspace, but struggle with maintaining traditional houseplants. Fortunately, there are plenty of low maintenance office plants that thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions. Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the best office plants you can't kill - add life and color to your workplace without stress or extra effort.

Why Should You Have Plants in the Office?

Before we get to the list, let's explore why you should consider having plants in your workspace:

• Boost Productivity: Studies show office plants can increase focus and productivity.
• Improve Air Quality: Plants help purify indoor air, removing toxins and improving oxygen levels.
• Enhance Mood: Greenery reduces stress and creates a welcoming, calming environment.
• Decorative Appeal: Office plants add style, color, and interest to otherwise dull office spaces.

What Makes a Plant 'Unkillable'?

Unkillable office plants share certain characteristics that help them endure low-light, irregular watering, and temperature fluctuations. Look for:

• Low Light Tolerance: Survive away from sunny windows.
• Drought Resistance: Thrive even if you skip watering for a week (or two).
• Pest/ Disease Resistance: Less prone to common plant issues.
• Slow Growing: Minimal pruning or repotting needed.

The 10 Best Low Maintenance Office Plants You Can't Kill

Here are the 10 top low-maintenance office plants that are very difficult to kill and perfect for busy professionals.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Also known as Mother-in-law's Tongue, the snake plant is arguably the toughest office plant out there. Its upright, sword-like leaves add a modern touch to any desk.

• Light: Thrives in low, medium, or bright light.
• Care: Water only when soil is dry; every few weeks is fine.
• Tip: Resistant to most pests and diseases.

Bonus: Snake plant is one of the best for air purification!

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is a top pick for forgetful plant owners. Its glossy, dark green leaves tolerate neglect better than almost any other office plant.

• Light: Happy in low to bright, indirect sunlight.
• Care: Water once soil is dry - often every 2-3 weeks.
• Tip: ZZ plants rarely need fertilizing or repotting.

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is famous for its trailing vines and beautiful heart-shaped leaves. It grows quickly and can tolerate virtually any indoor condition.

• Light: Low to medium light is best.
• Care: Water once a week or less; tolerates missed waterings.
• Tip: Prune to keep it bushy or let it trail for a decorative look.

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lilies adapt well to office environments and even tell you when they're thirsty - leaves droop visibly.

• Light: Prefers low to medium light (no direct sun).
• Care: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Tip: Peace lilies also effectively clean the air.

5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Don't let the name scare you - the Spider Plant is beginner-proof. Its curly green leaves with white stripes tolerate neglect, making it a favorite for low-maintenance office plants.

• Light: Thrives in indirect light but tolerates low light.
• Care: Water when the soil dries out; avoid soggy soil.
• Tip: Produces "spiderettes" for easy propagation.

6. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

The heartleaf philodendron is tolerant to neglect and perfect for a hanging basket or a pot on a shelf.

• Light: Adaptable to low, medium, or bright indirect light.
• Care: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
• Tip: Prune stems for a bushier plant.

7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Nicknamed for its incredible durability, the Cast Iron Plant thrives on neglect.

• Light: Prefers low light to shade (perfect for offices with no windows).
• Care: Water occasionally; let the soil mostly dry out.
• Tip: Resistant to most pests, surviving temperature fluctuations.

8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

The Chinese evergreen is an attractive, low-light office plant available in different leaf colors and patterns.

• Light: Low to medium, indirect light.
• Care: Water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Tip: Very tolerant of dry indoor air and neglect.

9. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

The Jade Plant is a classic succulent known for its plump, shiny leaves and ability to thrive on minimal care.

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight but will tolerate less.
• Care: Water only when the soil is bone dry - about every 3 weeks.
• Tip: Ideal for desks with less frequent watering needs.

10. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

While not a true bamboo, Lucky Bamboo is virtually indestructible and a favorite for the Feng Shui-minded.

• Light: Low to medium, indirect light (avoid direct sun).
• Care: Grows in water (change water every couple of weeks) or a well-draining potting mix.
• Tip: Said to bring good luck and positive energy into your workspace!

How to Choose the Right Office Plant for You

Every office or workspace has unique lighting, temperature, and humidity conditions. Here are some strategies to help choose your ideal easy office plant:

• Assess Light Levels: Is your desk by a window, or in a corner? Pick plants that match your light conditions.
• Space Available: Consider whether you want a tall floor plant, a desktop plant, or a hanging option.
• Watering Habits: If you travel often or forget to water, look for drought-tolerant varieties.
• Pet Safety: Some plants are toxic to pets; if you bring your dog or cat to work, check safety first.
• Style Preferences: Do you prefer leafy, trailing vines or architectural, upright plants?

Tips for Thriving Low Maintenance Office Plants

1. Don't Overwater: The most common way to kill a hardy plant is too much water. Always let the soil partly dry before watering.
2. Rotate for Even Growth: Pick up your plant and rotate it every month to promote balanced growth.
3. Wipe the Leaves: Dust can accumulate and block sunlight. Gently wipe the leaves every couple of weeks.
4. Avoid Direct Drafts: Keep plants away from air conditioning vents or heaters that can dry them out.
5. Minimal Fertilizing: Hardy office plants seldom need feeding - try once in spring and once in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unkillable Office Plants

Are these office plants safe for pets?

Some office plants listed, such as the ZZ plant, peace lily, and pothos, can be toxic if ingested by cats or dogs. If your office is pet-friendly, look for pet-safe options like the spider plant or cast iron plant.

Do low maintenance office plants need sunlight?

Most of these hardy plants thrive in low or indirect light, making them perfect for cubicles or windowless offices. However, all plants need some light--consider an LED grow light for especially dim spaces.

How often should I water my unkillable office plant?

The general rule for easy-care office plants is to let the soil dry out between waterings. For most, every 1-3 weeks is sufficient, depending on office temperature and humidity. Overwatering is riskier than underwatering!

Can office plants really improve air quality?

Yes! Several studies--including NASA's Clean Air Study--show that plants like the snake plant, pothos, and peace lily help remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene, making your office air healthier.

The Benefits of Low Maintenance Plants in the Workplace

Investing in unkillable office plants offers more than just aesthetic improvements. Here's what your workspace stands to gain:

• Reduce Stress: Exposure to greenery can lower heart rates and promote relaxation.
• Enhanced Collaboration: A welcoming, natural environment fosters creativity and teamwork.
• Minimal Care: Even those with no plant experience can enjoy success.
• Long-Lasting Beauty: These plants endure even when office life gets hectic.

Conclusion: Bring Life to Your Office with Unkillable Greenery

You don't need a green thumb to enjoy the beauty, health, and productivity benefits of indoor plants. The best unkillable office plants--from snake plant to lucky bamboo--bring stress-free, low-maintenance greenery to your workspace. Whether you want a desktop accent or a striking floor piece, there's a perfect easy office plant for you.

Ready to green up your cubicle? Choose your favorite from our list of the best low maintenance office plants that are almost impossible to kill--and enjoy a fresher, happier, and more productive workday.

Remember: Even tough plants appreciate a little attention, so check in on your new office companion every now and then. You'll be rewarded with years of lush, green growth--no gardening skills required!