January 1, 2026
Top 10 indoor plants for the office
Aloe
Aloe is an easy-to-care for succulent with striking leaves that fan themselves out from the base of the plant. Aloe plants prefer full sun and soil that isn’t too wet, which stems from their Mediterranean roots.
The leaves are somewhat spiky and the plants can grow to be 3 feet tall, so don’t place aloe plants in areas where people might come into close contact with them.
Size: Up to 3 ft X 3 ft
Needs: Full sun. 65 – 75°F. Somewhat dry soil.
Christmas cactus
Christmas cactus is an indoor cactus plant known for its beautiful flowers in white, lilac, red-orange, rose, or salmon colors. The long, sectioned stems are wide and unusual in appearance. The plants bloom in mid-to-late December, giving them the name Christmas cactus.
Once blooming is complete, use a sharp knife to cut off several sections or parts of the plant’s stems. This will stimulate additional growth in the plant so it returns next year with more flowers.
Size: Up to 12 in X 18 in
Needs: Full sun. 70 – 80°F. Somewhat dry soil.
English ivy
English ivy is a common indoor plant because it’s easy to grow and can fill a corner with greenery. English ivy looks great in containers, pots, and hanging baskets, and its deep green color is appealing for an indoor space. Put it near a window so it can soak up the sun and keep the soil moist by checking it daily.
Size: Up to 12 in high, as long as 6 ft trailing
Needs: Part sun to full sun. 55 – 70°F. Moist soil.
Peace lily
The peace lily is great for an office because it tolerates what many plants won’t: low light and low humidity. It’s also a very attractive plant that is dramatic in appearance. The deep-green, waxy leaves surround the flower spikes in the center, where pretty spoon-like flowers bloom around summertime each year. It can tolerate part shade to full sun without suffering damage as long as the soil is kept moist.
Size: Up to 6 ft X 5 ft
Needs: Part shade to full sun. 60 – 85°F. Moist soil.
Parlor palm
The parlor palm is perfect for an indoor setting because it only grows up to 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide, unlike many other species of palm. It’s a very slow-growing palm, so if you purchase one that’s small, it won’t grow to 8 feet anytime soon. Change the container it’s in every year and re-pot the plant.
The leaflets on the palm fronds grow up to 24 inches long and surprisingly, they can tolerate low light pretty well (unlike other palms). Keep the soil moist for the parlor palm to thrive.
Size: Up to 8 ft X 3 ft
Needs: Part sun to full sun. 55 – 75°F. Moist soil.
Asparagus fern
The asparagus fern is unique in appearance, with stems that grow up and out in interesting green tentacle-like patterns. It makes a great hanging plant or container plant. There are small white flowers hidden among the needle-like foliage of the asparagus fern each year that turn into bright red berries (toxic to ingest).
Size: Up to 36 in X 36 in
Needs: Part sun to full sun. 60 – 75°F. Moist soil.
Snake plant
The snake plant stands upright and can withstand even the most lax plant care. The leaves are leathery and dagger-shaped, with white- or yellow-edges. Full sun brings forth a stalk that produces pretty greenish flowers that are fragrant. It’s a great indoor plant for beginners.
Size: Up to 48 in X 36 in
Needs: Part shade to full sun. 60 – 85°. Somewhat dry soil.
Peperomia
Peperomia’s most interesting feature is its leaves, which vary in shape (heart shape to narrow), texture (waxy to wafflelike) and color (green, reddish or silvery gray). Plants occasionally produce slender flowery spikes that resemble rat’s tails. Use on tabletops and as a companion in dish gardens and mixed baskets. The plant tolerates the low light of a north windowsill and stays small enough to fit on a desk or to be used in a terrarium.
Size: To 6 – 12 in high and 6 – 12 in wide
Needs: Low to medium light. 60 – 75°F. Somewhat dry soil.
Flamingo Lily
The flamingo lily, scientific name Anthurium andraeanum, is an attention-getting indoor plant that is perfect for the office. It has dark green, waxy leaves that surround unique, waxy-looking red flowers with prominent stamen.
The plant needs low to medium light. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Size: 12 in – 24 in
Needs: Partial shade to medium light. Moderately moist soil.
Lilyturf
Lilyturf, or Liriope spicata, is not typically an indoor plant, being an ornamental grass and all. However, it does well indoors, provided it can have partial shade and be watered weekly. Lilyturf needs moderately dry soil to thrive. For an additional boost, feed this plant up to 3 times per year to give it more blooming power.
