The Best Plants for An Office With No Windows: 2023 Guide

Published September 26, 2023

An office with no windows can feel dull as is. It’s a good thing there are plants to spice it up. Besides acting as a decorator, having a little greenery around is always a good thing. 

Having a plant on your desk can spark up the space. It can bring you happiness. It can kick-start your day. Also, elevate your productivity as you go through your work tasks for the day. 

It’s a misconception that an office with no windows can take care of plants. We’ll prove you wrong. Continue reading as we’ll tackle all the top plants for an office without windows. We’ll also tap into the benefits of raising one in your office. Further, how to choose correctly. We’ll surely level up your workplace. Let’s start.

Can a Plant Survive in an Office With No Windows?

Most plants need sunlight for photosynthesis. Yet, several low-light tolerant plants can thrive in indoor environments with artificial light sources. These plants have adapted to lower light conditions. They can still carry out photosynthesis effectively. 

Fluorescent lighting is better for a lot of plants. Another option for offices with no windows is plants that demand less light. 

Benefits of Plants for Office With No Windows

1. It may reduce feelings of negativity in the workplace. 

A 2005 study affirms that introducing plants in a workplace is a great idea. It drastically reduced the tension levels of office workers. The research uses electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and blood pressure tests to come to that conclusion. Questionnaires also point toward the same conclusion.

2. A plant can potentially lessen the likelihood of absences. 

Absences at work occur due to illnesses and other health concerns. Interestingly enough, studies indicate that the presence of a plant may reduce physical discomfort. Also, decrease the likelihood of diseases.

3. Plants can improve the indoor air quality in the office. 

If an office has no windows, there’s a good chance the only ventilation sources are air conditioners and similar systems. Unfortunately, these devices are often insufficient to eliminate air pollution.

These include the following:

• Benzene
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
• Ozone
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

As you might already imagine, plants can also tackle this problem as they can reduce the amount of these air pollutants. It is an excellent testament to the benefits of plants since several studies (refer to the links in the bullet points) point towards this same conclusion.

4. An indoor plant can boost productivity. 

It’s already a given that benefits like reduced stress and anxiety, lower chances of illnesses and physical discomfort, and better indoor air quality indirectly increase the productivity of people in a workplace.

However, a 2002 study shows a direct relationship between productivity and indoor air quality.

To be precise, the study found that for every 1% reduction in dissatisfaction with indoor air quality comes a 10% increase in productivity. The study comes to this conclusion by measuring:

• the time it takes to finish editing and sorting tasks,
• the time it takes to complete computer-related tasks,
• the attention capacity of a worker, and
• their performance in creative tasks.

In most studies, there’s a decent increase in these metrics, which shows that indoor plants can directly improve a person’s productivity.

5. The presence of plants might improve the business image. 

The presence of plants can impact the business image positively. They do so by improving the perception of others in the company. It drives people to think of the business as well-run, stable, and warm. Also, pants are associated with a welcoming aura and trustworthiness. 

How to Choose Plants for a Windowless Office

When choosing plants for a windowless office, there are several considerations. Here are the most important things to keep in mind: 

1. Light Requirements 

Lean on for plants that can survive in low-light conditions. Look for varieties that are labeled suitable for low-light environments. 

2. Maintenance 

Consider the level of care and maintenance demanded for each plant. Some plants may require more frequent watering. Some may need regular pruning or fertilizing. Others are more low-maintenance. 

3. Size 

Take into account the available space in your office. Pick a plant that will fit comfortably. Do not overcrowd the area as it may affect your productivity. 

4. Air Quality 

Look for plants that have air-purifying qualities. These ones help enhance indoor air quality. They act as a filter for toxins. They produce oxygen. 

5. Allergies 

Consider any allergies or sensitivities that you may have. Avoid plants that yield a lot of pollen. Also, those who have strong scents to prevent any potential discomfort. 

6. Aesthetics 

Select plants that will complement the overall design of your office. Cosndier the colors, textures and shapes. They ought to work in creating a visually appealing workplace. 

7. Durability 

Choose plants that are known for their resilience. Lean on those that can withstand indoor office conditions. For example, temperature fluctuations and artificial lighting. 

Best Plants for Office With No Windows

1. Snake Plant 

Snake plant is hardy, gorgeous, and beginner-friendly. It is our top choice for the best windowless office plant. It thrives in low-light areas and only needs very little care and attention. It’s every workaholic’s best friend. 

Snake plants come in many forms. The most popular of which is Sansevieria Laurenti. It has long, flat leaves. It also grows relatively tall. 

Tall Snake plants will look great in office corners. This plant in a rectangular planter can give a distinctive look to your home office. Shorter varieties like Bird’s Nest and Futura Robusta make excellent office desk plants. 

2. ZZ Plant 

ZZ plant is a low-maintenance plant, perfect even for those clueless about plants. It requires very little light and thrives under fluorescent office lighting. It has dark green waxy leaves that look chic and elegant in offices. ZZ plant is a favorite for commercial space workplaces. 

3. Dumb Cane 

A plant that prefers indirect light, Dumb Canes. It can make your home office shine. It has large patterned leaves that look breathtaking. It can easily add a tropical vibe to indoor spaces. In windowless offices, they can even double as partitions. 

4. Peace Lily 

Peace lilies are tropical plants with deep green foliage. It has beautiful hooted white flowers. 

Peace lilies require indirect light. Yet, they thrive well in low light conditions, too. Without much natural light, however, they don’t flower as much. Still, their beautiful foliage makes up for it. 

5. Dragon Tree 

Dragon trees are plants that hate direct sunlight. And these are uniquely gorgeous plants that look like they come from a beautiful alien landscape. They love rooms with low light. They are an excellent option for dark workspaces. 

Dragon tree has slender, spiky leaves. It will make your home office look striking. 

6. Arrowhead plant 

Arrowheads are another best office plant. These adjust well to rooms with fluorescent lighting. They like moisture and benefit from the occasional misting. 

While growing, they put out vines. If you’d like yours to be a climber, you can set up poles for support. You can even guide them to climb on a pin-up board in your office. 

Arrowheads can be maintained as short indoor plants. It does this by trimming out their vines. Doing so allows them to get bushy as they age with many bright green leaves. 

7. Prayer plant 

Prayer plants are a family of tropical plants with impressive colors and patterns. These plants do well in indirect and fluorescent lighting. Also, they love humidity. 

Red calatheas are one of the most sought-after prayer plants. They have dark green leaves and deep red veins. They will surely be a decorative piece in your windowless office. 

8. Pothos 

Pothos are commonly known as Devil’s Ivy. It is a resilient plant that thrives in spaces with small natural light. It suits low-maintenance plant titles perfectly. 

You can put it in a hanging pot or on a shelf for the best effect. You’ll find that this way allows the leaves to trail downwards. 

9. Spider Plant 

Spider plants are happy in low light. These are hardy plants that only require minimal watering. If you’re a busy boss, this one’s for you. They are easy to grow in most indoor spaces and fast. In many cases, these plants thrive and flower indoors. Most also produce baby spider plants, which you can repot. 

These pretty plants have green and white leaves. They easily tie your working area decorations.

10. Parlour Palm 

Parlour Palm can be described as graceful and classy. It looks good in any part of an office with no windows. It tolerates low light and low moisture. It can be kept happy with fluorescent light with gentle misting. They are also slow-growing. 

11. Bird’s nest fern 

Bird’s nest fern is a tropical plant that grows in the shade of large natural plants and trees. It doesn’t survive in direct sunlight. Instead, they thrive in indirect light sources. 

It is a beautiful choice if you have low levels of natural light in your office. You can take care of it just with artificial light. It also loves humidity. Thus, you must lightly mist it now and then. In cases where you can’t, use a humidifier. 

12. Cast Iron Plant 

If you’re worried about killing your office plants, this is for you. You will need a Cast Iron Plant. They are not fussy at all. They succeed in rooms with artificial lightning. They also don’t need to be watered most of the time. 

13. Air Plant 

Air plants are beautiful small plants that don’t need soil to grow. They just hang around, literally, in nature. All their nutrients come from the air. It is why they make great additions to small, windowless desk setups. You won’t notice them much as they take very little of your space. 

Air plants thrive in bright, indirect, or full-spectrum fluorescent lighting. You must also ask them for an hour or two weekly. Then, let them air dry. Shop for well-ventilated pots and containers for these. 

14. Peperomia 

Peperomia plants come in different forms. All of them are equally stunning. They do not tolerate too much sun. It is why they are perfect for dark home offices. They tend to grow slowly in unlit and shaded areas. Still, nothing fluorescent lighting can’t handle. 

15. Bromeliads 

Choose Bromeliads if you’re looking for a pop of color in your workspace. They are vibrant tropical plants. Surprisingly, they are content with artificial light alone. These plants are enjoyable to look at if you love anything colorful. They add a unique look to any space. 

16. Lady Palm 

Lady Palm is for those looking for medium to large-sized office plants. They do just fine with office lighting. These beautiful palms and dark green fronds will look posh in your home office. It is lovely in corners to brighten up the room. You can also keep them near your desk. Taller variations can also be used to hide wires on the walls. Impressive. 

17. Chinese Evergreen 

Chinese evergreen plants are among the best indoor plants for offices with no windows. They love low light and thrive in a home office light setup. They are beginner-friendly plants. All come in many colors and can light up any corner of your working space. 

18. English Ivy 

Change up the look of your home office with the following indoor plants. English ivy climbers look marvelous in hanging planters. You can also set up support to guide them. Create a lush green wall, or decorate your shelves with them. 

19. Lucky Bamboo 

The Lucky Bamboo is an eye-catching plant that is perfect for an office desk or any empty shelves you may have. It’s stunning. The stems are styled so well that they add their twist of decor to a windowless office. 

20. Peacock Plant 

Peacock plant is another addition to any dull, windowless space. It has purple hues, dark green outlines, and pale green trimming. It is diverse. You can hang it on a pot or place it on the corner of your desk. 

How to Take Care of an Indoor Plant

1. Keep potting soil moist but not wet. 

If your soil is too dry or overwatered, it can trigger damage to the plant’s roots. It will prevent it from growing. No defined frequency works for all indoor plants. Yet, plants with lush, thick leaves often require more water. It is a plant with waxy or feathery leaves. Do research on the specific plant you have. Follow guidelines on how often to water it. 

2. Pick a pot that has good drainage. 

The load of drainage in the pot you’re keeping in your office plant is critical. Ensure that there are drainage holes at the beneath of your pot. 

3. Increase the humidity of your office with no windows. 

Dry air may serve certain plants, such as cacti. Yet most plants need humidity. It is the case for tropical plants. Buy a room humidifier. Select one with a cool mist. Ensure it’s close enough to provide moisture in the air to the plant. 

4. Regularly prune your plant. 

A plant that isn’t pruned can be crazy and challenging. Regularly prune your plant to maintain its health. Cut off dead branches or stems. Those may attract bugs. 

5. Do not tip tea or coffee into your office plant. 

Putting coffee or tea into your office plant will draw flies. They can eat it away. Sugars make it a suitable breeding ground for these insects, too.