A modern home office with a light wood desk is filled with low maintenance indoor plants like ZZ plant, spider plant, pothos, snake plant, and rubber plant. Natural light streams in through a window. A laptop, mugs, and a notebook labelled “CALLY” complete the warm and inviting workspace.

23+ Lowest Maintenance Indoor Plants for Your Home Office

by

Welcome to the jungle… kind of 🌿

Let’s be honest—your home office could use a little life. But not the high-maintenance kind that wilts if you look at it wrong. We’re talking about the plant equivalent of a chill co-worker who thrives with minimal fuss. Low maintenance. High vibe. Big plant energy.

Whether you’ve got a green thumb or… a thumb that’s more beige, these 23+ indoor plants are practically impossible to mess up.

Let’s turn your workspace into a leafy productivity haven.

1. Snake plant (Sansevieria)

A snake plant in a terracotta pot sits on a wooden home office desk with a lamp, notebook, and corkboard in the background. The room feels lived-in and cosy with natural light.

The ultimate “set and forget” plant. Snake plants are nearly indestructible and love being ignored. Their upright sword-like leaves come in green, yellow, and even silvery shades, making them perfect for modern and minimalist spaces.

They also clean indoor air, converting CO₂ to oxygen at night—ideal if your office doubles as a bedroom.

Light: Low to bright, indirect
Water: Every 2–3 weeks

2. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

A ZZ plant with glossy dark green leaves sits in a terracotta pot on a wooden desk in a cosy home office. A laptop, notebook, and lamp create a functional, lived-in workspace.

Glossy, waxy leaves give the ZZ plant a sleek and polished look. It can survive in near-darkness and needs watering just twice a month.

It stores water in its thick rhizomes, so overwatering is actually the only way to upset it.

Light: Low to bright, indirect
Water: Every 2–3 weeks

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

A vibrant pothos plant trails down from a wooden office shelf above a desk with a laptop, notebook, and brass lamp. The plant's glossy leaves catch the warm afternoon light.

Known as Devil’s Ivy, Pothos is fast-growing, forgiving, and looks fabulous draping from shelves or trailing down filing cabinets.

You can propagate new plants in water from cuttings—great for office gifts or spreading the green.

Light: Low to medium
Water: Weekly or when dry

4. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

A striped spider plant in a terracotta pot sits on a light wooden desk beside a notebook, pen, and beige mug. Sunlight filters in through curtains in a cosy, lived-in home office.

Retro vibes and easy care make spider plants a classic choice. They shoot out “babies” (aka spiderettes) that you can clip off and root in water.

They’re also non-toxic, so a great choice for pet-friendly workspaces.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Weekly

5. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)

A peace lily with dark green leaves and a single white bloom sits in a terracotta pot on a light wood desk. Behind it are a corkboard, notebook, and mug in a warm, lived-in home office setting.

This elegant plant produces sculptural white blooms and thrives in shade. It’s slightly more vocal than others—if it’s thirsty, it droops dramatically, but perks up quickly after a drink.

A great emotional support plant with visual feedback!

Light: Low to medium
Water: Weekly

6. Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)

A Chinese evergreen plant with broad silver and green leaves sits in a terracotta pot on a wooden desk in a cosy home office, alongside an open notebook and beige mug.

With patterned leaves in shades of silver, green, and even pink, the Chinese evergreen brings colour without complexity. It’s slow-growing and doesn’t demand much attention. Water it sparingly and it will love you back.

Light: Low to medium
Water: Every 10–14 days

7. Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)

A cast iron plant in a textured terracotta pot sits on a wooden desk with a laptop, mug, and open notebook. The cosy home office has a window, framed artwork, and a soft neutral palette.

This is your Victorian-era, shade-loving, utterly unbothered plant. It thrives in dark corners and tolerates fluctuating temperatures. If your home office is a bit drafty or low light, this is your new best friend.

Light: Low
Water: Every 2–3 weeks

8. Jade plant (Crassula ovata)

A jade plant with thick oval leaves sits in a terracotta pot on a light wood desk, accompanied by a laptop, notebook, pencil, and ceramic mug. A botanical print hangs on the wall in this sunlit home office.

Compact, shiny, and a symbol of luck and prosperity. Jade plants are technically succulents, so they like bright light and sparse watering. Over time, they grow woody stems and can live for decades.

Light: Bright
Water: Every 2–3 weeks

9. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)

A rubber plant with glossy, dark green leaves sits in a terracotta pot on a light wooden desk, next to a leather notebook, mug, and open laptop in a stylish, sunlit home office.

This plant looks like it’s been waxed and buffed. The dark green or burgundy foliage is lush and dramatic. It’s a statement piece that thrives in bright, filtered light and doesn’t require constant care.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Every 1–2 weeks

10. Aloe vera

An aloe vera plant with spiky, green leaves sits in a terracotta pot on a light wooden desk beside a laptop, leather notebook, and ceramic mug. A sunny window and shelf of potted plants complete the cosy home office scene.

Fleshy, spiky, and useful! Aloe vera thrives on neglect and direct light. The gel from its leaves is known for soothing burns and skin irritation. Keep it near a sunny window and it’ll be one of the lowest-effort office plants out there.

Light: Bright
Water: Every 2–3 weeks

11. Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

A lucky bamboo plant in a clear glass vase filled with water sits on a wooden desk beside a leather notebook, ceramic mug, and laptop in a bright, peaceful home office.

Often grown hydroponically in water, lucky bamboo adds a Zen vibe to your space. You can twist and shape its stalks as it grows. It’s associated with good fortune and needs almost no maintenance.

Light: Low to medium
Water: Change water weekly or keep soil moist

12. Heartleaf philodendron

A heartleaf philodendron with trailing green vines and heart-shaped leaves cascades from a terracotta pot on a bookshelf beside a desk with a laptop, ceramic mug, and leather notebook. A warm and sunlit home office scene.

This vine has sweet, heart-shaped leaves and is perfect for hanging baskets or trailing along bookshelves. It’s very forgiving and will tell you when it’s thirsty by drooping ever so slightly.

Light: Low to medium
Water: Weekly or when dry

13. English ivy (Hedera helix)

A cascading English ivy plant trails down a wooden bookshelf in a home office, with a care infographic beside it displaying “Light: Bright, indirect” and “Water: Weekly.” A laptop, mug, and notebook sit nearby in this soft-lit workspace.

Elegant and timeless, English ivy brings English manor house vibes into your office. Let it trail or climb, and it’ll purify the air while adding charm. It prefers cooler temperatures and doesn’t need daily attention.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Weekly

14. Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

A parlor palm in a terracotta pot sits on a wooden desk in a softly lit home office, with a care infographic showing “Light: Low to medium” and “Water: Every 1–2 weeks.” A notebook, mug, and laptop are nearby in a cosy workspace.

A small palm that’s totally office-appropriate. It adds instant texture and a tropical feel to your space. The fronds grow in a tidy fan shape and it’s pet-safe, too.

Light: Low to medium
Water: Every 1–2 weeks

15. Dracaena marginata (Dragon tree)

A Dracaena marginata (Dragon tree) in a terracotta pot stands on a wooden desk with an open notebook, ceramic mug, and laptop nearby. A care infographic shows “Light: Medium to bright, indirect” and “Water: Every 2–3 weeks.”

Thin, arching leaves with reddish edges grow from a sturdy trunk. It’s sculptural and striking—and surprisingly low maintenance. Just don’t let its soil sit soggy.

Light: Medium to bright, indirect
Water: Every 2–3 weeks

16. String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

A String of Hearts plant with heart-shaped leaves trails down from a hanging terracotta pot above a wooden desk. An infographic beside the plant shows “Light: Bright, indirect” and “Water: Every 2–3 weeks.” A laptop, mug, and notebook complete the cosy home office setup.

This trailing succulent has delicate heart-shaped leaves with variegated patterns. Despite its dainty look, it’s a hardy little plant that thrives in bright light and doesn’t like to be fussed over.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Every 2–3 weeks

17. Hoya (Wax plant)

A Hoya plant with glossy, trailing leaves hangs in a terracotta pot above a wooden desk. A care infographic displays “Light: Bright, indirect” and “Water: Every 1–2 weeks.” Nearby are a laptop, mug, and notebook in a softly lit home office.

Hoyas are like botanical jewellery—thick, glossy leaves and star-shaped flowers that smell sweet when in bloom. Great for shelves or trailing down bookcases, and they love to be left alone.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Every 1–2 weeks

18. Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

A ponytail palm with a bulbous base and curly green leaves sits in a terracotta pot on a wooden desk. An infographic shows “Light: Bright” and “Water: Every 2–3 weeks.” A mug, notebook, and laptop complete the sunlit home office setup.

Not really a palm, but it sure looks like one! This quirky plant has a bulbous base that stores water and curly ponytail-like leaves. It’s practically unkillable and thrives in bright spots.

Light: Bright
Water: Every 2–3 weeks

19. Dieffenbachia (Dumb cane)

A Dieffenbachia plant with large variegated green leaves stands in a terracotta pot on a wooden desk. A care infographic shows “Light: Medium to bright, indirect” and “Water: Weekly.” A laptop, notebook, and ceramic mug complete the sunlit home office scene.

Striking variegated leaves and upright growth make Dieffenbachia an excellent background plant. Just be careful—it’s toxic to pets and kids. But if it’s just you and your spreadsheets, it’s a star performer.

Light: Medium to bright, indirect
Water: Weekly

20. Air plants (Tillandsia)

An air plant (Tillandsia) sits inside a glass terrarium filled with sand and driftwood on a wooden desk. A care infographic shows “Light: Bright, indirect” and “Water: Soak for 30 mins weekly.” A mug, notebook, and laptop complete the warm, softly lit home office setup.

These magical-looking plants don’t even need soil! Pop them in a glass terrarium, shell, or mounted on driftwood. Just give them a bath once a week and they’ll be happy.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Soak for 30 mins weekly

21. Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus)

A Bird’s Nest Fern with wavy, green fronds sits in a terracotta pot on a wooden desk in a cosy home office. A care infographic shows “Light: Medium, indirect” and “Water: Weekly or when topsoil is dry.” A ceramic mug, pen, and laptop complete the warm and lived-in workspace.

The fronds grow in a tidy, inward swirl that resembles—you guessed it—a bird’s nest. These ferns love humidity and look amazing on shelves or plant stands. They’ll add tropical calm to your workspace.

Light: Medium, indirect
Water: Weekly or when topsoil is dry

22. Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake plant)

A Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake plant) with long, patterned leaves and purple undersides sits in a terracotta pot on a wooden desk. A care infographic shows “Light: Low to medium, indirect” and “Water: Keep soil lightly moist.” Nearby are a notebook, pen, and coffee mug in a softly lit home office.

One of the more visually striking Calatheas, it features long, wavy leaves with deep green markings. It can be a bit picky with water quality but is otherwise low effort if you keep it humid.

Light: Low to medium, indirect
Water: Keep soil lightly moist

23. Nerve plant (Fittonia)

A Fittonia (nerve plant) with bright pink-veined leaves sits in a terracotta pot on a wooden desk. A care infographic shows “Light: Low to medium” and “Water: Every 3–5 days.” A ceramic mug, pen, and lined notebook complete the softly lit and compact home office scene.

Tiny but mighty. Nerve plants come in pink, white, or red-veined varieties and love being in terrariums. They’re perfect for compact spaces and love humidity, making them great desk buddies near a humidifier or window.

Light: Low to medium
Water: Every 3–5 days

A few tips for thriving, fuss-free foliage 🌱

Even the most chill plants need a little routine. Here’s how to help them shine:

  • Group plants with similar light needs for easier care.
  • Use a schedule (like one of my printable planners!) to remind you when to water.
  • Give them a dust now and then, especially if you live in a city.
  • Don’t repot too soon—most of these guys like being slightly root-bound.

Plant vibes, productivity highs

Indoor plants bring more than just aesthetic joy—they boost focus, clean the air, and soften your workspace. Whether you go for one pothos or build a mini jungle of ferns, palms, and vines, you’re investing in both beauty and wellbeing.

🌿 Ready to green up your space?

Follow me on Pinterest for home office styling ideas with plants, planners, and cosy decor tips.
And browse my Etsy shop for printable planners to track your watering schedule and transform your desk into a plant-powered productivity zone!

Leave a comment