7 Office Plants You Won't Kill

The coworker with the window seat isn't the only employee who can have plants at their desk.

Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum cultivar)
Photo: Lauren Juratovac for The Sill

Fill your workspace with some greenery—it might make your workday better. The Sill's in-house plant expert Christopher Satch suggests the best office plants that can withstand limited sunlight, over-zealous air conditioning, and little water.

01 of 07

Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum cultivar)

Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum cultivar)
Lauren Juratovac for The Sill

This vivid green plant can wake up a boring desk space. Satch recommends it if your office is full of bland white, black, and gray hues. "This will grow into a beautiful vine that cascades over the pot's edge," he says. "It can be placed on tabletops, but it also looks great in a hanging basket."

Care tips: Medium-low light; water once a week

02 of 07

Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.)

Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.)
Lauren Juratovac for The Sill

"The snake plant is steadfast, upright, and loyal," he says. "It can go for weeks without water, so it's a good choice for forgetful office managers—plus, it will tolerate offices with cranked-up heat or air conditioning." And don't worry if you don't have a window view; the plant will be just as happy in a dark corner.

Care tips: Low light; water once a month

03 of 07

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
gavran333/Getty Images

Also known as "Mauna Loa," this plant can add a tropical flair to your workspace with its large, lush leaves and pretty, white blooms. "Serene and stoic, the Peace Lily is great for offices that are heavy on the air conditioning," Satch says. "Although cranking up the air conditioner isn't great for any plant, this one can tolerate it, as well as low light." Warning: You might not want to put this in your home office—it's poisonous if consumed by dogs or cats.

Care tips: Medium-low light; water once a month

04 of 07

Aglaonema (Aglaonema spp.)

Aglaonema (Aglaonema spp.)
Lauren Juratovac for The Sill

An Aglaonema's leaves are variegated, which means they have different textures, patterns, and colors (making for an eye-catching desk plant). "This one will let you know if it needs more water by dramatically drooping," he says.

Care tips: Medium light; water once a week

05 of 07

Rubber Tree Plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber Tree Plant (Ficus elastica)
Lauren Juratovac for The Sill

This floor plant will dress up an empty office corner. "Colorful and sometimes variegated, the rubber tree plant is a solid choice for those who would like to add a splash of color to their offices," he says. "Younger plants produce larger leaves that become somewhat reduced in size as the plants age. In the tropical South and Southeast Asia, the aerial roots of the plant are trained to create living bridges—but you can use them to create a living office!"

Care tips: Medium-low light; water once a week

06 of 07

Aloe (Aloe vera)

Aloe (Aloe vera)
Lauren Juratovac for The Sill

You'll only want one of these if your office gets a lot of sun. "These desert beauties love to sunbathe!" says Satch. If you have a hard time remembering to water your plants, or you're always traveling on business trips, this is a great choice—it can go for weeks without water.

Care tips: High light; water once a month

07 of 07

Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans)

Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans)
Lauren Juratovac for The Sill

This tall floor plant is as close as you can get to having a tree in your office. Also known as a corn plant, this one will flower regularly if the conditions are right, and it will do well in most offices.

Care tips: Medium light; water once a week

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