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Having greenery in your workspace can improve your attention and productivity. It’s also a great way to add color, life, and beauty to your indoor space. But what do you do if your office has no windows or you’re set up working from your basement? No worries, some plants can survive these conditions.
You’ll want a plant that is hardy and does well under fluorescent lighting. There are plenty of options to choose from from bonsai to succulents to cacti, but in this article we look at just a few options. To help you decide which plants to brighten up your workspace, here’s a list of 20 plants that can grow in an office with no windows.
20 plants that can grow in an office with no windows
1. Lucky bamboo
Lucky bamboo is very easy to grow in artificial light or no light at all. They can grow in both soil or a vase filled with water as long as there is standing water at all times, so they don’t dry out. You just need to keep the container clean and change out the water every few months.
2. Chinese evergreen
This “plant of steel” is easy to grow and tolerates drought, poor light, and dry air conditions, making it great for office buildings. When purchasing a plant, the dark green varieties tend to require the least light.
3. Peace lily
The peace lily is an easy-to-maintain plant that thrives in artificial light. They produce uniquely-shaped white flowers that will bloom with sunlight but the plant still looks gorgeous in a windowless room. Just make sure you don’t grow it in water alone without natural sunlight.
4. Snake plant
These plants are fresh-looking even after neglect for weeks and will tolerate any type of light. They are great for first-time plant owners with their super-easy care routine since they prefer to dry out between waterings and only need fertilizing a couple of times during the spring and summer.
5. Aloe vera
Although these plants love sunlight, they can thrive in spaces without light as well. Placing a white fluorescent light around 6 to 12 inches above the aloe vera plant can help give good results. Since it’s a succulent, make sure you don’t overwater it.
6. ZZ plant
These plants can thrive in low-light and drought-like conditions. In fact, placing it away from bright natural light will prevent the leaves from turning yellow and curling up. However, also keep it away from pets because it can be toxic if ingested.
7. Spider plant
Spider plants are hardy and happy in low light, growing runners with air roots you can easily repot. They prefer more humidity, so spritz with some water weekly and fertilize 1 to 2 times a month, especially during the spring and summer.
8. Bromeliad
For a plant with vibrant color options of pink, orange, or red, bromeliads do well in artificial light. Water them regularly, fertilize monthly, and add humidity with frequent misting to keep your plant healthy.
9. Dracaena
Although they will grow slower under artificial lights, dracaenas can still thrive in your windowless office. You’ll need some floor space for a larger pot and make sure the indoor temperatures don’t get too cold for this tropical plant.
10. Prayer plant
Another tropical option, prayer plants have a decorative look, love humidity, and do well under fluorescent lighting. There are over 40 varieties and they get their name from the way the leaves fold upwards, resembling praying hands.
- Consider using LED grow lights for plants (Amazon link) if your workspace has no natural light
11. Cast iron plant
As its name suggests, this plant is easy to care and very strong, making it ideal for windowless offices blasting air conditioning. They don’t like to be overwatered but do prefer humidity, so make sure to mist the plant regularly.
12. Pothos
This low-maintenance houseplant loves to grow and thrives on negligence. You can still get pretty leaves under only fluorescent lighting, even if they aren’t as multi-colored looking. Water them once the top 2 inches of soil dries out or every 1 to 2 weeks.
13. Madagascar dragon tree
Although they prefer indirect sunlight, they can grow in a wide range of lighting conditions, including artificial light. The Madagascar dragon tree holds up to dry conditions so missing a watering or two won’t kill the plant. Make sure you don’t overwater but instead increase the humidity of your room
14. Rubber plant
Rubber plants are beautiful indoor trees that grow well under artificial lighting. Control their growth rate with the container size and make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil moisture every 5 to 7 days to determine the watering schedule.
15. Money tree
Since they are believed to bring prosperity and luck, money trees make great office decor. They grow slower under artificial lights, but that means they can stay in the same pot for 2 or 3 years. Expect growth between 3 to 6 feet tall in a windowless room.
16. Peperomia
These plants are deep green with small waxy leaves for a cute desk addition. There are many forms of peperomia and they’re all equally attractive. They can grow in unlit or shaded areas with a boost of fluorescent lighting.
17. Philodendron
While there are striking varieties of philodendrons, you’ll want a mostly-green or all-green species for artificially lit offices. Water them about once a week and give a half-dose of fertilizer during spring and summer.
18. Monstera
Monsteras are dramatic and impressive while still being low-maintenance. There are also smaller varieties that will fit on your desk. They don’t like direct sunlight and can thrive in rooms with only full-spectrum artificial light.
19. Parlor palm
Most palms can’t thrive in artificial light, but the parlor palm is an exception. They can grow in tight quarters and bring a beautiful tropical vibe to any indoor space. Plan to water them every 1 to 2 weeks but wait for the soil to dry out between waterings.
20. Peacock plant
Peacock plants are a type of calathea that can thrive in artificial light. You might not get foliage as vibrant compared to indirect sunlight exposure, but the plant will still have beautiful light and dark green patterned leaves. They can be purchased at your local home and garden store or online.
