If you spend most of your week in an office space, you deserve a welcoming, calm, and inspiring workspace. While New Orleans is known for its vibrant energy, most office environments lack natural light to keep lush greenery thriving. But don’t worry — low light doesn’t mean no light! By choosing the right plants that thrive in minimal sunlight, you can create a beautiful office atmosphere that’s aesthetically pleasing and beneficial to your workplace productivity and well-being.
Below, Billy Heroman’s Plantscaping compiled a list of the 10 best low-light office plants that are perfect for your New Orleans office. These plants are hardy and stylish, making them an excellent choice for even the busiest offices.
Why Do Plants Need Light — And Why Do Some Need Less?
Plants rely on light to perform photosynthesis, which converts light, water, and carbon dioxide into energy. However, not all plants require direct sunlight all the time. Some plants evolved to thrive under the shade of towering forest canopies, making them ideally suited for low-light conditions.
Low-light plants can survive and flourish in indirect, filtered light or even artificial lighting, such as office fluorescents. This makes these varieties the best plants for low-light workspaces where bright light is limited.
The Benefits of Adding Low-Light Plants to Your Office
Before we introduce your new favorite plants, here are a few reasons to add greenery to your office setup:
- Better Air Quality: Plants reduce carbon dioxide levels, filter toxins, and increase humidity, making your office environment healthier.
- Enhanced Productivity: Studies show that greenery in the office boosts creativity and focus, helping employees perform better.
- Reduced Stress: A touch of nature can decrease anxiety and create a calming work environment.
- Low Maintenance: These plants require minimal care, so even busy professionals can manage them easily.
- Extra Quiet: Plants can absorb ambient noise, making concentrating on work in peace easier.
Now, let’s explore the best low-light office plants for New Orleans and discover which variety will work for your office!
10 Low Light Plants That Will Thrive in Your New Orleans Office
1. Ludisia Discolor (Jewel Orchid)
Known for its velvety dark green leaves with striking red veins, the Ludisia Discolor is truly eye-catching. This plant thrives in low light, making it a perfect choice for offices with minimal sunlight. Adding a Jewel Orchid to your desk brings beauty and sparks conversation among plant lovers.
2. ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is practically indestructible! Its glossy, green leaves make it hard to neglect, also making it one of the best office plants for low light conditions. It’s an ideal choice for offices where caretaking time is limited.
3. Pothos
A popular choice for both homes and offices, Pothos is beloved for its trailing vines and adaptability. This plant is incredibly forgiving and grows lushly in low light. Choose from several varieties like Golden Pothos or Marble Queen for a vibrant touch.
It’s almost like magic — snip a cutting from a pothos plant, and before you know it, you’ve got a whole family of new plants! This low-effort propagation makes pothos the perfect pick for anyone looking to easily grow their indoor jungle.
4. Snake Plant
Nicknamed “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” the Snake Plant is as tough as it gets. Its upright architectural leaves are perfect for modern office interiors. Snake Plants also filter toxins from the air, so they’ll keep your office feeling fresh and clean.
5. Peace Lily
With its elegant white “flowers” (which are actually spathes), the Peace Lily adds a sophisticated touch to any office. It thrives in low light and is one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality. Just make sure to give it a good drink when the soil dries out.
6. Hoya Polyneura
Nicknamed the “Fishtail” because its foliage resembles fish tails, this is a stunning addition for plant lovers seeking something unique. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions, making it adaptable for offices.
7. Hoya Mathilde
Compact and charming, the Hoya Mathilde has small, round leaves with a delicate, speckled pattern. If you’re searching for low maintenance office plants, the Hoya Mathilde grows well in lower light and has an attractive, trailing growth pattern that’s perfect for hanging planters.
8. Palm Neanthe Bella (Parlor Palm)
If you’re looking for a plant that’s both stylish and pet-friendly, the Parlor Palm is for you! This soft, airy palm grows well in low light and adds an elegant, tropical vibe to office spaces. It’s also non-toxic to dogs and cats, making it a great addition to vet clinics or pet-friendly offices.
9. Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant gets its name from the way its leaves fold together — as if in prayer — when the sun sets. This stunning plant with red-veined foliage needs humidity to thrive, making it especially suited for New Orleans’ humid climate. If you have an office with arid air conditioning, consider keeping a humidifier near this plant to keep it healthy.
10. Nerve Plants (Fittonia)
With brightly colored veins that come in hues of white, pink, and red, Nerve Plants are a bold choice for an office plant. Like the Prayer Plant, they require higher humidity, thrive in the New Orleans climate, and will brighten up even the smallest workspaces.
Tips for Keeping Low-Light Plants Thriving
- Place Strategically: Make sure plants receive light from a nearby window or artificial light, even if it’s indirect.
- Don’t Overwater: Overwatering is a common mistake. Ensure proper drainage and wait until the soil surface dries out before watering again.
- Maintain Humidity: For plants like the Prayer Plant and Nerve Plant, consider using a pebble tray or misting occasionally to increase humidity.
- Rotate Plants: Give every side of your plant a chance to absorb light by rotating them every few weeks.
Elevate Your Office Aesthetic With the Best Low-Light Plants from Billy Heroman’s Plantscaping
Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or looking to enhance your office for the first time, Billy Heroman’s Plantscaping is here to help. Our team specializes in transforming office spaces into lush, inviting environments that employees love.
Need help selecting the best low-light office plants for your New Orleans office? Contact us today, and we’ll help you pick the perfect plants to suit your workspace, lifestyle, and budget.
Start your office’s green makeover today — because where you work should be as vibrant as the city of New Orleans itself!