The Best Plants for Coworking Spaces to Boost Mood and Productivity

When I walk into a coworking space, I notice how plants instantly make it feel warmer and more inviting. They bring life to the room and improve air quality.

Plants also create a calmer atmosphere for getting work done. The best plants for coworking spaces are low-maintenance, thrive in different light conditions, and add style without taking up too much space.

I choose greenery based on more than just looks. I look for plants that can handle busy schedules and shared environments.

Hardy options like the ZZ plant and air-purifying favorites like the Peace Lily can make a big difference in a workspace.

In this guide, I’ll share my favorite plant choices for coworking spaces and how to match them to different light levels. I’ll also give tips for styling them so they fit right in with any office decor.

Whether you want compact desk plants, lush hanging vines, or a statement piece, you’ll find an option that works for your space.

Top Plant Choices for Coworking Spaces

I pick plants that can handle low light, irregular watering, and a busy environment. These plants add greenery without taking up much space or needing constant attention.

Snake Plant and Dracaena Trifasciata

The snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is one of my top picks for shared work areas. It survives in bright or low light and needs water only every 2–3 weeks.

Its tall, upright leaves fit easily in corners or next to desks. The stiff, sword-shaped leaves often have green and yellow edges.

Snake plants tolerate neglect. If I forget to water it, it still looks healthy, which is perfect for coworking spaces without a set plant care routine.

ZZ Plant and Zamioculcas Zamiifolia

The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) thrives in busy spaces. Its thick, waxy leaves store water, so it can go weeks without care.

I’ve kept one in a low-light corner, and it still grew new stems. It doesn’t drop leaves often, so it stays tidy, which helps keep shared spaces neat.

Its dark green leaves look polished and blend well with modern office furniture. The plant grows slowly, so I rarely need to repot it.

Pothos and Devil’s Ivy

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also called devil’s ivy, grows well in many light conditions. I keep it in a hanging pot or let it trail from a shelf.

It grows fast, so I can trim and share cuttings with coworkers. Even with missed watering, it bounces back quickly.

The leaves come in green, golden, or variegated with white, adding color without flowers. I easily propagate it in water to create more plants.

Spider Plant and Chlorophytum Comosum

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) works well for desks and shelves. It grows arching leaves and sends out baby plantlets on long stems.

It’s non-toxic to pets, which is helpful if the coworking space allows animals. The spider plant grows well in bright, indirect light but can also handle lower light.

It needs a bit more frequent watering than snake plants or ZZ plants, but it’s still easy to care for. When plantlets develop roots, I pot them up and share them with others.

Low-Maintenance Plants for Busy Workspaces

I look for plants that handle low light, need little water, and still look good. These options work well when I’m busy and can’t spend much time caring for them.

They fit in small spaces and adapt to the changing conditions of shared offices.

Aloe Vera and Succulents

I keep aloe vera on my desk because it grows well in bright, indirect light and only needs water every few weeks. The thick leaves store moisture, so it survives if I forget to water it.

Succulents come in many shapes and colors, making them fun to mix together. They grow best in small pots with well-draining soil.

I avoid overwatering because too much moisture can cause root rot.

Both are easy to move around and don’t make a mess, which works well for a shared desk.

Jade Plant and Cactus

My jade plant has thick, glossy leaves that store water, so I water it only when the soil is dry. It prefers bright light and grows slowly for years without much care.

Cactus plants are even easier. They need very little water and can handle direct sunlight.

I place them near a sunny window, and they stay healthy with minimal effort. Jade plants and cacti pair well because they have similar care needs.

• Soil: Sandy, well-draining
• Water: Infrequent, only when dry
• Light: Bright, sunny spots

They add interesting textures to my workspace and don’t take up much room.

Peace Lily and Spathiphyllum

I choose peace lilies when I want greenery that also helps freshen the air. They grow well in low to medium light, so I can keep them away from windows.

I water them when the leaves start to droop slightly. Spathiphyllum, in the same plant family, produces white blooms that stand out against the dark leaves.

They can handle fluorescent lighting, making them a good fit for offices without natural light.

To keep them healthy, I use a pot with good drainage and wipe dust from leaves monthly. I keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.

They bring a calm, clean look to my desk and don’t need constant attention.

Best Plants for Different Light Conditions

I choose plants based on the exact kind of light a space gets. Some do best near sunny windows, while others grow well in dim corners or even without natural light.

Matching the plant to the light keeps them healthy and easy to care for.

Bright Indirect Light Favorites

When I have a spot near a window with filtered sunlight, I use plants that enjoy bright indirect light. Too much direct sun can scorch leaves, so I keep these plants a few feet away from the glass or behind a sheer curtain.

Great options include:

• African Violet – Compact, colorful blooms with fuzzy leaves.
• Air Plants (Tillandsia) – No soil needed, just misting or soaking.
• Peace Lily – Glossy leaves and occasional white flowers.

African violets do best when the soil stays slightly moist and the leaves stay dry. Air plants are fun because I can place them in glass or mounted displays.

Peace lilies also help improve indoor air quality, which makes the space feel fresher.

Thriving in Low Light

For areas that get only a little natural light, I pick plants that can handle shade. They grow slower but still stay healthy with the right care.

Low-light favorites:

• Spider Plant – Arching green-and-white leaves that adapt well to shade (more info).
• Snake Plant – Upright leaves that need watering only every few weeks (learn more).
• Peperomia – Small, textured leaves that store water (details here).

I like spider plants for hanging baskets or shelves. Snake plants are almost impossible to kill.

Peperomia adds interesting leaf patterns without taking up much space.

Plants for Windowless Spaces

When there’s no natural light, I pick plants that can live under artificial lighting. Fluorescent or LED lights work well for these hardy types.

Good choices:

• ZZ Plant – Thick stems and waxy leaves that store water.
• Pothos – Trailing vines that grow well under office lights.
• Cast Iron Plant – Slow-growing and very tolerant of neglect (read more).

I keep ZZ plants on desks far from windows, and they still look vibrant. Pothos can be trained to climb or hang.

The cast iron plant is perfect for spots that stay the same all year.

Stylish Plants for Modern Office Decor

I like adding plants that look striking but still work well in a shared workspace. The right plant can bring texture, height, and color while fitting into different interior design styles.

Fiddle Leaf Fig and Ficus Lyrata

The fiddle leaf fig, also called Ficus lyrata, has large, glossy leaves shaped like violins. I find it works best in bright, indirect light near a window.

It can grow tall, so it’s great for filling empty corners. I usually place it in a simple, tall planter to match modern office furniture.

This keeps the look clean while letting the leaves stand out. For care, I water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

It doesn’t like sudden changes in light or temperature, so I avoid moving it often.

Quick Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect
• Water: Every 1–2 weeks
• Style: Works well in minimal or Scandinavian interiors

Monstera Deliciosa and Swiss Cheese Plant

The Monstera deliciosa, often called the Swiss cheese plant, stands out for its split and perforated leaves. These unique patterns create a natural focal point in an office.

It thrives in medium to bright light and adapts to different spaces. I’ve placed it in open coworking areas and smaller meeting rooms.

I prune it regularly for a compact look. When I let it climb on a moss pole, it adds vertical interest without using much floor space.

Why I Like It:

• Distinct leaf shapes add visual texture
• Easy to pair with other greenery
• Fits well with modern office plant trends

Dragon Tree and Dracaena Marginata

The dragon tree, or Dracaena marginata, features slender, arching leaves with red or purple edges. I use it to add height without heavy foliage.

It tolerates lower light than many tall plants, so I can place it in various office layouts. I’ve set it near desks, in corners, and beside lounge seating.

I water it sparingly because the roots dislike staying wet. Its slim profile keeps sightlines clear in shared spaces, which helps in open-plan coworking areas.

Best Features:

• Slim trunk and airy leaves suit modern interiors
• Low water needs
• Works in both bright and moderate light

Compact and Desk-Friendly Greenery

I prefer plants that stay small, look interesting up close, and don’t need constant care. These plants fit well on a desk, handle indoor light, and bring fresh color and texture to my workspace.

Peperomia and Rex Begonia

I keep a peperomia on my desk for its thick, water-storing leaves. These leaves forgive an occasional missed watering.

Many varieties show rippled or variegated patterns, making them stand out in small spaces.

The rex begonia is another favorite. Its bold, patterned leaves come in shades of green, silver, and deep red.

It prefers bright, indirect light but can handle lower light if needed.

Both plants do best in small pots with well-draining soil. I water them when the top inch of soil feels dry and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Prayer Plant and Maranta Leuconeura

The prayer plant and maranta leuconeura have patterned leaves that fold upward at night. I enjoy watching this daily movement.

They prefer medium to bright, indirect light and slightly moist soil. I don’t let them dry out completely to avoid curled or browned leaf edges.

These plants stay compact, usually under a foot tall, making them ideal for shelves or desks. A shallow, wide pot highlights their horizontal growth.

I mist the leaves lightly during dry months to keep them healthy.

Tradescantia and Spiderwort

My tradescantia grows quickly, with trailing stems that spill over the pot’s edge. The purple and green striped leaves add color without flowers.

Spiderwort is similar and offers trailing growth, but with more solid green or purple foliage. Both thrive in bright, indirect light but handle lower light for slower growth.

I trim the stems every few weeks to keep the plants neat and encourage fuller growth. Cuttings root easily in water, so I can share them or start new pots.

These plants are low-maintenance. I water them when the top inch of soil is dry to prevent wilting.

Lush Vines and Hanging Plants

I use vines and hanging plants to make shared work areas feel greener without using desk space. They soften plain walls, improve air quality, and add a calm touch to busy environments.

English Ivy and Hedera Helix

English ivy (Hedera helix) grows well in moderate light and adapts to different temperatures. I keep mine in a hanging basket so the stems can trail down naturally.

This plant helps filter certain airborne particles, which is useful in spaces with limited ventilation. I trim the vines every few weeks to keep them tidy.

English ivy can also grow along a small trellis or wall grid, making it easy to guide the vines. For more care tips and design ideas, check the list of best outdoor hanging plants that adapt well indoors.

Philodendron Hederaceum

The Philodendron hederaceum, or heartleaf philodendron, is one of the easiest plants I care for. Its heart-shaped leaves stay green year-round, even in low to medium light.

I water it only when the top inch of soil feels dry to keep roots healthy and prevent yellowing leaves. It tolerates occasional missed watering, which is helpful in shared offices.

I place it in a hanging pot near a window with filtered light. The vines can grow several feet long, so I sometimes wrap them around shelves for a layered look. For more inspiration, see these plants for hanging baskets that work indoors too.

Vining Options for Vertical Spaces

When I want to add greenery without using floor space, I choose climbing or cascading vines. They work well on walls, columns, or suspended planters.

Reliable choices include pothos, trailing petunias, and certain ferns. I train them to grow upward with supports or let them drape down for a softer effect.

I use wall-mounted grids to hold small pots, making it easy to swap or rearrange plants. For more ideas, these vines for containers show how to create vertical displays in tight spaces.

Unique and Statement Plants for Shared Spaces

I pick plants that stand out and make the space feel more inviting. Some options also help soften noise and improve air quality.

Weeping Fig and Ficus Benjamina

The weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) works well when I want a tall, tree-like plant indoors. Its glossy green leaves and arching branches add height and texture.

It grows best in bright, indirect light. I avoid direct sun because the leaves can scorch.

This plant dislikes sudden changes in temperature or drafts, so I keep it away from vents and doors.

In coworking spaces, I use it as a room divider. A large potted weeping fig creates visual separation between desks or lounge areas without blocking light.

It needs steady watering, but I let the topsoil dry slightly before watering again.

Kentia Palm and Chamaedorea Elegans

The kentia palm has long, arching fronds that make a space feel open and relaxed. It grows slowly and tolerates lower light better than many tall plants.

The chamaedorea elegans, or parlor palm, is smaller but just as adaptable. I place it on side tables or in clusters with other plants for a layered effect.

Both palms handle indoor humidity well and don’t need constant care. I dust the fronds so they absorb more light and use pots with good drainage to avoid root rot.

Money Tree and Pachira Aquatica

The money tree (Pachira aquatica) has a braided trunk and bright green leaves that draw attention. It can grow several feet tall without using much floor space.

It prefers bright, indirect light but adapts to medium light. I water it when the top inch of soil feels dry and avoid overwatering to prevent leaf drop.

In shared spaces, I place the money tree where people gather. Its upright shape fits well in corners, near seating areas, or beside a reception desk, adding greenery without crowding walkways.

Tips for Integrating Plants into Coworking Spaces

I focus on planters that fit the space, plant groupings that look balanced, and simple care routines to keep plants healthy. These choices help me create a workspace that looks good and is easy to maintain.

Choosing the Right Planters

I pick planters that match the coworking space’s style. A modern office looks better with clean lines and neutral colors, while rustic spaces work well with terracotta or woven baskets.

The planter’s size matters. If it’s too small, roots can’t grow. If it’s too big, the soil may stay wet too long and cause rot.

I prefer planters with built-in drainage holes. If that’s not possible, I add a layer of pebbles at the bottom for drainage.

Here’s a quick guide I use:

Grouping and Arranging Plants

I arrange plants in groups to help them stand out. Mixing different heights creates a natural look.

For example, I place a tall fiddle leaf fig behind smaller plants like ZZ plants or peace lilies.

I keep light needs in mind. Plants that need bright light go near windows, while low-light plants like snake plants stay in shaded corners.

Odd-number groupings—like 3 or 5 plants—look more balanced than even numbers. I use plant stands to add height without using extra floor space.

When arranging on shelves, I mix trailing plants like pothos with upright ones for variety. This adds depth to the display.

Maintaining Healthy Office Plants

I check plants every week for water, dust, and pests. I test the soil with my finger before I add water because overwatering is common.

Every few weeks, I rotate the plants so all sides get light. This helps them grow straight.

I wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust that blocks sunlight. For larger plants, I move them to the sink or shower and rinse them gently.

When I notice yellow leaves or slow growth, I adjust the light or watering. This simple routine keeps my office plants healthy.