For an office with little natural light, the Costa Farms Snake Plant is my best overall pick for its upright shape and tolerance of infrequent watering. The PLANTVERS Raven ZZ Plant suits desks and shelves where a compact, dark-leaved plant makes more sense, while the Assorted Live Indoor Houseplants 6-Pack offers variety for people furnishing several spaces. The main tradeoff is that surviving low light does not mean a plant will thrive in a windowless room; growth may slow, and some plants need occasional brighter indirect light. Pot size, watering habits, space, and pet access also change which option fits best. Read on for how all eight compare and which one matches your office.
Get office and shipping supplies delivered free — and shop member deals
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
Key Takeaways
- The Costa Farms Snake Plant is the strongest all-around fit in this group for an office where upright form and low-maintenance care matter more than variety.
- The PLANTVERS Raven ZZ is the most compact individual plant here, but its small grow pot means it may need more frequent attention to watering and repotting than larger options.
- The 6-pack assorted collection and Plants for Pets 4-pack give more plants for arranging across an office, though mixed collections make it harder to tailor every plant to the same dim location.
- The Altman variegated snake plant adds leaf contrast, while the standard Costa Farms snake plant is the simpler choice when visual variety is less important than a straightforward office fit.
- The Lemon Lime Maranta is the clearest pet-friendly choice in this lineup, but its moisture needs make it less forgiving than the snake plant or Raven ZZ.
| office plants low light | Plant type | Pot size |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Farms Snake Plant Live I | Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) | 6 inches |
| Assorted Live Indoor Houseplan | — | 2 inches |
| Costa Farms Money Tree Live In | Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) | — |
| PLANTVERS Raven ZZ Plant in Nu | Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ | — |
| Altman Plants Variegated Snake | Sansevieria Laurentii (variegated snake plant) | 4.25-inch grower pot |
| Costa Farms Live Indoor Housep | Live indoor houseplants | 4 inches |
| Essential Houseplant Collectio | Live, greenhouse-grown houseplants | 4.25-inch nursery pots |
| Live Plant | — | 4 inches |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Costa Farms Snake Plant Live Indoor Plant in 6-Inch Pot
The Costa Farms Snake Plant is my strongest all-around fit for a low-light office: its upright leaves add height without demanding a wide desk or a complicated care routine. Compared with Altman Plants’ 4.25-inch variegated snake plant, this one arrives in a larger 6-inch pot, which gives it more presence as a floor-side or cabinet-top accent. Its low-maintenance label also makes it a safer pick for someone who cannot check soil every day. The tradeoff is that the listing gives no specific lighting or watering instructions, so beginners still need to learn its basic care after delivery. Choose it for a simple, architectural office plant; skip it if you need exact care guidance included.
Pros:- Low-maintenance care suits busy office routines
- Upright form adds visual height without spreading widely
- 6-inch pot gives it more presence than the smaller Altman snake plant
- Beginner-friendly plant type
Cons:- No specific watering or lighting instructions are provided
- Live plant may need attention as it adjusts after shipping
Best for: Office workers who want one substantial, upright plant for a low-light corner and prefer forgiving care.
Not ideal for: New plant owners who need clear watering and lighting instructions, or desk users with room only for a very small pot.
- Plant type:Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
- Pot size:6 inches
- Use:Indoor
- Care level:Low maintenance
- Growth form:Upright leaves
- Shipping:Protective packaging
Our verdict“Pick this for a low-maintenance, upright office plant with more visual presence than a small desk pot.”
Assorted Live Indoor Houseplants, 6-Pack
This six-pack makes the most sense when an office needs several small green accents rather than one statement plant. Each plant is only 4–6 inches tall in a 2-inch pot, so the set can fit on desks, shelves, or grouped planters where the Costa Farms Snake Plant would take up more room. The catch for a low-light roundup is the rotating assortment: it may include tolerant choices such as pothos, but also varieties whose needs may not suit a dim office equally well. Since the exact plants are not guaranteed, this is a less predictable choice than the named snake plants or PLANTVERS Raven ZZ. Choose it for variety and DIY arrangements; skip it if every plant must be selected for reliably dim conditions.
Pros:- Six plants cover multiple desks or shelves
- Compact 2-inch pots fit grouped planters and DIY displays
- Variety can add visual interest across a room
- Plants are grown and shipped by horticulturists
Cons:- Exact plant varieties vary and may not all suit low light
- Small 4–6-inch plants have limited immediate presence
Best for: Office coordinators or plant hobbyists furnishing several desks, shelves, or small grouped planters.
Not ideal for: Buyers with a consistently dim office who need a known low-light species for each spot.
- Quantity:6 plants
- Pot size:2 inches
- Approximate height:4–6 inches
- Plant varieties:Rotating assortment
- Possible varieties:Pothos, peperomia, spider plants, croton, ficus, syngonium, and begonia
- Growing and shipping:Grown and shipped by horticulturists
Our verdict“Choose this set for flexible small-scale decorating when variety matters more than knowing each plant’s light needs.”
Costa Farms Money Tree Live Indoor Plant with Braided Trunk
The braided trunk gives this Money Tree a more sculptural, furniture-like look than either snake plant in this group. That makes it a better match for a reception desk or a shared office where the plant is meant to be a visible accent. Its bright green foliage and easy-care description are appealing, but the supplied details do not specify a light range, so I cannot treat it as the safest choice for a particularly dim room. The Costa Farms Snake Plant has clearer low-maintenance positioning for that setting, while the PLANTVERS Raven ZZ explicitly lists low-light care. This Money Tree also varies naturally from plant to plant. Choose it for its trunk and leafy presence when the office has suitable indoor light; skip it if low-light tolerance is your main requirement.
Pros:- Braided trunk creates a distinctive decorative focal point
- Bright green foliage suits a range of indoor décor
- Described as easy care
- Suitable for indoor spaces and gifting
Cons:- Listing does not specify a light range for low-light placement
- Natural variation means appearance may differ between plants
- Not intended for consumption by people or pets
Best for: Office managers seeking a distinctive, leafy focal plant for a reception area or well-lit shared workspace.
Not ideal for: Workers placing a plant in a notably dim office who want an explicitly low-light variety.
- Plant type:Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
- Trunk:Braided
- Foliage:Bright green
- Use:Indoor décor and gifting
- Care:Described as easy care
- Safety:Not for human or pet consumption
- Plant variation:Individual plants may vary naturally
Our verdict“Choose the Money Tree for a distinctive indoor accent where its decorative trunk matters more than confirmed low-light suitability.”
PLANTVERS Raven ZZ Plant in Nursery Pot | Zamioculcas Zamiifolia ‘Raven’ | Low-Light Black Foliage Indoor Plant | Drought-Tolerant Air Purifier for Home or Office (3″ Grow Pot)
For a genuinely dim office, the Raven ZZ has the clearest match to the roundup: its listing specifically describes low-light tolerance and infrequent watering. That makes it a more targeted choice than the Costa Farms Money Tree, whose supplied details do not name a light range. Its glossy purple-black foliage also gives it a distinctive look, unlike the upright green leaves of the Costa Farms Snake Plant. The main compromise is scale: the 3-inch grow pot and expected 8-inch height make this a small accent, not a plant that will fill an empty corner. The foliage matures over time, so its full dark effect may not be immediate. Choose it for a compact low-light desk or shelf; skip it if you want instant height.
Pros:- Low-light care is explicitly listed
- Tolerates dry conditions and infrequent watering
- Glossy dark foliage offers a distinct look beside green snake plants
- Nursery pot arrives ready for display
Cons:- 3-inch grow pot and 8-inch expected height limit its scale
- Dark foliage matures over time
- Moderate watering needs still require attention
Best for: Workers with dim desks or shelves who want a compact plant with explicitly stated low-light tolerance.
Not ideal for: Buyers furnishing a large empty corner or seeking a tall plant with immediate visual impact.
- Plant type:Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’
- Pot:3-inch grow pot
- Expected height:8 inches
- Foliage:Glossy purple-black leaves that mature over time
- Sunlight exposure:Partial shade
- Moisture needs:Moderate watering
- Care:Easy care; tolerates low light and dry conditions
- Use:Indoor
Our verdict“Pick the Raven ZZ for a compact, dramatic plant when low light and infrequent watering are the priorities.”
Altman Plants Variegated Snake Plant (Sansevieria Laurentii), 4-Inch Pot
The variegated Laurentii keeps the practical appeal of a snake plant in a smaller grower pot, making it a neat fit for a shelf or a crowded desk. Its yellow-edged leaves add more color than the Costa Farms Snake Plant’s architectural green profile, while its rooted condition and low-maintenance description suit buyers who want a familiar, forgiving plant. The listing says it tolerates a range of indoor light conditions, but also lists full sun exposure; that mixed guidance makes it harder to recommend for a very dim office than the PLANTVERS Raven ZZ, which explicitly names low light. Height is listed at 10 inches, so it is not a tall floor accent despite its long-leaf form. Choose it for compact color in moderate indoor light; skip it for a consistently dark spot.
Pros:- Compact 4.25-inch grower pot suits desks and shelves
- Yellow leaf edges add color compared with the Costa Farms Snake Plant
- Fully rooted and described as low maintenance
- Tolerates a range of indoor light conditions
Cons:- Light guidance is mixed, including a full-sun listing
- Listed height of 10 inches may be shorter than expected
- Soil moisture is listed as regular despite the drought-tolerant description
Best for: Desk and shelf owners who want a compact, rooted snake plant with yellow-edged foliage and some flexibility in indoor light.
Not ideal for: Buyers placing a plant in a consistently dim office, given the listing’s full-sun specification and mixed light guidance.
- Plant type:Sansevieria Laurentii (variegated snake plant)
- Pot size:4.25-inch grower pot
- Expected height:10 inches
- Sunlight exposure:Full sun listed; description says it tolerates a range of indoor light
- Soil type:Sandy soil
- Soil moisture:Regular watering listed
- Hardiness zone:USDA zones 10, 11, and 12
- Usage:Indoor and outdoor
Our verdict“Choose this compact Laurentii for colorful snake-plant foliage in a spot with some dependable indoor light.”
Costa Farms Live Indoor Houseplant Bundle, 2 Plants in 4-Inch Pots
Two plants in one bundle make this an easy way to add greenery to separate desks, shelves, or corners without choosing individual varieties. Costa Farms says the assortment is selected for resilience in low light, which makes it a closer fit for dim offices than the Essential Houseplant Collection, whose care guidance favors bright, indirect light. The tradeoff is variety uncertainty: the bundle may include plants such as a Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Fern, Dieffenbachia, or Pothos, so you cannot plan around a specific leaf shape or care routine. Its decorative 4-inch pots also make the plants ready to display, though the smaller size gives less visual impact than the 6-inch Costa Farms Snake Plant. I’d choose this pair for flexible office styling, while buyers who need a named, predictable plant should look elsewhere.
Pros:- Includes two plants for separate office spots
- Assortment is selected for resilience in low-light spaces
- Decorative 4-inch pots are included
- Protective nursery-direct shipping is described
Cons:- Plant varieties vary, so the exact plants are unknown
- Small 4-inch pots create less visual impact than the 6-inch Costa Farms Snake Plant
- Care needs may differ between the two plants
Best for: Office workers furnishing two small desks or shelves who want a low-light-friendly pair and are comfortable with assorted varieties
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a specific plant species, especially anyone who needs to check pet safety or match an established care routine
- Plant count:2
- Pot size:4 inches
- Plant type:Live indoor houseplants
- Light conditions:Suitable for low-light environments
- Varieties:Assorted; examples include Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Fern, Dieffenbachia, and Pothos
- Pot inclusion:Decorative pots included
- Origin:Nursery-direct from Miami
- Packaging:Protective shipping packaging
Our verdict“Choose this bundle to decorate two modest office spaces with low-light-oriented greenery if an unpredictable assortment suits you.”
Essential Houseplant Collection (4PK) Live Plants Indoor Plants Live Houseplants in Plant Pots, Easy House Plants Indoors Live, Snake Plant, Pothos in Potting Soil, Clean Air Plants by Plants for Pets
Four assorted greenhouse-grown plants give this collection more variety than the two-plant Costa Farms bundle, making it useful when you want several office surfaces to feel connected. The selection may include Pothos, Philodendron, Syngonium, Peperomia, Calathea, and other varieties, but the exact mix changes. That uncertainty matters more in a low-light roundup because the listing recommends bright, indirect light, and the included plants can have different light and watering needs. Compared with the single Lemon Lime Maranta, this pack can spread greenery around a room, but it is less predictable and may ask more of a beginner tracking several care routines. The 4.25-inch nursery pots are compact for shelves, though they are not presented as decorative planters. I’d favor it for a naturally bright office that can support a mixed collection.
Pros:- Four plants cover more office surfaces than the two-plant Costa Farms bundle
- Assortment can include a broad mix of foliage types
- Greenhouse-grown and shipped directly by the grower
- Compact 4.25-inch nursery pots fit shelves and desks
Cons:- Listing recommends bright, indirect light rather than specifically endorsing low-light conditions
- Exact varieties vary, so care needs and pet safety may be uncertain
- Nursery pots may need decorative cover pots for a finished desk display
Best for: Office plant owners with bright, indirect light who want several compact plants across shelves, desks, or shared work areas
Not ideal for: People furnishing a consistently dim office or anyone who wants one clearly identified plant with a single care routine
- Plant count:4
- Pot size:4.25-inch nursery pots
- Plant type:Live, greenhouse-grown houseplants
- Varieties:Rotating assortment; may include Pothos, Philodendron, Calathea, Dracaena, Ficus, Syngonium, and Peperomia
- Light guidance:Bright, indirect light recommended
- Watering guidance:Water when soil is dry
- Expected plant height:10 inches
- Soil type:Loam
- Indoor/outdoor use:Indoor and outdoor
Our verdict“Pick this four-plant assortment for a brighter office where variety matters more than predictable species or low-light performance.”
Live Plant, Lemon Lime Maranta Prayer Plant, Pet Friendly, Air Purifying Plant, Easy Care, Easy to Grow Live Indoor Plant, Houseplant, Rare Indoor Plant, Home Décor 4 inch White Pot
One named Lemon Lime Maranta offers more certainty than either assorted bundle: you know which plant is arriving and can plan around its stated care needs. Its bright, patterned leaves and compact 4-inch pot suit a desk or shelf, while the listing identifies it as pet friendly, a useful distinction from mixed assortments whose exact varieties can vary. For the low-light office brief, though, this is a compromise: Maranta is described as thriving in bright, indirect light, so a dim cubicle may not bring out its best growth. It also calls for moderate watering and a warm, humid setting, making it less hands-off than the Raven ZZ. I’d choose it for a bright office with pets and room to maintain humidity, not as the safest bet for a windowless workspace.
Pros:- Specific Lemon Lime Maranta variety is identified
- Listing describes the plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Compact 4-inch pot suits desks and shelves
- Distinctive patterned foliage adds color beyond the darker Raven ZZ
Cons:- Bright, indirect light is recommended, limiting its fit for dim offices
- Moderate watering and humidity needs require more attention than the Raven ZZ
- Single plant covers less space than either assorted bundle
Best for: Pet owners who want one identifiable, patterned desk plant and can provide bright indirect light and a warm, humid spot
Not ideal for: Workers placing a plant in a windowless or consistently dim office, or those who want a drought-tolerant, low-attention plant like the Raven ZZ
- Plant:Lemon Lime Maranta Prayer Plant
- Pot size:4 inches
- Approximate height:12–16 inches; product specifications list 12 inches
- Light conditions:Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
- Watering:Every 1–2 weeks when the top half of soil is dry
- Humidity and temperature:Warm, humid environment; 65–75°F
- Pet safety:Described as non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Soil type:Loam
- Pot color:White
Our verdict“Choose this Maranta for a pet-friendly, well-lit office desk if you can meet its humidity needs and do not need a true low-light specialist.”
How We Picked
I ranked these plants by how well their described traits suit an office with limited natural light, then weighed practical fit: mature size cues such as pot dimensions, ease of care, visual form, and whether a listing provides a single plant or a collection. Low-light tolerance mattered, but I did not treat it as a promise that a plant can grow well in a room with no usable daylight. Plants that appear easier to place and maintain earned higher positions than options whose appeal depends on more specific care or light conditions.
The ranking also reflects what a buyer gives up with each choice. The Costa Farms Snake Plant leads as a versatile, uncomplicated single plant; the Raven ZZ follows for compact placement and distinctive foliage. Collections rank well for furnishing multiple spots, but their assortment means less control over matching each plant to a dim corner. The Maranta ranks lower for this use because its pet-friendly appeal comes with more attentive watering needs, while the Money Tree and bundles suit buyers with particular display or variety goals better than buyers seeking the simplest low-light office plant.
| office plants low light | Plant type |
|---|---|
| Costa Farms Snake Plant Live I | Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) |
| Assorted Live Indoor Houseplan | — |
| Costa Farms Money Tree Live In | Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) |
| PLANTVERS Raven ZZ Plant in Nu | Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ |
| Altman Plants Variegated Snake | Sansevieria Laurentii (variegated snake plant) |
| Costa Farms Live Indoor Housep | Live indoor houseplants |
| Essential Houseplant Collectio | Live, greenhouse-grown houseplants |
| Live Plant | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Office Plants Low Light
Choosing a plant for a dim office starts with the room, not the label. These broader checks can help you avoid buying a plant that fits the desk but not the light, watering routine, or people and pets sharing the space.
Check What “Low Light” Means in Your Office
Low light usually means some indirect daylight reaches the plant, even if the room never feels sunny. A desk several metres from a window receives far less light than a shelf beside it, and a room with no windows may not support steady growth from any of these options. Assess the actual spot during the workday rather than judging by how bright the room looks to you. If foliage growth stalls or a plant becomes leggy, move it closer to a window or add a suitable grow light. Choosing a plant described as low-light tolerant can make care more forgiving, but it cannot replace light altogether.
Match Watering Needs to Your Routine
Office plants often suffer from well-meant overwatering, especially when several coworkers take turns caring for them. Before setting a schedule, check the potting mix and drainage; a fixed weekly routine can leave roots sitting wet when the room is cool or light is weak. Drought-tolerant types suit people who travel or forget occasional care, while a prayer plant calls for more consistent attention to soil moisture. Small pots can dry sooner than larger ones, so pot size affects how often you need to check. Water based on the plant and soil condition rather than the calendar.
Plan for the Plant’s Full Footprint
A nursery pot’s listed size describes the container, not how wide or tall the plant will become. Upright foliage can work beside a monitor, while a spreading or arching plant needs clearance from keyboards, walkways, and neighbouring desks. For a shared office, think about where leaves might extend as the plant grows and whether the pot needs a tray to protect furniture. Bundles can quickly occupy more surface area than expected, even when each plant arrives in a small pot. Measure the intended spot and leave room to move the plant for light or maintenance.
Treat Plant Collections as a Mix, Not a Matched Set
Multi-plant packs are convenient when you want to furnish several desks at once, but assortment introduces uncertainty about exact varieties, sizes, and care needs. A group that looks coordinated in a product photo may include plants with different light and water preferences. Avoid placing every plant in the darkest corner just because one plant in the pack tolerates it. Sort them by their care requirements after arrival and assign each to the best available spot. A single plant gives you more control over the match; a collection trades that control for variety and coverage.
Factor in Pets and Shared-Space Access
In an office where pets visit or coworkers bring animals, verify the specific plant’s safety before purchase rather than relying on broad claims such as “air purifying.” The Lemon Lime Maranta is identified as pet friendly in its listing, which makes it a more direct fit for that need than the other named options here. Keep in mind that “pet friendly” does not mean every animal will leave the leaves or pot alone. Place plants where they will not obstruct shared work areas, and ask about office rules for soil, watering, and pest control. A plant that fits the space and its occupants is more likely to remain there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any of these plants live in an office with no windows?
A room with no daylight is a difficult environment for a live plant, including varieties described as tolerant of low light. The Costa Farms Snake Plant and Raven ZZ are the more plausible choices for dimmer conditions in this lineup, but they still need light to maintain growth. A suitable grow light can help if the office has no window, though placement and operating time matter. If adding a light is not practical, consider rotating plants from a brighter location rather than expecting one to stay in a dark room indefinitely. Watch for weak or stalled growth as a sign that the setup needs adjustment.
Which option makes sense if I can only water plants occasionally?
The Costa Farms Snake Plant or the Raven ZZ is a better starting point than the Lemon Lime Maranta for someone who may miss a watering. Both are presented as drought-tolerant or suited to limited watering, while a prayer plant generally asks for more consistent attention. Even resilient plants can be harmed by constantly wet soil, so drainage and checking the mix matter more than frequent watering. If you leave the office for weekends or holidays, water according to soil dryness before you go. A small plant in a small pot may still dry faster than a larger one.
Should I buy a plant bundle or choose one plant for a dim workspace?
Choose a single plant when you have one specific dim spot and want to control exactly what goes there. The standard snake plant is the clearest single-plant fit in this roundup, while a multi-plant collection works better when you have several locations with different amounts of daylight. Assorted packs can include plants that need brighter placement than their low-light-tolerant companions. Before ordering a bundle, decide where each plant could go and whether you can care for different varieties. A collection is less useful if all the available spots are equally dark.
Is the Raven ZZ a good choice for a small desk?
The PLANTVERS Raven ZZ arrives in a 3-inch grow pot, so it is the most explicitly compact individual option listed here. That small starting footprint can suit a shelf or crowded desk better than a multi-plant pack or a larger display plant. The tradeoff is that a small pot may leave less room for roots and can require closer checks as the plant grows. Confirm the plant’s actual dimensions and allow space around the leaves before ordering. If you want a larger focal plant, the Money Tree is a different kind of display choice, but it will need more room.
Which of these is the most suitable choice around pets?
The Lemon Lime Maranta is the only option in this roundup explicitly described as pet friendly, so it is the clearest candidate when that feature is a priority. Its care needs are less hands-off than those of the snake plant or Raven ZZ, which creates a tradeoff between pet suitability and easy maintenance. Check the plant identity and safety information before bringing any live plant into a shared space with animals. Also consider whether pets can reach the potting soil or knock over the container. If no suitable placement is available, skip a plant rather than relying only on a product label.
Conclusion
For most dim offices, I’d choose the Costa Farms Snake Plant as the best overall option because it combines a straightforward upright form with forgiving care. The Assorted Live Indoor Houseplants 6-Pack is my best value-style pick for furnishing several spots, provided you can match each plant to its own light conditions. For a premium-looking display, the Costa Farms Money Tree offers a braided trunk, though it needs more space and should not be treated as a fit for a windowless room. Beginners who want a compact plant can start with the Raven ZZ; buyers who need a pet-friendly listing should look at the Lemon Lime Maranta and accept its more attentive watering routine. Choose based on the light and care you can provide, then the plant’s appearance.
Halloween Picks
halloween
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
