12 Desk Plants That Don’t Need Sunlight

Nothing brightens up a space more than a cute little desk plant. But what happens when the space you need to brighten up is, quite literally, in the dark?

We all learned in sixth-grade biology that plants like to have sunlight in order to grow. While this is true of most specimens, there are some that actually can not only survive but actually flourish in shadier spaces. And with all the mental health benefits that plants have been proven to bring to office environments, it’s worth investing a few dollars into a desktop companion that can keep you going for the long haul.

Want to know more about which small desk plants don’t need sunlight? Read on for our favorite varieties, plus tips and tricks to keep your plant thriving.

Small Desk Plants That Don’t Need Sunlight

If you’re here for a quick list of plants and nothing else, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of our favorite small desk plants that don’t need sunlight:

Aloe Vera
Snake Plants
Pothos
Peace Lily
ZZ Plants
Spider Plants
Succulents
English Ivy
Lucky Bamboo
Sword Fern
Peperomia
Monstera

We love these plants because they are pretty much impossible to kill. Even under fluorescent lighting, these varieties will continue to have green leaves and, in some cases, even grow more over time. They are also beautiful enough to be in a living room, making them interesting and fun choices for an office desk.

What plants can grow in an office with no window?

If you are nowhere near a window while in the office, try going with one of the following varieties:

Pothos: Pothos plants are hearty, and they grow like weeds. Not only will they survive without natural light, they will grow fast and strong across your desk.
Monstera: Crank up the tropical vibes with a trendy monstera plant. You’ll notice new leaf growth in no time, even in the absence of natural sunlight.
Lucky bamboo: In the wild, bamboo grows with abandon. In a controlled office setting, it will do the same.
Peace lily: If you are looking for something that flowers, peace lilies are lovely options for an office desk.

Wait. So Can some plants survive on fluorescent light?

Absolutely! Any of the varieties here should be able to thrive without much natural light. However, if you would prefer to take the guesswork out of your desktop gardening, Gardenuity has got you covered. Our desktop gardens offer the perfect pop of green without any second-guessing.

You can shop for your own Gardenuity desktop garden.

Grow Pro FAQs

Will Succulents Survive in an Office?

Even though they are native to the desert, succulents can, in fact, survive with little to no sunlight, making them great options for office desk plants.

Are succulents good office plants?

We sure think so! Shop our desktop succulent garden if you want to see for yourself.

Are there any Office Plants that Don’t Need Sun?

Yes, you have lots of options. Try ferns, succulents, peperomia, snake and spider plants, lucky bamboo, aloe, English ivy, or lucky bamboo.

How do you Take Care of a Desk Plant?

Each varietal will require its own particular steps for care, but as a rule of thumb, you should try to water your plant around once a week or when the soil gets dry, whichever comes first.

Which plant should be kept on an office desk?

If you are going for style, we think succulents and lucky bamboo are great options for office desks. If you are looking for something on the larger side, try pothos, english ivy or ferns.

Are there any plants that don’t require natural lights for office space?

ZZ plants, snake plants, sword fern, and monstera give off a tropical vibe without needing any natural light.

What plants can you grow on your desk?

Try growing pothos, lucky bamboo, or peace lily at your desk. All of them should not only thrive but also get bigger over time.