Office Plants That Require No Sunlight

While spending eight hours in a cubicle, people often like a friendly flower or plant to keep their spirits up. Plants residing in an office have a more taxing environment than being in a house, but the right plant can take the cons and make them pros. Office plants have to endure more fluorescent lighting than in houses, for example, so houseplants that can live in shade are best.

Oysterplant

Oysterplant, or Tradescantia spathacea, is from the Commelinaceae, or spiderwort, family. It is an evergreen, easy-growing, drought-resistant perennial with a trunk stem 8 inches tall and has 6- to 12-inch leaves. White flowers are small and hidden but present all year. Plant an oysterplant in moist, organic-rich soils in light shade. Propagate via spring cuttings, potting offsets or by seed.

Grape Hyacinth

Grape hyacinth, or Muscari spp., is from the Liliaceae, or lily, family. It is a fragrant, easy to grow perennial of which there are 40 different species. Strap-like leaves and flower stems hold normally blue flowers (colors are different depending on species) less than 1 inch long. The size of leaves and stems depend on cultivar. Plant a grape hyacinth plant in well-drained soil with regular watering. Propagate via offsets or by seed.

English Ivy

English ivy, or Hedera helix, is from the Araliaceae, or ginseng, family. It is an evergreen vine. Leaves can be different colors and are usually variegated. Small flowers are barely seen, along with poisonous black berries. Plant an English ivy in rich, moist soil. Propagate via grafting, layering or by cuttings.

Wandering Jew

Wandering jew, or Tradescantia zebrina, is from the Commelinaceae, or spiderwort, family. It is a fast and easy to grow perennial. Leaves are 3 inches with hairy upper surfaces. The leaves are striped silver, burgundy or turquoise. Plant a wandering jew plant in rich, mulched, moist soil. Propagate via seed or by cuttings.

Asparagus Fern

Asparagus fern, or Protasparagus densiflorus, is from the Liliaceae, or lily, family. It is an evergreen, drought-tolerant perennial that is fast and easy growing. Stems are feathery and 2 to 6 feet long. The plant gets 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. White flowers are small, and berries are bright red. Water regularly. Propagate by tuberous root mass division or by seed.