Background noise is one of the quickest ways to drain focus in an office. Conversations carry further than expected, phones ring and traffic hums, making the space feel louder and more tiring to work in. While plants won’t block sound completely, the right greenery can noticeably soften noise and make workplaces feel calmer and more comfortable.
This list focuses mainly on plants commonly used around offices and commercial buildings to reduce noise before it reaches the workspace. Some of the plants listed here can also be used to absorb background noise and improve acoustics within offices. For a deeper look at how plants can absorb sound and block noise, this guide explains the principles in more detail.
Peace Lily
Peace Lily earns its place indoors not just for appearance but for its practical benefits. Broad leaves help absorb ambient noise and reduce the sharp echoes that often build up in enclosed spaces.
It works particularly well in meeting rooms, reception areas and quieter zones where sound tends to linger. Using several plants together improves the effect, especially when planted in an office planter box that helps shape the space without hard barriers.
Peace Lilies prefer indirect light and consistent watering. With routine maintenance, they stay healthy and quietly effective.
Dracaena
Dracaena is a practical choice for offices dealing with general background noise. Its upright form and long leaves help interrupt sound paths while adding structure to open areas.
It is most effective along walls, in corridors or between work zones where noise travels easily. Rather than relying on a single plant, grouping a few together delivers better results.
When stems start to lean or foliage thins out, sound travels more easily through the space. Routine shaping, rotation and support keep Dracaena upright and dense, helping it continue to absorb background noise and maintain its role as one of the best plants for blocking sound indoors.
Bamboo
When traffic or street noise is the main concern, Bamboo is often one of the best plants to block road noise. Its height and dense growth allow it to act as a natural sound filter.
Bamboo is best used outdoors along boundaries, terraces or street-facing edges. It is particularly effective for offices located on busy roads or near transport corridors. Contained planting systems help manage growth while maintaining the density needed for noise reduction.
Bamboo requires active management to stay effective. Pruning keeps canes upright and dense, while containment ensures growth stays focused where it provides the most noise reduction. With consistent care, it remains highly effective as one of the best noise blocking plants for outdoor settings.
Ficus
Ficus plants are commonly used indoors. Thick leaves and branching growth help absorb sound and soften large, open spaces where noise tends to bounce.
They are well suited to open-plan offices, areas near windows or zones where teams work closely together. Larger specimens offer greater acoustic benefit and can gently separate areas without closing them off visually.
Ficus prefers stable conditions and consistent care. Regular pruning and balanced light prevent uneven growth, which can create gaps that reduce both visual presence and sound absorption. When maintained properly, Ficus remains a dependable choice for absorbing noise in commercial interiors.
Final Thoughts
Reducing workplace noise through plants isn’t about a single solution. The best results come from combining outdoor planting, indoor greenery and thoughtful positioning based on how a space is actually used.
The Plant Man works with businesses to select and maintain the best plants for blocking sound, focusing on long-term outcomes rather than quick fixes. Through our corporate plant hire services in Sydney, we provide advice, installation and ongoing maintenance to help workplaces feel calmer, more comfortable and easier to manage.
When done right, noise blocking plants do more than soften sound. They help create spaces where people can focus, collaborate and feel at ease throughout the day.
