For these reasons, the best office plants tend to be species that were historically found in the understory of cloud forests or rainforests. Some popular options are Dieffenbachia sp. (mother-in-law's tongue), Philodendron sp., Monstera edulis (it can grow really large, but it also produces an edible fruit that tastes like a pineapple), Ficus benjamina (weeping fig), many orchids and ferns will also work if you can supplement their lighting by placing them on a windowsill. If you are someone is who is not good about remembering to water, you might want to consider a bromeliad such as Tillandsia.

Succulents are not a good choice. Succulence in plants is usually an adaptation for an outdoor environment with too much light -- the exact opposite of what is found in an office. Mold on the soil is also a clear indication that you are over-watering.

Let me tell you what I have in my office (disclaimer: I like plants): Monstera deliciosa, Adiantum aleuticum (five-fingered fern), Vanilla aphyla (leafless vanilla orchid), Vanilla planifolia (Tahitian vanilla orchid), another orchid (can't ID it until it flowers), and Coffea arabica (yes, coffee actually does pretty well in an office, if you have the room).

Marijuana. In the prohibition era just ending, many people discovered this in surreptitious basement experiments.

> I tried a succulent but the soil was covered in mold in a few weeks.

From an evolutionary perspective, that would indicate success, but for the mold, not the plant.

A mild dish soap works, personally I get one with no dyes, fragrances or anti-bacterial stuff in it.

There are better types of lights for growing plants but fluorescent are not bad at all.

Given that you are willing to accept mold as a plant, that is. Make it easy on yourself. Accept the mold.