Your Cart is Empty
Research suggests that interacting with indoor plants can be linked to reduced psychological and physiological stress responses, including lower blood pressure and decreased stress hormone cortisol levels.6 Indoor plants offer many benefits, from improving indoor air quality to creating a calming effect that supports emotional balance. Studies have shown that active interaction with indoor plants can lower diastolic blood pressure and reduce physiological stress responses, according to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology.5
While the positive impact of plants for mental health is well documented, it’s important to remember they are not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you’re struggling with persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or other concerns, seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
This guide explores the best indoor plants for mental health and wellness, explaining how each can help in managing feelings of stress, boosting mood, and creating a healthier indoor environment.
Indoor plants can help promote a sense of calm and improve your mood by adding natural elements to your indoor environment. They also improve indoor air quality by filtering harmful toxins, releasing oxygen, and adding humidity, which can support general health and cognitive performance.1
The benefits go beyond their appearance. Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements into your living space, has been linked to lower stress hormone cortisol levels and better psychological and physiological stress recovery.3 This connection to nature can create an environment that promotes relaxation and emotional balance.
Green leaves, fresh scents, and the soothing atmosphere created by indoor foliage plants can boost concentration, promote calmness, and encourage better sleep. With proper care, they can benefit both mind and body, and when paired with other natural strategies, offer an easy, accessible way to enhance daily well-being.
Surrounding yourself with the best indoor plants for mental health can transform your home or workspace into a calming retreat. Each plant on this list offers unique health benefits, from reducing indoor air pollution to creating a peaceful atmosphere that can help in managing feelings of stress. Choose ones that fit your light conditions, lifestyle, and care preferences for the best results.
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, thrives on neglect and can handle low light conditions. It removes harmful toxins from indoor air and improves indoor air quality in bedrooms or offices. A great choice if you want a low-maintenance plant that still makes a positive impact.
Peace lilies are beautiful plants that add moisture to indoor air, improving comfort and sleep quality. Their lush greenery and white blooms create a calming effect, making them perfect for helping to relieve feelings of anxiety and enhance relaxation in low-light conditions.
The jade plant is known in Feng Shui for attracting good energy. It has vibrant, glossy leaves that add beauty and charm. This compact plant can brighten any living space.
The money tree is associated with luck and a sense of calm. Its presence may be correlated with a positive mood. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and adds tropical charm to indoor spaces. Its braided trunk and dense canopy bring both beauty and a sense of harmony.
Spider plants are adaptable house plants that tolerate a range of light conditions. They improve indoor air by filtering carbon monoxide and other pollutants. Their arching green-and-white leaves and easy propagation make them a friendly, shareable option.
Lavender offers a calming scent that is often used in aromatherapy. It is associated with a sense of relaxation.7 As a perennial herb, it lives for more than two years and grows back each season. It needs bright light indoors to thrive and works well in colder weather when you can’t grow it outside.
Succulents are the best plants for busy people who want greenery without frequent watering. They are easy to care for and fit well in small spaces. Their presence may provide a subtle mood lift.
Philodendrons, with their trailing or upright growth, bring lush greenery to low or medium-light indoor spaces. They help improve indoor air and create a relaxing atmosphere in home offices or living rooms.
The Boston fern thrives in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity is higher. Its soft fronds add lush greenery to the space and can create a peaceful, natural vibe.
Aloe vera is a source of skin-soothing gel. Best placed in bright, indirect sunlight, it improves indoor air quality and adds beauty to kitchens or sunny windowsills.
The areca palm’s large fronds bring a tropical look indoors while helping filter harmful toxins from the air. This air-purifying plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and makes a great focal point in larger living spaces.
The rubber plant features deep green, glossy leaves that enhance mood and fit well in modern interiors. It prefers moderate light, making it a functional and attractive choice.
The fresh scent of rosemary has been linked in some studies to improved cognitive performance and focus.4 This perennial herb needs bright light and flourishes in sunny kitchen windows, bringing fresh taste to meals while helping create a soothing atmosphere.
Jasmine offers a sweet fragrance and delicate blooms that may promote a sense of relaxation and improve mood. With proper care and bright light, it can help create a calming atmosphere in bedrooms or sitting areas.
The monstera’s iconic split leaves bring a pleasing aesthetic to indoor spaces. It is easy to care for with minimal upkeep. This stylish plant can enhance the look of any room.
Selecting the best indoor plants for mental health starts with matching each plant’s needs to your care routine and indoor environment. The right choice can improve mood, help in managing feelings of stress, and enhance indoor air quality while fitting naturally into your living space.
Consider the following factors before bringing new plants into your home:
Match care level to your lifestyle – Low-maintenance plants like the snake plant or spider plant are ideal for busy schedules, while Boston ferns and jasmine require more frequent attention.
Assess your light conditions – Place succulents and aloe vera in bright light, and keep peace lilies or philodendrons in low light conditions for healthy growth.
Factor in humidity needs – Humidity-loving plants such as Boston ferns thrive in kitchens or bathrooms, while succulents and jade plants prefer drier air.
Prioritize pet safety – If you have pets, choose non-toxic options like the areca palm or bamboo palm to enjoy mental health benefits without risk.
Plan for available space – Large plants like the money tree or monstera need room for a dense canopy, while smaller plants like rosemary or lavender fit on desks and windowsills.
While the best indoor plants for mental health can help in managing feelings of stress, they can also present certain risks if not chosen or cared for properly. Being aware of these issues helps you maintain a safe, healthy living space while still enjoying the benefits plants can provide.
Key considerations include:
Toxicity to pets and children – Some house plants, such as the peace lily and jade plant, can be harmful if ingested.
Allergic reactions – Pollen from flowering plants or dust from leaves can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
Mold growth in soil – Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to mold, which affects indoor air.
Dead leaves and plant debris – Leaving dead leaves in pots or on the floor can attract pests and lower indoor air quality.
Harmful toxins in certain plants – Some varieties may release or contain compounds that irritate skin or airways.
Bringing the best indoor plants for mental health into your home can turn indoor spaces into relaxing retreats that improve mood, help relieve feelings of anxiety, and enhance indoor air quality. Choose one or two plants you enjoy, such as a snake plant, peace lily, or jade plant, and care for them according to their light and water needs. With time, you may experience benefits like reduced psychological and physiological stress, improved sleep quality, and a more welcoming living space.
For added support, pair your green sanctuary with Seredyn Complete Calm, a natural supplement that promotes relaxation and can help in managing feelings of stress. Start small, care for your plants consistently, and enjoy the positive impact they bring to your daily life.
Surrounding yourself with greenery can help you feel calmer and more balanced. Seredyn Complete Calm offers natural ingredients that work with your body to promote relaxation, reduce feelings of anxiety, and support emotional well-being.
Bring peace to both your space and your mind. Try Seredyn Complete Calm today.
Which indoor plant is best for reducing stress?
The peace lily is one of the best indoor plants for mental health, offering calming effects and improved indoor air quality.
Are there plants that can help me sleep better?
Snake plants release oxygen at night, helping improve sleep quality and support relaxation.
What’s the easiest indoor plant for beginners?
The spider plant is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in various light conditions and helps improve air quality.
Can indoor plants improve my mood?
Yes, plants for mental health, like the jade plant and money tree, can create a calming effect and boost mood.
Which indoor plants are safe for pets?
Pet-friendly options include the spider plant, areca palm, and bamboo palm, all of which help improve air quality.
El-Tanbouly, R., Hassan, Z., & El-Messeiry, S. (2021). The Role of Indoor Plants in air Purification and Human Health in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Proposal for a Novel Line of Inquiry. Frontiers in molecular biosciences, 8, 709395. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2021.709395
Gonçalves, G., Sousa, C., Fernandes, M. J., Almeida, N., & Sousa, A. (2023). Restorative Effects of Biophilic Workplace and Nature Exposure during Working Time: A Systematic Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(21), 6986. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20216986
Huntsman, D. D., & Bulaj, G. (2022). Healthy Dwelling: Design of Biophilic Interior Environments Fostering Self-Care Practices for People Living with Migraines, Chronic Pain, and Depression. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(4), 2248. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042248
Hussain, S. M., Syeda, A. F., Alshammari, M., Alnasser, S., Alenzi, N. D., Alanazi, S. T., & Nandakumar, K. (2022). Cognition enhancing effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in lab animal studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Brazilian journal of medical and biological research = Revista brasileira de pesquisas medicas e biologica, 55, e11593. https://doi.org/10.1590/1414-431X2021e11593
Lee, M. S., Lee, J., Park, B. J., & Miyazaki, Y. (2015). Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: a randomized crossover study. Journal of physiological anthropology, 34(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40101-015-0060-8
Lim, M. H., Lee, D. H., Jung, S. E., Youn, D. Y., Park, C. S., & Lee, J. H. (2010). Effect of Modulation of hnRNP L Levels on the Decay of bcl-2 mRNA in MCF-7 Cells. The Korean journal of physiology & pharmacology : official journal of the Korean Physiological Society and the Korean Society of Pharmacology, 14(1), 15–20. https://doi.org/10.4196/kjpp.2010.14.1.15
Malcolm, B. J., & Tallian, K. (2018). Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time?. The mental health clinician, 7(4), 147–155. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2017.07.147