Feeling a bit anxious, depressed, or lonely? The best indoor plants can make your home decor more classy and inviting, but do you know that they are also packed with tons of health and wellness benefits? In this guide, we’ll share with you the best houseplants for lowering stress, purifying the air, and removing toxins. On top of that, they make for an attractive, zero-waste decor option.
Gardening can be a bit challenging, true, especially if your plants need full maintenance, but you can get started with indoor plants. They are low-maintenance and perfect for practicing your green thumb. Plus, nurturing these indoor plants is fun and will bring you joy.
If you’re a plant lover like us looking for ways to relieve stress, read on to learn about the best indoor plants for your home.
Page Contents
- Can Indoor Plants Really Destress You?
- Best House Plants to Destress You
- 1. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
- 2. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
- 3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- 4. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- 5. Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum)
- 6. Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
- 7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- 8. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
- 9. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- 10. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- 11. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- 12. Lavender (Lavandula)
- 13. Chrysanthemums (Dendranthema grandiflora)
- 14. Mint (Mentha)
- Best Indoor Plants for Sale
- Best Indoor Plants to Destress You FAQ
- Bring Nature into Your Room
Can Indoor Plants Really Destress You?
Yes—just observe a tiny green plant growing slowly each day. Calming, isn’t it? But that’s not the only way indoor plants help us destress.
Having to take care of a plant develops a mild emotional bond, making plant parents (that’s you!) more mindful and relaxed.
You can also place broad-leaved plants atop your work desk to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies show that a dose of greenery around you can instantly improve your mental wellbeing.
A snake plant (nevermind the name!) or lavender on your nightstand will help you get a deeper, stress-free sleep.
Along those same lines, taking care of a living thing has therapeutic benefits.
Horticultural therapy, involving growing, propagating, and arranging plants, has shown promising results in those with psychological or even vocational struggles.
Poor indoor air quality can cause dry, itchy eyes, fatigue, and headaches.
Grow air-filtering plants such as the English ivy and peace lily to freshen up the air indoors and remove toxins like benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde from your house.
Plants also soar productivity, helping you work better through improved concentration.
What’s more, aromatic plants and herbs like jasmine, rosemary, and lavender make for a natural alternative to air fresheners. Sweet-smelling indoors can instantly brighten your mood.
The bottom line: Plants can really destress you in more ways than one!
Best House Plants to Destress You
A touch of greenery in your house can truly do wonders. From brightening dull corners and freshening the air to boosting your mood and reducing stress, indoor plants come with several benefits.
But keep in mind that some indoor plants have more benefits than others. Here’s a list of the best indoor plants you can start growing in your living room or office to help you destress.
1. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
This popular healing succulent makes for a great indoor plant. It works as a natural air purifier and helps increase the oxygen level indoors. It’s a great option for those looking for an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant.
There are also other ways to use the Aloe Vera plant. You can use its gel to heal cuts and burns. Or apply it over your skin as an alternative to moisturizers.
Also, ingesting aloe juice helps with digestion and is also a gentle remedy for heartburn.
Tip: Water your plant only when the topsoil has dried out completely. Too much water can cause the roots to rot.
2. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
This plant does not need too much sunlight. Hence, it does exceptionally well when planted indoors.
The Snake Plant absorbs carbon dioxide during the night instead of during the day, unlike most other plants. So, if you want a peaceful night’s sleep, add a snake plant to your bedroom.
Fun fact: This plant is ideal for the forgetful gardener. Place it in any corner of your house and it will survive without water for weeks.
3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston fern acts as a natural humidifier, improving the breathability of the indoor air. It’s also effective in removing indoor air pollutants such as benzene and xylene.
The fern is easy to care for and stays beautiful and vibrant without any difficulty.
Tip: The plant needs frequent misting. If the soil dries out, its fronds may turn yellowish-brown and crispy.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
You will not regret bringing home this attractive plant with broad, leather-like foliage. The rubber plant is good for cleaning indoor air and eliminating toxins.
It’s a low-maintenance plant and can do well in low sunlight. Remember that overwatering can result in yellow leaves.
Warning: The milky sap of this plant is poisonous and can cause serious skin irritation.
5. Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum)
Lacy tree philodendron is one of the most sought-after indoor plants. It’s a low-maintenance ornamental plant with enormous, half-lobed leaves.
It’s particularly effective at removing Volatile Organic Compounds from the air. The plant prefers moderate to low indirect light and occasional misting.
Tip: It grows vigorously and tends to spread wide. Make sure to leave ample room for it while growing indoors.
6. Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
Also known as the dragon tree, this vibrant houseplant has red to purple striped foliage. In brightly lit rooms, it can grow up to 15 feet and make for a stunning decor piece.
It’s also great for removing airborne toxins that emanate from a variety of household goods.
Tip: Water the base of the plant instead of its leaves. If the leaves get wet during watering, certain leaf spots will start appearing.
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Are you a pet parent? Bring home an English ivy. This air-purifying plant helps reduce the amount of airborne fecal matter (yup, there is such a thing, and it’s dangerous).
It also helps relieve stress, reduce headaches, and promote deep sleep.
Tip: Hang it in a basket or plant it in a pot—English ivy is really simple to grow and it thrives in moderate sunlight.
8. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
Add summer vibes to your home with the peace lily. This no-fuss beauty has attractive seashell-shaped spathes that bloom indoors. It requires low light and cooler temperatures and can help purify the air.
The plant also reduces humidity, so place it in rooms with high moisture or dampness, like a bathroom.
Warning: The leaves of the peace lily can be poisonous to children and pets.
9. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden pothos removes toxins from the air, allowing you to breathe deeply and relax. The plant is known to remove formaldehyde, a natural organic compound that causes adverse health effects.
It can grow in low light and even withstand a certain amount of neglect.
Fun fact: Good news for the arachnophobes! The plant is a natural spider mite repellent.
10. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
This is an ideal plant for beginners. It’s not only decorative but also one of the best air-purifying plants. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires bright, indirect sunlight.
Tip: Allergic to dust? The spider plant will come to your rescue. The plant is known to absorb mold and other harmful allergens from the air.
11. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Out list of the best indoor plants continues with the Bamboo Palm. This plant is sure to keep your indoors stress-free.
It’s known to remove carcinogens like benzene and trichloroethylene from the air which goes a long way to soothe anxiety. The plant has an eye-calming effect and can add a tropical feel to your indoors.
Tip: Bamboo palm likes to be well-watered and it thrives in shade or indirect sunlight.
12. Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender looks pretty, smells sweet, and is a feel-good plant. Plant it indoors to reduce stress, alleviate headaches, and improve your sleep.
This offbeat houseplant thrives in bright light, so make sure it receives 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Tip: Lavender is edible! Use the plant to make some lavender lemonade or tea. It can help treat anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
13. Chrysanthemums (Dendranthema grandiflora)
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are great at filtering out toxins. And with their bright, cheerful blooms, they double as floral arrangements.
When taken in tea, the plant can help relax your body and increase metabolism.
Tip: Chrysanthemums thrive under direct sun. They require well-drained soil and plenty of water.
14. Mint (Mentha)
Mint is a perfect herb to grow indoors. All it needs is moisture and indirect sunlight.
The leaves have a powerful, minty-fresh aroma that helps soothe nausea and headaches. The plant also acts as a natural insecticide and keeps pesky bugs outside.
Mint comes in many varieties, including spearmint, Vietnamese mint, apple mint, and pineapple mint. Mint-infused drinks help with digestion, anxiety, and soothe itchy skin.
Tip: Plant mint in wide, shallow containers. This ensures that the plant gets plenty of space for new shoots to pop up.
Best Indoor Plants for Sale
Are you thinking of buying some plants for your indoor space? As you have seen, there are lots of options you can look at.
From spiny succulents and leafy vines to hanging plants and bonsais, houseplants can liven up every corner of your house. But which ones to buy?
When shopping for the best indoor plants, it helps to know what you’re after. Here are some pointers.
Allergy Relief
Houseplants like peace lily and spider plants act as natural filters to catch allergens. Place them indoors and bid goodbye to those pesky allergens wreaking havoc on your nasal passage.
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- Grown by family owned and operated nursery
- Blooms year-round
- Homegrown by Hirt's Gardens.
- Grows in low light
- Blooms yearround
Air-Purifiers
For the city dwellers, air-purifying plants like the golden pothos and rubber plant are great options. These plants help rid the air of common toxins and pollutants, improving the indoor air quality.
- Homegrown by jmbamboo
- Great gift for the home, apartment, office, dorm or den
- Likes indirect light
- Easy to grow house plant
- Great for the house, apartment, office or dorm
- Provide bright, indirect or artificial light
Wellness Booster
It’s a joy to take care of indoor plants. They can instantly calm you and lower your anxiety. Bring home lavender or jasmine to help you relax.
The sweet aroma of these plants helps reduce anxiety levels and promotes deeper sleep.
- Rosemary: helps enhance lung capacity, and breathing properly is the key to good health. Also can...
- Oregano: loaded with antioxidants, oregano also helps with brain function and memory retention.
- Lemon Balm: helps to fight infections, and is great for skin, heart, and digestive health.
- 🌱 live Confederate Jasmine is a beautifully-fragrant, Jasmine vine that comes with easy to use...
- 💚 This plant features cascading lime-green foliage with pale, pinwheel flowers that release a...
- 🌞 Jasmine plants love the sun and would enjoy a spot in the landscape that receives full sun and...
Restful Sleep
If you find yourself tossing and turning all night, the snake plant is for you. Place it in your bedroom and the extra oxygen may help you sleep more peacefully.
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- The snake plant features stiff, upright, sword-like leaves Banded or edged in gray, silver, or gold.
- Add life to any room at home, A porch or patio, or Share the Green with the office
Low-Maintenance
For those who are not adept at taking care of houseplants, there are also some easy to care for varieties.
Aloe vera and Boston fern are some of the best indoor plants for you as they don’t mind a little neglect.
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- The Aloe Vera plant is known for its cool Gel inside of its thick, toothed leaves
- Great addition to modern and contemporary decor; Perfect for desks, tabletops, credenza cabinets,...
- Homegrown by Hirt's Gardens
- When it is actively growing it has a very subtle, but clear lemon scent
- It stays under 12" tall and sends creeping runners which sprout new plantlets
Best Indoor Plants to Destress You FAQ
Indoor plants are a great way to spruce up your living room on a budget. But these plants are also gaining popularity as natural solutions to relieve stress and anxiety.
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on the best indoor plants we’ve heard lately.
What indoor plants help with anxiety?
In addition to purifying the air and increasing oxygen levels, the best indoor plants also help alleviate anxiety. From succulents to air plants, add a touch of nature to your living room to foster feelings of happiness and ease anxiety. Great choices include aloe vera, bamboo palm, pothos, ficus bonsai, and the snake plant.
What is the best plant to have in your house?
Aloe vera, the snake plant, or ficus bonsai are all great to have. These are easy to look after, beautiful, purify the air, and bring a positive vibe to your room. But don’t forget that there are many house plants that can destress you.
What flower is good for anxiety?
The scent of certain flowers has therapeutic benefits that help with anxiety. Simply sniff at flowers like jasmine and chrysanthemum or use their oils for aromatherapy. You can also look at some edible options like lavender and chamomile. Use them to make some tea at night to enjoy an anxiety-free, deep sleep.
What plants are good for mental health?
There is something peaceful about being surrounded by plants. They can instantly ease the mind and make you feel relaxed. Studies have found that interacting with plants may reduce stress, both psychological and physiological. The best plants to help improve mental health problems include the spider plant, peace lily, rosemary, red-edged dracaena, and the English ivy.
Bring Nature into Your Room
Simply being surrounded by plants can do wonders for your health. But you don’t always have to go looking for greenery outside. Nature can grow in your room, too.
You know by now that plants soothe mental fatigue and relieve stress.
Go back to nature by bringing in some of the best indoor plants. They will add life to your space and also purify the air and promote peaceful sleep.
And what a delight it is to see the plants you have been caring for burst into blooms!
Now over to you. What are the best indoor plants according to you? Are they on our list?
Or do you have others in mind? Drop us a comment and let us know. We’d love to hear from you!
Welcome to my blog! I am a biologist and I love all living things, but plants and farm animals have a special place in my heart. I aim to bring plants and YOU closer again. If there’s one thing I want you to take with you, it is that gardening and farming aren’t intimidating if you have the necessary knowledge. That’s why I’m here. I’ll share everything I know about my beloved plants and animals and hopefully, you decide to adopt one in your home!
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