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.
The Benefits of Having Indoor Plants
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, bathroom, or in low light rooms to help you destress.
Best Indoor Plants Low Light
Some plants do better in the shade than others. So, not getting all that much light in your rooms isn’t a good enough excuse not to grow indoor plants. Browse our selection to find the best indoor plant for low light.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcus zamiifolia)
This green gem does well in low light conditions, though you wouldn’t guess that by its vibrant green foliage.
Tip: Water it only every two weeks. When grown in the shade, this plant needs very little water.
It’s okay to move it into a spot that gets more light if you have to–such as a terrace or garden. But if you do that, you’ll have to water it more often.
4. Lady Palm (Raphis)
Another unpretentious low-light indoor plant is Lady Palm, which is also pretty resistant to the cold. This one tends to grow quite slowly, so you need to have patience with it.
Important: This plant only needs to be watered once a week, and even then, not too much. Good drainage is important for it to thrive.
5. Mistletoe Cacti (Rhipsalis)
If you’re looking for hanging indoor plants you can keep in a place with no direct light, the Mistletoe Cactic is just for you.
With its profuse, verdant foliage, this interesting plant can cheer up just about any spot.
But make sure that you don’t place them under electronic equipment or any other surface that may get damaged by water. Not that you should worry about leaks–this plant requires modest watering every week.
Tip: Plant it in well-drained soil and preferably in a more humid spot, like the bathroom. In the colder seasons water it less.
Best Indoor Plant for Bedroom
Good sleep is important for a long and health life, and indoor plants can help turn your bedroom into a more relaxed environment.
6. 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. It’s one of our all-time favorite indoor plants.
Tip: The plant needs frequent misting. If the soil dries out, its fronds may turn yellowish-brown and crispy.
7. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Palms are often a good choice for most bedrooms as they grow tall rather than wide and can fill up a corner with the volume of their foliage. What’s more, they are relatively easy to care.
One of our favorites is the graceful Areca Palm, whose beautiful plumes can exceed 6 feet in height. Keep it in bright light and keep the soil moist to enjoy it in all its beauty.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)
If you’re looking for smaller indoor plants for your bedroom that you can place on a nightstand, plant stand, or side table, here’s one inspired choice–Chinese evergreen. You’ll like its profusion of pale green leaves and simple beauty.
This bedroom plant does well in low light and is fairly easy to grow, provided you keep it away from an open window. It’s sensitive to cold. You don’t want it facing any cold air directly either.
8. 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.
9. 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. Indoor plants don’t get more fragrant than this!
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.
10. 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.
11. Jasmine (Jasminum)
Jasmine may not be the first plant you think about when it comes to the best indoor plants for your bedroom. But it can increase the quality of sleep according to one study.
Add to that the beautiful flowers of this plant and their lovely scent, and you have no reason not to add a pot or two of jasmine to your sleep room. If you’re hard-pressed for space, put it in hanging baskets.
Tip: Good drainage is crucial for growing this plant indoors. Better add some extra holes in the button of the pot just to be sure.
Best Indoor Plants for Your Bathroom
Plants in your bathroom? Why not? A bit of green can add a nice touch to your bedroom décor.
Even if you’re not the type to lay for hours in the tub, plants can cheer up one of the most important rooms in your house.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Pretty but modest in its requirements, the Maidenhair Fern is a good choice for most bathrooms as it doesn’t mind a bit of humidity. It thrives in moist but not wet soil.
Place this one where it’s not likely to get splashed with water or damaged in any way, as it is a delicate plant with foliage that can easily tear (at least compared to other plants in this list).
Tip: To enjoy it in all its delicate beauty, place it in a warm spot, such as near (but not too closer) to a heater. Also important is for the soil to contain organic matter–this one does poorly in poor soil!
15. Air plants (Bromeliaceae)
Ever grown air plants? They look spectacular in hanging arrangements and they don’t need any soil either. You can place them all over your bathroom including in nooks and crannies to green the place up.
You don’t even have to water them–not if you shower often. The mist from your showers should provide enough humidity for them to stay healthy. But you want to have a mister at hand just in case, especially during hot summers.
Air plants come in hundreds of varieties, so you have plenty of options to choose from. But make sure to check the light requirements of the variety you choose. Some air plants need more light than others.
16. 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. Talking of useful indoor plants!
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.
17. Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The very resilient cast-iron plant is another inspired choice in the bathroom as it doesn’t take up too much space. It can grow in poor light conditions and doesn’t mind high heat.
Important: Don’t overwater it, especially if your bathroom tends to be a bit humid. Let it dry between watering.
18. 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.
Best Indoor Plant for Living Room
Because they tend to be spacious and frequently used by the whole family, living rooms provide some of the best spots in the house for adding some more plants.
Living rooms also offer good light conditions, making them a good choice for most plants.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. Dieffenbachia (hybrid)
Last but certainly not least, Dieffenbachia it’s a carefree plant with moderate light requirements. It’s not as eye-catching as some other plants on our list, but its vibrant leaves can liven any corner.
We recommend growing this one in smaller pots which you can place away from any pets or children. That’s because the sap of this plant can trigger skin irritation.
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.
- CANNOT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA or ARIZONA due to state policies
- Grown by family owned and operated nursery
- Blooms year-round
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.
- Golden Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. Low maintenance vining plant, also drought...
- Water the golden pothos well, soaking the soil however make sure to drain all excess water. Pothos...
- Ships well rooted in a Costa Farms brand grower pot. Plant height at shipping ranges from 10 to...
- 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.
- Elegant flower presentation and fragrance atop silvery foliage. Consistent, uniform mounding habit
- Light exposure: sun. Hardiness zones 4-8. Habit: mounded. Perennial
- Deer resistant, summer flowering
- 🌱 live Confederate Jasmine is a beautifully-fragrant, Jasmine vine incredibly easy to grow and...
- 💚 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.
- Sansevieria, or the mother-in-law's Tongue/ snake plant as it's commonly known is a truly remarkable...
- One of the top air purifying plants identified by NASA, Sansevieria removes at least 107 known air...
- It also has a higher efficiency of absorbing carbon dioxide (2) And it is one of the few plants that...
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.
- Is this a gift? Please choose "this is a gift" At check out to add a personalized message
- 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,...
- prefers bright, indirect light
- Prefer temperatures between 65 and 75°F, but can go into the low 40's if given time to acclimate.
- They love moisture, and being consistently damp, but don't over water them!
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.
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!
Leave a Reply