Being in nature is healing for the mind, body, and soul. Even just looking at plants can have a stress-relieving effect that benefits the nervous system. That’s why the best indoor plants for mental health are the ones you enjoy being around. Their refreshing foliage lifts the mood and creates a sense of well-being, making your home feel safer and more relaxing. Plants at home help you create a space where your anxiety diminishes while bringing plants to your office will relieve stress in the workplace.

But do indoor plants really help with mental health? Let’s find out.

How Do Plants Impact Mental Health?

Indoor plants provide a much-needed connection to nature. Interacting and taking care of plants alleviates the symptoms of depression and anxiety. The benefits of houseplants also include better mood, relaxation, and increased self-confidence as you watch your plant thriving and growing new leaves.

So, how does nature improve mental health? Being surrounded by greenery, trees, and natural landscapes is proven to lower the levels of the stress hormone – cortisol. Indoor plants have the same effect, which is especially important when you don’t have the time or opportunity to go for a long walk outdoors. Plants in your home or office trigger positive emotions, similar to interaction with a pet, which can help improve your mood and lessen worry.

The considerable benefits of plants on mental health have been studied and applied in therapeutic gardening, both indoors and outdoors. Horticultural therapy is a recognized method for helping improve memory, self-confidence, cognitive abilities, and socialization.

Do Plants Calm People Down?

Studies reveal that plants calm people, helping to relieve stress and anxiety by generating positive emotions and reducing cortisol levels. Greenery in and around living spaces is known to lower depression. The air-purifying and oxygen-producing qualities of plants also contribute to a healthier indoor environment, which is instrumental in enhancing the quality of life.

Health Benefits of Plants

Introducing indoor plants with health benefits into your living space can support your mental health. Here are some other health benefits of indoor plants:

• Mood improvement

• Increase of motivation

• Natural air-purifiers

• Mental health support

• Providing a sense of accomplishment and responsibility

• Improvement of sleep quality

• Noise reduction

The above list names several good reasons to surround yourself with plants. But which indoor plant is best for mental health?

13 Best Indoor Plants for Mental Health and Stress Relief

So, do indoor plants help with stress and anxiety? Studies show that they do. The important factor is that you enjoy looking at and interacting with your plants. Greenery of all kinds lowers stress, but positive emotions can boost the effect. Here are some amazing indoor plants that help with depression and anxiety:

1. Philodendrons — Versatile Calming Plants

Philodendron plants are great at reducing stress and anxiety. With their calming presence, they help take the focus off your to-do lists and simply relax. Philodendrons’ leaves come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. These beauties can grow upwards, like the self-header Philodendron Prince of Orange, or trail downwards like the vining Philodendron Cordatum. Most Philodendrons are easy to grow, requiring medium to bright light and above-average humidity. 

2. Ficus Plants — Impressive Indoor Trees

These popular indoor trees require extra care, but their amazing foliage makes them perfect plants for mental health, as they cleanse the air and provide lush greenery. The beautiful, dense leaves of Ficus Plants bring the outdoors into your home. Some varieties, like the gorgeous Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata), can grow up to 10 ft. tall and live up to 50 years.

3. Snake Plants — Robust Stress Relief Plants

The upright, sword-shaped leaves of the Snake Plant give off a sense of reassurance and protection. These tough plants remove toxins from the air, improving air quality and making your space more wholesome. Varieties like the Zeylanica Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Zeylanica) also boast fascinating patterns on their elegant leaves. This beautiful tropical plant blooms occasionally, filling your space with a delicate aroma from its tiny, greenish-white flowers.

4. Elephant Ear Plants — Irresistible Tropical Beauties

The striking, boldly shaped leaves of Alocasia Polly (Alocasia Amasonica 'Polly') are typical of the lush, attractive foliage of Elephant Ear Plants. Native to tropical areas in Southeast Asia and Australia, these striking plants will boost your mood with their exotic beauty. This delightful plant thrives in warm, humid environments with bright, filtered light.

5. Boston Fern — Bringing Forest Harmony Into Your Home

The bright green, luxuriant foliage of the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) creates a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere that’s so calming to return to at the end of a busy working day. It’s like inviting the woodlands into your home. This charming fern isn’t demanding and will thrive in medium light and slightly higher humidity.

6. ZZ Plant — Low-Maintenance Champion   

The elegant ZZ Plant is among the best plants, which can help with anxiety. It filters the air from toxins and relieves stress. With its black-green leaves, the striking Black Raven ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Black Raven') is unique and rewarding to grow; its forgiving and low-maintenance nature is ideal for stress-free gardening.

7. Peace Lily — Best Plant for Healthy Sleep

The lovely Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) has vibrant, emerald green foliage that promotes relaxation and well-being. A natural air purifier and humidity regulator, the Peace Lily is an ideal bedroom plant for aiding deep, reviving sleep. Moreover, the flowers of the Peace Lily produce non-air-borne pollen, making them also a perfect plant for people suffering from allergies or asthma. These gorgeous plants are also easy to grow, with flowers that give off a sweet fragrance. 

8. Spider Plant — Emotional Support Plant You Can Share With Friends

The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is easy-going, boasting bushy, light green foliage. With sufficient light and proper care, this plant produces small plantlets and tiny, star-shaped white flowers. Growing a Spider Plant is fun and can improve your self-confidence, as this resilient plant is easy to propagate and share with friends.

9. Succulents — Resilient Mood Boosters for Your Office Desk

Succulents are among the favorite beginners’ indoor plants for good health, due to their low-maintenance requirements. But ease of care isn’t the only reason people adore these tiny plants. They’re easy to place on your desk, keeping these mood-lifting cuties right at eye level, where you can see them all day. Varieties like the String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) don’t require a lot of care and produce gorgeous flowers.

10. Money Tree — Lucky Charm With a Tropical Vibe

If worries are stealing your joy, remind yourself of the value of the small things in life with a beautiful Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) for your home. Not only does this lovely plant radiate calm, tropical vibes but it’s also believed to bring good luck and financial well-being. This exotic beauty is also surprisingly easy to care for; remember to provide good drainage and some extra humidity.

11. Jade Plant — Easy-Care Feng Shui Favorite

Feng Shui sees the Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) as one of the best plants for bringing balance and good energy into your home. It’s enjoyable to grow, as this small plant doesn’t require challenging care. Known for its longevity and slow growth, the Jade Plant needs little pruning and infrequent fertilizing.

12. Chinese Money Plant — Good-Mood Plant 

Ideal for office desks, the Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) is an enchanting small plant that makes a powerful ally for fighting anxiety. Its small size and ease of care mean that you can grow the Chinese Money Plant on your desk or window sill, letting its cute, coin-shaped leaves relieve the monotony and stress of daily tasks. It’s also believed to bring good fortune and prosperity in Feng Shui.

13. Monstera Plants — Calming Tropical Climbers

Monstera Plants are spectacular climbers with beautiful, fenestrated leaves, ranging in size. A much-loved variety is the endearing Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii). This adorable plant climbs using aerial roots and is ideal for training up trellises or moss poles. Its exuberant, unique foliage will make you smile, instantly adding a playful and relaxing note to your living space. 

Indoor Plants for Mental Health: FAQs

Q: What houseplants are good for anxiety?

A: Rosemary, Calathea, and Golden Pothos are wonderful plants for improving sleep and decreasing anxiety. They all have beautiful foliage, and Rosemary has a refreshing scent that can aid in creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Q: What is the best plant for relaxation?

A: Many agree that the Areca Palm and Flamingo Flower are great plants for mental health, relaxation, and general well-being.

Q: What indoor plants are good for stress?

A: Most plants with lush greenery are good at alleviating stress. Succulents and other small desk plants are great ways to decrease stress at work, while palms and plants with large, bushy leaves will add a relaxing note to your home’s interior.

Q: Which plant reduces depression?

A: Lavender is one of the best mental health plants for dealing with depression. Other favorites include the Eucalyptus and Jasmine.

Q: Does being around plants help mental health?

A: Studies show that the benefits of indoor gardening for improving well-being are undeniable. As people reconnect with nature by caring for their indoor plants, they experience decreased stress, better sleep, and improved mood. Therapeutic gardening helps people improve their socialization skills, memory, self-esteem, and cognitive abilities.

Conclusion

Interacting with plants has an amazing effect on people’s mental health and well-being. Being surrounded by natural greenery calms the nervous system and helps people feel safe and happy. Indoor greenery allows everyone to experience nature daily, boosting the mood and bringing a smile every time you look at your plants.