12 Houseplants That Will Boost Your Health (2024)

Philodendron plants, known for being low-maintenance, can thrive indoors if given the proper amount of sunlight and water. According to a NASA study, these plants can also be effective in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, improving the air quality of your home.

Philodendron plants prefer indirect light and can grow in average home temperatures, making them easy to care for. There are plenty of different kinds of philodendron plants to choose from, including birkin philodendrons, heartleaf philodendrons, imperial green philodendron and more. While each variation has a few differences when it comes to maintenance, they're all pretty hassle-free, making them the perfect houseplant for new plant parents.

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Looking for a plant that's difficult to disappoint? ZZ plants live up to their nickname as the Eternity Plant. According to The Sill, these plants need around six hours of indirect light per day and require watering every two to three weeks.

If you decide to purchase a ZZ plant, make sure to keep it away from any pets or small children — their leaves can be toxic if consumed.

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If you want to spend a little more time with your houseplants, Alex Cromer, LPC, a licensed professional mental health counselor with Thriveworks in Richmond, recommends elephant ear plants.

These are organized into a group of tropical, perennial plants instantly recognizable by their big, heart-shaped leaves. They need bright light and regular watering to keep the soil moist, and they can get big and may need extra space. Some species have been grown for their edible starchy tubers, which are a food staple in certain tropical regions. Medicinally, the leaves have been noted for their use in treating insect stings.

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Spider plants, or Chlorophytum comosum, are also easy to grow and care for. If just reading the word "spider" in the name is giving you the creeps, don't worry. These plants have narrow leaves and get their name from the “small plantlets produced on long trailing stems that vaguely resemble spiders,” according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.

Spider plants are known to help purify the surrounding air. NASA research examined the leaves, soil, roots and microorganisms of several houseplants and found that plants can act as a natural air filter to reduce pollutants. The study indicates that spider plants removed 95% of toxic formaldehyde from the air in a sealed Plexiglas container over a 24-hour period.

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Long known as “mother-in-law’s tongues,” the snake plant, or Sansevieria trifasciata, features tall leaves that grow vertically. They’re decorative and extremely low-maintenance. The plants only need to be watered when the soil is dry, grow in any kind of light and generally “thrive on neglect,” according to experts at HGTV.

"When it comes to mental health and emotional wellbeing, certain houseplants stand out. For instance, snake plants are not only easy to care for but many also have them for their air-purifying qualities," explains Nussman-Berry.

The snake plant was included in the same sweeping NASA study of indoor plants, and has been shown to remove toxins from the air over time. Plus, they look great on any kitchen windowsill.

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Succulents and cacti “thrive on little to no care,” Cromer says. These plants are drought-resistant, meaning they don’t need regular watering; only just when the soil is completely dry. They also come in many shapes and sizes to decorate your space and can help clean the air. Some varieties, including the jade plant, can increase humidity in a room. Aloe vera plants, in particular, also have medicinal properties and can help heal cuts, burns, and other skin ailments.

Since succulents are drought-resistant, they really are the epitome of a stress-free plant that still adds that touch of nature you may crave, especially in urban areas.

"They make us feel closer to nature, when nature may not be right outside our door. Living in an apartment or working in a high rise makes it harder to get out and enjoy nature. Greenery in our homes brings nature in," says Steinkopf.

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The name “peace lily” definitely evokes a sense of calm. These sturdy plants also “flower and are aesthetically pleasing” and may benefit your health over time, explains Trevor Cates, N.D, a naturopathic doctor in Park City, Utah, and author of Clean Skin From Within. A 2022 study published in Applied Sciences suggests that peace lilies have air-cleaning properties and help to remove carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.

Peace lilies can live for years and continuously produce broad white flowers that resemble a white peace flag, per materials published by MiracleGro. They’re easy to take care of and don’t need much light, so they’re ideal for shady spaces. Just keep them out of reach from pets and small children, as they can cause vomiting or tongue swelling if they’re ingested.

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Rubber plants — also known as rubber trees or Ficus elastica — make for great indoor houseplants. They’re generally easy to take care of and only need to be watered every week or so, according to materials shared by The Sill. Research shows that rubber plants feature air-purifying properties. Just be sure to keep them firmly away from any pets and young children, as they're known to be highly toxic when ingested.

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A 2022 study published in Applied Sciences showed that Boston ferns performed best when it comes to air cleaning by naturally VOCs from the air. The plants grow easily and look the best indoors in hanging baskets or on plant stands, which allow their fronds to drape. They need medium bright light and consistently moist soil, so they might require a bit more of your time.

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When you picture a houseplant, the pothos, or Epipremnum pinnatum, is likely what comes to mind. Also known as devil’s ivy or golden pothos, the plants feature vibrant heart-shaped leaves that may be green or marbled green and yellow. They’re easy to grow, needing only indirect sunlight and infrequent watering. Research shows that the plants can lower indoor ozone levels, which can make it easier to breathe and reduce your risk for respiratory ailments, as well as remove VOCs from the air.

Plus, these plants are also aesthetically-pleasing, which can give you a sense of comfort at home. Nussman-Berry appreciates the "lush greenery" of pothos plants, adding that they "can instantly uplift my mood and bring a touch of nature indoors."

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English ivy, or Hedera helix, is a versatile plant that’s been shown to lower levels of carbon dioxide, formaldehyde and toxins in the air. They can be grown outside or indoors. As a houseplant, the ivy grows well in hanging baskets or pots, and can be trained to grow along a trellis or shape, according to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension. They grow best in direct sunlight and need to be watered thoroughly once the soil dries out.

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Small potted herbs not only look cute in your kitchen, but they may also inspire you to cook more often and eat healthier. Growing your own basil, parsley or mint is also cheaper than purchasing herbs from the grocery store. Several herbs, like chamomile and lavender, have been shown to reduce anxiety, per Mayo Clinic officials. Herbs also contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are a boon for your dietary routine.

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The beauty of plants and the act of caring for them can be truly healing. “Looking at something aesthetically pleasing can boost neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin,” Cates explains. Keeping plants primes your brain to look forward to interacting with the plant and receiving a hit of “feel good neurochemicals,” offering immediate benefits by improving mood and stress management, according to Cates.

Plants can also offer a "whole-person positive impact," says Amy Rothenberg, N.D., a naturopathic doctor and president of the Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors. “When we talk about treating the whole person, we mean looking after the body, the emotions and the spirit; plants can touch each of those essential areas,” Rothenberg explains.

They also provide long-term benefits, such as improving air quality which may reduce instances of headaches — or by adding moisture to the air, which helps with dry skin, Rothenberg says. Handling soil, which contains microbes, can promote microbiome diversity in your home, which could benefit gut and skin health.

But, having houseplants alone isn’t a recommended treatment for any medical condition, Rothenberg adds. “Encouraging my patients to consider having houseplants is one part of a broader, individualized health care plan.”

Research shows that plants can help with air purification, especially in areas where air quality may be in question. Breathing cleaner air also helps you think clearer, calms stress and reduces the risk for asthma, Cates tells Good Housekeeping.

Houseplants absorb carbon dioxide, filter pollutants and release oxygen. “This is an important idea considering how much time people spend indoors,” Rothenberg adds. “By adding more oxygen, theoretically, you might have better focus, fewer headaches and an improved mood.”

Snake plants, spider plants, rubber plants, peace lilies, ferns and English ivy are some of the best indoor plants for boosting oxygen levels and purifying the air.

Being around greenery offers many mental health benefits. Horticultural therapy has long been used to treat mental health and other conditions. It helps improve memory, cognition and socialization. Humans also have an innate instinct to connect with nature, known as biophilia.

"They bring me a sense of purpose and routine as I care for them, which is especially comforting during stressful times," says Nussman-Berry.

Plants are also proven to "reduce blood pressure" and "make a person more productive," according to Steinkopf. Caring for plants can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and concentration, and boost confidence. “Plants provide a tangible, positive result for the caretaker, which can help them feel more in control of their lives, something that can reduce anxiety and promote overall wellness,” Cromer says. “It gives the caretaker a sense of pride and accomplishment—being observant of how the plant is growing, looking, and to troubleshoot ways to solve problems.”

“Plants benefit health holistically because they are a non-stimulating partner that is accepting and tolerant, and are good listeners,” Cromer says. “Plants thrive with simple care and attention and are very visibly thankful for your efforts.”

If you are dealing with a mental health condition, you may need to speak with a professional. You can find help and learn more about anxiety by visiting the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.