Ever feel like you need a breather from all the chaos? Me too! That’s why I’ve filled my house with plants.
It turns out, they’re great for cutting down on stress.
I’m super excited to share my top 10 picks that have turned my home into a calm, happy place.
Top 10 Houseplants for Stress Reduction
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Benefits for Stress Relief
My bedroom used to be a stress zone, but that changed when I introduced a snake plant. These elegant beauties are air-purifying champions, removing toxins that can affect our energy and sleep quality.
I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my sleep since adding one to my nightstand. The snake plant’s ability to reduce CO2 at night has made my rest more peaceful and refreshing.
Care Tips
Snake plants are virtually indestructible, perfect for busy or forgetful plant parents. They thrive on neglect and only need watering every few weeks.
2. Peppermint
Stress-Reducing Properties
As a mom who’s always on the go, I keep a small peppermint plant in my home office. Its fragrance is my secret weapon for those hectic days.
Studies have shown that peppermint’s aroma can reduce stress, enhance memory, and boost mood. I often rub a leaf between my fingers for an instant pick-me-up.
Growing and Maintenance
Peppermint is a vigorous grower. I keep mine in a pot to prevent it from taking over. It loves moisture and partial shade, making it perfect for a bright bathroom or kitchen windowsill.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Calming Effects
My pothos is like a living stress ball. Japanese research suggests that simply touching its leaves can induce a sense of calm.
I’ve hung one in my living room, and its cascading vines create a soothing green waterfall effect that never fails to relax me after a long day.
Cultivation Guidelines
Pothos is incredibly forgiving. It tolerates low light and irregular watering, making it ideal for beginners or busy households.
4. Areca Palm
Humidity and Air Quality Improvements
Living in a dry climate was wreaking havoc on my skin and sinuses until I brought home an Areca Palm. Its high transpiration rate has noticeably increased the humidity in my home office.
The improved air quality has helped reduce my stress-induced headaches and made breathing easier.
Growth Requirements
Areca Palms prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering. I mist mine occasionally to keep it happy and boost humidity even more.
5. Flamingo Lily (Anthurium)
Air Purification Abilities
The Flamingo Lily isn’t just a pretty face in my living room. Its large, glossy leaves and vibrant blooms are natural air purifiers, removing toxins like ammonia and formaldehyde.
I’ve found that cleaner air has a positive impact on my family’s overall mood and mental well-being.
Care Instructions
These tropical beauties love humidity and indirect light. I keep mine near a humidifier and away from direct sunlight to maintain its stunning appearance.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Stress-Relieving Attributes
English Ivy has become my go-to plant for creating a calm atmosphere. Its air-purifying abilities and talent for removing mold spores have made a noticeable difference in our home’s air quality.
I’ve placed some in my children’s rooms to help them sleep better and reduce allergy symptoms.
Proper Care and Maintenance
English Ivy prefers cooler temperatures and moderate humidity. I keep it in a hanging basket near a north-facing window for best results.
7. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Anxiety-Reducing Qualities
My Weeping Fig is like a silent guardian in our family room. NASA studies have shown its effectiveness in removing airborne toxins like xylene and formaldehyde.
The cleaner air has contributed to a more relaxed atmosphere, helping to keep our family’s stress levels in check.
Cultivation Tips
Weeping Figs can be a bit finicky. They dislike change, so I’ve found a bright spot away from drafts and stick to a consistent care routine.
8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Health Benefits
After reading about a study on spider plants in hospital rooms, I added one to our guest bedroom. Visitors often comment on how well they sleep, which doesn’t surprise me given the plant’s ability to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety.
Growing and Care
Spider plants are nearly indestructible. They thrive in bright, indirect light and only need watering when the soil feels dry.
9. Kimberly Queen Fern
Air-Purifying Properties
The Kimberly Queen Fern has become my natural air freshener. Its ability to remove pollutants has made our home feel cleaner and more invigorating.
I’ve noticed we all breathe easier and feel more relaxed in rooms with these lush ferns.
Maintenance Guidelines
These ferns love humidity and indirect light. I keep mine in a bright bathroom where it benefits from shower steam and only needs occasional misting.
10. Cornstalk Dracaena
Stress-Alleviating Characteristics
The Cornstalk Dracaena is my tall, silent ally in fighting stress. Its air-purifying abilities have helped reduce cold symptoms in our household and created a healthier breathing environment.
The plant’s striking appearance also adds a touch of tropical calm to our living space.
Care Requirements
Dracaenas are low-maintenance plants that prefer moderate light and infrequent watering. I let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering.