The house plants that are good for your health

House plants aren’t just décor anymore. In recent years, they’ve been linked to everything from cleaner air and lower stress levels to better sleep and improved concentration. And while not every claim you see on social media is backed by hard science, research does suggest that having the right plants around your home can have real health benefits.

From boosting mood to easing allergies and even helping you sleep better. Here are the house plants experts say can support your physical and mental wellbeing and why they’re worth making space for.

Why house plants can improve your health

Humans evolved surrounded by nature, not screens and sealed-off indoor spaces. Studies show that simply being around greenery can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and improve focus.

Indoor plants may help by:

Increasing humidity
Reducing airborne dust
Encouraging relaxation and mindfulness
Improving perceived air quality
Making indoor spaces feel calmer and more restorative

While house plants won’t replace medication or therapy, they can be a simple, low-effort way to support everyday health.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Best for: Air quality and bedrooms
Low effort: Very

Two snake plants in white pots are on a wooden surface.

Snake plants are often recommended for beginners and for good reason. They’re tough, adaptable, and tolerate low light and irregular watering.

They’re also known for releasing oxygen at night, which is why they’re often suggested as bedroom plants. While the effect is subtle, many people report sleeping better with greenery nearby.

Health perks:

May help improve perceived air freshness
Low allergen
Can support a calmer sleep environment

2. Peace Lily

Best for: Humidity and respiratory comfort
Low effort: Moderate

A peace lily is positioned next to a window.

Peace lilies are popular for their glossy leaves and white flowers, but they’re also known for increasing indoor humidity. This can be helpful during colder months when dry air aggravates coughs, sore throats, and dry skin.

They do require regular watering and don’t like direct sunlight, but they’re still manageable for most homes.

Health perks:

Adds moisture to dry indoor air
May help reduce irritation in eyes, throat, and skin
Visually calming, which can ease stress

Note: Toxic to pets if ingested.

3. Aloe Vera

Best for: Skin health and indoor air
Low effort: Very

A person wearing a red and white striped shirt holds a potted aloe vera plant.

Aloe vera isn’t just useful, it’s also practical. The gel inside its leaves can soothe minor burns, cuts, and skin irritation, making it a natural first-aid plant.

Aloe also prefers bright light and infrequent watering, making it ideal for sunny windowsills.

Health perks:

Natural remedy for minor skin issues
Low maintenance
May support indoor air quality

4. Spider Plant

Best for: Allergies and beginners
Low effort: Very

A potted spider plant is positioned on a small wooden surface against a grey background.

Spider plants are one of the easiest house plants to keep alive and one of the best for homes with allergy sufferers. Their long, arching leaves can help trap airborne particles like dust and pollen.

They also grow quickly and produce “baby” plants, making them satisfying and affordable.

Health perks:

May help reduce indoor dust
Non-toxic to pets
Easy to care for, even in low light

5. English Ivy

Best for: Damp homes and mould concerns
Low effort: Moderate

An overhead shot of several potted plants, including english ivy and succulents.

English ivy is often recommended for homes prone to damp or condensation. Some studies suggest it may help reduce airborne mould spores, particularly in enclosed spaces.

It does best in bright, indirect light and cooler rooms, making it a good option for bathrooms or kitchens.

Health perks:

May help reduce mould-related irritation
Useful in humid or poorly ventilated rooms
Can ease allergy symptoms for some people

Not pet-friendly.

Choose plants suited to your light and lifestyle
Keep leaves clean to reduce dust build-up
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to mould
Be mindful of pet toxicity
Start small. Even one plant helps

6. Lavender

Best for: Stress, anxiety, and sleep
Low effort: Moderate

A potted lavender plant is on a wooden surface.

Lavender is famous for its calming scent, which has been linked to reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality. While it’s often used in essential oils, having a live lavender plant can offer a gentler, ongoing effect.

Lavender prefers plenty of light and good airflow, so it’s best near a sunny window.

Health perks:

Naturally calming aroma
May help reduce stress and restlessness
Can support better sleep routines

7. Rubber Plant

Best for: Air quality and visual impact
Low effort: Low to moderate

A woman holds a potted rubber plant with outstretched arms.

With its large, glossy leaves, the rubber plant doesn’t just look good, it can also help trap dust particles and improve humidity levels in a room.

It thrives in bright, indirect light and doesn’t need frequent watering.

Health perks:

Helps reduce airborne dust
Supports indoor humidity
Creates a calming, nature-rich environment

8. Boston Fern

Best for: Dry air and skin health
Low effort: Moderate to high

A healthy Boston fern sits on a wooden stool.

Boston ferns are excellent natural humidifiers. They release moisture into the air, which can help combat dry skin, irritated sinuses, and static-heavy environments.

They do need regular watering and misting, so they suit people who enjoy plant care.

Health perks:

Raises indoor humidity
May help ease dry skin and nasal passages
Adds lush greenery that boosts mood

9. Jasmine

Best for: Sleep quality and mood
Low effort: Moderate

A jasmine plant in a purple pot sits on a wooden surface against a white wall.

Jasmine plants release a gentle fragrance that studies have linked to reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality. Unlike artificial scents, live jasmine offers a subtle aroma that doesn’t overwhelm.

They need bright light and regular care, but many people find the benefits worth the effort.

Health perks:

Naturally soothing scent
May improve sleep and mood
Creates a peaceful bedroom atmosphere

Mental health benefits

Beyond physical health, house plants can have a powerful effect on mental wellbeing. Caring for plants encourages routine, responsibility, and mindfulness, all of which support emotional health.

Research suggests indoor plants can:

Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve focus and productivity
Boost mood and feelings of wellbeing
Help people feel more connected to their environment

Even one or two plants can make a noticeable difference.

A stylish room is shown, featuring a comfortable armchair and a range of different exotic houseplants.

What NASA says about house plants

You’ll often see claims that certain house plants are “NASA-approved” air purifiers and there is truth behind it. In the late 1980s, NASA scientists studied how common indoor plants removed chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air in sealed laboratory chambers, similar to spacecraft conditions.

Plants including snake plants, peace lilies, spider plants, English ivy and dracaena were shown to absorb some airborne pollutants, largely through their leaves and soil microbes.

However, there’s an important catch.

In real homes, air constantly circulates through windows, doors and ventilation systems. That means the air-cleaning effect of a few house plants is very small compared to opening a window or using an air purifier. Experts estimate you’d need dozens, even hundreds, of plants per room to make a measurable difference to indoor air quality.

NASA’s research shows that plants can filter air under controlled conditions, but their biggest real-world health benefits come from improving mood, reducing stress, increasing humidity and making indoor spaces feel calmer and more comfortable.

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