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Discover 12 indoor plants that boost mood, reduce stress, and purify air, backed by global studies linking greenery to better health and focus.

Indoor plants can filter harmful pollutants, improve air quality, and are easy to maintain, making them ideal for homes and offices. (AI Generated)
Indoor plants do far more than beautify your home, they can actively nurture your wellbeing. Studies show that surrounding yourself with greenery can improve mental clarity, lower stress levels, and create a sense of calm that today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world often lacks.
By bringing nature indoors, plants help counter overstimulation from gadgets, artificial lighting, and constant city noise. A 2023 study published in BMC Psychology found that even simple acts like watering indoor plants significantly reduced blood pressure and triggered brainwave patterns associated with relaxation and calmness. The study concluded that engaging with greenery, even for a few minutes, can lower stress hormones and improve mood.
Similarly, a 2023 cross-sectional survey of urban adults in China, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, revealed that people who kept and cared for indoor plants reported higher mental well-being, mindfulness, and emotional balance than those who didn’t. These findings reinforce that tending to plants can be both therapeutic and restorative, a small act with big mental health benefits.
Here are 12 of the best indoor plants for health, happiness, and cleaner air:
1. Areca Palm
Known for its lush, feathery leaves, the Areca Palm is a natural air purifier that increases humidity levels, great for people with dry eyes or skin.
2. Peace Lily
A symbol of tranquility, the Peace Lily helps remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene while adding an elegant touch to your space.
3. Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
One of the easiest plants to maintain, the Snake Plant improves indoor air quality by releasing oxygen at night, aiding better sleep.
4. Aloe Vera
Beyond its soothing gel, Aloe Vera cleans the air and thrives even in sunny windowsills. It’s both practical and purifying.
5. Spider Plant
Ideal for beginners, the Spider Plant is resilient and helps remove carbon monoxide and xylene from indoor spaces.
6. Money Plant (Pothos)
A symbol of prosperity, the Money Plant purifies air and grows easily in water or soil, making it a versatile favourite.
7. Boston Fern
This lush green beauty helps restore humidity, making it perfect for combating indoor dryness from air conditioning.
8. Rubber Plant
With its large glossy leaves, the Rubber Plant absorbs airborne toxins and makes a strong visual statement in any room.
9. Bamboo Palm
An excellent choice for offices or living rooms, the Bamboo Palm filters formaldehyde and trichloroethylene, common in indoor air.
10. Lavender
Loved for its fragrance, Lavender promotes relaxation and better sleep while adding a gentle splash of colour.
11. Mint
Fresh, fragrant, and functional, mint boosts alertness, aids digestion, and can be used right from your windowsill in teas or dishes.
12. ZZ Plant
Low-maintenance and stylish, the ZZ Plant thrives in low light and is known to remove volatile organic compounds from the air.
A Greener, Calmer You
Whether you want cleaner air, reduced stress, or a more peaceful home, indoor plants are a simple yet powerful way to nurture both your space and your state of mind. Start small, even one pot of green can make a big difference.

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
October 21, 2025, 14:09 IST