Are plants good for your mental health?

Indoor plants don’t just brighten your home, they might boost your mental wellbeing, too.

From calming stress to improving mood, research suggests spending time around plants can be good for your head and your heart.

We’ve long known that being in nature is good for us. Spending time in green spaces like parks or gardens can lower anxiety, improve mood, and even support better sleep.¹ But you don’t need to leave the house to get the benefits.

Evidence is growing that even having indoor plants nearby may help. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, researchers found students who had access to greenery indoors reported better mental health outcomes.² Other studies suggest that simply caring for indoor plants can reduce stress.³

Nature-based therapies are increasingly being used to support people living with anxiety, depression or high stress levels. Some of these include:

• Gardening
• Group walks in green spaces
• Forest bathing
• Mindfulness in nature
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Horticulture therapy
• Outdoor exercise
• Wilderness therapy
• Conservation programs

While some of these may be prescribed by a mental health professional, you don’t need a formal program to get started. Simply being outside, moving your body in green spaces or caring for plants at home can help you feel more grounded, present and emotionally balanced.

Bringing plants into your home doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. But before you rush to the nursery, take a moment to think about your space and lifestyle.

Here are 4 things to consider:

1. Where will they live?
   Look for spots in your home that feel bare, dull or lifeless. A leafy addition could lift the energy of a room.
2. Do you have enough space?
   It’s easy to go overboard. Make sure you’re not adding clutter—clear space so your plants (and you) can breathe.
3. What kind of look do you want?
   Do you want a statement piece, or something small and subtle? This can guide the size, type and number of plants you choose.
4. What will work for your lifestyle?
   Chat to your local nursery about plants that suit your lighting, care needs and household. Some plants can be harmful to pets or children if ingested, so it’s best to ask for safe options.

If you’re new to indoor gardening, start simple. Look for low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for and hard to kill.

Some good beginner options include:

• Mother-in-law’s tongue (snake plant)
• Peace lily
• Succulents or cacti
• Heartleaf philodendron
• Devil’s ivy
• Zanzibar gem (ZZ plant)

Nursery staff can help you pick the right plants for your needs and your space.