How Plants Improve Your Mental Health

There's a reason why we give flowers to loved ones who are sick. It has been scientifically proven that plants uplift moods and reduce stress. According to a research study on the effect of indoor plants on human comfort, researchers found that plants have many benefits to mental health. Here are the top three mental health benefits of owning plants.

1. Relieves Stress

A study on the effects of gardening on mental health found that people who garden daily have an overall better well being and lower stress levels compared to those who don't. However, you don't need to garden everyday to reap the stress relieving benefits of plants. Just being around plants for 20 minutes is enough to make you feel more at peace.

"Research has shown that being around plants can lower physiological markers of stress, such as heart rate and blood pressure. One fascinating reason for this lies in fractals--the naturally repeating patterns found in leaves, branches, and flowers. Our brains are naturally drawn to these patterns, and studies have shown that viewing fractals in nature (including on plants) can reduce stress by up to 60%, calming the nervous system and promoting a sense of ease."

Erena DiGonis, Psychotherapist and Continuing Education Provider, EngagedMinds Continuing Education

One study found that an environment with plants can effectively improve human comfort. It also determined that caring for plants provides a sense of fulfillment, mental resilience in times of stress, and suppresses our body's fight or flight response.

"Studies show that caring for plants lowers stress, improves mood, and enhances focus by creating a sense of connection to nature. For people in recovery from addiction or managing chronic pain, plants can serve as a grounding tool, encouraging mindfulness and reducing anxiety."

Dr. Ryan Peterson, Board Certified Physician, NuView Treatment Center

A study conducted by the Floral Marketing Fund found that 71.7% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that in general, houseplants make you happier.

"Active interactions with houseplants like working with soil, pruning, touching, and smelling have shown to have the same relaxing and stress-reducing effects as spending time in a forest.” (Journal of Physiological Anthropology)

"I think plants bring a natural element into our spaces that reminds us to slow down, breathe, and appreciate small moments. Psychologically, plants have been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and even boost productivity. I've personally noticed that when I have greenery around, I feel more at ease, especially after a long day. Studies suggest that indoor plants can lower cortisol levels, which means they actively help in stress reduction. And no, you don't need a jungle at home to feel the benefits, even one or two plants can make a difference."

Nick Bach, Owner and Psychologist, Grace Psychological Services, LL

2. Sharpens Focus

In experiments with indoor plants and participants, the participants in the presence of plants saw better performances on cognitive tasks involving focus, sorting or memory recall, greater pain tolerance when holding hands in ice cold water, and lower levels of physiological stress than participants not in the presence of plants.

Plants can help restore our depleted mental and physical resources through diverting our attention and piquing our interest through our innate need to connect with nature. They psychologically rejuvenate us through their presence and our interaction with them.

A research study from the University of Michigan concluded that spending time outside around plants can increase memory retention by up to 20%. Plants have a calming effect, they can help you focus on retaining a specific task related memory.

Studies show that plants promote creativity, clear thinking, and improves productivity by up to 15%.

"Evidence has indicated that plants in an office lessen mental fatigue and improve concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills."

Shebna N Osanmoh, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Savantcare

3. Horticultural Therapy

Although plants can promote many mental benefits such as stress relief, the act of actually taking care of plants brings out more emotional benefits such as pride, social connection, satisfaction, fascination, and self expression. Horticultural therapy is a form of treatment that helps patients improve their memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, language skills, and socialization through taking care of plants. 

"Caring for plants also promotes routine and a sense of accomplishment, which is especially important for people rebuilding structure in their lives. Whether it's watering, pruning, or simply enjoying the greenery, these small acts can provide a natural dopamine boost, reinforcing positive habits and emotional resilience."

Dr. Ryan Peterson, Board Certified Physician, NuView Treatment Center

Through this, patients can feel a sense of accomplishment through pouring attention into a plant and watching the fruits of their labor grow. Horticultural therapy is also beneficial in boosting creativity through landscape planning and anger management through pulling weeds.

Surrounding ourselves with houseplants also gives us a healthy distraction by caring for something other than ourselves. Indoor and outdoor houseplant management can also be seen as a CBT skill. Cognitive behavioral skills assist us in reframing negative thoughts, identifying unhelpful beliefs, and can help us feel more in control.

Christina Harrington-Stutzmann, LCSW-R, LMFT, LMHC, Licensed Psychotherapist, Christina Harrington-Stutzmann

How Many Plants Are Needed To Receive Mental Benefits?

"A single plant can be psychologically beneficial. A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology reported that exposure to one houseplant could lower stress levels and induce relaxation. Still, a mix of plants can increase the sensory experience by presenting varying textures, aromas, and colors."

Shebna N Osanmoh, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Savantcare

"Interestingly, you don't need a house full of plants to feel better--even one or two well-placed plants can be enough to shift the energy of a space and offer mental health benefits. The key is mindful interaction and choosing plants that feel manageable and enjoyable to care for."

Erena DiGonis, Psychotherapist and Continuing Education Provider, EngagedMinds Continuing Education

"One of my clients, an entrepreneur, found that having just a couple of succulents on her desk not only brightened her workspace but also served as a visual reminder to take mindful breaks. This small change contributed to her increased productivity and mood improvement. It's not about the number of plants, but the intentional integration of nature into your space."

Audrey Schoen, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Audrey Schoen, LMFT,

Best Plants for Improving Mental Health According to Psychologists

Pothos & Snake Plants

"Some of the best mood-boosting plants include snake plants which improve air quality, and pothos which are super easy to care for. I think the key is finding plants that make you feel good and that you actually enjoy taking care of."

Nick Bach, Owner and Psychologist, Grace Psychological Services, LLC

Lavender, Peace Lilies, & Aloe Vera

Although all greenery is good, certain plants are especially conducive to improving mental health:

Lavender has a soothing scent, which can calm anxiety and induce improved sleep.

Peace Lilies purify indoor air, resulting in improved cognitive performance and fewer headaches.

Aloe Vera promotes healing and is very low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Plants With Fractal Patterns & Sensory Elements

"While all plants can offer benefits, those with visibly rich fractal patterns--like ferns, succulents, and palms--may offer added calming effects. Additionally, low-maintenance plants (such as pothos or snake plants) are ideal for those who may feel overwhelmed but still want to nurture something living. Plants with sensory elements--like lavender or mint--can also engage multiple senses, supporting grounding and emotional regulation."

Erena DiGonis, Psychotherapist and Continuing Education Provider, EngagedMinds Continuing Education

Plants You're Naturally Drawn To

Just being around greenery can make you feel calmer, lower stress, and even boost your mood. It's like bringing a little piece of nature into your space, which can be really grounding. You don't need a ton of plants to feel the benefits, even one can make a difference! Taking care of them gives you something to focus on, and it can be really satisfying to watch them grow. There's no specific plant that can be more beneficial, it's more about what you like. If you find a plant that makes you smile, that's the one that's going to help you the most.

Anand Mehta, Executive Director, AMFM Healthcare

Any Plant! Even Tiny Ones

"A 2019 study in Environmental Health Perspectives also revealed that even indirect exposure to nature, like a few houseplants, can help reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression. No, you don't need to transform your home into a jungle to reap the benefits! Even a single potted plant can make a difference in your mood and well-being. Whether it's a leafy pothos by your desk or a tiny succulent on your nightstand, every little bit of greenery helps."

Dana Hall, LCPC, Clinical Psychotherapist, Lifeline BH