The short answer:

YES!

Plants are not only known for air purification and beauty, cause, let’s face it, they’re pretty, but they’re also becoming well-known for mental and emotional health!

Indoor plants can help your mental health by:

- Improving air quality

NASA studies have proven that plants filter the air around us, not through their leave, but through their roots! The plants & the microorganisms in their soil have been referred to as “nature’s life support,” in 1989 notes from the Stennis Space Center.

- Reducing feelings of depression and anxiety

A study by the Journal of Physiological Anthropology concluded that: “active interaction with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress compared with mental work. This is accomplished through suppression of sympathetic nervous system activity and diastolic blood pressure and promotion of comfortable, soothed, and natural feelings.” In another study, these same doctors proved that the bacterium in plant soil triggers the release of serotonin.

- Heightening feelings of productivity and creativity

Many studies regarding productivity and creativity are conducted in the workplace, but, since we all work from home now, I think the same theories and results apply.

Kat Smith, with LiveKindly, said it best in this article:

How Plants Can Improve Your Mental Health

Among the MANY therapeutic qualities that plants can offer us:

- Lessen symptoms of ADD/ADHD

- Assist you with stronger memory retention

- Bolster your self-esteem

- Increased intellect

To be perfectly honest, the benefits of houseplants on your mental and emotional health could go on for a really long time!

Plants not only offer a better quality of life, but they also help us stay grounded, help us connect with ourselves & others on a deeper level, & offer relaxation and peace!

Plants are also known as ‘healing facilitators’ because they help spark positive emotions.

You may recall when you sat outside and watched the wind rustle the leaves. Houseplants offer us unlimited hours of watching their leaves and flowers unfurl as they bloom just inches from where you’re sitting.

Sometimes, you can even hear the new leaves popping out of their stems!

What kinds of plants, & how many plants, are needed?

In my personal opinion, you should have as many plants as you can! (Okay, but, I have 100, so I might not be the best person to ask when it comes to quantity.)

My personal favorite houseplant is the Spider Plant.

This plant can be light or dark green, sometimes the leaves are lined with a soft creamy white. They bloom with adorable dainty flowers, and also sprout TONS of baby spider plants on their limbs. They are very low-maintenance and they do well with varying lighting. I keep my spider plant in a very bright window & he’s a happy guy.

A VERY close second favorite, that I have many variations and species of, is the Pothos.

These plants are super adaptable and can survive most any conditions. (Don’t ask me about a mutant manjula.) These plants have very long vines and can either crawl and wrap around things, or just hang from their pots. The effect is beautiful either way! In my experience, pothos can also grow in varying lighting but if you’re looking to increase the variegation, (the different colors within the leaves), you can keep them in brighter light. I have a few of mine hanging in very bright windows, and they’re THRIVING!

Herbs are also excellent houseplants to get started with. They’re generally more low-maintenance and you can even find herb garden start kits on Amazon! Some herbs can even be grown hydroponically!

Hydroponics is another area that I want to get into someday, plants and fish, that’s the goal.

You can find a list of plants that help with air purification here:

21 Best Air-Purifying Plants for Your Health and Better Indoor Air Quality

Here is another awesome list of plants - the title speaks for itself!

5 Easy Houseplants to Love, Based on Your Mental Health Needs