Feeling a little down or overwhelmed? Adding a few houseplants to your space might help more than you think. Plants do more than make your home look nice—they can also improve your mood, ease stress, and even help you breathe better. From calming scents to air-purifying powers, these 23 plants are simple ways to create a peaceful, happy environment. Whether you're a beginner or a plant pro, there’s something here to lift your spirits.
1. Snake Plant
Snake plants are one of the easiest houseplants to care for. They’re known for filtering indoor air and releasing oxygen, even at night. This makes them a good choice for bedrooms where they can help improve sleep. Their upright leaves have a cool look that adds structure to your space. They don’t need much water or light, so they’re great for beginners.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well known for soothing skin but also cleans the air. It needs bright sunlight and little water, so it’s easy to keep alive. Its thick, spiky leaves store water and have a modern look. Aloe is useful and pretty, adding calm to kitchens, living rooms, or offices.
3. Peace Lily
Peace lilies have soft white flowers and dark green leaves. They help remove toxins from the air and increase humidity. This can help with dry skin and breathing. They like low to medium light and need water about once a week. Their quiet beauty and helpful nature make them a top choice for stress relief.
4. English Ivy
English ivy has trailing vines that look lovely in hanging baskets. It’s good for filtering mold from the air, easing allergies. It grows fast and likes cool, bright spots. You’ll want to trim it to keep it tidy. Its flowing vines give rooms a peaceful, cozy feeling.
5. Spider Plant
Spider plants grow little baby plants called “pups” that dangle from their leaves. They’re great for removing indoor toxins like carbon monoxide. These plants do best in bright, indirect light and like slightly moist soil. Their striped leaves and fast growth make them fun to watch and care for.
6. Golden Pothos
Golden pothos is a trailing plant with heart-shaped, green-and-yellow leaves. It helps clear the air of toxins and adds cheerful green to your room. It grows quickly and doesn’t need much light or water. Hang it in a basket or let it climb a shelf for a cozy, relaxed look.
7. Parlor Palm
Parlor palms are one of the best indoor plants for creating a calm, relaxed vibe. Their soft, feathery leaves and slow growth make them easy to manage. They do well in low light and only need moderate watering, which makes them perfect for beginners. This plant also boosts humidity and helps clean the air, making your space feel more comfortable. Its gentle green look adds a peaceful, natural touch to any room.
8. Rosemary
Rosemary is more than a cooking herb. Its strong scent can help improve memory and boost focus. It likes full sunlight and well-drained soil. Keeping one in the kitchen is handy for meals and mood. Touching the leaves releases a fresh, energizing smell.
9. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is tough and almost impossible to kill. It grows in low light and doesn’t need much water. Its waxy, oval-shaped, dark green leaves shine like plastic, adding a modern touch. It’s great for busy people or anyone new to houseplants.
10. Philodendron
Philodendrons are leafy plants that are easy to grow. They like medium light and only need water when the soil feels dry. Their heart-shaped leaves come in many shades of green. These plants are great for adding color and calm to a room.
11. Calathea
Calathea plants have leaves with striking patterns and colors. The leaves move, closing at night and opening in the morning. They like moist soil and filtered light. These plants look alive and full of personality, adding charm and calm to your space.
12. Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera daisies come in bright, happy colors like orange, pink, and yellow. They can remove toxins like benzene from the air. They need good sunlight and regular watering. Their bold flowers bring a burst of cheer to your day.
13. Areca Palm
Areca palms have soft, arching leaves that look like a fan. They add moisture to the air, which helps with dry skin and breathing. Keep them in a bright spot and water regularly. Their gentle, swaying fronds bring a relaxing tropical feel.
14. Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig has big, bold leaves that make a room feel fancy and green. It needs bright light and careful watering. While it takes some effort, it rewards you with striking beauty. It helps clean the air and lift your mood with its lush look.
15. Ferns
Ferns, like Boston ferns, have soft, feathery leaves that move gently in the air. They like humid places and filtered light. They clean the air and are soothing to look at. Their quiet beauty brings a sense of peace to any room.
16. Orchids
Orchids have elegant flowers that last a long time. They come in many colors and enjoy indirect sunlight. While they can be picky, they’re very rewarding when they bloom. Taking care of one can give you a sense of pride and joy.
17. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreen plants are tough and do well in low light. Their patterned leaves add color without much effort. They clean the air and don’t need frequent watering. They’re a good pick for easy greenery that still looks special.
18. Monstera
Monstera is a bold and beautiful plant that instantly transforms a space. Its large, holey leaves give it a wild, jungle-like vibe that helps you feel more connected to nature. Its impressive size and laid-back care needs make it a favorite for creating a peaceful, grounded home environment. Watching its leaves unfurl is a small joy that never gets old.
19. Oxalis
Oxalis is a small plant with purple, clover-shaped leaves. Its leaves open in light and close at night, adding fun movement. It likes bright but indirect light. The rich color and unique look make it both playful and calming.
20. Hoya
Hoyas are also called wax plants because of their thick, shiny leaves. They grow in long vines and sometimes bloom with sweet-smelling flowers. They like bright light and light watering. Hoyas are charming once you get to know them. Each leaf of this plant is a unique work of art.
21. Begonia
Begonias come in bright, dramatic colors and different shapes. They like light and damp soil but don’t need much care. They have a low-maintenance reputation, requiring only the most basic of care. They clean the air and add joy to your space. Their fun flowers and leaves make any room feel more cheerful.
22. Croton
Crotons have colorful leaves in red, yellow, and green. They need bright light to keep their bold colors. These plants make any corner pop with life. They are perfect for adding a tropical touch to indoor decor. Looking at their fun patterns can help boost your mood.
23. Weeping Fig
Weeping figs, or ficus, have graceful branches and glossy leaves that bring a peaceful, tree-like feel to your home. They’re known for helping clean the air and making rooms feel fresh and relaxing. While they don’t love being moved or overwatered, they’re easy to manage once they find their favorite spot. Gently wiping their leaves helps them stay healthy.
Grow a Happier, Calmer Home
Bringing houseplants into your space is a small change with big benefits. They clean the air, brighten your surroundings, and help you feel more relaxed and refreshed. With so many choices, from calming lavender to cheerful begonias, you can pick the plants that fit your style and needs. Start with just one or fill a whole room. Either way, you’re growing a space that supports your well-being, one leaf at a time.