Do Indoor Plants Really Boost Your Mood? What Experts Say

A pothos on the shelf, a snake plant by the window, a fern in the corner. Experts say houseplants may do something for your mood, with a few things worth knowing before you shop.

Let's face it. We've all bought a plant hoping it would make the room, and maybe us, feel a little better. But does a pothos on the shelf actually do anything for your mood? Here’s what experts have said.

They May Lift Your Mood

In an article published in Psychology Today, environmental psychologist Sally Augustin says green, leafy plants such as ficus trees and ferns have been linked to better mood, and that people seem to get along better when plants are nearby.

She also ties these plants to feeling better not just physically, but mentally, restoring the mental energy we burn through at work They have also been linked to easing stress and to more creative thinking, she writes.

According to Good Housekeeping, there are studies that show caring for houseplants can promote wellness. For plant fan Ashley Nussman-Berry, it is "meditative," which she describes as a moment of mindfulness amid daily chaos.

Another expert, Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, says plants make her home feel complete, and not sterile, which is what homes without plants feel to her.

Skip the Air-Cleaning Claim

There are conflicting views on whether plants can help clean the air inside the home. Augustin says they do in 2018, while Good Housekeeping, in October 2006, says plants don’t actually purify indoor air, contrary to popular belief, though they still offer mental health benefits.

Don't Overdo It

It can be tempting to add a plant to every nook and cranny of your home but more isn't always better. Augustin warns against having too many plants, which can feel stressful. She says seeing one or two when looking around your home is enough and suggest trimming your collection and passing on the extras to friends.

The benefits are not limited to real plants as Augustin says artificial plants may offer similar benefits, as long as they look truly real. She adds that cacti aren't the best choice for these mood benefits, even though Good Housekeeping recommends succulents and cacti for people who forget to water.

Pick Easy Ones

Choose a plant that isn’t frustrating to care for, according to houseplant expert Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, who says the healthiest picks are the easiest ones. A difficult plant can be stressful, so she suggests starting with beginner-friendly ones like pothos, philodendron, snake plants, and ZZ plants that require minimal care. Another expert says the spider plant "thrives on neglect."

Check Pet Safety First

There are several popular plants that can be a problem for pets and small children, including the rubber tree, ZZ plant, elephant ear, snake plant, and peace lily. Good Housekeeping warns they could be toxic if swallowed, so check before you bring one home.

Keep Expectations Realistic

While houseplants can have wellness benefits, naturopathic doctor Amy Rothenberg says they do not treat medical conditions on their own. Plants are just one part of a broader, individualized health plan, according to Rothenberg.

So go ahead and add a plant or two. Just pick one you can keep alive, and let the windowsill do the rest.