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14 Low-Maintenance Houseplants That Can Support Your Wellbeing, According to Experts

These beginner-friendly favorites are soothing and stylish.

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Plants don’t just make a space more stylish. Researchers have found that houseplants can actually improve health. While plants can’t actually purify indoor air as many people believed, they offer plenty of mental health benefits. We tapped experts for insights on the best indoor plants for health and tips for how to care for them.

“I find the act of tending to plants meditative,” says Ashley Nussman-Berry, founder of the Black Planters Facebook group. “It provides a moment of mindfulness that helps me reconnect with myself while dealing with the chaos of daily life.”

Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, who is known as The Houseplant Guru, shared, “I have been in homes without any plants, and they felt sterile, not cozy, or homey at all,” Eldred Steinkopf says. “Plants make my home feel finished. They make me happy.”

The good news: Many of these indoor plants are low-maintenance. Whether you’re a beginner or a plant pro, there’s sure to be a mood-boosting plant here you’ll love. And if you’re also a pet parent, make sure your houseplant is safe for your cat or dog before adding it to your windowsill.

Ahead, learn more about the best indoor plants for health, according to pros.

What are the healthiest houseplants?

Eldred Steinkopf says that the "healthiest" houseplants are options that are the easiest to care for. “If you’re a new plant parent, it is important to pick plants that are tried and true and easy to grow,” she says. "Choosing a difficult plant could be stressful. Plants like pothos, philodendron, snake plants, and ZZ plants are relatively easy plants to grow."

1

Aloe Vera

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This healing plant, which has more than 500 species, would be a great addition to any home, Eldred Steinkopf says. Aloe vera comes handy if you ever need to treat a sunburn or minor burn.

“You don't have to reach for a bottle of aloe vera gel when you have the actual plant in your home. If you burn your finger cooking or have a sunburn, you can pick a leaf, break it open, and spread the soothing gel on your burn,” she explains. Since it's a succulent, be sure to give it full sun to ensure it thrives in your home.

2

Rubber Tree

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If you stick to watering a rubber tree every two weeks and exposing it to bright, indirect sunlight, you'll get to enjoy its beauty. “It is a nice, large floor plant, attractive, and pretty easy to care for,” Eldred Steinkopf says. Keep in mind that they can grow between 6 to 10 feet tall indoors, which is ideal if you're looking for a pick with loads of visual appeal. Keep in mind that pets and young children should avoid this plant, as it's known to be highly toxic when ingested.

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3

Money Tree

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Viewed as a symbol of prosperity and positive energy, the money tree thrives with bright, indirect light and watering every one to two weeks (make sure the soil dries out before watering). It can grow anywhere between three to fix feet tall, but you'll want to keep it away from any drafty areas and heaters to help it flourish. Proper pruning is also important for its growth.


RELATED: The Ultimate Guide on How to Prune a Money Tree

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4

Philodendron Plant

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Philodendron plants, known for being low-maintenance, can thrive indoors if given the proper amount of sunlight and water. Philodendrons prefer indirect light and can grow in average home temperatures, making them easy to care for. There are plenty of different kinds of philodendron plants to choose from, including birkin philodendrons, heartleaf philodendrons, imperial green philodendron, and more. While each variation has a few differences when it comes to maintenance, they're all pretty hassle-free, making them the perfect houseplant for new plant parents.

5

ZZ Plant

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ZZ plants live up to their nickname as the Eternity Plant. According to The Sill, these plants need around six hours of indirect light per day and require watering every two to three weeks.

If you decide to purchase a ZZ plant, make sure to keep it away from any pets or small children—their leaves can be toxic if consumed.

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6

Elephant Ear Plants

best indoor plants for health potted elephant ear tree
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If you want to spend a little more time with your houseplants, try elephant ear plants. “They look tropical with their huge and dramatic foliage,” says Tammy Sons, CEO/Founder of TN Nursery in Tennessee.

Elephant ear plants are organized into a group of tropical, perennial plants instantly recognizable by their big, heart-shaped leaves. “They require warm temps and a lot of irrigation,” Sons advises. “They can get big and may need extra space. Most love full shade, but some need partial sun.”

One thing to watch out for: the leaves of this plant contain harmful elements that, when ingested, can cause symptoms such as blisters in the mouth, nausea, and vomiting, and severe swelling of the tongue, mouth, and eyes.

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7

Spider Plant

a potted spider plant placed on a bookshelf
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Spider plants, or Chlorophytum comosum, are "one of the easiest to grow—[it] thrives on neglect,” says Sons, who explains that spider plants do well in various conditions and can tolerate low light.

If just reading the word "spider" in the name is giving you the creeps, don't worry. These plants have narrow leaves and get their name from the “small plantlets produced on long trailing stems that vaguely resemble spiders,” reports the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. Think of the plantlets—or as Sons calls them, “pups”—as a bonus, as they can be “propagated effortlessly” (removed and planted individually) so you can have even more spider plants!

8

Snake Plants

best indoor plants for health potted snake plants
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Also known as “mother-in-law’s tongues,” the snake plant, or Sansevieria trifasciata, is known for having tall leaves that grow vertically. But there are many varieties of snake plants. Some have striking yellow accents; other types are long and curvy; and still others are cute and spiky. However, all snake plants have one thing in common: they’re extremely low-maintenance. The plants should only be watered when the soil is dry, grow in any kind of light and generally “thrive on neglect,” according to experts at HGTV.

Despite being low-maintenance, they look great on any kitchen windowsill—although you’ll want to keep them out of reach of pets, as they’re considered toxic to cats and dogs.

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9

Succulents and Cacti

a potted succulent terrarium
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Succulents and cacti are great “for those who forget to water plants or want low maintenance greenery,” says Sons. They are also downright adorable and come in many shapes and sizes to decorate your space.

Succulents come in many shapes and sizes, and aloe vera plants in particular have medicinal properties and can help heal cuts, burns, and other skin ailments. Since succulents are drought-resistant, they really are the epitome of a stress-free plant that still adds that touch of nature you may crave, especially in urban areas.

"They make us feel closer to nature, when nature may not be right outside our door. Living in an apartment or working in a high rise makes it harder to get out and enjoy nature. Greenery in our homes brings nature in," says Eldred Steinkopf.

One thing to remember about these cute little plants? "Use well-draining soil and water sparingly,” warns Sons. “Overwatering is the biggest killer of succulents and cacti.”

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10

Peace Lily

best indoor plants for your health peace lily plant
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The name “peace lily” definitely evokes a sense of calm, and Sons describes this plant as “very easy and low-maintenance; hearty, but sensitive to drought and excessive heat.”

Since Peace Lillies prefer indirect, low-to-medium light, they’re ideal for shady spaces. They’ll also give you the heads-up when they need attention: “It tells you when it needs water by wilting slightly,” says Sons. Peace lilies can live for years and continuously produce broad white flowers that resemble a white peace flag. They’re easy to take care of and don’t need much light, so they’re ideal for shady spaces. Just keep them out of reach from pets and small children, as they can cause vomiting or tongue swelling if they’re ingested.

11

Ferns

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Ferns grow easily and look the best indoors in hanging baskets or on plant stands, which allow their fronds to drape. They need medium bright light and consistently moist soil, so they might require a bit more of your time.

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12

Pothos

best indoor plants for health pothos plant
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When you picture a houseplant, the pothos, or Epipremnum pinnatum, is likely what comes to mind. Also known as devil’s ivy or golden pothos, the plants feature vibrant heart-shaped leaves that may be green or marbled green and yellow. They’re easy to grow, needing only indirect sunlight and infrequent watering.

Plus, these plants are also aesthetically-pleasing, which can give you a sense of comfort at home. Nussman-Berry appreciates the "lush greenery" of pothos plants, adding that they "can instantly uplift my mood and bring a touch of nature indoors."

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13

English Ivy

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English ivy, or Hedera helix, is a versatile plant that can be grown outside or indoors. As a houseplant, the ivy grows well in hanging baskets or pots, and can be trained to grow along a trellis or shape, according to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension. They grow best in direct sunlight and need to be watered thoroughly once the soil dries out.

14

Herbs

best indoor plants for health culinary herbs
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Small potted herbs not only look cute in your kitchen, but they may also inspire you to cook more often and eat healthier. Growing your own basil, parsley, or mint is also cheaper than purchasing herbs from the grocery store. Several herbs, like chamomile and lavender, have been shown to reduce anxiety, per Mayo Clinic officials. Herbs also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are a boon for your dietary routine.

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How do houseplants contribute to better health?

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Studies show that having—and caring for—houseplants can promote wellness, but they’re also a wonderful way to elevate your office or living space. “If your indoor space is lacking in appeal, adding a plant or two, or three, can increase the aesthetic style of the home,” says Sons, adding that plants can increase the humidity if the air feels dry.

Plants can also offer a "whole-person positive impact," says Amy Rothenberg, N.D., a naturopathic doctor and president of the Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors. “When we talk about treating the whole person, we mean looking after the body, the emotions and the spirit; plants can touch each of those essential areas,” Rothenberg explains.

However, it’s important to note that having houseplants alone isn’t a recommended treatment for any medical condition, Rothenberg adds. “Encouraging my patients to consider having houseplants is one part of a broader, individualized health care plan.”

Headshot of Luisa Colón

Luisa Colón is a Brooklyn-based writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Family Circle, USA Today and many other print and online publications. Her first novel, Bad Moon Rising, will be released in August 2023.

Headshot of Monique Valeris
Monique Valeris
Home Design Director

Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."

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