House plants are renowned for their numerous advantages, including their ability to help you unwind. Some indoor plants absorb carbon dioxide at night, while others release soothing scents. It’s no wonder certain plants can alleviate stress and enhance relaxation.
Whether you want these beauties in your bedroom, office, or living area, here’s a selection of plants that promote tranquility.
Plants for Relaxation
"Many indoor plants offer various benefits, from cleaning the air to enhancing relaxation, which can improve sleep quality," says a plant specialist. "Incorporating plants into your home allows you to enjoy nature indoors and adds a touch of natural beauty to your environment."
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Unlike most plants that produce oxygen during the day, snake plants release oxygen at night due to their unique photosynthesis method. This adaptation helps them thrive in arid climates across Africa and makes them excellent air-purifying plants.
"Snake plants are celebrated for their air-cleansing properties, and fresh air is crucial for a restful night’s sleep," explains a product operations expert. "The Moonshine variety is compact, making it ideal for nightstands. They are low-maintenance and thrive in medium to low light, needing minimal watering."
Notably, snake plants are on NASA’s list of top air-purifying plants, being among the few houseplants that convert CO2 to O2 at night, unlike most others. They adapt well to various light conditions and are drought-resistant, needing watering every 10-14 days, or up to three weeks in lower light. It's essential to let the soil dry out completely to prevent root rot.
Sunlight: Prefers bright light but can tolerate shade
Care: Water every few weeks, avoiding excess moisture
Snake plants enhance air quality for better sleep. "They filter harmful chemicals, improving respiration," notes a plant expert. They also add a stylish touch when placed on a nightstand.
2. Lavender
Lavender is well-known for its calming qualities. This herb appears in essential oils, pillow mists, and eye masks aimed at enhancing sleep.
Growing lavender in a planter box or by a window allows its delightful fragrance to fill your space. Alternatively, dried lavender in a vase adds charm and a soothing scent to any room.
“Known for its calming aroma and beautiful purple flowers, lavender can thrive indoors or in gardens,” says a plant authority. “Its scent alleviates stress and eases restlessness, making it ideal for sunny areas that receive 8 to 10 hours of sunlight.”
Sunlight: Needs around 8 hours of sunlight
Care: Prefers a warm, bright location
Lavender’s aroma is synonymous with relaxation. Including a lavender plant in your bedroom provides its soothing scent as soon as you approach your bed.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Including plants in your space is known to foster relaxation, and peace lilies are an excellent option. Loved for their air-purifying qualities and elegant appearance, peace lilies are also considered in Feng Shui to enhance energy and optimism.
Scientifically proven to eliminate toxins like benzene and trichloroethylene from the air, they help create a healthier environment. "This low-maintenance plant from South Africa humidifies the air and enhances airflow, making it easier to breathe and sleep," says a plant enthusiast.
Peace lilies also release a soothing fragrance that, like lavender, aids in relaxation. They thrive in indirect light and shade.
Sunlight: Prefers indirect light but can adapt to various light levels
Care: Keep soil moist but not soggy
The peace lily ranks among the best air-purifying plants according to NASA's Clean Air Study, making it ideal for maintaining humidity levels for restful sleep.
4. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
These elegant orchids are often found in upscale spas. Orchids symbolize love, beauty, and serenity, especially those with white or pale petals.
“These long-lasting, easy-to-care-for plants produce large, colorful blooms and bring tranquility to any environment,” highlights a plant expert.
5. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
This popular succulent also employs CAM photosynthesis, allowing it to release oxygen at night. It’s perfect for bedrooms or living spaces.
In Feng Shui, jade plants are believed to bring good luck, making them thoughtful housewarming gifts. “The Crassula, or jade plant, supports restful sleep by producing oxygen at night," says a co-founder of a plant nursery.
With its lush leaves, jade plants thrive in bright spots, requiring thorough soil drying between waterings.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a low-maintenance succulent that’s a great addition to any indoor garden. Known for its healing properties, this plant also produces oxygen at night.
Aloe vera is cherished for its medicinal uses, not just for skincare. It enhances air quality and is ideal for bedrooms with limited light.
7. Variegated Rubber Tree (Ficus teneke)
A variant of the rubber tree, this popular choice features striking, multicolored leaves. It comes in various sizes, from small pots to larger indoor trees.
If necessary, these plants can be relocated once they outgrow their space. A smaller Ficus teneke can beautifully enhance a shelf or dresser while fostering a calming atmosphere.
“This low-maintenance plant boasts pink, green, and yellow leaves for added color, and it's one of NASA's top air-purifying plants,” states a plant expert.
8. Golden Pothos (Devil's Ivy)
While Golden Pothos does not produce oxygen at night like some other options, it grows quickly, transforming your space into a lush, tropical retreat.
“This easy-to-care-for plant will thrive under the right conditions, producing long, trailing vines that enhance your environment and create a feeling of being closer to nature, which can reduce stress and mental fatigue,” explains a plant expert.
