If your home has been feeling a little too hectic lately, you’re not alone. One of the simplest ways to create a calmer, more soothing environment is by bringing in the right indoor plants. Science backs it up—certain plants can lower stress, reduce heart rate, and even improve your mood just by being in the room. And no, you don’t need to be a plant expert to make it work.
This list of 17 anti-anxiety plants includes varieties known for their calming scents, soft textures, and air-purifying abilities. Whether you’re decorating your bedroom, sprucing up your workspace, or carving out a meditation nook, these peaceful green companions can help you turn any corner of your home into a relaxing retreat.
Lavender
Imagine walking into a room filled with the soothing scent of lavender. Known for its calming aroma, lavender is a natural stress reliever. Its vibrant purple flowers not only add beauty but also create a tranquil atmosphere. Consider placing it near your bed or sofa for maximum effect. These plants thrive in sunny spots, so a windowsill is perfect. Lavender’s delicate fragrance lingers, making it ideal for meditation spaces. Regular pruning keeps it healthy, ensuring it continues to provide a Zen-like ambiance. A joy to the senses, lavender is a must-have for any relaxation haven.
Aloe Vera
Beyond its healing properties, aloe vera brings a sense of calm to your living space. The thick, fleshy leaves are striking, providing a modern aesthetic. It’s a hardy plant, often thriving on neglect, making it perfect for busy individuals. Positioned in your kitchen, it becomes a handy companion for minor burns while adding a touch of green. Aloe vera loves bright, indirect sunlight, so a well-lit corner is ideal. Despite its tough exterior, it offers a gentle touch to your home environment. This plant’s dual purpose of beauty and utility is truly remarkable.
Snake Plant
The snake plant’s architectural elegance is unmatched. With its tall, blade-like leaves, it adds a sculptural element to any room. Known for purifying indoor air, it instills a sense of freshness. Snake plants are incredibly low-maintenance, thriving in various lighting conditions. Place it beside a reading chair for a touch of greenery as you unwind. The plant’s resilience makes it a favorite among city dwellers. Its ability to survive with little water makes it a trustworthy companion. Experience the calm it brings to your space, enhancing relaxation effortlessly.
Peace Lily
With its graceful white blooms, the peace lily exudes serenity. This plant is renowned for its air-purifying qualities, which contribute to a healthier environment. It’s perfect for bedrooms, where clean air is paramount for restful sleep. Peace lilies prefer shaded areas, making them suitable for rooms with limited sunlight. Their name reflects the tranquility they bring, fostering a sense of peace. Regular watering ensures their lush appearance, keeping your space vibrant. The elegance of the peace lily is unrivaled, making it a staple in creating a serene atmosphere.
Jasmine
Jasmine’s sweet scent is synonymous with relaxation. This climbing plant can grace balconies or rooms with ample sunlight. Its tiny white flowers bloom beautifully, adding a delicate touch to your space. Jasmine is cherished for its calming properties, often used in teas and essential oils. Enjoying its fragrance at dusk can be a soothing ritual. Care involves regular watering and sunlight exposure. Known to uplift moods, jasmine adds a luxurious feel to your home. Its enchanting presence is sure to captivate anyone who experiences it, offering a peaceful ambiance.
Chamomile
Chamomile’s gentle charm lies in its dainty flowers and calming scent. Often associated with teas, its presence in your home can be equally delightful. Place it in a garden or patio to enjoy its soothing aroma in the fresh air. Chamomile thrives in sunlight and well-drained soil, making it a gardener’s favorite. Its calming effects extend beyond the teacup, offering a serene environment. Perfect for unwinding after a long day, chamomile’s presence is subtle yet impactful. Embrace its tranquility, and let your home bask in its peaceful aura.
English Ivy
English ivy’s cascading leaves create a lush, verdant display. Known for its air-purifying abilities, it enhances indoor air quality. Ideal for hanging baskets or shelves, it adds greenery to vertical spaces. English ivy thrives in indirect sunlight, making it versatile for various rooms. Its trailing vines can soften harsh edges, bringing a sense of calm. Regular misting keeps its foliage vibrant. This plant’s adaptability and beauty make it a popular choice. An embodiment of nature’s elegance, English ivy transforms any space into a tranquil retreat.
Rosemary
Rosemary is more than just a culinary herb. Its invigorating aroma has been linked to improved mood and mental clarity. Ideal for kitchen windowsills, it offers both decorative and practical benefits. Its needle-like leaves are striking against the sunlight. Regular pruning encourages growth, ensuring a healthy plant. Rosemary thrives in well-drained soil and sunlight, making it perfect for sunny spots. Beyond cooking, its presence adds a refreshing scent to your home. Cultivate a sense of well-being with this aromatic plant, enhancing your culinary and sensory experiences.
Valerian
Valerian’s delicate pink flowers are not just visually appealing; they are renowned for their calming properties. This plant is often used in herbal remedies to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Ideally situated in gardens, it thrives in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Valerian’s presence in your garden can create a peaceful retreat, perfect for unwinding. Its subtle fragrance is soothing, inviting tranquility to your outdoor space. By incorporating valerian, you’re adding both beauty and serenity, making your garden a haven for relaxation and contemplation.
Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm brings a tropical vibe to your interior. Its feathery fronds are reminiscent of exotic locales, instantly uplifting the ambiance. As a natural air purifier, it contributes to a healthier living environment. This palm thrives in indirect sunlight, making it suitable for various indoor settings. Its robust nature means it requires minimal attention, perfect for those with busy lifestyles. Positioned near a sunlit window, it catches the light beautifully. With its graceful presence, the bamboo palm transforms ordinary spaces into peaceful retreats, inviting relaxation and calm.
Gardenia
Gardenia’s creamy blossoms are famed for their intoxicating fragrance. These lush blooms are a feast for the senses, offering a soothing aroma that can fill an entire room. Gardenias thrive in humid environments, making them ideal for porches or bathrooms. Regular pruning and misting keep them vibrant. Their beauty requires a bit of effort, rewarding with exceptional elegance. Gardenia’s enchanting scent can be a comforting presence after a hectic day. By embracing this plant, you’re inviting a sophisticated charm into your home, wrapped in a cloud of calming fragrance.
Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera daisies are a burst of sunshine in floral form. Their bright, cheerful blooms are known to lift spirits instantly. Perfect for sunny balconies, they thrive with direct sunlight and regular watering. These daisies are more than just visually appealing; they also improve indoor air quality. A symbol of joy, they are ideal for vibrant living spaces. Each blossom is a reminder of nature’s exuberance, bringing warmth to any setting. With gerbera daisies, every day feels a bit brighter, making them a delightful addition to a happy home environment.
Lavender
Lavender’s captivating scent is synonymous with relaxation, creating a calm oasis in any room. This plant is cherished for its fragrant purple blooms, adding a touch of elegance and serenity. Ideal for bedrooms or meditation spaces, lavender thrives in sunny spots and requires minimal care. Its aroma has a profound calming effect, perfect for unwinding after a stressful day. By incorporating lavender, you’re inviting a sense of tranquility into your home, making it a peaceful retreat from the outside world. This plant’s beauty and fragrance offer a soothing presence.
Pothos
Pothos is loved for its vibrant green leaves and easygoing nature. This hardy plant can flourish in various lighting conditions, making it adaptable to different spaces. Its trailing vines can soften harsh corners or fill empty spaces beautifully. Pothos is also known for its air-purifying benefits, enhancing the atmosphere of your home. Whether hung from a basket or placed on a shelf, it adds a touch of nature’s elegance. The simplicity and resilience of pothos make it a popular choice for creating a peaceful home environment. It’s a natural stress-buster.
Verbena
Verbena’s colorful blooms are a feast for the eyes, offering a visual escape into nature’s artistry. Known for attracting butterflies, this plant brings a lively energy to patios or balconies. Verbena thrives in full sun, requiring regular watering to maintain its vibrancy. Its cheerful presence can uplift any mood, creating a joyful atmosphere. Perfect for outdoor settings, it invites nature’s wonders into your space. The plant’s resilience and beauty make it a cherished addition to any garden. Verbena’s vibrant charm offers a playful touch, enhancing your outdoor experience.
Mint
Mint’s fresh aroma is a natural mood enhancer, creating an invigorating atmosphere. This versatile herb can be grown indoors or outdoors, thriving in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Its lush green leaves are not only useful in culinary dishes but also add a refreshing scent to your space. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth, ensuring a plentiful supply. Mint’s presence is both practical and delightful, offering a sensory escape. Whether in a garden or kitchen, it provides a burst of nature’s vitality. Embrace mint’s revitalizing energy to transform your home.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm’s citrusy fragrance is a delightful addition to any home, known for its calming properties. Ideal for sun-drenched balconies, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its leaves can be used in teas, adding a soothing element to your daily routine. Lemon balm’s refreshing scent is a natural stress reliever, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Regular trimming keeps it vibrant, ensuring continuous growth. This plant’s cheerful presence can transform any space into a calming retreat, offering a gentle reminder of nature’s comforting embrace.