Feeling heavy inside even when everything seems “fine” on the outside? You’re not alone. With modern life moving faster than ever, mental health struggles especially depression are quietly affecting more and more people.
But what if there’s a simple way to bring more calm, joy, and peace into your space? Indoor plants do more than just look pretty; they can lift your spirits, purify your air, and offer a moment of calm in your busy day.
Below are 10 indoor plants that not only help make your home more beautiful but also help ease depression naturally. They’re low-maintenance, easy to place, and powerful in ways you might not expect.
#1 Peace Lily
Peace Lily is more than just a beautiful plant; it’s a wellness companion. According to a NASA Clean Air Study, it effectively removes indoor toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.
These pollutants can worsen anxiety and sleep issues, so having this plant in your bedroom may improve rest and mood. You’ll love its lush green leaves and elegant white blooms that gently lift the energy in any room.
It thrives in low-light and only needs occasional watering. Just keep it out of reach of pets as it can be toxic when ingested.
#2 Red-edge Dracaena
Source: Thespruce
This striking plant adds a bold splash of color with its red-edged leaves, and it’s not just for looks. Red-edge Dracaena is great at filtering airborne pollutants like formaldehyde, making it easier to breathe and feel relaxed.
It thrives in low light, which means you can place it just about anywhere indoors. Studies suggest that better air can lead to lower stress levels. Why not brighten up your space and your mood with one plant?
#3 Snake Plant
Source: Balconygardenweb
Also known as “Mother-in-law’s Tongue,” the snake plant is your nighttime air filter. It’s one of the few plants that convert CO₂ to oxygen even at night, which can improve sleep quality, a key factor in fighting depression.
A NASA study confirmed its ability to purify air from common pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde. Its sword-like leaves add a dramatic touch to corners or bedside tables.
#4 Chrysanthemum
Source: Hobbyplants
Chrysanthemums aren’t just cheerful, they’re healing too. These bright blooms help purify the air and can even be used to make calming tea. They’ve been linked to benefits like lowering blood pressure and soothing anxiety.
Want to feel more emotionally balanced and less drained? Place one on your kitchen counter or windowsill and enjoy the fresh pop of color and calm it brings. Don’t forget to change the water often to keep blooms happy.
#5 Aloe vera
Source: Ikea
You might already use aloe vera for skin or sunburns, but did you know it also detoxifies the air around you? This plant absorbs benzene and formaldehyde, which are commonly emitted from cleaning products or furniture.
Cleaner air can lead to clearer thoughts and better focus, helpful when depression clouds your mind. It also stores water in its thick leaves, so it’s easy to maintain.
A 2011 study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology linked caring for plants with reduced psychological stress. Just place it by a sunny window and let it do the healing.
#6 Jasmine
Source: Whiteflowerfarm
The scent of jasmine is not just delightful, it’s therapeutic. Its sweet fragrance is known to act as a mild sedative, lowering heart rate and easing anxiety.
A 2010 study published in Natural Product Communications found that the smell of jasmine can increase alertness and calmness at the same time. Add one near your sleeping area to help you relax naturally.
It blooms best in bright light with regular watering. A few tiny white flowers can change the whole mood of your day.
#7 Gerbera Daisy
Source: Wallacesgardencenter
This vibrant plant isn’t just for show; it’s a silent air-purifying warrior. Gerbera daisies are among NASA’s top-rated plants for removing trichloroethylene and benzene. They also bring lively, saturated colors that visually stimulate positivity.
Looking at bold colors like red, orange, and yellow can naturally uplift emotions, especially during gray seasons. Set one on your office desk or kitchen counter to keep your spirits up.
It prefers bright sunlight and a bit more attention than most, but the joy it gives back is worth it. Read more about 10 Houseplants That Oxygenate and Purify Your Home.
#8 Boston Fern
Source: Desertcart
Need a gentle green friend that asks for little but gives a lot? Boston ferns are fantastic at adding humidity to dry indoor air, which can soothe skin and reduce mental fatigue.
The American Society for Horticultural Science found that indoor ferns contribute to better air quality, especially in winter months when stuffiness increases. Their soft, feathery fronds are naturally calming to look at.
Keep them in a cool place with indirect sunlight and moisture, like a bathroom shelf. Just mist it often and watch it thrive.
#9 Sago Palm
Source: Gardenbeast
Sago palm looks like a mini palm tree, but it’s actually a cycad, and it brings tropical calm wherever it goes. It’s hardy, slow-growing, and adds a meditative presence to indoor corners.
Though not on NASA’s purifier list, it contributes to visual greenery that researchers at Texas A&M University say boosts productivity and emotional balance. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and very minimal watering.
Just be cautious, this plant is toxic if ingested, so keep it away from pets or children. Perfect for a workspace or reading nook.
#10 Lavender
Source: Gardenersworld
Lavender has a long history in herbal medicine, and for good reason. Numerous studies, including one from Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, show that inhaling lavender scent can reduce anxiety, depression, and even mild insomnia.
It works by affecting the limbic system, the brain’s emotional center. Add a small lavender pot by your bed or work desk for moments of calm throughout the day. It loves sunlight and dry soil, making it low-fuss to maintain.
Bonus: you can harvest its dried flowers for homemade tea or sachets.