There’s nothing like becoming a devout plant momma. Who knew that taking care of these vibrant creatures would bring so much radiance and vitality to your home? It can be overwhelming to figure out the right amount of water and sunlight for each plant. While doing your your best not to over-nurture them can be a challenge, it’s ultimately so rewarding. You’re not born with a green thumb. It’s earned with trial, error, and a whole lot of patience. But while taking care of plants is a fulfilling venture, there’s actually science behind the fact that you’re receiving a ton of health benefits along the way. Here are the five ways tending to your plants can heal you back.
5 Healing Benefits of Plants
Improved Air Quality
Say goodbye to airborne toxins. Plants are natural air purifiers, filtering your home and releasing fresh oxygen. There are specific varieties of plants, including snake plants and peace lilies, that are especially effective at removing pollutants. This means deeper, more quality breaths, and less irritated skin. By improving ventilation and reducing indoor air pollution, your plants lend to a healthier breathing environment that supports your lungs and overall vitality. This is especially helpful if you often keep your windows shut or have a lot of synthetic materials in your home.
Stress Reduction
Anything that is ritual can reduce your stress, and tending to your plant babies is no exception. Caring for plants is a grounding experience. It naturally soothes stress through the simple acts of watering, pruning, and watching the fruits of your labor unfold. It anchors you in the present moment, offering a meditative pause from the chaos of everyday life. Research shows that spending time with greenery lowers cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. This helps to restore a sense of balance.
Alleviated Allergies
While it may seem counterintuitive, certain plants can actually help reduce allergy symptoms. By filtering the dust in your home and getting rid of airborne particles, indoor greenery can minimize those annoying irritants that trigger sneezing or congestion. Some plants even regulate humidity levels, preventing overly dry air that can impact everything from your hair to your respiratory system. Choosing hypoallergenic plants like palms, orchids, or ferns are ideal for reaping the healing benefits of plants without aggravating any sensitivities.
Boosted Mood
Let’s face it, any home is supplementally more beautiful when plants are in the mix. Plants bring nothing but life and vibrancy, which naturally uplifts your mood. In fact, studies show that simply being around greenery can enhance feelings of happiness, creativity, and emotional well-being. Caring for a plant and witnessing it bloom and grow fosters a sense of deep purpose and accomplishment. By surrounding yourself with nature indoors, you cultivate a sanctuary that nourishes both your mind and spirit.
Nervous System Regulation
If you’re in a constant state of fight-or-flight, interacting with plants has been shown to positively influence the autonomic nervous system, responsible for your heart rate and stress response. The mere sensory experience of touching soil, smelling herbs, or having greenery within your gaze can totally shift your body into rest mode. Over time, you’ll build a more resilient nervous system, allowing you to navigate your day-to-day with greater ease.
An Expert Weighs In
Diving further into the theory, 21Ninety reached out to sustainable lifestyle advocate Anuella Alexandre, the force behind The Green Goddess Diary, to learn more about how plant motherhood can be truly beneficial.
21N: How can being a plant mom truly be beneficial for your health?
Anuella Alexandre: While green has become a leading trend in wellness, fashion, and design for its calming effects on the mind and body, being a plant mom goes far beyond aesthetics. It’s wellness rooted in ritual. Plants not only bring beauty into your space, but certain plants can help absorb toxins and improve the feel of your environment. Beyond the physical, nurturing something living gives you a sense of purpose. The daily ritual of pruning, watering, and checking on your plants is a gentle reminder to slow down, care for yourself, and connect with nature. Even in the midst of the busiest work week or eventful weekend, plant care can help you take a breather and get grounded.
21N: With that, can taking care of plants improve our mental health in any way?
AA: Absolutely. When you’re potting a plant, arranging leaves, or just playing in the soil, you’re not just gardening. You’re activating the part of the brain that calms stress and sparks creativity. That hands on magic isn’t random. It’s our brain’s way of saying “More of this, please!” Think of it like therapy in a pot. Watching new leaves unfurl, or seeing a plant bounce back after some love gives you small wins that boost your mood. It’s also a powerful mindfulness practice. When your hands are in the soil or when you’re carefully tending to something green, it brings you into the present moment. This can provide great mental clarity and emotional balance.
21N: For anyone hoping to ease their way in, what are a few good starter plants for new plant moms?
Start simple and set yourself up for success. A few of my favorite beginner-friendly plants include a snake plant, as it’s almost indestructible and perfect if you forget to water sometimes. Pothos because it grows quickly, loves to trail, and shows you it’s happy with those shiny leaves. The ZZ plant is low maintenance and super forgiving; it thrives in low light. And of course the spider plant, as its fun to watch grow “babies” that you can re-pot and share with loved ones.