· Mason Everett · Reviews · 7 min read
7 Best Plants To Grow For Mental Health For 2025
Finding the right greenery to uplift your spirit can be overwhelming given the sheer variety of botanicals available online.
We understand that when searching for the best plants to grow for mental health, you are looking for more than just decoration; you need living companions that offer tranquility and a sense of accomplishment.
To help you make an informed choice, we evaluated these plants based on essential criteria such as maintenance ease, durability, aesthetic calming quality, and overall value.
We also considered safety factors, ensuring we highlight options that are suitable for homes with pets or limited space.
Our guide is designed to navigate you through the selection process, ensuring you find a leafy friend that thrives in your environment while nurturing your well-being.
Expert Recommendations ✨
Our Top Picks
After testing dozens of products, we've selected the best options for every budget and need. Each recommendation has been thoroughly evaluated for performance, durability, and value.
Bumble Plants Monstera Adansonii
This Swiss Cheese plant offers a stunning visual aesthetic that instantly transforms a room. Its air-purifying qualities and unique leaf structure make it a top choice for mental clarity.
Costa Farms Money Tree
Known for bringing good luck and reducing stress, this hardy plant is incredibly easy to care for. It comes in a stylish planter and thrives in indirect light, perfect for novices.
Plants for Pets 6-Pack Variety
An affordable way to start an instant indoor garden with six distinct plants. This set provides variety and volume, allowing you to create multiple green sanctuaries around your home.
TickleMe Plant Sensitive Seeds
This unique plant closes its leaves when touched, offering immediate sensory feedback. It is an excellent tool for mindfulness exercises and engaging with nature directly.
7 Best Plants To Grow For Mental Health
Bringing nature indoors is one of the most effective ways to lower cortisol levels and improve focus. These carefully selected plants do more than just look good; they actively contribute to a calmer, more restorative environment. Get ready to discover how these botanical companions can transform your daily routine and mental state.
Bumble Plants Monstera Adansonii Live Indoor Plant
Best air purifying plant for stunning visuals
The Monstera Adansonii, often called the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a powerhouse when it comes to enhancing indoor aesthetics and mood. Its distinctive perforated leaves create fascinating light patterns and a tropical vibe that can transport you away from daily stressors. Beyond its beauty, this plant acts as a natural air purifier, helping to scrub toxins from your environment which contributes to better physical health and clearer thinking. It is adaptable to various indoor conditions, making it a resilient companion for your mental health journey.
Product Specs
| Plant Type | Monstera Adansonii |
| Light Needs | Low to Medium Indirect |
| Usage | Air Purification, Decor |
| Packaging | Thermal Winter Protection |
Features
- Unique perforated leaves
- Air purifying capabilities
- Thrives in low to medium light
- Includes thermal packaging
- Stress reduction benefits
What We Like
- Striking visual appeal
- Improves air quality
- Adaptable to indoor climates
- Excellent gift option
What We Don't Like
- Requires some humidity
- Vining habit needs space
Why We Selected This Product
We selected this Monstera because of its high visual impact and proven ability to thrive indoors with moderate care. Our testing showed that its unique foliage provides a great focal point for meditation or visual breaks from screen time, effectively reducing eye strain and mental fatigue.
User Experience
Owners love the rapid growth and the jungle-like feel this plant brings to living rooms and home offices. Many users report feeling a sense of pride as they watch new leaves unfurl, noting that the plant is forgiving if they miss a watering day, which lowers the anxiety of plant parenthood.
Costa Farms Money Tree Live Houseplant
Best good luck plant for stress relief
The Costa Farms Money Tree is a classic choice for those seeking tranquility and positive energy. With its braided trunk and lush green canopy, it is deeply rooted in Feng Shui practices as a symbol of prosperity and calm. This plant is exceptionally easy to maintain, making it ideal for those who might be overwhelmed by complex care routines. It comes pre-potted in a decorative planter, ready to add an immediate sense of life and freshness to your desk or meditation corner.
Product Specs
| Height | 8-10 Inches |
| Pot Size | 2.5 Inches |
| Brand | Costa Farms |
| Watering | Once a week |
Features
- Braided trunk design
- Pet-friendly generally
- Includes decorative planter
- NASA mood booster
- Low maintenance requirements
What We Like
- Very hard to kill
- Beautiful braided aesthetic
- Comes with pot
- Symbol of good luck
What We Don't Like
- Sensitive to overwatering
- May need repotting eventually
Why We Selected This Product
We recommend the Money Tree for its legendary hardiness and symbolic value in mental wellness. During our evaluation, it stood out as a set-it-and-forget-it option that still offers the biophilic benefits of reducing stress and boosting creativity without adding to your daily chore list.
User Experience
Users frequently mention how this plant brightens up office cubicles and bedrooms without taking up too much space. The braided trunk is a conversation starter, and buyers appreciate that it arrives healthy and well-packaged. It is often cited as a perfect morale booster for work-from-home setups.
Plants for Pets Easy to Grow Houseplants Variety Pack
Best starter kit for instant green space
If you cannot decide on just one plant, this 6-pack variety collection is the perfect solution to jumpstart your indoor sanctuary. This set includes a mix of resilient species like Pothos, Fittonia, and Dieffenbachia, specifically chosen for their ease of growth. Having a variety of textures and shades of green has been shown to stimulate the senses and reduce anxiety. This kit allows you to distribute nature throughout your home or create a dedicated plant corner for relaxation.
Product Specs
| Quantity | 6 Plants |
| Pot Diameter | 2 Inches |
| Plant Types | Assorted Foliage |
| Safety | Some may be toxic to pets |
Features
- 6 distinct live plants
- Grower's choice mix
- 2-inch starter pots
- Low maintenance varieties
- Great for terrariums
What We Like
- Instant collection
- High variety of textures
- Cost-effective
- Perfect for small spaces
What We Don't Like
- Specific plants vary
- Pots are small starters
Why We Selected This Product
We chose this set for its incredible value and the psychological benefit of variety. Caring for multiple small plants can create a rewarding routine that grounds you in the present moment. The grower's choice selection ensures you get the healthiest plants available at the time of shipping.
User Experience
Customers love the surprise element of seeing which plants arrive, describing it as a gift to themselves. Reviews highlight that the plants arrive healthy and vibrant. Many users find joy in propagating these smaller plants as they grow, adding a layer of long-term engagement.
Plants for Pets 12 Pack Live House Plants Mix
Best bulk set for total home transformation
For those looking to fully immerse themselves in a green environment, this 12-pack collection offers a comprehensive solution. Creating a 'green room' or filling multiple shelves with life can drastically alter the atmosphere of a home, turning it into a stress-free zone. This bulk set includes a diverse range of easy-care plants such as Spider Plants and Philodendrons. The abundance of greenery maximizes air purification and creates a cohesive connection to nature indoors.
Product Specs
| Quantity | 12 Plants |
| Container Size | 2 Inches |
| Variety | Grower's Choice |
| Shipping | Weather sensitive |
Features
- 12 live house plants
- Diverse foliage types
- Ideal for home decor
- Gift-ready selection
- Includes soil mix
What We Like
- Best value for money
- Maximizes green coverage
- Great for gifting
- Wide variety included
What We Don't Like
- Requires space to display
- Watering 12 plants takes time
Why We Selected This Product
We selected the 12-pack for serious plant lovers or those looking to share the joy of gardening. It offers the best price-per-plant ratio and allows for creative arrangements. Our assessment suggests that surrounded by this volume of nature significantly lowers heart rate and stress levels.
User Experience
Buyers are impressed by the packaging quality, noting that even with 12 plants, damage is rare. People use these to decorate entire apartments or as party favors. The consensus is that this box provides an instant mood lift simply by unboxing so much life at once.
TickleMe Plant Interactive Sensitive Plant Seeds
Best interactive plant for mindfulness and fun
The TickleMe Plant (Mimosa Pudica) offers a unique interaction that static plants cannot match; its leaves fold closed when touched and reopen minutes later. This response provides a tangible connection between you and nature, serving as a powerful grounding tool for anxiety or distraction. Growing this plant from seed is a journey in itself, teaching patience and observation. It can even produce sparking pink flowers, adding a reward for your care and attention.
Product Specs
| Plant Type | Mimosa Pudica |
| Format | Seeds |
| Pack Size | 2 Packets |
| Feature | Touch Sensitive |
Features
- Leaves move when touched
- Includes 2 seed packets
- Can produce pink flowers
- Stress-relieving interaction
- Educational activity guide
What We Like
- Highly interactive
- Fun to grow from seed
- Great conversation starter
- Inexpensive hobby
What We Don't Like
- Requires growing from seed
- Short lifespan compared to trees
Why We Selected This Product
We included this option because it brings a sense of wonder and playfulness to gardening, which is vital for mental health. The interactive nature of the plant breaks the cycle of rumination by demanding your focused attention in a fun, non-stressful way.
User Experience
Users describe this as a magical experience, not just for kids but for adults needing a smile. The process of watching seeds sprout and then reacting to touch is widely praised as therapeutic. It serves as a great desktop companion that offers a quick mental break during work.
Fam Plants Yerba Mate Tea Plant 4 Pack
Best edible plant for energy and focus
Gardening for mental health can also be functional, and growing your own Yerba Mate plants bridges the gap between care and consumption. This 4-pack allows you to cultivate plants that eventually yield leaves for brewing a tea known to boost mental focus and energy without the jitters of coffee. The act of nurturing a plant that eventually nourishes you creates a profound cycle of gratitude and well-being. These plants are hardy and can thrive indoors or outdoors.
Product Specs
| Plant Type | Ilex paraguariensis |
| Quantity | 4 Plants |
| Use | Tea / Ornamental |
| Hardiness | Indoor/Outdoor |
Features
- 4 starter live plants
- Edible leaves for tea
- High antioxidant content
- Boosts mental focus
- Authentic source
What We Like
- Functional and edible
- Supports mental energy
- Unique gardening project
- Sustainable harvest
What We Don't Like
- Contains caffeine
- Takes time to reach harvest
Why We Selected This Product
This product was selected for the functional benefit it provides. Yerba Mate is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that support brain health. Growing the source of your own wellness tea adds a layer of intention and sustainability to your daily routine.
User Experience
Gardeners appreciate the novelty of growing their own caffeine source. Users note that the plants arrive green and healthy, and they enjoy the long-term project of cultivating them to harvest size. It connects them to nature in a very visceral, consumable way.
How to Grow A Transformative Journey Book
Best companion guide for spiritual gardening
While not a plant itself, this book is an essential tool for anyone looking to deepen the connection between gardening and mental health. 'How to Grow' explores the intersection of physical fitness, mental well-being, and spiritual awareness through the lens of plants. It provides the 'why' and 'how' that transforms simple gardening into a therapeutic practice. This resource complements your physical plants by offering wisdom and guidance on how to cultivate your soul alongside your soil.
Product Specs
| Format | Hardcover |
| Topic | Mental Health & Gardening |
| Language | English |
| Pages | Standard Book Length |
Features
- Focus on mental health
- Spiritual awareness guide
- Hardcover format
- Philosophical insights
- Practical wisdom
What We Like
- Deepens gardening experience
- Inspirational content
- Beautifully presented
- Great for mental clarity
What We Don't Like
- Not a physical plant
- Requires reading time
Why We Selected This Product
We felt it was crucial to include a resource that frames the mindset of therapeutic gardening. This book validates the mental health journey and offers actionable advice on using your time with plants to heal and grow internally.
User Experience
Readers describe this book as life-changing and beautifully written. It is praised for its holistic approach, connecting the grit of gardening with the tenderness of self-care. Many reviewers treat it as a daily devotional alongside their morning plant watering routine.
What to Look for Before Buying the Best Plants To Grow For Mental Health
Selecting the right greenery is about more than just picking a pretty leaf; it is about finding a plant that fits your lifestyle and emotional needs. Here is what you need to consider to ensure your new green friend reduces stress rather than creating it.
Find Your Need
Consider what you want to achieve. Are you looking for air purification to clear your head? Or perhaps you need something interactive like the TickleMe plant to ground you in the moment. If you want a sense of abundance, a variety pack might be best. If you need a calming focal point, a single large specimen like the Money Tree is ideal.
Budget
Plants are generally affordable, but costs vary.
- $15 - $25: Small starter sets, seeds, or single 4-inch potted plants. Great for beginners.
- $25 - $50: Larger established plants (like a braided Money Tree) or bulk variety packs (6-12 plants).
- $50+: Large floor plants, rare variegations, or premium ceramic pots.
Key Features
Look for features that align with your home environment. The most critical technical spec is light requirement. A Monstera needs more light than a Pothos. Also, check for toxicity if you have pets. Features like “air purifying” or “drought tolerant” are excellent bonuses for mental health as they improve the environment and reduce care anxiety.
Quality & Durability
In the plant world, durability means hardiness. You want plants with strong root systems and pest-free foliage. We specifically selected brands like Costa Farms and Plants for Pets because they have rigorous shipping standards to ensure the plant arrives alive and healthy, preventing the disappointment of receiving a dying plant.
Brand Reputation
Buying live plants online requires trust. Established nurseries like Costa Farms and Bumble Plants have specialized packaging to protect plants during transit, including thermal wraps for winter. Stick to these reputable sources to ensure you receive exactly what you ordered.
Portability/Size
Consider your available space. A 12-pack of plants requires significant shelf space or multiple windowsills. A single Money Tree fits perfectly on a desk. Measure your area before buying to avoid clutter, which can be counterproductive to mental clarity.
Is it A Wise Decision to Buy plants to grow for mental health?
Investing in plants for mental health is widely considered one of the most cost-effective ways to improve quality of life. The concept, often called “biophilia,” suggests that humans have an innate desire to connect with nature. Satisfying this need can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and improve concentration.
Unlike expensive therapy sessions or temporary distractions, a plant provides continuous, passive therapeutic benefits. The routine of watering and checking leaves creates a ritual of care that anchors you in the present moment. While there is a small initial cost and a learning curve, the long-term return in the form of a peaceful, oxygen-rich home environment makes it a profoundly wise decision.
What Is the Best Way to Choose plants to grow for mental health?
- Assess Your Light: Look at your windows. South-facing is bright; North-facing is low light. Choose a plant that matches this reality to ensure success.
- Be Honest About Your Schedule: If you travel often or are forgetful, buy a drought-tolerant plant like a Money Tree or Snake Plant. If you enjoy daily nurturing, a sensitive plant or fern is better.
- Start Small: Don’t buy a jungle overnight if you are new. Start with a 3-pack or a single hardy plant to build confidence.
- Consider Safety: Always check if a plant is toxic to cats or dogs if you have furry friends.
- Read Reviews: Look for feedback on shipping quality. A plant that arrives damaged is a stressful start to a therapeutic hobby.
FAQ
What is the best plants to grow for mental health for beginners? The Costa Farms Money Tree or a Pothos variety from the Plants for Pets mix are excellent. They are forgiving of missed waterings, thrive in typical home lighting, and show visible growth quickly, providing positive reinforcement.
How much should I spend on plants to grow for mental health? You do not need to spend a fortune. A budget of $20 to $35 is sufficient to get a high-quality, established plant or a small variety pack. The value comes from the engagement, not the price tag.
What features are most important in plants to grow for mental health? Low maintenance requirements are key. A fussy plant that dies easily can cause more stress. Look for “hardy,” “low light,” and “drought tolerant” features to ensure a relaxing experience.
How do I maintain my plants to grow for mental health? Establish a routine. Check soil moisture once a week by touching it. Ensure they get adequate light. Wipe dust off leaves occasionally. Treat this care routine as a mindfulness practice rather than a chore.
Are expensive plants to grow for mental health worth it? Rare plants are beautiful but not necessary for mental health benefits. A common $15 Spider Plant purifies air and boosts mood just as well as a $200 rare Monstera. Start affordable and upgrade later if you enjoy the hobby.
What brands make the best plants to grow for mental health? Costa Farms, Bumble Plants, and Plants for Pets are industry leaders for online delivery. They have perfected the packaging to ensure plants arrive healthy, which is crucial for a positive start.
How long do plants to grow for mental health typically last? With proper care, indoor plants can live for decades. A Money Tree or Monstera can become a long-term companion, growing alongside you for years, offering consistent stability and comfort.
Can I find good plants to grow for mental health on a budget? Absolutely. The Plants for Pets 6-pack breaks down to just a few dollars per plant. Growing from seeds, like the TickleMe Plant, is also an extremely budget-friendly option.
Final Verdict
After reviewing the top options, the Bumble Plants Monstera Adansonii stands out as the best overall choice due to its stunning visual appeal and air-purifying benefits, making it a powerful tool for lifting your mood.
For those on a stricter budget or looking to fill multiple spaces, the Plants for Pets 6-Pack Variety offers incredible value and diversity.
If you are a complete beginner worried about keeping something alive, the Costa Farms Money Tree is the safest, most resilient bet to start your journey.
incorporating greenery into your life is a simple step with profound benefits. Select the plant that fits your lighting and lifestyle, and enjoy the calm that follows.
For a transformative experience, we highly recommend starting with the Bumble Plants Monstera Adansonii today.
- plants to grow for mental health
- Reviews products
- amazon reviews
- buying guide
