Plants in a room can support health by easing stress, improving mood, and slightly influencing the air you breathe, but they work best alongside good ventilation and other healthy habits.
Mental and emotional benefits
Indoor plants are linked with lower perceived stress, improved mood, and a greater sense of calm. Simply seeing greenery and having a living thing to care for can make a room feel more welcoming and emotionally supporting.
Many people report feeling less anxious and more relaxed when they spend time around houseplants. The small daily rituals of watering and tending plants can act as a gentle mindfulness practice.
Improved focus and comfort
Greenery near a desk or bed can help reduce mental fatigue and support better concentration. Studies in offices and classrooms show that plants are associated with improved attention and productivity.
Plants also contribute to a more comfortable environment by softening the look of a room and reducing feelings of sterility or emptiness. This visual comfort can make it easier to stay focused or unwind.
Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and air
During the day, plants perform photosynthesis: they use light, carbon dioxide, and water to produce sugars and release oxygen. This process means that several healthy plants can slightly increase oxygen levels and reduce carbon dioxide in the air immediately around them.
At night, most plants largely switch to respiration, consuming a small amount of oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, but the amounts are tiny compared with the volume of air in a normal bedroom. A single plant will not noticeably change oxygen or carbon dioxide levels for a person sleeping in the room.
Groups of plants in enclosed spaces have been shown to modestly lower indoor carbon dioxide compared with rooms without plants. Still, ventilation—open windows, air exchange systems, or fans—remains the main way to manage indoor air quality, while plants offer a minor supportive effect.
Humidity and physical health
Plants release water vapor through transpiration, slightly increasing humidity. In dry indoor environments, this can help ease dry skin, irritated eyes, and scratchy throats.
Some research suggests that being around plants is associated with lower blood pressure, less fatigue, and improved comfort, particularly in clinical or work environments.
Practical tips for your room
- Choose resilient plants such as snake plant, pothos, or ZZ plant that tolerate low to medium light.
- Place plants where you can see them easily—from your bed or desk—to maximize mood and focus benefits.
- Use several medium plants for a noticeable presence, but still prioritize regular airing of the room for fresh air.
- Avoid overwatering and ensure pots have drainage to prevent mold and pests.
