How do I care for indoor plants?

Sufficiently caring for your indoor plant means proper watering (not too much or too little), sufficient light (natural light from a direct or indirect source), and ensuring that you take precautions to avoid root rot or bug issues.

How do I get rid of bugs on indoor plants?

If you need to get rid of bugs on your plant, you want to make sure you don't hurt the plant in the process. One way to do this is by dipping a cotton ball in 70% isopropyl alcohol and dabbing it on the stems. You can also spray the plant with a mixture of dish soap and water (1 teaspoon of soap and 1 gallon of water).

How do I water indoor plants?

Each plant variety has different watering needs, so it’s important to research how much and how often to water your specific plant. Most require watering once a week to once a month. When watering, remember these tips: Water the soil, not the leaves or plant. The plant’s roots mirror their foliage, so make sure the water is dispersed throughout the soil, not in a single place. Create holes in the pot so excess water drains away from the roots. Failure to do this could result in root rot. Some plants need more time between watering to allow for air to reach the roots. Plants typically come with care instructions, so check to see if your plant likes constant moisture or more time between watering.

The 10 Best Indoor Plants for Relaxation of 2022

Spending time in nature can lead to some great mental and physical benefits. However, the average person still spends between 80 and 90% of their lives indoors. But when people can't leave their place—a common occurrence during the pandemic—they can still reap the benefits of nature by adding indoor plants to their home, office, or apartment.

Research shows that indoor plants can have a positive effect on your health. In addition to reducing stress and helping with task performance, they act as air purifiers by reducing pollutants in their environment.

Many indoor plants require minimal maintenance and don't require direct sunlight for proper growth, making them great for beginner plant owners. Caring for them can also be a good reminder to take care of your own health.

If you want to unwind and take in the benefits of your own plant, here are the best indoor plants for relaxation.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Costa Farms Aloe Vera Live Indoor House Plant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Leaf & Linen 2” Assorted House Plants 6-Pack at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Low Light:

The Sill Parlor Palm at Thesill.com

Jump to Review

Best Low Maintenance:

Philo Tropicals Philodendron Birkin at Etsy

Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:

The Sill Succulent Assortment at Thesill.com

Jump to Review

Best Tall:

Costa Farms 24” White Bird of Paradise at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Smelling:

Hirts Garden's Store Jasmine Plant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Floor Plant:

Costa Farms Majesty Palm Tree at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Allergies:

Emeritus Gardens Plants Clean Air Plants Collection at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Hanging:

SuccsIntheSun 6” String of Pearls Hanging Plant at Etsy

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Mind?

Amazon

Pros

Low Maintenance
Affordable
Air Purifier

Cons

Can burn in direct sunlight
Can easily be over-watered
Toxic if ingested

Aloe plants are low-maintenance and purify the air from formaldehyde and benzene, which are found in household cleaners. They're members of the succulent family, so they don't require much upkeep and don't like prolonged, direct sunlight.

A good choice for new plant owners, aloe only requires watering once every two to three weeks.

Price at time of publication: $21

Amazon

Pros

Affordable
Good for experienced growers
Beautiful assortment

Cons

Will need time to mature
Needs repotting with growth
Individual plant needs

If you buy a large, fully-grown plant, it will likely be expensive. But if you're willing to give your plants time to grow and mature, buying them young can save you money.

Leaf and Linen's plant bundle includes an assortment of six plants. Each one comes in a 2-inch grow pot, and they are easy to maintain—requiring water every two to three weeks.

Price at time of publication: $25

Courtesy of The Sill

Pros

Good for darker rooms
Low maintenance
Non-toxic

Cons

Prone to root rot
Needs warmer conditions
Sensitive and fragile roots

If you want a tropical addition to an otherwise basic room, look no further than the Parlor Palm. This low-maintenance plant does well in indirect sunlight, it's safe for pets and children, and it only requires water once every two or three weeks.

When caring for it, ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Price at time of publication: $80

Etsy

Pros

Affordable
Low maintenance
Decorative and unique

Cons

Small size
Will need to be repotted
Sensitive to overwatering

Known as the “new trendy plant,” the Philodendron is a small, tropical plant that is perfect for tables or shelves. It does well in indirect sunlight and only needs watering once every week or two.

It arrives in a basic, nursery grow pot but can easily be transferred to a more decorative option.

Price at time of publication: $17

The Sill

Pros

Unique appearance
Low maintenance
Affordable

Cons

Small
Needs direct sunlight
Sensitive to overwatering

A succulent is a drought-tolerant plant that does well in desert-like conditions. It's fairly easy to maintain, making it good for beginners, but you need to make sure it gets a decent amount of direct sunlight.

Thanks to its small size, it doesn't require any pruning and it's the perfect addition to a compact space like a windowsill.

Price at time of publication: $55

Amazon

Pros

Air purifier
Low maintenance
Good size

Cons

Needs repotting with growth
Needs direct sun
Expensive

Spruce up a boring corner with a tall plant, like the White Bird of Paradise. With a vertical growth pattern, this plant doesn't require much surface area, making it good for an office or a reading nook.

If you're trying to take up more vertical space, a plant stand can give you the extra height needed to complete the look.

Price at time of publication: $43

Amazon

Pros

Great scent
Beautiful blooms
Air purifier

Cons

Requires pruning
Watch for mealybugs
Needs cooler air to bloom

If aromatherapy is what soothes your soul, then a blooming jasmine plant is nothing short of medicinal. While scented candles and air fresheners can sometimes release chemicals into the air, jasmine plants detoxify the surrounding air.

They do well in cool rooms, ideally between 60 and 75 degrees, and they require regular mealybug inspection, pruning, and watering.

Price at time of publication: $11

Walmart

Pros

Air purifier
Fills entire corner
Great décor

Cons

Needs warmer climate
Need direct sun
High maintenance

Reaching a height of 3 feet, the Majesty Palm Tree is a good option for adding dimension to a bare corner. It's a natural air purifier and it's ideal for brightening a room.

When it's cold outside, the Majesty Palm Tree should be moved to a warmer place in your home. Otherwise, the plant needs indirect bright light and regular watering.

Price at time of publication: $49

Amazon

Pros

Removes air toxins
Beautiful assortment
Affordable

Cons

Individual plant needs
Higher maintenance
Needs repotting with growth

Plants with more surface area are highly effective at purifying and detoxifying air. Available in a set of four, these ones stand at approximately 1.5-feet-tall, and they're hand-packed with allergy-free peat moss.

Group them together to create a focal point, or spread them around your room for all-over relaxation.

Price at time of publication: $86

Courtesy of Etsy

Pros

Unique appearance
Good in lower light
Perfect for hanging decor

Cons

Toxic if ingested
Burns easily in direct sun
Medium to high maintenance

If you're looking for a hearty hanging plant, the String of Pearls could be a good option. Adding it to your home will draw your gaze to higher points in the room, and because it's easy to maintain, you won't have to worry about tending to it often.

As a member of the succulent family, the String of Pearls does not like direct sunlight. If you have children or pets, it can be toxic if ingested.

Price at time of publication: $20

Final Verdict

For beginners and experts alike, the Costa Farms Aloe Vera Live Indoor House Plant (view at Amazon) is easy to maintain. Budget-friendly and unique, it eliminates toxins that are mostly found in household cleaning products. The Costa Farms Majesty Palm Tree (view at Amazon) is also a beautiful, easy to care for plant that is large enough to fill up an entire corner on its own.

What to Look for in Indoor Plants

Maintenance

Most indoor plants are low-maintenance, requiring watering once a week or every other week. Each plant variety requires different care, so you'll need to do your research to learn about watering frequency, required room temperature, sunlight needs, and whether it's prone to root rot or bugs.

If you're a beginner, start with one or two low-maintenance plants before you grow your collection and feel comfortable with the upkeep process.

Air Purifying Ability

Indoor plants should make your space feel as refreshing as the outdoors. Each one naturally cleans the air and produces oxygen in a unique way, so having multiple types can add a variety of benefits to your home, office, or apartment. Ones with more surface area tend to be more effective at detoxifying the air.

Decor and Ambiance

Adding some home decor can be as easy as buying some indoor plants for your space. Floor plants and hanging plants can turn a bare corner into a design focal point while instantly making the entire room feel complete and vibrant. Choose colors, sizes, and even planter designs that complement the rest of the room. If you plan on purchasing a floor plant, make sure it's nontoxic if you have pets or children.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I care for indoor plants?

Sufficiently caring for your indoor plant means proper watering (not too much or too little), sufficient light (natural light from a direct or indirect source), and ensuring that you take precautions to avoid root rot or bug issues.
How do I get rid of bugs on indoor plants?

If you need to get rid of bugs on your plant, you want to make sure you don't hurt the plant in the process. One way to do this is by dipping a cotton ball in 70% isopropyl alcohol and dabbing it on the stems. You can also spray the plant with a mixture of dish soap and water (1 teaspoon of soap and 1 gallon of water).
How do I water indoor plants?
Each plant variety has different watering needs, so it’s important to research how much and how often to water your specific plant. Most require watering once a week to once a month. When watering, remember these tips:
1. Water the soil, not the leaves or plant.
2. The plant’s roots mirror their foliage, so make sure the water is dispersed throughout the soil, not in a single place.
3. Create holes in the pot so excess water drains away from the roots. Failure to do this could result in root rot.
4. Some plants need more time between watering to allow for air to reach the roots. Plants typically come with care instructions, so check to see if your plant likes constant moisture or more time between watering.

Why Trust Verywell Mind?

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience working with clients who struggle with mental health issues, Mary K. Tatum understands the importance of finding quality resources and techniques that work for each person. Not everyone will have the same kind of healing journey. Therefore, having lots of options to choose from is vitally important to creating a lifestyle that combats depression symptoms.