let's turn to plants to improve our mental wellbeing
Today is World Mental Health Day, and to mark the occasion, we are donating £1 from every sale of our Snake Plant to Kids Inspire. This fantastic charity provides mental health and trauma recovery support for children, young people, and their families.
At Beards & Daisies, we’re big believers in the power of houseplants, not just for their botanical beauty, but for the incredible benefits they offer to our mental well-being. From reducing stress and anxiety to increasing productivity and creativity, plants are more than just home décor. They’re a natural way to boost your mood and create a calming indoor jungle to help you feel your best.
Besides from bringing a boost of botanical beauty to homes, plants also boast a multitude of benefits for your mind. Here's five ways they can boost your mental wellbeing.
They reduce anxiety - Surrounding yourself with houseplants has been scientifically proven to help us relax and unwind. A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that interacting with indoor plants, whether that's touching their leaves, watering them, or simply having them in the room, can lower stress levels. Even potting soil plays a role in mental well-being, as it contains microbes (M. vaccae) that work as natural antidepressants. Who knew getting your hands dirty with plant care could actually lift your mood?
They boost mood - Adding a pop of greenery to your home isn’t just about aesthetics - it can have a real impact on how you feel. Research from WebMD found that employees who work in spaces with houseplants report feeling happier, take fewer sick days, and experience less workplace stress. Whether it’s a Prayer Plant, Peace Lily, or Spider Plant, simply being around indoor greenery can help create a more positive atmosphere. Maybe it’s time to drop a hint to your boss and suggest filling the office with plants, they’ll thank us later!
They promote healing - Plants aren’t just beautiful—they’re healing too! A study from Kansas State University found that hospital patients recovering from surgery experienced less anxiety and fatigue when indoor house plants were placed in their rooms. They even needed less pain medication compared to those in plant-free environments. If you’re feeling under the weather, keeping an air-purifying houseplant like a Kentia Palm or Parlour Palm nearby could help you feel better, faster. Magical!
They're rewarding to care for - Looking after houseplants provides a sense of achievement and purpose, which in turn releases dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. Every time you successfully water your indoor plants, prune a leaf, or repot a favourite, your brain rewards you with a burst of positivity. This explains why plant care feels so satisfying and can be a brilliant way to reduce stress and anxiety.
They spark creativity - Want to feel more inspired? Studies show that people are 15% more creative when working in spaces with houseplants. Caring for your botanical family also has a calming effect, similar to meditation, which can improve focus and productivity. Whether it’s plants for shade or hanging plants like a String of Hearts, surrounding yourself with greenery is a simple but effective way to spark fresh ideas and boost motivation.
Plants do so much more than just look pretty, they actively contribute to our well-being. Whether it’s a large and tall houseplant like the Swiss Cheese Plant, or a pet-friendly indoor plant like a Boston Fern, bringing houseplants into your home can be a powerful step towards better mental health.
If you’re ready to grow your plant collection, check out our full range of houseplants. We offer plant delivery, so whether you’re after virtually unkillable and artificial plants to rare and unusual varieties. Whether you're looking for easy-to-care-for plants, air-purifying champions, or large and tall statement pieces, we have something for everyone. Shop our collection today!
*All information is correct at the time of posting, and our ranges may change.