Looks matter: new research reveals which houseplants are best for wellbeing
A recent study between RHS Science and the University of Reading has analysed psychological responses to a range of houseplants, providing guidance on those that maximise wellbeing
The presence of houseplants has already been linked to reduced health complaints and sick leave in work environments. Houseplants have been shown to reduce stress levels, particularly in buildings that lack contact with nature. Offices containing plants are perceived as more attractive and are associated with higher job satisfaction.
On a small scale, houseplants can provide physical health benefits through small impacts on indoor air quality. These include reducing carbon dioxide levels, absorbing airborne pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, and increasing ambient humidity. However, the impressive psychological benefits associated with the presence of even just a single, carefully chosen potted plant are where the real gains can be made.
The study![]()
The houseplants assessed by study participants. Image: Jenny Berger
The houseplants assessed by study participants. Image: Jenny Berger
This study investigated the psychological responses of 520 participants to images of 8 houseplant species commonly found in UK homes and offices. The plants were all healthy and green-leafed with one exception; a neglected palm with browned foliage. Additionally, weeping fig plants were shown in four different shapes – sphere, column, pyramid and spreading – to investigate shape preferences.
Key findings
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) was a front runner in the study
The pothos (also known as devil's ivy), weeping fig (sphere and column), and palm were significantly preferred to all other plants, with pothos being the number one choice for 22% of participants. The neglected palm was the lowest-ranking plant for 60% of people. Within the weeping figs, the most popular shape was the sphere. The cactus attracted the most divided opinions.
Apart from the unhealthy palm, all the plants were considered beautiful, uplifting, and beneficial to wellbeing and air quality to some extent. Upliftingness and interestingness were considered the most important characteristics for wellbeing. For improving air quality, plant healthiness and having a dense canopy of broad, lush green leaves were considered the most important traits. Unhealthy plants were regarded as depressing, and worse than having no plants at all.
Overall top 3 plants and their secrets to success according to the study
- Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) – lush, green, high leaf area, dense canopy, can be pruned into pleasing shapes such as spheres or columns
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – lush, green, high leaf area, trailing vines are considered interesting
- Palm (Dypsis lutescens) – lush, green, familiar, incites possible happy associations or memories such as of holidays or tropical destinations
Participants indicated that plants are more than just objects of decorative beauty; they also add interest and colour. Comments suggested that grouping different plant shapes and colours together in arrangements is good for adding interest, and that the planters or pots can further add to the decorative effect.
When people like the plant, they perceive that it has a positive impact on their wellbeing and even air quality. Dr Tijana Blanusa, who co-supervised this PhD project by Jenny Berger at the University of Reading, said: “This research shows the psychological value of a simple houseplant, in a situation where we know that individual plants’ physical impact on indoor air quality may be limited.”
Implications - what does this all mean for me?
The location within a space and canopy density of indoor plants was already known to affect cognitive performance and productivity, but these results indicate that the appearance of the plants also influences people’s perceptions of their benefit for wellbeing and air quality, and possibly further influence performance.These findings can assist designers, architects, building managers and homeowners in choosing plants that have maximum benefit for the wellbeing of building occupants, as well as creating different aesthetic environments.
Participant demographics had very little effect on scores, so these results can be applied in the same way across environments with different occupancies. Below are some key takeaway lessons from the study.
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Don’t underestimate the value of indoor plants
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Favour soft, rounded shapes for wellbeing
Shape was deemed the most important trait for making a houseplant attractive. Soft, rounded shapes were considered best for wellbeing; and were seen as more beautiful, relaxing and uplifting. To maximise wellbeing, choose healthy specimens of the plants voted most beautiful and interesting, such as weeping fig and pothos. Avoid sharp-looking leaves and prickles, which were considered less relaxing and uplifting.
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Choose dense, lush green plants for an impression of high environmental quality
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Ensure all houseplants are healthy
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Choose low-maintenance plants and provide guidance on care
Plant maintenance, and fear of killing the plants, was a primary concern in participants’ comments. Poor maintenance can impact plant health, in turn affecting psychological responses to the plant. Guidance on plant choice and care at the point of sale, or the use of professional maintenance companies, could help to alleviate these concerns.
The act of caring for plants, as well as simply viewing them, provides additional potential to benefit wellbeing: some participants reported finding it rewarding to nurture houseplants and watch them grow.
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Plant placement can be utilised to advantage
Participant comments identified plants as being useful screens in the office, with potential to provide sound barriers and create privacy around desks.
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Including the most beautiful-rated plants can benefit social behaviour
You can access the full paper via Science Direct here. Please note that by clicking this link, you will be leaving the RHS site and will be governed by Science Direct’s terms and conditions and privacy policy.
