Craving a Calmer Home? Designers Rely on These 5 Houseplants to Create Serene, Stress-Free Living Spaces
It’s easier than you think to curate soothing, stress-free interiors – discover why these 5 biophilic houseplants are the secret to lowering stress and boosting happiness
Ever since I was a little girl, I've felt a connection to nature. That one step outside, even on a rainy day, would leave me feeling calmer, grounded, and free. It’s a sensation many of us lose in the hustle of modern life.
That connection stayed with me into adulthood, leading me to accumulate numerous houseplants to invite nature indoors. I’ll admit, I wasn't always a natural plant mom, and there were certainly some fatalities at the start. But through trial and error and extensive houseplant selection and care, I learned something important. These plants are more than just lovely to look at – they are influential companions that can shape, cleanse and soothe the energy of our homes.
If you're looking to bring more serenity into your interior spaces, it’s time you made some room for biophilic houseplants. Here are 5 calming houseplants which, according to plant pros and designers, are transformative for their soothing energy and biophilic benefits. If you’re after the ultimate calming houseplants, trust me when I say it will be hard to stop at just the one from this inspiring selection.
How do Houseplants Encourage Calm?
Greenery tends to have a positive impact on just about anyone. There's something about merging the "wild" outside with our structured "inside" that creates a sense of harmony. But why does it work on such a tangible level, and why do we find our houseplants relaxing?
Shane Pliska, CEO of Planterra Interior Landscaping, explains: "At a fundamental level, all plants have a calming effect on people. That response is hard-wired into the brain and it’s called biophilia – our innate, biological affinity for nature.” These plants for biophilic design are a simple yet effective way of enhancing calm in our homes.
As Shane points out, houseplants don’t just calm us because of a chemical property or oxygen production. “Plants calm us because our brains evolved alongside nature. When designers use plants intentionally, they’re not just decorating a space, they’re influencing how people feel in the space."
Our brains evolved alongside the fractals and colors of the natural world. So when we see particular shades of plant green or the organic curve of a leaf with specific houseplants and houseplant combinations, our nervous system receives a signal that we are in a safe environment, lowering heart rates and reducing cortisol. These 5 “biophilia plants” give you a quick and beneficial way to curate wellness in your home.
5 Biophilic Plants that Bring Peace
From architectural silhouettes to soft, flowing textures, these houseplants have strong associations with positive feng shui, and they thrive in a range of interiors, helping to relax you while demanding little in return. They are exquisite biophilia examples to grow if you are looking to reduce stress levels and cultivate a sanctuary of calm and peace.
1. Snake Plants
Snake plant varieties are powerhouses of positive, protective energy, from calmness and peace to strength and perseverance. In many cultures, they are believed to shield a home from stress and negative vibes. Their strong, vertical lines provide a sense of upward energy and structure, which helps to clear mental fog. They are hardy plants capable of surviving most conditions, making them an ideal choice for beginners. But the main attraction is their tall, crown-like silhouette.
Adrian Aviles of Athletic Club Flower Shop says: "Designers really rate growing snake plants indoors, because their upright, architectural form creates visual order without visual noise. They tolerate low light and irregular watering, which reduces maintenance stress for occupants – an underrated contributor to calm environments."
Snakes thrive on neglect. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to keep the roots healthy and your stress levels low. You can buy Costa Farms Snake Plants from Lowes.
2. ZZ Plants
The ZZ plant is the ultimate symbol of resilience. Its slow, steady growth serves as a living metaphor for patience and persistence, taking life day by day regardless of external stressors. These plants are widely adored for their glossy leaves and natural air-purifying qualities.
Adrian points out: "ZZ varieties are favored in stress-free interiors, because they maintain a glossy, healthy appearance with minimal intervention. Their slow growth and resilience create a sense of stability, especially in offices and high-traffic living spaces." The high-gloss leaves also act as natural mini-mirrors, reflecting soft light into darker corners of a room, which can boost mood in low-light apartments.
The ZZ is the perfect plant to sit on a desk or countertop you frequently pass by. Since it requires very little intervention, it won't add much plant care to your daily to-do list, allowing you to focus on your home office work – or just unwind and admire it from a sofa. You can buy Costa Farms ZZ Plants with Self Watering Containers from Amazon.
3. Fiddle Leaf Figs
If you're looking for something larger with an added wow factor, a fiddle leaf fig may be calling your name. This statement plant is a true designer darling. These sculptural leafy plants lift up the energy of any room they're in, while simultaneously providing a grounding presence. The impact is substantial, immediate, and enduring.
"Designers use fiddle leaf figs as a grounding focal point," explains Adrian. "Their large, rounded leaves soften hard lines and absorb visual clutter, helping anchor open rooms without overwhelming them."
They essentially provide visual soft-seating for the eyes. They break up the hard angles of TV screens and bookshelves. Place in a sunny corner of the living room. Fiddle leaf figs love bright, indirect light and consistency. Once you find a spot where it's happy, don't move it. Stability in its environment leads to stability in its growth. You can buy Costa Farms Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants from Lowes.
4. Peace Lilies
True to its name, the peace lily symbolizes purity and quiet resilience. Its soft, drooping leaves and elegant white spathes create a romantic, gentle aesthetic. They are loved for their dainty, vertical petals and elegant color palette. They love humidity and their soft silhouette encourages a "slow-down" mentality.
Yabby Interior designer Angie Kreller has incorporated many peace lily plants into people's homes over the years. She says: "When I'm designing calmer interiors, I really like using plants that are soft and balanced. One of my go-to plants will always be the peace lily. It has gentle, flowing leaves and a clean form that doesn’t overwhelm a space. From a design perspective, they make a room feel very peaceful, but with a certain sense of order."
The peace lily is a gentle communicator. When it needs water, it wilts dramatically, then perks back up within hours of a drink. This visible cycle of renewal is incredibly rewarding to witness. If you're seeking to infuse an interior with tranquillity and positivity as well as beautiful decor, this is a no-brainer. You can buy Costa Farms Peace Lilies from Amazon.
5. Buddhist Pines
Buddhist pine trees are connected to a deep cultural symbolism of tranquility. In Buddhist tradition, this evergreen pine is sacred, with its evergreen leaves reflecting enduring faith, continuity of life, and endurance. Its foliage offers a different texture than typical broad-leafed houseplants, as Shane points out.
"A Buddhist pine has soft, feathery foliage that naturally feels soothing to the eye," says Shane. "It reminds me of being outdoors, like resting under a willow tree on a lazy summer day. The gentle, cascading texture lowers visual tension and helps spaces feel calm rather than overstimulating." Give this plant plenty of light, somewhere you can fully appreciate its feathery leaves. You can buy Buddhist Pines from Wilson Bros Gardens.
Take Houseplant Biophilia Further
Embracing biophilic design isn't just about what a plant can do for you; it’s about the relationship you build with it. When we take a few minutes a week to prune, water, or simply check on our plants, we are practicing mindfulness. This rhythmic care forces us to step away from screens and engage with a living thing that moves at a slower, more natural pace.
To take your biophilic home further, try clustering. This involves grouping houseplants of different heights and textures together to create a mini-forest effect. Position large birds of paradise and giant ZZs towards a wall, with smaller curved peace lilies and spider plants in front, flanked by trailing pothos, for example. Doing this increases local humidity (which is great for your skin and lungs) and creates a more immersive nature experience than a single pot on a shelf ever could.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is biophilic design?
Biophilic design is the practice of incorporating natural elements (like light, water, wood, and especially plants) into man-made environments to improve human health, reduce stress, and increase productivity. Adding plants into domestic spaces is widely believed to be one of the simplest ways to quickly assist in creating calm.
Can I still have a calm home if I have a black thumb?
Absolutely. Biophilia is about the connection of humans and nature, and nothing to do with perfection (or even technique). Start with something simple like a snake plant or ZZ plant. They are incredibly forgiving and will still provide psychological benefits, even if you forget to water them for a couple of weeks.
How many plants do I need to feel the effects?
Research suggests that even seeing a single plant can lower stress levels, but for a real calming interior state, try bringing the forest bathing effect indoors. To do this, aim for 3-5 plants in your primary living space to create a true sense of immersion.
Houseplant Serenity Toolkit
So now you know the key houseplants to grow to keep your stress levels low, here’s a simple toolkit for maintaining balance with your green roommates. Who said plant health had to be stressful? These cultivation essentials help you keep your houseplant scheme serene.
These easycare neem oil wipes ensure that houseplant leaves stay glossy and dust-free, thereby ensuring the plant breathes better.
Give a nurturing water mist blast to plants with this elegant rose gold water mister for a gentle, calm humidity boost.
You can help to nourish plants in a simple, fuss-free manner with these charming planter globes for time-stretched houseplant parents.
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