Indoor plants do more than just beautify your home – they can actively boost your health and well-being.

Beloved British gardener Monty Don often highlights how bringing nature indoors can purify the air, reduce stress, and even improve sleep.

Scientific research backs this up: houseplants can remove indoor pollutants and create a calming environment that benefits both mind and body.

In this guide, we explore seven amazing indoor plants recommended in Monty Don’s style, each with unique health benefits, care tips, and scientific support for their wellness claims.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – The Bedroom Air-Purifier

Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, are succulent-like evergreens famed for improving indoor air quality.

This hardy plant was highlighted in NASA’s Clean Air Study for its ability to filter toxins such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from enclosed spaces.

Uniquely, snake plants release oxygen at night while absorbing carbon dioxide, which can lead to cleaner, more oxygen-rich air as you sleep.

Many people keep snake plants in the bedroom to promote better sleep and fresher air.

Beyond air purification, simply having greenery like snake plants around can reduce stress and create a calmer atmosphere, enhancing overall well-being.

Growing Tips:

Snake plants thrive on minimal care, making them perfect for beginners.

Monty Don often warns that overwatering is the biggest mistake with succulents like these – always let the potting soil dry out thoroughly before watering.

When it’s time to water, give the plant a good soak from the bottom and then let it drain completely, as Monty advises.

Snake plants tolerate low light but prefer bright indirect light for faster growth.

They handle normal home humidity well and don’t require misting.

Place yours in well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

With occasional watering and moderate light, your snake plant will happily cleanse the air while virtually thriving on neglect.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – The Natural Air Cleaner

Spider plants are cheerful, fast-growing houseplants with arching green-and-white striped leaves that brighten any room.

The spider plant is a superstar when it comes to filtering indoor air.

A NASA experiment discovered that a healthy spider plant can remove about 95–99% of toxic formaldehyde from a sealed chamber in 24 hours.

Formaldehyde is a common pollutant released by furniture and household products, so having a spider plant can significantly cleanse your home’s air.

These plants also absorb odors and fumes, and they continuously emit fresh oxygen, which together help sustain better air quality and may promote more restful sleep.

Their ability to reduce indoor pollutants makes them ideal for those with allergies or anyone seeking a natural air-purifier at home.

Growing Tips:

Spider plants are very easy to care for, even if you don’t have a green thumb.

They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.

Water your spider plant when the top inch of soil feels dry – generally once a week – and avoid waterlogged soil.

They enjoy a bit of humidity; misting the foliage occasionally can keep tips from browning, especially in dry environments.

Spider plants produce baby “spiderettes” on long runners; feel free to trim and pot these plantlets to propagate new plants.

With minimal care, your spider plant will thrive and even multiply, all while scrubbing your air clean.

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – The All-in-One Purifier and Humidifier

Peace lilies are elegant plants with glossy leaves and white “flowers” (spathes) that add a touch of serenity to indoor spaces.

Peace lilies filter out harmful VOCs like trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde from indoor air.

This means they can help neutralize fumes from paints, cleaning products, and adhesives in your home.

Additionally, peace lilies transpire a lot of moisture, naturally increasing indoor humidity.

Higher humidity can suppress airborne microbes, easing dry throats or noses and helping relieve allergy symptoms.

By keeping air more moist, a peace lily may also improve your sleep environment – no more waking up with a scratchy throat.

Growing Tips:

Peace lilies prefer medium to low light conditions – they even flourish in shady corners.

Keep their soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Water when the topsoil starts to dry; the plant will even droop a bit to let you know it’s thirsty.

Because they enjoy humidity, Monty Don suggests misting their leaves frequently, especially in dry rooms or when indoor heating is on.

This keeps foliage lush and healthy.

With proper care, it will reward you by filtering your air and gracing your home with its calming white blooms.

4. Aloe Vera – The Medicinal Oxygen Booster

Aloe vera is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves filled with healing gel – a handy natural first-aid kit on your windowsill.

Aloe vera is celebrated not only for cleaning air but also for its direct medicinal uses.

Like the snake plant, aloe vera is one of NASA’s top air-improving plants and emits oxygen at night, helping to improve bedroom air quality and potentially your sleep.

It also absorbs indoor pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde which can off-gas from paints or plastics.

Aloe’s gel is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Studies show that applying fresh aloe vera gel can speed up the healing of burns and skin wounds.

This means keeping an aloe plant in your home offers a dual benefit: it purifies your air and provides soothing relief for minor cuts, sunburns, or skin irritations on demand.

Growing Tips:

Aloe vera thrives in bright light – place it near a sunny window where it can soak up a few hours of sun each day.

As a desert succulent, it needs infrequent but deep watering.

Monty Don’s dry-soak approach works well: water only when the soil is bone dry, then water thoroughly and let excess drain away.

Never let the aloe sit in water, as its roots can rot easily.

Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix, and ensure the pot has drainage holes.

Normal home temperatures are fine, and dry indoor air is not a problem for aloe.

With bright light and sparse watering, your aloe vera will stay healthy, ready to clean the air and provide a handy leaf of aloe gel whenever you need a natural remedy.

5. English Ivy (Hedera helix) – The Allergy-Fighting Vine

English ivy is a trailing vine with elegant, lobed leaves that can be grown in hanging baskets, ideal for draping a bit of greenery indoors.

It is not only an attractive houseplant but also a potent air purifier and allergen fighter.

English ivy has been shown to reduce airborne mold and bacteria in the environment.

One study found that in a contained space, ivy removed 78% of airborne mold and 94% of airborne fecal particles within 12 hours.

This suggests ivy can help clear the air of mold spores and other allergens that trigger asthma or allergies.

By relieving indoor mold, English ivy may ease allergy symptoms and promote better respiratory health.

This can also improve sleep quality for those with allergies or asthma.

Growing Tips:

Indoors, give English ivy bright, indirect light.

It will maintain healthier leaves in a well-lit spot, as variegated varieties especially need light to keep their color.

Ivy prefers moderate temperatures and appreciates some humidity.

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy; water when the top half-inch of soil is dry.

English ivy can be sensitive to overwatering, so ensure it has good drainage.

To maintain humidity and keep foliage dust-free, Monty Don encourages misting the ivy’s leaves regularly, especially in winter when indoor air is dry.

You can trim back long vines to keep the plant bushy.

However, be aware that English ivy is mildly toxic if ingested, so keep it out of reach of pets and children.

With minimal care, English ivy will trail and purify your space, creating a healthier environment.

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6. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – The Low-Maintenance Detoxifier

Golden pothos, also known as Devil’s ivy, is a popular vining houseplant with heart-shaped leaves marbled in green and yellow.

It is famous for being almost impossible to kill.

Golden pothos earned its place in NASA’s study as an exceptional air-purifying plant.

It excels at removing common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene, which leach from carpets, furniture, and smoke.

By absorbing these toxins, pothos helps detoxify the air in your home.

While cleaning the air, it also emits oxygen and can contribute to a better night’s sleep.

Many people notice that rooms feel fresher with a pothos around, likely due to its air-scrubbing ability.

Its presence also adds a touch of nature that can uplift mood and reduce stress levels.

Growing Tips:

Golden pothos truly thrives on neglect.

It tolerates low light, although medium to bright indirect light will make its variegated leaves more vibrant.

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings; pothos doesn’t like “wet feet” and can rot if overwatered.

If you forget to water occasionally, it usually bounces right back after a good drink.

Standard household humidity is sufficient, but it appreciates a misting now and then, especially in drier months.

You can grow pothos in soil or even just in water, as it roots readily from cuttings.

Fertilize lightly a few times a year for faster growth, though it’s not required.

Train its vines to climb a moss pole or let them cascade from a hanging pot.

Given its hardiness, Monty Don might quip that anyone can keep a pothos alive.

And in return, this plant will continuously work to keep your indoor air cleaner and healthier.

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7. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – The Calming Aromatherapy Plant

Lavender is a fragrant herb with purple flower spikes, famous for its soothing scent.

It can be grown in pots indoors to bring its calming aroma into your home.

Lavender’s impact on health is well-established in aromatherapy and science.

Its calming fragrance has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, creating a more relaxing environment.

Monty Don often extols the pleasure and tranquility that lavender’s scent can bring to a space.

Research has found that the aroma of lavender increases the amount of deep slow-wave sleep in both men and women.

This leads to improved sleep quality and morning alertness.

In one study, participants exposed to lavender reported feeling more refreshed and vigorous the next day.

Lavender also has mild air-cleaning properties.

While not a heavy toxin remover like some foliage plants, it can deodorize the room with its natural oils and even repel certain insects.

Having a potted lavender indoors combines the benefits of stress reduction through its scent and better sleep.

It truly acts as a living aromatherapy diffuser that enhances mental well-being.

Growing Tips:

Lavender can be grown indoors with the right conditions.

It needs a lot of light, so place it in a south or west-facing window where it can get at least six hours of sun daily.

Choose a smaller variety, like English lavender or lavandin hybrids, which stay manageable in pots.

Use a fast-draining soil mix with a bit of sand or grit mixed in for extra drainage.

Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; lavender is drought-tolerant and dislikes overwatering.

Ensure adequate air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal issues.

While it prefers drier air over high humidity, keep it away from heating vents or extreme indoor heat.

Regular pruning or pinching back spent flowers will encourage bushy growth and more blooms.

With bright light and moderate watering, your indoor lavender will reward you with its delightful purple flowers and relaxing perfume.

Snip a few sprigs to place by your bedside or in a bath for added relaxation.

Monty Don would agree that the natural fragrance can do wonders for your mood and sleep.