Let’s Grow: Investigating the Relationship Between Houseplants and Mental Health in College Students

Explore the potential mental health benefits of houseplants for college students, a population increasingly affected by anxiety and depression. With traditional mental health services strained and often inaccessible, simple and low-cost alternatives are urgently needed. This literature review examines whether the presence and interaction with houseplants can improve psychological well-being, specifically symptoms of anxiety and depression. Drawing from ten peer-reviewed studies, Adler finds a generally positive association between houseplants and mental health, though results vary. Notably, the duration of exposure appears to have little effect, while setting and autonomy in plant interaction are more influential. Interactions in personalized residential settings tend to yield better outcomes than those in structured settings. However, methodological inconsistencies, small sample sizes, and potential p-hacking raise concerns about replicability and generalizability. This review highlights key gaps in the research, including a lack of clinical populations and long-term studies, and calls for more rigorous, transparent research. If substantiated, incorporating houseplants into campus environments may represent a practical and inclusive strategy to support student mental health and resilience.