Do Succulents Have Any Health Benefits?

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2011 study, having plants in an office can improve concentration and attention. While often prized for their low-maintenance nature and aesthetic appeal, many wonder: do succulents have any health benefits beyond simple decoration? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, involving both proven psychological perks and dispelled air-purifying myths.

Quick Summary

This article explores the evidence behind the supposed health benefits of succulents, differentiating between verified mental health improvements, specific medicinal uses of certain species, and the limitations of their air purification capabilities in home environments.

Key Points

Mental Wellness: Interacting with succulents can lower stress, improve mood, and increase focus and productivity.
Air Quality Myths: The NASA study showing plant air purification was conducted in a sealed chamber and is not applicable to a normal home or office environment.
Specific Medicinal Uses: Some succulents, like aloe vera, have topical healing properties for burns and cuts, though you should not ingest parts of unknown plants.
Low Maintenance Benefits: The ease of care for succulents makes them an ideal way for beginners to enjoy the psychological benefits of gardening.
Safety First: Certain species, including Euphorbia and Kalanchoe, are toxic to pets and children and should be kept out of reach.
Natural Humidification: Succulents release water vapor through transpiration, which can help regulate indoor humidity levels, especially in dry environments.

Separating Fact from Fiction: Succulents and Wellness

Many houseplants, including some succulents, have long been touted as natural air purifiers, largely based on a 1989 NASA study. While this study did find that plants could remove certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a sealed environment, the application of these findings to a typical home or office is misleading. In a real-world scenario with doors, windows, and regular air exchange, you would need an impossibly large number of plants to make a measurable difference in air quality. Nevertheless, succulents offer several legitimate and distinct health benefits, particularly regarding mental well-being and, in some specific cases, medicinal applications.

The Proven Mental Health Advantages

Unlike the overhyped air-purification claims, the psychological and emotional benefits of succulents are well-documented. These perks come from the simple act of interacting with nature and caring for a living thing. The low-maintenance nature of succulents makes them an ideal entry point for incorporating biophilia—the human inclination to be near nature—into our daily lives.

Stress Reduction: The simple presence of greenery can have a calming effect. Tending to plants, like watering a succulent, is a mindful activity that can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone. This form of horticultural therapy is a tangible way to de-stress after a long day.
Improved Focus and Productivity: Numerous studies have demonstrated that having plants in the workplace or study area can improve concentration and memory retention. Succulents, with their modest size, are perfect desk companions that can enhance focus without taking up too much space.
Enhanced Mood: Bringing a touch of nature indoors can boost your mood and create a more positive atmosphere. The vibrant colors and unique shapes of succulents offer visual interest and a sense of accomplishment as they thrive under your care, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Medicinal Properties of Specific Succulents

While you should never ingest a succulent without expert guidance, certain species have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are still valued for their specific healing properties today.

Aloe Vera: Perhaps the most famous medicinal succulent, aloe vera gel is widely used to soothe minor burns, cuts, and skin irritations. Its anti-inflammatory properties can aid in topical healing. It's crucial to use only the inner gel for topical application and to understand that the outer yellow latex can be a digestive irritant.
Prickly Pear (Opuntia): The pads (nopales) and fruit of the prickly pear cactus are edible and a good source of fiber and antioxidants. It has been used traditionally to manage blood sugar and reduce inflammation.
Agave: The sap of some agave species has been used historically for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to help with stomach issues and other ailments. However, oral consumption is generally not recommended without proper guidance.

The Real-World Impact: Succulent Benefits in Practice

Psychological and Environmental Benefits

Beyond specific medicinal uses, the daily, subtle advantages of succulents are where their true value lies. The simple act of observation, the satisfaction of maintenance, and the connection to the natural world all contribute to a healthier mind and home. Succulents are exceptionally well-suited for this, requiring minimal care yet offering maximum aesthetic and psychological return.

Succulents vs. Air Purifiers: What's the Difference?


Feature	Succulents (Indoor Plants)	Mechanical Air Purifier
Pollutant Removal	Small, gradual removal of some VOCs. Some, like snake plants, continue at night.	Rapid, continuous removal of a broad range of airborne particles and VOCs.
Primary Benefit	Mental wellness, aesthetics, humidity regulation.	Significant and measurable air purification.
Maintenance	Low (watering, sunlight).	Filter replacement, occasional cleaning.
Initial Cost	Low to moderate.	Moderate to high.
Operating Cost	Very low (water).	Electricity, filter cost.
Recommendation	Complementary, aesthetic choice for mental well-being.	Necessary for serious indoor air quality issues.

A Few Important Precautions

While most common succulents are harmless, some are toxic to pets and children if ingested. The milky sap of the Euphorbia genus can cause skin and eye irritation, while Kalanchoe species are particularly toxic to cats and dogs. Always identify your plants and keep potentially harmful ones out of reach of curious pets and toddlers. For any suspected ingestion, contact a poison control center or veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion: A Natural Boost for Mind and Home

So, do succulents have any health benefits? Yes, but not always in the way that is popularly portrayed. While their air-purifying powers in a typical home are negligible compared to modern technology, their role in boosting mental wellness is undeniable. The simple, low-maintenance joy of caring for these unique plants can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance mood. Furthermore, specific species like aloe vera offer legitimate medicinal applications for topical skin care. For a comprehensive approach to health, succulents provide a natural, calming element that works best in conjunction with good home ventilation and mindfulness, not as a standalone air filter. The enduring appeal of succulents is a testament to their quiet, constant contributions to our overall well-being. For more information, consult a resource like the ASPCA for a comprehensive list of toxic plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the 1989 NASA study did show that plants could remove air pollutants, it was conducted in a sealed chamber. In a typical home with natural air exchange, you would need an unfeasibly large number of plants to make a noticeable difference. Modern air purifiers are much more effective for this purpose.

Aloe vera is the most well-known medicinal succulent, with its gel used for soothing burns and skin irritations. Other species like Prickly Pear and Agave have been used traditionally, but should not be ingested without expert guidance.

Yes, many studies confirm the mental health benefits of having plants around, including succulents. They can reduce stress, anxiety, and blood pressure, while also improving mood, focus, and productivity.

No, not all succulents are edible. While some, like prickly pear fruit, are safe and nutritious, many others contain compounds that can cause stomach upset or are toxic. Never consume a succulent unless you are certain of its safety.

Several common succulents, including Euphorbia, Kalanchoe, aloe vera, and jade plants, are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Always research a plant's toxicity and keep it out of reach of pets.

Succulents release water vapor into the air through transpiration, a process that can help regulate humidity levels. This can be particularly beneficial during dry winter months and may alleviate symptoms like dry skin and sore throats.

The gel of the aloe plant is often safe for topical use on humans and animals. However, ingestion of the yellow latex layer just beneath the skin of the leaf is toxic to pets and can cause lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. Consult your veterinarian before applying or administering any plant-based remedies to your pet.