Snake plant, nicknamed "mother-in-law's tongue," is tough and low-maintenance, and keeps producing oxygen at night—something that most plants don't do. t.sableaux/Shutterstock

I used to think that houseplants were nothing more than expensive dust collectors. Then I bought a pothos, neglected it shamelessly, and watched it grow anyway. That’s when it clicked: Maybe these leafy roommates are doing more for me than I realized.

Science agrees. Indoor plants aren’t just for looks. They can help you breathe easier, sleep better, and even save a few bucks at the pharmacy. Although they won’t magically scrub your air the way an industrial purifier does, they can chip in—plus, they lift your spirits in a way that no machine ever will.

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