Researchers have revealed the ideal amount of potted plants for our wellbeing, with their analysis surprising them by discovering that “too much” decorative nature can actually hinder mental health, rather than help.

The team from California's Stanford University developed a new method to quantify varying “doses” of greenery and wooden materials—and used this, in a simulated office, to probe the effect of indoor nature on people’s wellbeing.

While a handful of potted plants and a window with a view of trees enhanced participants’ perceived restoration and sense of belonging, they became stressed when the greenery in the office grew more crowded, according to the researchers.

"I wasn't expecting this at all," study author and civil engineer Eva Bianchi said in a statement. "Around 60 per

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