[Aim]  To evaluate the effect of the nectar producing plants, Leonurus japonicus, Helianthus annuus, and Ocimum basilicum, on the longevity, fecundity, and predatory function, of Tytthus chinensis, an important natural enemy of the rice planthopper, and thereby provide a theoretical basis for selecting nectar producing plants that enhance the biological control function of T. chinensis. [Methods]  The impact of the above nectar producing plants on the longevity, fecundity, and predation rate of T. chinensis were compared under indoor conditions. [Results]  Flowers of L. japonicus, H. annuus, and O. basilicum significantly (P < 0.001) extended the longevity of female T. chinensis by 1.35, 1.36 and 1.33 times, respectively, compared to the female control group, and male longevity by 0.61, 0.53, and 0.44 times, respectively (P = 0.04), compared to the male control group. However, flowers of these plant species had no significant effect (P = 0.239) on the fecundity of T. chinensis females. The flowers of L. japonicus, H. annuus, and O. basilicum significantly (P < 0.001) increased predation rate of female T. chinensis by 1.73, 1.53, and 1.95 times, respectively, compared to the female control, and that of males by 1.52, 1.52, and 2.24 times, respectively (P < 0.001). [Conclusion]  The nectar producing plants L. japonicus, H. annuus, and O. basilicum significantly increase the longevity of both female and male T. chinensis and the predation rate of both sexes of this species. Our results provide theoretical support for using suitable nectar producing plants to improve the performance of T. chinensis as a biological control agent.