Best Plants for the Bedroom: Enhance Air Quality and Sleep

Written by Natalie Anstey
Sep 08, 2024 · 6 min read
bedroom
low-light plants
indoor plants

The benefits of incorporating plants into your bedroom go far beyond aesthetics. Certain indoor plants are known to improve air quality and promote restful sleep, creating a calming, refreshing environment. In this blog, we'll explore the best plants for the bedroom that not only beautify your space but also support your health by filtering air pollutants and improving your sleep.

Why Bedroom Plants Matter

Having plants in the bedroom can have multiple benefits that go beyond just improving air quality. While plants remove toxins from the air, release oxygen, and increase humidity, they also play a critical role in enhancing mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that being surrounded by greenery can reduce stress and anxiety, which are significant contributors to restless sleep. The presence of plants in your bedroom can act as a natural stress reliever, helping to calm your mind and create a more peaceful environment conducive to relaxation and sleep.

In addition, some plants, like lavender or jasmine, release subtle aromas that have been proven to promote relaxation and reduce stress. These soothing scents can act as natural sleep aids, encouraging deeper, more restful sleep without the need for artificial solutions. Even the simple act of caring for a plant in your bedroom can help develop a routine that reduces anxiety before bed, providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Moreover, plants can improve your bedroom’s aesthetics, creating a serene and inviting space that you’ll want to spend time in. Whether it’s a low-maintenance snake plant or a lush peace lily, the presence of nature can transform your bedroom into a restful sanctuary, ultimately leading to better physical and mental health outcomes.

Top Picks: Best Plants for Bedroom Air Quality and Sleep

Here are some of the best bedroom plants that can transform your sleep environment into a healthy, restful oasis.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

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Commonly known as the "mother-in-law's tongue," the snake plant is one of the top contenders for bedroom plants. This resilient species thrives in low-light conditions and is highly efficient at purifying the air. Snake plants continue to release oxygen at night, unlike most other plants that produce oxygen only during the day. This makes it an excellent choice for improving the air quality while you sleep. Additionally, its sleek, sculptural appearance adds a modern touch to your bedroom.

Care Tip: Snake plants are easy to maintain. They require minimal water—only once every two to three weeks when the soil is dry.

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

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Peace lilies are known for their stunning white blooms and their ability to filter indoor air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. They are also efficient at increasing humidity levels, which can be especially helpful in dry indoor environments. This improved humidity can relieve dry skin, irritated respiratory passages, and overall discomfort, making peace lilies one of the best plants for bedroom air quality.

Care Tip: Peace lilies thrive in low to medium light and need to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

3. Lavender (Lavandula)

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Lavender is famous for its soothing fragrance, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote better sleep. Although lavender is typically grown outdoors, smaller potted varieties can thrive indoors if they are placed in a bright, sunny location. Lavender’s aroma can have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep.

Care Tip: Place lavender in direct sunlight and water it when the soil feels dry to the touch. It thrives with regular pruning to keep it healthy.

4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

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Aloe vera is a low-maintenance succulent that purifies the air by removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene. Like the snake plant, aloe vera releases oxygen at night, improving air quality while you sleep. In addition to its air-purifying benefits, aloe vera can be used for its medicinal properties to soothe burns and skin irritations, making it one of the best bedroom plants for health-conscious sleepers.

Care Tip: Aloe vera prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy (2).png

English ivy is another plant that excels at purifying indoor air. It is particularly effective at removing mold spores from the air, which is a significant benefit for those with allergies or respiratory issues. Its trailing vines make English ivy an attractive addition to a bedroom, whether placed on a high shelf or hanging from a basket.

Care Tip: English ivy prefers indirect light and moist soil. It’s easy to care for but can grow quickly, so occasional pruning is necessary.

6. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

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The areca palm is an excellent natural humidifier, which can help improve the air quality in your bedroom. It removes toxins from the air while releasing moisture, making it ideal for bedrooms with dry air caused by central heating or air conditioning. The palm’s lush, feathery fronds add a touch of tropical beauty to your space.

Care Tip: The areca palm thrives in indirect light and needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.

7. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider Plant.png

Spider plants are well-known for their ability to purify the air and remove toxins such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. They are ideal for beginner gardeners due to their hardiness and adaptability to various light conditions. Spider plants also produce small "pups," which can be easily propagated, making them a fun and rewarding choice for plant lovers.

Care Tip: Spider plants prefer indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Fern's Leafy Learnings

  • Improved Air Quality: Plants like snake plants and peace lilies excel at removing toxins from the air, helping create a healthier, more breathable bedroom environment.
  • Enhanced Sleep: Lavender and jasmine release calming fragrances that reduce stress and anxiety, promoting deeper, more restful sleep.
  • Humidity Boost: Plants such as the peace lily and areca palm increase humidity, alleviating dry skin and respiratory issues, especially in dry indoor climates.
  • Oxygen at Night: Snake plants and aloe vera release oxygen during nighttime, improving air quality while you sleep and enhancing overall respiratory health.
  • Aesthetic and Therapeutic: Plants not only beautify the bedroom but also contribute to mental well-being, making your sleeping space more peaceful and inviting.

Deepen Your Roots with Flora

At Flora, we not only bring you a vibrant selection of locally sourced, rare, and delightful plants, but we also serve as your continuous guide in your plant parenting voyage, ensuring every leaf in your sanctuary thrives. With our Flora Pod™ technology and a nurturing community of over 250,000 plant lovers, we cultivate a space where every plant parent - novice or expert - can blossom.

We propagate with a commitment to sustainability, connection, and ceaseless growth, fostering a community where each member, and their plants, are cherished and nurtured.

Crave a lush, thriving green space? Adopt a plant from Flora today!

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