Houseplants In Bedrooms: Harmful Or Healthy?

is there a problem in having houseplaants in ones bedroom

There are many misconceptions about having houseplants in the bedroom. Some people believe that it is inadvisable or even dangerous to keep plants in the bedroom. This belief stems from the idea that plants compete with us for oxygen at night, potentially causing a build-up of carbon dioxide, which can be harmful. However, studies have shown that the impact of houseplants on the indoor atmosphere is negligible, and they do not produce enough carbon dioxide to cause any negative effects. In fact, certain plants produce oxygen at night, improving air quality.

While there are no significant health concerns, there are still some valid considerations when deciding whether to keep houseplants in the bedroom. For example, plants that require frequent watering may increase the humidity in the room, which can be beneficial for dry skin and congestion but could also encourage mould growth if not properly managed. Additionally, some people may have allergies or be bothered by the idea of having plants in their personal space while sleeping.

Characteristics Values
Positives Help you sleep better, improve air quality, add calm to your decor, aid humidity levels
Negatives Can be messy, not always good for pets, the indoor environment can damage your plants

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Houseplants can improve air quality and help you sleep better

There are many benefits to keeping houseplants in your bedroom. Firstly, they can help you sleep better. Studies by NASA have shown that houseplants produce additional oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and natural toxins, helping you breathe better and sleep more soundly. Plants like jasmine and lavender add a sweet scent to your room, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function and sleep quality.

Houseplants can also improve air quality by absorbing excess moisture through their leaves, reducing humidity, and thus preventing the growth of mould and bacteria. This is especially beneficial if you live in a damp home. Ferns and palms are particularly effective for this purpose. Additionally, certain plants absorb pollutants such as formaldehyde and cigarette smoke, improving the air you breathe. Peace lilies, for example, filter toxins and increase humidity, benefiting those with dry mucous membranes. Snake plants, another popular choice, produce oxygen at night and remove carbon dioxide during the day, strengthening your immune system.

Not only do houseplants improve the air you breathe, but they also add a touch of nature to your bedroom, creating a calming and relaxing space. They can liven up the room's appearance, bringing a harmonizing effect with their greenery. For followers of feng shui, plants in the bedroom bring in wood energy, which is rejuvenating. Houseplants are also said to speed up recovery times and reduce the need for pain relief, as well as lower stress levels, creating a tranquil environment that encourages deep sleep.

While there are many advantages to keeping houseplants in your bedroom, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, some houseplants can be dangerous to pets if ingested, so it's important to choose pet-friendly varieties. Additionally, houseplants require regular care and can be messy if knocked over, so they should be placed in a safe location away from electrical items and curious pets. Finally, the indoor environment can sometimes damage houseplants, especially in the winter when central heating and a lack of fresh air can be stressful for them.

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They can also be messy and cause issues for pets

Houseplants can be messy and cause issues for pets. Live plants need soil and regular watering, which can sometimes lead to messes if the pot is upset or water spills. When selecting a place for your plants, it is important to keep this in mind. Placing them somewhere potentially awkward like your bedside table or close to electrical items could lead to problems if the plant is knocked over. This is especially true if you keep pets at home. Their natural curiosity could lead to the occasional accident.

If you have cats and dogs, be extra careful about which plants you choose. Some varieties of houseplants like azalea, cyclamen and kalanchoe could be extremely dangerous for your furry friends if ingested. Always be sure to check whether plants are poisonous to a cat or dog before bringing them home to your pets.

In addition, fungal spores and bacteria in the potting soil can cause issues for both pets and humans. Although this is rarely a problem for healthy people, the mould spore load in the air can increase dramatically if plants start to mould due to overwatering, for example.

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They can improve the decor and add calm to your bedroom

Houseplants can be a great addition to your bedroom, improving the decor and adding calm to your space.

Firstly, houseplants can add a cute touch of natural greenery to your room. If you're a nature lover, an indoor jungle can be a fantastic way to bring the outdoors in and create a relaxing environment. The colour green is known to have a harmonising and balancing effect, and houseplants can help to liven up the appearance of your bedroom.

In addition, houseplants are well known for their ability to reduce stress levels, allowing you to benefit from their natural beauty and the peace they bring to your surroundings. Studies have shown that people generally find plants comforting and calming, which can reduce stress and encourage deep sleep. Research has also demonstrated that plants can speed up recovery times for patients in hospitals and reduce the need for pain relief.

Furthermore, certain plants, such as lemon balm and lavender, have pleasant scents that can help to soothe and calm you, ensuring a better night's sleep. The gentle fragrance of lavender, for example, has long been known as a remedy for sleeplessness and can also act as an insect repellent, keeping unwanted insects like moths and mosquitoes at bay.

Finally, houseplants can improve the indoor climate of your bedroom. They can act as natural dehumidifiers, absorbing excess moisture from the air through their leaves, which can be especially useful if you live in a home prone to damp and mould. They also provide fresh air by producing oxygen during the day through photosynthesis. Some plants, such as snake plants and aloe vera, are even known to produce oxygen at night, making them perfect for the bedroom.

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Some plants can be dangerous to cats and dogs if ingested

While having houseplants in the bedroom can be a great way to liven up the room's appearance and bring a touch of nature indoors, it's important to exercise caution if you have pets. Many common houseplants can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Here are some plants that can be dangerous to your furry friends:

  • Lilies (Lilium or Hemerocallis spp.) are among the most toxic plants to cats. Even a small amount or licking pollen off their coat can cause kidney failure and death.
  • Philodendron contains high levels of calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause burns in the mouth, excessive drooling, and vomiting if ingested.
  • Snake plants contain saponins, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
  • Oleander, also known as Nerium, contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause drooling, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rhythm, and neurologic issues.
  • Aloe vera, while non-toxic when applied topically, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy if chewed on by pets.
  • Jade plants, also known as money plants or dollar plants, are highly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, although the cause of toxicity is unknown.
  • Sago palms contain cycasin, a toxin that causes severe liver failure within a few days of ingestion and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
  • Hyacinth contains toxins concentrated in the roots and bulbs, which can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, profuse drooling, and burns in the mouth.
  • Daffodils are toxic to cats and can trigger severe vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, convulsions, and abnormal heart rhythm.
  • Asparagus fern can cause skin irritation if brushed against and can also cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea if the berries are ingested.

To ensure the safety of your pets, always consult a toxic and non-toxic plants list, such as the ASPCA list, before bringing a new plant into your home. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control right away.

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They can aid humidity levels and act as a natural dehumidifier

Houseplants can improve humidity levels and act as a natural dehumidifier. They can absorb excess moisture in the air through their leaves, reducing humidity and, in turn, the amount of mould and bacteria in your home. This is especially beneficial if you live in a home prone to damp and mould.

Ferns and palms are among the most effective plants for improving humidity levels, as they are known to grow well in tropical environments. The Boston fern, for example, is a popular houseplant that increases humidity and is easy to care for. Similarly, the golden cane palm, or areca palm, is a popular houseplant that cleans the air and provides pleasant humidity.

In addition to their dehumidifying properties, these plants also improve air quality by absorbing toxins such as formaldehyde and cigarette smoke. The peace lily, for instance, is a robust houseplant that filters toxins and increases humidity by up to five per cent. The snake plant is another popular choice, known for producing oxygen at night and removing carbon dioxide during the day.

Houseplants can also aid in creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom. They add a touch of nature and greenery, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the space. This can help reduce stress levels and create a tranquil environment conducive to better sleep.

Frequently asked questions

No, it is not dangerous to have houseplants in your bedroom. Although it is true that houseplants release carbon dioxide and absorb oxygen at night, the amount is minimal and will not cause any harm.

Houseplants can help you sleep better by creating a tranquil, relaxing space. They can also improve acoustics by reducing noise pollution and boost humidity, which is great for preventing congestion.

Yes, there are several plants that are well-suited for the bedroom. Some examples include the peace lily, snake plant, aloe vera, lavender, and golden cane palm. These plants can improve the indoor climate, act as natural humidifiers, and provide a pleasant scent.

While the concerns about oxygen levels are unfounded, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. For example, avoid placing plants above your bed or in areas where you might stumble upon them in the dark, especially if they have thorns or sharp edges. Additionally, some Feng Shui experts believe that too many plants in the bedroom can negatively affect your sleeping patterns.

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