Best Plants To Keep In Your Bedroom For Better Sleep

Houseplants are a great way to bring nature indoors and add a touch of colour and calm to your bedroom. But did you know that certain plants can also improve your sleep quality, boost your mood, enhance your creativity, and reduce your stress levels?

According to research, plants may make you feel less stressed, which is always welcome when it's time to catch some z's. NASA's Clean Air Study also found that certain plants can improve indoor air quality by clearing common household chemicals and absorbing toxins.

So, if you're looking to create a dreamy bedroom environment, here are some of the best plants to help you relax and sleep better:

- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

- Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

- English Ivy (Hedera helix)

- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

- Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

- Lavender (Lavandula)

- Jasmine (Jasminum)

- Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Plants that improve air quality

Bringing nature indoors with houseplants is a great way to improve your mental health and well-being. They are not only decorative but also help to purify the air and reduce stress. Here are some plants that are known for their air-purifying qualities:

• Snake Plant (_Sansevieria trifasciata__/_Dracaena trifasciata_): Also known as mother-in-law's tongue, this plant is extremely low-maintenance and is great at filtering the air of household toxins. It emits oxygen at night, improving sleep quality.
• Spider Plant (_Chlorophytum comosum_): Spider plants purify the air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, cigarette smoke, ammonia, and benzene. They are safe to have around pets and can thrive in bright light or lower light conditions.
• English Ivy (_Hedera helix_): English ivy is known to release oxygen and absorb indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde, ammonia, and mould. It thrives in moderate light during the spring and summer and bright sunlight during the fall and winter. It prefers humid conditions and should be misted often.
• Peace Lily (_Spathiphyllum__/_Spathiphyllum spp._): Peace lilies are popular for their graceful beauty and easy care requirements. They help reduce the microbe count in the air, providing relief from allergy symptoms. They are mildly toxic to pets and children, so keep them out of reach.
• Aloe Vera (_Aloe barbadensis_/_Aloe vera_): Aloe vera is a succulent that emits oxygen at night, improving air quality. It is very low-maintenance and can go a few weeks without watering. However, it requires bright light, so consider placing it on a windowsill.
• Boston Fern (_Nephrolepis exaltata_): Boston ferns are excellent air purifiers and absorb and soften ambient sounds, making them ideal for noisy environments. They thrive in higher humidity and require ample light and moisture.
• Golden Pothos (_Epipremnum aureum_/_Devil's Ivy_): Golden pothos helps remove pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene from the air. It grows well in moderate to bright indirect sunlight and prefers to dry out between waterings.
• Areca Palm (_Dypsis lutescens_): The Areca palm is a large palm native to Madagascar that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It helps to mitigate indoor air pollutants and is known for its air-purifying abilities, removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It grows best in bright indirect light with moist soil.
• Chinese Evergreen (_Aglaonema spp._): Chinese evergreen is a slow-growing plant that thrives in low-light conditions and is perfect for novice plant owners. It removes benzene and formaldehyde from the air and is usually small enough to keep on a nightstand. However, it is toxic to pets, so keep it out of their reach.
• Rubber Plant (_Ficus elastica_): The rubber plant is a lush, green plant that adds a calming presence to any room. It is known for its air-purifying properties, removing harmful toxins from the indoor environment. It prefers moderate to bright light and light, constant moisture.

Plants that are easy to care for

If you're looking for plants that are easy to care for, there are several options that require minimal maintenance and have low water needs. Here are some suggestions:

• Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata): Also known as mother-in-law's tongue, this plant is extremely low-maintenance and can tolerate low light and irregular watering. It is also known for its air-purifying abilities, making it a great choice for improving indoor air quality.
• English Ivy (Hedera helix): English ivy is a hardy plant that thrives in moderate light and moist soil. It can be kept in pots, hanging baskets, or allowed to crawl up surfaces. English ivy is known for its ability to reduce airborne toxins, molds, and allergens, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Peace lilies are graceful and easy to care for. They can tolerate low to moderate light and irregular watering. Peace lilies are also known for their ability to reduce microbes and allergens in the air, making them great for relieving allergy symptoms.
• Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): Aloe vera plants are succulents that can go weeks without water. They require bright light and are known for their medicinal properties, such as healing burns and scrapes.
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants are low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of light conditions. They are sensitive to fluoride in tap water, so it is recommended to water them with rainwater if their leaf tips turn brown. Spider plants are also great for air purification.
• ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): ZZ plants are extremely low-maintenance and can tolerate low light and irregular watering. They are known for their ability to purify the air and are safe for pets.

These plants are all great options for bedrooms, as they require minimal care and have a range of benefits, from air purification to allergy relief.

Plants that are safe for pets

When choosing plants for the bedroom, it's important to consider your pets' safety. Here are some plants that are non-toxic and safe for pets:

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis)

Boston ferns are a popular choice for bedrooms as they thrive in the lower light and humidity that bedrooms often provide. They are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so you don't have to worry if your furry friends decide to chew on them. Just be sure to keep them in bright, indirect light and water them regularly.

African Violet (Saintpaulia)

These flowering houseplants are non-toxic to pets and can bloom even in low light conditions. They thrive in moderate temperatures and average humidity. Water them from the bottom, and be sure to use a non-toxic fertilizer if your pet has a habit of munching on your plants.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

Spider plants are not only pet-safe, but they are also easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of light and moisture conditions. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Also known as the butterfly palm, this palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs. It requires bright light and should be placed in a south- or west-facing window. Keep the soil moist but allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The parlor palm is a perky, vibrant plant that is non-toxic to pets. It thrives in bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. Parlor palms are slow-growing and can reach several feet tall, so they make a great addition to your bedroom.

Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

Money trees are believed to bring good luck and good fortune, making them excellent houseplants. They are resilient and can tolerate the occasional swat from a curious cat or a knock from a dog's tail. Place them in medium to bright indirect light and water them every one to two weeks.

Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)

The baby rubber plant has thick, waxy leaves and can tolerate low light conditions, although it prefers medium to high light. Water it weekly or whenever the soil dries out.

Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Air plants are unique because they don't need soil to grow. They are non-toxic to pets and are easy to care for, requiring only weekly soaks in water. However, keep them out of reach as their grass-like leaves may tempt curious pets.

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

The prayer plant gets its name from its unique habit of folding its leaves in the evening, resembling hands folded in prayer. It is non-toxic to pets and adapts well to a range of light conditions, although it prefers bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

The lady palm is an elegant plant with multiple fronds that is non-toxic to pets, according to the ASPCA. It prefers bright, indirect light and only needs to be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.

Orchid (Orchidaceae)

Orchids are not only beautiful, but they are also safe for pets. They thrive in partial light and should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the temperature.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy is a hardy plant that can thrive in hanging baskets or mixed with other taller houseplants. While it is listed as toxic to pets by the ASPCA, some sources suggest that it is safe for pets when kept out of reach.

Plants that are safe for children

When choosing plants for the bedroom, it's important to consider the safety of children and pets. Some plants are toxic and should be avoided, while others are non-toxic and safe for curious little ones to explore. Here are some child-friendly options that can add beauty and interest to the bedroom:

Spider Plant

The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a resilient and low-maintenance option. It thrives in various light conditions and has average moisture needs. Its small hanging plantlets add a fun and interesting element for children to observe and interact with.

Boston Fern

The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), also known as the Sword Fern, is a popular choice for bedrooms. It prefers lots of light and regular misting or placement on a pebble tray. This fern is a good option for bedrooms as it thrives in lower light conditions, and its drooping feather-shaped leaves make it perfect for hanging baskets or pots.

Snake Plant

The Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, features bold, sword-like foliage that is both eye-catching and easy to care for. It requires indirect light and minimal watering, making it a great choice for busy parents.

African Violet

The African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) is a very low-maintenance plant that blooms reliably and has soft, fuzzy leaves. It prefers bright and indirect sunlight and is safe for both children and pets.

Parlor Palm

The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans), also known as the Neanthe Bella Palm, is a humidity-loving plant that thrives in bright, indirect light. It prefers regular misting and should be kept away from sunny windows. Its elegant fronds and slow growth make it a sophisticated choice for a child's bedroom.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an interesting plant to touch and can be soothing for irritated skin. It has low water needs but requires a bright spot in the bedroom, such as a windowsill. Just be cautious of its prickly edges.

When choosing plants for the bedroom, it's always important to consider the specific needs of the plant, such as light and water requirements, as well as the safety of its occupants. These plants will not only add greenery to the space but also provide a safe and engaging environment for children to explore and connect with nature.

Plants that are non-toxic

• Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) is a beautiful plant that will fit any decor style. It is fairly easy to grow and only requires watering when the top inch of the soil is dry.
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a classic houseplant that produces "pups" or "plantlets" on stems that dangle from the mother plant. It does well in many light conditions and with average moisture.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a culinary herb with a pleasant, piney scent that can clear your mind and elevate your mood. It requires strong light, so keep it by a bright window.
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is an inexpensive, classic houseplant with bright green fronds. It needs a lot of care, requiring misting every day or to be placed on a tray of pebbles filled with water.
• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) is a gorgeous mid-size plant with feathery fonds. It can act as a natural humidifier and is said to live for around ten years. It requires bright light to prevent its leaves from turning yellow and brown.
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular and enduring houseplant that thrives in high or low light and tolerates a variety of irrigation habits. It is also good at purifying the air of toxins and producing nighttime oxygen.

Frequently asked questions