Bringing the tranquility of nature into the bedroom creates an environment dedicated to rest and restoration. The bedroom is often darker and focused on promoting deep sleep, making the right plant selection important. Specific plant varieties can improve air quality and introduce natural aromatics that encourage relaxation. These recommendations offer functional benefits that enhance this restorative space.
Plants That Filter Air While You Sleep
Many common houseplants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) during the day and release oxygen, but a select few are particularly beneficial in a closed bedroom environment. These plants utilize Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), a specialized photosynthetic pathway that allows them to absorb CO2 primarily at night. This nocturnal gas exchange means they actively release oxygen while you are sleeping, helping to balance the air quality in a sealed room.
The Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), often called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a prime example of a CAM plant. It is recognized for its ability to absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that off-gas from furniture and cleaning products, removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. Its upright leaves make it a striking, low-maintenance air purifier that works around the clock.
Another excellent choice for air purification is the Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), which is effective at filtering formaldehyde and xylene from the air. While not a CAM plant, it grows quickly and metabolizes common indoor pollutants. The Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) also removes trichloroethylene and benzene while producing oxygen at night. However, this flowering plant requires ample bright, indirect light during the day, which may limit its placement in some bedrooms.
Low-Maintenance Choices for Darker Rooms
Bedrooms frequently lack the bright, constant light needed for many tropical plants to thrive, making low-maintenance, shade-tolerant varieties an ideal solution. These plants prioritize durability and resilience, surviving easily in spots far from a window. They require minimal attention, making them suitable for owners who prefer to water infrequently.
The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is exceptionally hardy, tolerating very low light conditions. It stores water in large rhizomes beneath the soil, meaning it only needs watering every few weeks once the soil is completely dry. This resilience makes it difficult to kill and highly adaptable to dimly lit corners.
The Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a flexible option, thriving in bright, indirect light but adapting to lower light levels, though its growth rate will slow. Its trailing vines can add a lush, cascading aesthetic to a shelf or dresser. For watering, wait until the top half to three-quarters of the soil has dried out completely to prevent root rot.
For the darkest corners, the Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) endures deep shade, temperature fluctuations, and prolonged periods of neglect. This plant is a slow grower with tough, leathery leaves that rarely need watering. It is a reliable option for rooms with only a small, north-facing window, requiring a well-draining soil mix to prevent over-saturation.
Utilizing Scent and Calming Properties
Beyond their physical presence, certain plants introduce aromatic compounds that can directly influence the nervous system, promoting a restful state. The psychological and physiological benefits of these natural scents are a primary reason many people keep plants in their sleeping area. These plants rely on the release of volatile compounds from their foliage or flowers.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale), known for its sweet, intoxicating scent, has been linked to reduced anxiety levels and improved sleep quality. The aroma is thought to have a subtle sedative effect, which can lead to deeper, less disturbed rest. A living plant releases its fragrance naturally, particularly in the evening, making it a perfect companion for the hours leading up to sleep.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a famous sleep aid, containing the compounds linalool and linalyl acetate, which are absorbed through the olfactory system. These compounds interact with the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter pathway in the brain, helping to quiet the nervous system and lower the heart rate. The calming effect is a gentle invitation to relaxation, making the plant an excellent addition to the bedroom.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) flowers contain apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, helping to reduce anxiety. While the flowers are most potent when dried for tea or extracts, placing a living plant nearby provides a mild, comforting fragrance. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has long been used as a natural sedative, with compounds from its root shown to increase GABA, offering an earthier option for a calming presence.
Placement and Safety Considerations
Strategic placement is necessary to maximize plant benefits while maintaining safety and ensuring their survival. To encourage the best performance from light-loving varieties like the Gerbera Daisy, position them on a windowsill or near an east-facing window for bright morning light. Shade-tolerant plants should be kept away from direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
For practical living, plants should be placed away from heating or cooling vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations and dry air can cause stress. Utilizing vertical space with hanging baskets or high shelves is an excellent way to display trailing plants like Pothos while keeping them out of the way. This strategy is important for households with pets or small children, as several common houseplants are toxic if ingested.
The Snake Plant and Pothos, despite their popularity, contain saponins and calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal distress in animals. Fortunately, several varieties are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs:
- The Spider Plant
- The Cast Iron Plant
- The Gerbera Daisy
- Common Jasmine
Regular maintenance is vital; wiping smooth leaves with a damp cloth removes dust, which can block light absorption and hinder the plant’s ability to filter air. A weekly check of the leaf undersides helps address potential pests.