plants

20 Best Bedroom Plants for Cleaner Air and Better Sleep

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You spend a lot of time in your bedroom, so it’s important to design a space that ensures you get a good night’s rest. One of the easiest (and most affordable!) ways to transform your bedroom into a peaceful sanctuary is with indoor plants — not only do they look beautiful, houseplants can actually help improve your health, mood and sleep quality, too.

According to NASA research, a number of popular houseplants have been found to improve air quality by diffusing toxins and releasing oxygen all night long; the right plants can also provide allergy relief and decrease stress. On top of that, plants can improve the aesthetics of your bedroom with very little effort on your end. From large indoor trees to small succulents, you also don’t have to stress over killing any of the picks on our list of the best bedroom plants, since most of them are easy-to-maintain plants that thrive in low-light conditions (we’re looking at you, beginner plant parents).

Whether you’re looking for a plant that’ll grow tall with proper care or a hanging plant that will infuse lots of personality into your room, you’re sure to find a plant to fit your bedroom style right here — just don’t forget to pick up one of the best indoor pots or planters to display it in. For more indoor plant ideas, check out our guides to best kitchen plants and the best bathroom plants.

English Ivy

Whether draping over your nightstand or from a hanging planter, English ivy is a great choice for the bedroom, as this trailing plant is known to release oxygen and absorb indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and ammonia.

It does best in moderate light during spring and summer months, and in bright sunlight during the fall and winter. It also appreciates humidity, so mist it often.

Snake Plant

The snake plant’s bold, sword-like foliage is an eye-catching addition to any bedroom. Also called sansevieria, it’s been a popular houseplant for decades since it’s so hard to kill — all it requires is indirect light and little water.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a soothing ingredient commonly found in lotions and soaps, but it also makes a great houseplant. The tropical succulent with fleshy leaves and spiky edges doesn’t require frequent watering, but it does need bright light, so consider putting it on your bedroom windowsill.

Pothos

If you don’t have the greenest of thumbs, pothos is the answer! This hardy plant has glossy, trailing vines that drape perfectly over dressers, shelves or hanging planters.

It prefers moderate light, but will tolerate low light. Just be extra careful to let it dry out between waterings.

Philodendron Birkin

With lush green leaves featuring beautiful white pinstripes, this fast-growing plant is one of the easier houseplants to keep healthy. Put it in mid-bright to indirect sunlight and water it once every week or two. Find the perfect planter and it’s the perfect bedside plant.

Monstera

You’ve probably seen this glossy beauty all over Instagram, and for good reason: Monstera, also known as the “Swiss cheese plant,” is an easy-going option that requires moderate light and once-weekly watering. But take note: You’ll want to steer clear of this plant if you have pets, because its foliage may irritate cats, dogs or other small animals.

Peace Lily

With glossy green leaves and bright white flowers, the peace lilies are excellent at removing toxins and allergens from the air. They’re also great for first-time plant owners, since this flowering plant is very forgiving.

It does best in a well-lit bedroom and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.

Rubber Plant

Black thumbs, this one’s for you: Rubber plants are hardy and its glossy, dark leaves will bring drama to any small bedroom.

While it prefers bright light — filtered morning sun, especially — it can tolerate lower-light conditions. Water when soil is slightly dry to the touch, about once a week.

Boston Fern

Native to humid forests and swamps, the Boston fern has been a popular houseplant since Victorian times. Also known as sword fern, it features drooping feather-shaped leaves that make for a perfect hanging plant.

It does best in bright light, so hang it in front of your bedroom window or place in a sunny corner — and be sure to mist it every day. It’s also one of the more inexpensive houseplants out there, so stock up!

Anthurium

Enter the world’s longest blooming houseplant: The neon flowers on this plant can last up to eight weeks, with fresh ones popping up regularly. Stick it in a spot with bright light and high humidity. The more light it receives, the more you should water it: As a general rule, water every week, allowing soil to dry out between waterings.Dracaena

With dramatic foliage and detailed markings, this popular air-purifying houseplant is a great way to fill up free space. Over time, it’ll reach a height of three feet, so make sure it has plenty of room to grow.

Dracaena like moderate light and lightly moist soil, so try to situate this plant near a window for optimum growth.

Philodendron Heartleaf

For the full effect, place this pretty vining plant with heart-shaped leaves on top of your dresser or nightstand. It’s a low-maintenance plant that tolerates low light, and it should dry out slightly between waterings. Just keep it away from pets and kids, as it can be toxic if eaten.

Dieffenbachia Camille

The intricately marked leaves on this accent plant make it an instant standout. Best of all: It doesn’t need a lot of regular care as long as it has moderate light and frequent watering. Just be careful to keep water moist, not wet or soggy.

Air Plant

This small-but-mighty plant is about as easy to take of as they come! It’s actually an epiphyte, meaning it doesn’t even need soil to thrive. Most of the time, you’ll see air plants displayed inside glass terrariums or hanging from pieces of wood. No matter which display route you take, give ’em bright light, and mist occasionally.

Parlor Palm

Parlor palms are best suited for advanced plant parents, since it needs bright indoor light and constant, light moisture. But trust us, this diva is well worth the extra effort because its sophisticated look and air-purifying qualities will seriously enhance your bedroom.

Lavender

With its silvery-green leaves and purple flowers, lavender makes a pretty bedside accent with a soothing scent that research shows can have a calming effect on your nervous system.

Keep in mind that this perennial won’t last forever indoors, but it’ll still be a delightful addition for a few months. Just plant it outside after its blooms fade to ensure that it’ll return in the coming year. Lavender prefers bright light indoors and full sun outdoors, and water when the soil is slightly dry.

Lucky Bamboo

One of the best plants for feng shui, this hard-to-kill plant is said to bring positive energy and good fortune to your home. It’s fairly tolerant, too, preferring moderate light, but it can adapt well to low-light conditions. If grown in soil, keep it slightly moist. Otherwise, keep the roots covered in water, and change it out every week or so.

ZZ Plant

Shiny leaves and a bold, upright form make this striking plant a must-have for your nightstand or dresser. Even better? The ZZ plant, otherwise known as zamioculas zamiifolia, tolerates extremely low light levels and irregular watering. To keep it healthy, water only when the top few inches of soil feels dry.

Aglaonema

Another plant that thrives on neglect, most aglaonema (a.k.a Chinese evergreen) can survive low-light conditions. Depending on which variation you choose, the strappy leaves may have hints of red or silver. Keep the soil moist by misting regularly.

Lady Palm

If you have bright, indirect light, the tall, graceful fans of the Lady palm are an easy way to add elegance — and greenery — to your bedroom. This particular species isn’t as fussy as other palms, but they reap the same benefits like purifying the air. Keep your houseplant near an east-facing window, and water when the top inch of soil is dry.

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