Why Add Plants to Your Bedroom?
Before we dive into the list, let’s get clear on why plants belong in the bedroom at all:
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Air purification – Plants like peace lilies and snake plants are known to filter out indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.
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Better sleep – Some plants, such as jasmine and lavender, emit scents that promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
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Humidity control – Certain greenery can help balance moisture levels, which is especially helpful during dry winter months.
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Mood booster – Research shows that simply being around greenery can reduce stress, anxiety, and even boost productivity.
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Aesthetic upgrade – Let’s be honest—plants just make a room look better.
Now, let’s get into the good stuff.
1. Snake Plant (a.k.a. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
Topping almost every list of the best bedroom plants, the snake plant is a hardy favourite. It’s practically indestructible and ideal for beginners. With tall, upright leaves in a stunning green and yellow pattern, it fits beautifully into modern and minimalist rooms.
Why it’s great for bedrooms:
It continues to release oxygen at night (most plants do this during the day), which means fresher air while you sleep. Bonus: it’s one of NASA’s top-rated air-purifying plants.
Care tips:
Low to bright indirect light, water only when the soil is dry.
2. Lavender
You’ve probably seen it in sleep sprays and essential oils—lavender is the ultimate chill-out plant. Having a live lavender plant by your bedside can give you that lovely, calming fragrance night after night.
Why it’s great for bedrooms:
The scent of lavender has been shown to lower heart rate, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
Care tips:
Needs lots of light (ideally by a sunny window) and well-draining soil.
3. Peace Lily
If you’re after something elegant and low-maintenance, peace lilies are one of the best plants for bedroom elegance and air purification. Their dark green leaves and creamy white flowers are beautifully calming.
Why it’s great for bedrooms:
It filters out common pollutants and increases room humidity, which can help soothe dry skin and sinuses.
Care tips:
Keep the soil slightly moist, and give it low to medium, indirect light.
4. Aloe Vera
This plant is both pretty and practical. Not only does aloe vera look great on a bedside table, but its gel is also amazing for sunburns, dry skin, and even minor cuts.
Why it’s great for bedrooms:
Like the snake plant, aloe vera releases oxygen at night. It also has a cooling, calming energy to it.
Care tips:
Loves bright sunlight. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
5. Spider Plant
With its quirky, striped leaves that shoot out like fireworks, the spider plant is one of the best bedroom plants if you want something lively but low effort.
Why it’s great for bedrooms:
It’s known to remove carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other indoor toxins.
Care tips:
Low to bright indirect light. Water weekly.
6. Jasmine
Looking for a floral touch? Jasmine’s delicate white flowers and sweet scent make it a bedroom beauty.
Why it’s great for bedrooms:
Its scent is said to reduce anxiety and promote a deeper, more restful sleep.
Care tips:
Needs bright light and moist soil. It can be a little high maintenance, but the payoff is worth it.
7. English Ivy
Want something trailing and romantic? English ivy looks stunning in a hanging planter or trained to climb along a trellis.
Why it’s great for bedrooms:
NASA found that English ivy is excellent at filtering airborne mould and formaldehyde.
Care tips:
Medium light and consistent watering. Be cautious if you have pets—it's toxic to cats and dogs.
8. ZZ Plant
If you tend to forget your plants exist until they’re bone dry, the ZZ plant is your match made in heaven. Its glossy, dark leaves are super stylish, and it’s nearly impossible to kill.
Why it’s great for bedrooms:
It’s tolerant of low light and dry air—perfect for rooms that don’t get much sunlight.
Care tips:
Water sparingly. It thrives on neglect!
9. Pothos
Also called “Devil’s Ivy,” pothos is another trailing plant that adds a lush, tropical vibe to your bedroom. It’s fast-growing and very forgiving.
Why it’s great for bedrooms:
It’s known to remove indoor air toxins and looks amazing draped from a shelf or windowsill.
Care tips:
Low to medium light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
10. Parlor Palm
If you want to go a little grander, the parlor palm brings instant elegance. It's one of the best plants for bedroom corners that need a bit of life.
Why it’s great for bedrooms:
It’s a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t need much light but still grows tall and lush.
Care tips:
Indirect sunlight and water once the soil starts to dry out.
11. Calathea (Prayer Plant)
Want something a bit more unusual? The Calathea, or prayer plant, gets its name because its leaves fold up at night, almost like it’s praying. It has striking patterns and rich colouring.
Why it’s great for bedrooms:
It’s non-toxic to pets and adds a bold pop of colour and texture to the room.
Care tips:
Likes humidity, low to medium light, and regular watering.
12. Philodendron
Easy to grow and even easier on the eyes, philodendrons are among the best bedroom plants for trailing over shelves or hanging in a macrame holder.
Why it’s great for bedrooms:
They’re tough, clean the air, and adapt to many environments.
Care tips:
Indirect sunlight and water when the soil feels dry.
Final Tips for Keeping Bedroom Plants Happy
Before you bring in the green, here are a few quick tips:
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Don’t overcrowd your bedroom with plants. A few well-placed ones will do more for your space (and sleep) than turning it into a jungle.
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Keep them clean. Dust builds up on leaves and can reduce their ability to photosynthesise.
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Avoid overwatering. It’s the number one way people accidentally kill their houseplants.
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Watch for pests—especially if your plant was outdoors at any point.
So… Which Is the Best Bedroom Plant?
There’s no single answer—it really depends on your space, your lifestyle, and how much attention you want to give your leafy roommate. But whether you go with an air-purifying peace lily or a fragrant lavender, one thing’s for sure: bringing plants into your bedroom is one of the easiest ways to create a calming, beautiful space that supports better sleep and a better mood.
Ready to turn your bedroom into a green oasis? Try one—or a few—of these best plants for bedroom harmony and let the magic happen.