Plants do more than just look nice; they can help filter the air, boost humidity, and even create a calming atmosphere that might help you get better sleep. But picking the right ones? That’s a bit of a puzzle, as stuff like how much light your room gets, how much care you want to give, and what each plant actually does for your space all come into play.
There’s a decent amount of research out there on bedroom environment and sleep quality, and it’s clear that not all plants are created equal when it comes to the bedroom. Some pump out oxygen at night, others tackle airborne toxins, and a few just keep your air from getting too dry. Knowing which ones actually thrive in a bedroom (and won’t give up after a week) helps you make a smarter choice.
Here’s a rundown of twenty plants that tend to do well in bedrooms!
1) Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants are a favorite for bedrooms, honestly. They’ve got this cool trick where they keep releasing oxygen at night, unlike most plants that only do it during the day. So while you’re sleeping, they’re still working.
They’re tough as nails and don’t care much if you forget to water them for a while. You can stick them in a corner that doesn’t get much sun, and they’ll still hang in there. For anyone who tends to neglect their plants, this one’s a winner.
2) Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are surprisingly forgiving, especially if your bedroom doesn’t get a ton of light. Studies show that just one plant can help filter a whole 10m³ area, which is pretty impressive for something so easy to grow.
They’re great at cutting down formaldehyde and other nasties floating around inside. Plus, those white blooms just look peaceful (maybe that’s where the name comes from?).
3) Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are one of those classic houseplants for a reason, as they’re just so easy! They’re known for helping clean the air, especially when it comes to lowering formaldehyde levels.
They don’t need a lot of attention and can live in pretty much any light. Plus, they’re good at removing dust and other particles from the air, which can only help at night.
4) Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a solid pick for the bedroom, especially if you’re after something low-key. It releases oxygen at night, which can be a bonus for your sleep and breathing.
You don’t need to fuss over it; just give it some indirect light and water every now and then.
5) English Ivy
English Ivy is one of those plants that just doesn’t mind being stuck in a shady bedroom. It’ll grow in low light and doesn’t need much sun at all.
It’s pretty good at removing formaldehyde and other toxins from the air, which is a nice bonus. You can let it trail from a hanging basket or coax it up a trellis for some extra style.
6) Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants have those big, shiny leaves that make any room look a bit more put together. They’re also decent air purifiers and can handle the drier air you usually get in bedrooms.
If you keep them warm and dry in the winter (ideally 18–20°C), they’ll be happy. You don’t have to baby them, either! Just water now and then and let them do their thing.
7) Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns add a bit of lushness and drama to a room. They’re happiest in indirect light and like their soil to stay moist, so maybe not the best if you forget to water.
They like a fair bit of shade and look great in a hanging basket or perched up high where their fronds can spill over.
8) Philodendron
Philodendrons are super tough and don’t ask for much. They’ll put up with low to moderate light, so they’re fine even if your bedroom’s a bit dim.
People love these for their easygoing nature, and you really only need to water them when the top of the soil feels dry. They’re comfortable in average bedroom temperatures, too.
9) Pothos
Potho sare about as low-maintenance as it gets. They don’t mind low or moderate light, so you can put them almost anywhere in the bedroom.
They’ve got heart-shaped leaves and can trail nicely from a shelf or basket. Some folks swear by them for good vibes, and you barely have to water them. Humidity? They’re not fussy.
10) Lavender
Lavender isn’t just for gardens, as it actually does pretty well in a sunny bedroom. The scent is a big deal here; studies show lavender oil can help you relax and sleep.
You can keep a pot on your windowsill if you get enough sun, or just stash a dried bunch near your bed for the scent. It likes well-drained soil, so don’t overwater.
11) Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo palms look a little tropical and help keep the air fresh in your bedroom. They add moisture to the air and filter out some common pollutants.
Outdoors, they can get huge, but inside, they stay manageable. Give them bright, indirect light and keep the soil a bit moist, and they’ll be happy.
12) Areca Palm
Areca palms are another tropical option that’s actually pretty good at cleaning the air. They’re also pretty forgiving if you forget to water now and then.
They’re great for bedrooms, and you don’t need to spend a lot to get the benefits. Moderate light and a regular watering schedule will keep them looking good.
13) ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plants are almost impossible to kill! They thrive in low light, so if your bedroom barely gets any sun, this is your plant.
They’re slow growers and don’t mind if you forget to water for a while (they store water in their rhizomes). Plus, they can filter out stuff like xylene from the air.
14) Gardenia
Gardenias are a little more high-maintenance, but those white flowers and sweet scent? Worth it if you’re up for the challenge. Some research suggests they might help with sleep, too.
They like bright, indirect light and need their soil kept moist. If you can keep the humidity up and the temperature between 65 and 70°F, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful blooms.
15) Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a showstopper if you’ve got the room. Its big, split leaves scream “tropical,” and it’s got a reputation for helping clean the air a bit.
Bright, indirect light works best, and it likes a little humidity. Water when the top of the soil is dry. Just remember, it can get pretty large, so give it space to spread out.
16) Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreen is a solid pick for bedrooms that don’t get much sunlight. It’s easygoing and adapts well to life indoors.
The leaves are often variegated, which adds a nice pop of color. There are tons of hybrids out there, so you can pick one that fits your style. It’s forgiving if you forget to water, and its compact size means it fits almost anywhere – nightstand, dresser, you name it.
17) Dracaena
Dracaena’s a solid pick for the bedroom, mostly because it’s easygoing and actually helps clean up the air. Research shows that Dracaena species can remove benzene from indoor air, which is a pretty nice bonus if you’re hoping to breathe a little easier at night.
These plants don’t mind if you forget about them for a while, and they’re not fussy about light, either. The Madagascar dragon tree (and honestly, most other Dracaenas) can bring a subtle, almost soothing vibe to your space with barely any effort on your part.
18) Jasmine
Jasmine’s got this gentle fragrance that can make your bedroom feel a little more peaceful, with some even saying it even helps with sleep and mood. There’s actual research out there showing that jasmine oil inhalation can positively affect brain wave activities and emotions, so maybe there’s something to it.
And, let’s be real, those white flowers look great. Jasmine can do well indoors if you’re willing to pay a little attention to watering and keep an eye on the light, depending on where you live.
19) Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast Iron Plant earns its name for a reason, as it’s nearly impossible to kill! If your bedroom doesn’t get much sunlight, or you just forget to water sometimes, this plant’s not going to hold it against you.
It’ll put up with low light, missed waterings, and even weird temperature swings. Those deep green leaves not only look nice but also help clean the air a bit.
Stick this durable houseplant in a corner or anywhere other plants just give up, and chances are, it’ll still look pretty good.
20) Orchids
Orchids bring a touch of elegance to any bedroom, and here’s something neat – they actually keep pumping out oxygen at night, which isn’t all that common for houseplants. They seem to love the softer, indirect light and those comfy, not-too-hot bedroom temps most of us prefer.
Growing orchids has become easier lately, thanks to smarter techniques and a bit more know-how floating around. If you’re watering them, just use room temperature water, as cold water can be a bit of a shock, and nobody wants sad, stunted buds.
These low maintenance beauties like a bit of airflow, and with a little attention, you might even see them send up more than one flower spike a year. Not bad for a plant that sometimes gets called fussy, right?
