Quick answer: Bedroom plants can make your space feel more inviting, but they are not a proven sleep treatment or a substitute for ventilation and filtration. Pick plants you enjoy and can safely care for, especially if pets share your bedroom.
A little greenery can make a bedroom feel more personal. If watering a plant becomes a pleasant part of your routine, that may help you unwind. You do not need a particular species—or a plant at all—to get good sleep.
Can bedroom plants improve sleep?
There is limited evidence that placing a houseplant beside your bed directly improves sleep quality. A more pleasant environment may help some people relax, but a plant does not treat insomnia, sleep apnea or another sleep disorder.
Fragrance is personal. Lavender or jasmine may smell pleasant to one person and cause headaches or irritation for another. Choose unscented greenery or skip plants altogether if scent, pollen or damp soil bothers you.
Do houseplants purify bedroom air?
Some plants remove certain compounds in laboratory chambers, but a normal collection of houseplants should not be treated as an air purifier. The EPA says there is no evidence that a reasonable number of houseplants removes significant quantities of pollutants in homes or offices.
For indoor air quality, focus on controlling pollution at its source, appropriate ventilation and filtration when useful. See the EPA’s guide to improving indoor air. A few plants also will not meaningfully raise bedroom oxygen levels.
Bedroom plant ideas
Choose for the light and care conditions in your room, not for a promised sleep effect. Check the exact species and your pet’s needs before buying.
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): A popular choice for bright, indirect light. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs, although chewing any plant can still cause an upset stomach.
- Snake plant: Often chosen for easy care and tolerance of lower light. It is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
- Pothos: A trailing plant that adapts to different light levels. It is toxic if chewed by pets and can irritate the mouth.
- Peace lily: An attractive foliage plant, but toxic to pets if ingested. Do not confuse it with true lilies, which are especially dangerous to cats.
- Aloe vera: A succulent that generally prefers bright light; it is not a pet-safe choice if an animal may chew it.
Pet, child and allergy considerations
Common names can refer to different species, so identify the plant before using the ASPCA plant database. Pothos and peace lilies are among the houseplants the ASPCA warns about. Keep questionable plants out of reach or choose a verified non-toxic alternative. If a pet may have eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Keep soil, fertilizer and small decorative stones away from young children and pets. Overwatered soil can encourage mold and gnats; remove a plant from the bedroom if it seems to aggravate allergies or asthma.
Set up a plant-friendly room
- Check the light near the intended spot. A dim room and a sunny windowsill call for different plants.
- Use a stable pot with appropriate drainage and protect furniture from water.
- Water according to the species and allow the soil to dry as appropriate; do not keep it constantly soaked.
- Keep leaves away from bedding, heaters and places where a pot can be knocked over.
- Remove fallen leaves and check periodically for pests.
A calm room also depends on factors such as light, noise and temperature. Our guide to sleeping with socks offers another simple comfort option if cold feet are the problem.
Frequently asked questions
Which plant is best for sleep?
No plant has been established as the best sleep treatment. Choose one that suits the room, your care habits and any pets.
Are plants safe in a bedroom overnight?
For most households, a suitable, well-maintained plant is a decorative choice. Consider allergies, pet toxicity and safe placement.
Will a snake plant replace an air purifier?
No. A houseplant is not a replacement for source control, ventilation or an appropriately selected air cleaner.