If sleep feels restless, your bedroom’s air and environment might matter more than your mattress. Bedroom plants bring natural benefits: they can ease breathing, balance humidity, and support a calmer space for rest.

How Plants Help You Sleep Better

Air purification

Many indoor plants help filter compounds like benzene and formaldehyde that are released from paints, carpets and furniture. The famous NASA study lists plants such as Sansevieria trifasciata and Spathiphyllum for removing these toxins.

Oxygen production

Some plants continue to release oxygen at night or reduce carbon dioxide levels, which can help maintain better air freshness while sleeping.

Aromatherapy benefits

Plants with natural fragrances (for example, lavender or jasmine) may help lower stress hormones and prepare the mind for rest.

Humidity balance

Indoor plants transpire moisture into the air, helping prevent very dry air that may disrupt sleep (especially in rooms with heating or air-conditioning).

Psychological relaxation

Seeing greenery and living plants in your bedroom can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and support a calmer bedtime routine.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Bedroom Plants

Lighting conditions

Check whether your bedroom has bright indirect light, low light, or direct sunlight. Some plants thrive in dim rooms, others need light.

Room size and ventilation

Smaller, less ventilated bedrooms may become humid quickly if many plants cluster together. Space and airflow matter.

Maintenance level

Choose plants that match your lifestyle. Some need frequent watering and pruning; others are nearly “set and forget.”

Safety for pets

If you have cats or dogs, check whether a plant species is safe. Some popular plants are toxic if ingested by pets.

Allergies and sensitivities

Strongly scented plants may trigger allergies or sensitivities in some people — pick mild or fragrance-free options if needed.

The 12 Best Bedroom Plants for Better Sleep

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Overview: Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, native to West Africa; tall, upright leaves.

Sleep Benefit: Recognised by NASA for filtering benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Some sources indicate it may release oxygen at night.

Care Tips: Very low light tolerant; water sparingly (allow soil to dry); ideal temperature ~18-27 °C.

Placement Idea: Beside a dresser in a dim corner or by a window with indirect light.

Pet Safety: Toxic to cats & dogs if ingested — keep out of reach.

2. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Overview: A fragrant Mediterranean flowering shrub, popular for its calming scent.

Sleep Benefit: The scent of lavender has been shown in various studies to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and promote relaxation before sleep.

Care Tips: Needs bright light (a sunny windowsill preferred); moderate watering (allow soil to almost dry between waterings); keep temperature cool at night if possible.

Placement Idea: On a bedside table or near a window where you can catch its scent as you lie down.

Pet Safety: Generally low toxicity, but ingesting large amounts may cause digestive upset in pets — supervise if pets are present.

3. Aloe Vera

Overview: A succulent native to the Arabian Peninsula, known for its medicinal gel and tolerant nature.

Sleep Benefit: Cited for increasing oxygen production at night and removing chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene.

Care Tips: Needs bright, indirect or direct light; water deeply but infrequently (allow soil to dry out between waterings); avoid cold drafts.

Placement Idea: On a sunny bedroom windowsill or in a pot near the window.

Pet Safety: Mildly toxic to cats and dogs — avoid if pets tend to chew.

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Overview: Tropical plant with glossy leaves and white spathes, native to Central & South America.

Sleep Benefit: NASA-listed plant that removes multiple indoor toxins, including benzene, formaldehyde and ammonia. Also adds humidity, which may aid breathing.

Care Tips: Prefers low to medium indirect light; keep soil lightly moist; avoid overwatering; temperature around 18-27 °C.

Placement Idea: On a low table in the bedroom, away from direct sunlight but where leaves are visible.

Pet Safety: Toxic to cats & dogs — ingestion can cause upset.

5. Jasmine

Overview: Fragrant flowering vine or shrub (e.g., Jasminum polyanthum) often grown indoors for its scent.

Sleep Benefit: Studies show jasmine scent may improve sleep quality and increase feelings of calm.

Care Tips: Needs bright light, ideally some direct morning light; regular watering when top soil dries; keep in a cool bedroom at night for better blooming.

Placement Idea: On a dresser near a window or a hanging basket near the bed area for scent.

Pet Safety: Generally considered low risk, but ingestion may cause mild symptoms — monitor pets.

6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Overview: A trailing vine native to Europe, often used indoors in hanging baskets.

Sleep Benefit: Identified by NASA as one of the most effective plants at removing multiple VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in lab settings.

Care Tips: Tolerates low to medium light; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; prune regularly to control growth.

Placement Idea: Hanging near the window or on a shelf where it can cascade without blocking airflow.

Pet Safety: Toxic to pets if ingested — avoid if pets like chewing vines.

7. Gardenia

Overview: Fragrant flowering plant with glossy leaves, native to tropical and subtropical regions.

Sleep Benefit: Its strong, calming scent can lower stress and help you unwind at night.

Care Tips: Bright, indirect light required; likes humidity — place pot on tray of wet pebbles; keep soil moist but not waterlogged; cool night temps help flowering.

Placement Idea: On a bedside table or dresser where the scent is near you but not overwhelming.

Pet Safety: Moderately toxic to cats and dogs — better keep out of reach.

8. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Overview: A flowering herb native to Europe and Asia, traditionally used to support sleep.

Sleep Benefit: The fragrance and chemical compounds in valerian are associated with reducing the time to fall asleep and improving rest quality.

Care Tips: Bright light, well-draining soil; water when topsoil is dry; occasional flowering may attract attention.

Placement Idea: Near a window or tucked away on a shelf where fragrance can diffuse gently at night.

Pet Safety: Suitable only if pets are monitored; some pets may be curious about the herb.

9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Overview: Popular hanging plant with arching green leaves and baby offshoots; native to tropical Africa.

Sleep Benefit: Low-maintenance plant that tolerates bedroom conditions; identified as an air-purifier in indoor plant lists.

Care Tips: Bright indirect light or low light; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; ensure good drainage.

Placement Idea: Hanging basket near a window or corner of the bedroom.

Pet Safety: Generally safe for pets — one of the better choices for pet-friendly rooms.

10. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Overview: A hardy vine with heart-shaped leaves, native to the Solomon Islands; thrives in many indoor conditions.

Sleep Benefit: Cited for air-cleaning abilities in the NASA study and later indoor plant research.

Care Tips: Tolerates low to medium light; water when the soil feels dry; can climb or hang.

Placement Idea: On a shelf or hanging pot near the bedroom window; allow vines to cascade for visual softness.

Pet Safety: Mildly toxic to pets — ingestion may irritate.

11. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Overview: A graceful palm native to Madagascar, with feathery fronds, brings a tropical feel indoors.

Sleep Benefit: Recognised for air-purification and humidity-adding benefits.

Care Tips: Bright indirect light; keep soil lightly moist but avoid soggy; prefers warm, humid spaces.

Placement Idea: Floor pot in a corner of the bedroom or next to a tall piece of furniture, not blocking airflow.

Pet Safety: Generally safe for pets — good choice where pets share a room.

12. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Overview: Also called reed palm, native to Guatemala and southern Mexico; a narrower palm that fits an indoor space.

Sleep Benefit: Shown to remove toxins like benzene and formaldehyde; helps maintain humidity.

Care Tips: Low to medium indirect light is fine; keep soil evenly moist; avoid cold drafts.

Placement Idea: Beside the bed or in a low-light corner where you’d like greenery without direct sun.

Pet Safety: Safe for cats and dogs — good for mixed-pet households.

Honourable Mentions: Consider adding other low-light, sleep-friendly plants such as the snake plant/aloe pair, or a mint herb pot for mild fragrance.

Best Ways to Arrange Bedroom Plants for Maximum Sleep Benefits

Place based on light conditions: Use low-light tolerant plants (like snake plant, bamboo palm) farther from windows; bright-light plants (lavender, aloe) near windows.

Mind airflow: Avoid clustering many pots in one spot; ensure plants don’t block ventilation or trap stale air.

Pair plants for balance: Combine a purifying species (peace lily, pothos) with an aromatic species (jasmine, lavender) for both physical and mental benefits.

Aesthetic layout ideas:

Minimalist: Two symmetrical plants on either side of the bed (e.g., aloe + spider plant)

Boho: Mix hanging vines (pothos) and floor palms (areca palm) for a relaxed green look

Modern: One sculptural snake plant in a sleek pot and a low tray of small aromatic plants

Keep practicality in mind: Choose pots with drainage, and avoid placing plants too close to sleeping space if you are sensitive to scent or pollen.

Nighttime Plant Myths (and the Truth)

Myth 1: “Plants steal oxygen at night”

Truth: While some plants do switch to a different metabolism at night, the effect is minimal in normal bedroom settings. A big plant nearby won’t significantly reduce oxygen.

Myth 2: “All houseplants cause mold”

Truth: Mold risk comes from overwatering or poor ventilation, not plants themselves. Proper care and airflow prevent mold build-up.

Myth 3: “Strong scents make sleep worse”

Truth: A strong fragrance can be distracting, but mild scents (like lavender, jasmine) can aid sleep. The key is moderation and ensuring ventilation.

Caring for Bedroom Plants (Without Losing Sleep)

Simple routine checklist (weekly):

Check soil moisture (top 1–2 cm) and water if dry

Wipe leaf surfaces to remove dust

Trim any dead or yellow leaves

Signs of trouble:

Yellowing leaves or brown tips → overwatering or low light

Soil stays soggy → risk of root rot

Sparse growth or leggy stems → too little light

Low-maintenance tip: Start with one or two easy-care plants (e.g., snake plant, spider plant) while you build confidence.

Lighting fixes: If the bedroom has little natural sunlight, consider a low-wattage grow light aimed at your plants for a few hours daily.

Pet Owners: Safe Plant Alternatives for Your Bedroom

Peace Lily → Toxic for pets, so consider Areca Palm or Spider Plant instead (both safer).

Golden Pothos → Mildly toxic; choose Bamboo Palm or Lavender (depending on pet behavior) if pets tend to chew vines.

Always check the official pet-toxicity list (for example from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) before placing plants within reach of cats or dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do plants really improve sleep scientifically?

Yes — plants help with air freshness, humidity and mental relaxation, all of which support better sleep. However, they are not a substitute for ventilation or good sleep hygiene. Some research emphasises that they only make a modest difference in typical home settings.

How many plants should I keep in a bedroom?

Typically, 1-4 well-placed plants are sufficient. Having too many can crowd the space, affecting airflow or increasing the maintenance burden.

Is it safe to keep plants near my bed?

Yes, as long as plants are well cared for, no mold or pests develop, and pet safety is considered.

Can too many plants cause humidity or mold?

If plants are over-watered or placed in poor ventilation, yes. Ensure good air circulation and avoid grouping many pots too tightly.

Which plant improves oxygen the most at night?

Plants like aloe vera and snake plant are often cited for night-time oxygen release, though in practical bedroom settings, the effect is modest.

Final Thoughts On Bedroom Plants and Better Sleep

A carefully chosen mix of bedroom plants brings together better air quality, calming scents, gentle humidity and soothing visual greenery. Start with one or two plants, match them to your room’s light and pet situation, and gradually build your “green sleep zone.” Better air, calmer mind, deeper rest — that’s the real power of placing the right plants in your bedroom.

Sources

Architectural Digest India

GreenAvon