Setting a specific tone in a bedroom can happen in many ways. A lovely candle, plush rugs, soft bedding, soothing artwork, and chic accessories all help to transform the vibe of a room. That said, there’s nothing like adding a plant to the bedroom to make the space cozy, add a pop of color, and upgrade the style, all while it’s purifying the air. That’s why we spoke to an expert about the very best bedroom plants around, so you can make the right choice for your space, commitment level, and style.
The great thing about adding a plant or two to your bedroom décor is that they enhance just about every aesthetic. Whether your bedroom is a zen-like retreat, a moody and romantic space, or your brightly colored happy place, the addition of a plant is only going to make it look and feel better.
Aside from just being pretty to the eye, they also clean the air, and studies have shown that caring for plants can help to relieve stress and anxiety, too. It’s a win-win situation, really. Don’t you just love an aesthetic solution for multiple life issues?
While some recent research points out that you’d need a lot of indoor plants to significantly reduce harmful VOCs at home, we think even the minimal amounts of air purification they can provide (along with our plug-in air purifiers) are totally worth it. Don’t you?
So, with this in mind, we tapped Anum Tariq of Ansel and Ivy to get the full scoop on the best bedroom plants that not only beautify your space but enhance your overall well-being, too. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Read on for Tariq’s picks for the best bedroom plants:
Snake Plant, Sansevieria
Why it’s best suited to a bedroom: This is an incredibly low-maintenance plant, making it an excellent choice for beginners and known plant murderers (hey, it’s happened to the best of us!). It adds a bit of texture and unexpected color to a room thanks to the variegation on the leaves.
How it cleans the air: This plant converts carbon dioxide into oxygen while you sleep and purifies the air of benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.
Pro tip: Don’t overwater this desert plant.
Rubber Tree, Ficus Elastica
Why it’s best suited to a bedroom: Aren’t the big, smooth, and dark leaves romantic? According to Tariq, the large dark foliage not only adds a lot of visual interest to a bedroom but is excellent at cleaning the air.
How it cleans the air: It purifies the air of benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Pro-tip: Mist or wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth to promote shiny foliage and cut off any damaged leaves to encourage new growth.
Warneckii, Dracaena Deremensis
Why it’s best suited to a bedroom: Don’t be fooled by her delicate beauty. This feathery beauty is much stronger than she looks. Put her in a pretty pot and she’ll brighten up any corner.
How it cleans the air: The Warneckii purifies the air of benzene and trichloroethylene.
Pro tip: This plant is sensitive to fluoride in tap water, which can cause the leaf tips to brown. It’s best to use filtered water.
ZZ Plant, Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Why it’s best suited to a bedroom: ZZ plants add a nice visual texture to a room and only need to be watered about once a month. It tolerates a variety of light levels, including very low light conditions—perfect if you’re working with a dark, romantic vibe.
How it cleans the air: The ZZ plant purifies the air of xylene, toluene, and benzene.
Pro tip: Don’t overwater this beauty.
Philippine Evergreen, Aglaonema
Why it’s best suited to a bedroom: Talk about a chill plant! This sweetheart tolerates low light levels and even fluorescent lighting. And we can’t get enough of those shiny leaves. It purifies the air of formaldehyde and benzene.
How it cleans the air: The Phillippine purifies the air of formaldehyde and benzene.
Pro tip: Keep the plant away from cold drafts.
Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum
Why it’s best suited to a bedroom: This plant’s classic, lush foliage works with various types of room décor. It’s elegant and timeless, and with care will last a very long time.
How it cleans the air: The Peace Lily purifies the air of ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Pro tip: Keep the soil consistently moist. The Peace Lily will droop dramatically when it needs to be watered.
Devil’s Ivy, Pothos
Why it’s best suited to a bedroom: This iconic plant is easy to care for and easy to grow. It looks fabulous on a shelf with the vines cascading down.
How it cleans the air: The Devil’s Ivy purifies the air of benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Pro tip: Keep the plant away from the heater or AC vents.
Dracaena, Dracaena Fragrans
Why it’s best suited to a bedroom: The sweet compact size makes it perfect for a nightstand. It can withstand low light, which is perfect if your room is on the dark side, and in general, it’s incredibly low maintenance.
How it cleans the air: The Dracaena purifies the air of benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.
Pro tip: This plant is sensitive to fluoride in tap water and this can cause the leaf tips to brown. It’s best to use filtered water.
Areca Palm, Dypsis Lutescens
Why it’s best suited to a bedroom: This romantic plant adds a lush and tropical feel to your bedroom. There’s a reason palms have been one of the most popular indoor plants since the Victorian era! They’re instantly transportive.
How it cleans the air: The Areca Palm purifies the air of benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Pro tip: Keep the soil moist and mist the leaves regularly.
Spider Plant, Chlorophytum Comosum
Why it’s best suited to a bedroom: These hairy little cuties look great in a hanging planter, which is helpful if you have a tiny room with not a lot of shelf space.
How it cleans the air: The Spider Plant purifies the air of benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene.
Pro tip: This plant is sensitive to fluoride in tap water and this can cause the leaf tips to brown. It’s best to use filtered water.
