🌙 Bedroom
😴 Well-being & sleep
🌙 In brief
Best species: Sansevieria, Spathiphyllum, Calathea, Chlorophytum, Aloe vera · To avoid: very fragrant flowering plants, toxic species if pets or children · Key rule: one or two plants are enough — the bedroom should remain a resting space, not a jungle
The bedroom is the room where we spend on average a third of our life. Adding a few well-chosen plants helps create a more calming environment, more pleasant to look at when falling asleep — and for some species, healthier. This guide helps you choose based on your brightness, needs, and care habits.
Plants and sleep: what we really know
The question often comes up: is it really beneficial to sleep with plants? The answer is nuanced — and deserves clarification.
What is established
- The presence of greenery creates a visually more calming environment, which promotes relaxation before falling asleep
- Some plants like Sansevieria and Aloe vera have CAM metabolism — they continue to produce oxygen at night, unlike plants with standard metabolism
- Environmental psychology studies show that the presence of plants reduces perceived stress and improves overall well-being
- Lavender contains linalool, an aromatherapeutic compound with documented relaxing properties
💡 The myth of nighttime oxygen
A potted plant consumes about 1,000 times less oxygen at night than a sleeping human. Having plants in your bedroom has no negative impact on air quality — and can even slightly improve it with CAM metabolism species. To learn more, see our article on plants and air quality.
What to keep in perspective
Major studies on air purification by plants (NASA, 1980s) were conducted under conditions very different from real interiors. In practice, it would take dozens of plants by room to have a measurable effect on air quality. Plants contribute to well-being in the bedroom — but not mainly through their ability to filter air.
Criteria for choosing well
The best plants for the bedroom
The ideal bedroom plant. Sansevieria tolerates low light, prolonged missed watering, and continues to produce oxygen at night thanks to its CAM metabolism. Its graphic vertical form fits perfectly into all bedroom styles, from minimalist to bohemian.
See the Sansevieria →
The Moonshine variety stands out with its large pale silvery green leaves — a very soft, almost lunar color, perfectly suited to the bedroom atmosphere. Same robustness as the Laurentii, with a cleaner and more soothing aesthetic.
See the Moonshine →
The Spathiphyllum blooms even in low light — its immaculate white spathes bring a soft touch very suitable for the bedroom. Featured in NASA studies on indoor air purification. Its care is simple: it wilts when thirsty, clearly signaling when to water.
See the Peace Lily →
The Calathea is fascinating in the bedroom: it raises its leaves in the evening as if it were "falling asleep" — a behavior called nyctinasty that follows the same rhythm as you. Non-toxic for pets, its large leaves with green and silver geometric patterns add a very decorative botanical touch.
See the Calathea →
Nicknamed the "prayer plant," the Maranta raises its leaves in the evening as if in prayer — a poetic feature perfectly suited for the bedroom. Its leaves with bright red veins are very decorative. Compact and non-toxic, it is ideal on a nightstand or dresser.
See the Maranta →
The spider plant is one of the most robust and safest for bedrooms — non-toxic for pets and children, very tolerant of missed watering and low light. Its trailing stolons with small plantlets at the ends create a very decorative airy effect on a shelf.
See the Chlorophytum →
Aloe vera produces oxygen at night thanks to its CAM metabolism — a common reason to place it in the bedroom. It needs good light (sunny window) and can go a long time without watering. Compact and discreet, it fits easily on a bedside table by the window.
See the Aloe vera →
Lavender contains linalool, a compound with documented relaxing properties in aromatherapy — several studies show its beneficial effect on sleep quality. In the bedroom, place it in front of the best window available. In summer, it can go outside on the windowsill or balcony.
See the Lavender →
The Pothos is one of the most adaptable plants — it tolerates low light, missed watering, and dry air. Placed on a high shelf, its long trailing stems create a gentle plant vibe without taking up bedroom space. Perfect for beginners.
See the Pothos →
The velvety variant of Pothos — its dark green leaves with silver spots have a softer, more intimate feel, especially suited to a bedroom atmosphere. Its matte foliage and silver highlights create a very decorative effect in soft light.
See the Scindapsus →
The Zamioculcas is the ideal plant for dark bedrooms or for people who regularly forget to water. Its shiny green foliage brings visual freshness without any hassle. Monthly watering is enough — perfect for bedrooms where plant care is often forgotten.
See the Zamioculcas →
The Asplenium brings a soft botanical touch to the bedroom with its large, smooth, shiny green leaves arranged in a rosette. Non-toxic, it prefers slightly higher humidity than average — perfect if you use a humidifier in your bedroom. Its shiny leaves beautifully catch and reflect soft light.
See the Asplenium →Quick comparison
| Plant | Light | Watering | Non-toxic | O₂ at night | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sansevieria | Low | 1×/month | No | Yes ✓ | ⭐ Easy |
| Zamioculcas | Low | 1×/month | No | No | ⭐ Easy |
| Spathiphyllum | Partial shade | 1×/week | No | No | ⭐ Easy |
| Calathea | Partial shade | 2×/week | Yes ✓ | No | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Maranta | Partial shade | 1×/week | Yes ✓ | No | ⭐ Easy |
| Chlorophytum | Partial shade | 1×/week | Yes ✓ | No | ⭐ Easy |
| Aloe vera | Good light | 1×/2 weeks | Partial | Yes ✓ | ⭐ Easy |
| Lavender | Full sun | 1×/2 weeks | Yes ✓ | No | ⭐ Easy |
| Pothos | Partial shade | 1×/2 weeks | No | No | ⭐ Very easy |
| Scindapsus | Partial shade | 1×/2 weeks | No | No | ⭐ Easy |
| Asplenium | Partial shade | 1×/week | Yes ✓ | No | ⭐ Easy |
Where to place plants in the bedroom?
Nightstand
For a nightstand, choose a compact plant (Ø 9–12 cm max) that doesn’t obstruct the lamp or everyday objects. The Maranta, the small Aloe vera, or the Lavender are ideal. Place it on the window side to maximize available light.
Shelf or dresser
This is the most versatile spot. A trailing plant like Pothos or Scindapsus creates a nice effect without taking up space. The spider plant with its trailing stolons is also perfect here.
Corner or floor
For larger bedrooms, a floor plant in a corner adds warmth without cluttering. The Sansevieria in a beautiful decorative pot or the Spathiphyllum are perfect for this role.
⚠️ What to avoid in the bedroom
Avoid strongly scented flowering plants (jasmine, some lilies) that can disturb sensitive people’s sleep. Also keep toxic plants out of reach of children or pets. And resist the temptation to overcrowd — one or two well-chosen plants are more effective than a dozen poorly maintained ones.
Verdeia collections
Plants selected for the bedroom
Soothing, low-maintenance, suitable for partial shade — a selection designed for resting spaces.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Plants create a visually more calming environment, reduce perceived stress, and can slightly improve air quality. Some species like Sansevieria and Aloe vera produce oxygen at night. To learn more, check out our article on plants and air quality.
Avoid strongly scented flowering plants (jasmine, some lilies) that can disturb sensitive people’s sleep. If you have pets or children, keep toxic plants like Spathiphyllum, Pothos, or Ficus away. Prefer non-toxic species: Calathea, Maranta, Chlorophytum, Asplenium.
Yes, like all living beings — but in a tiny amount. A potted plant consumes about 1,000 times less oxygen than a sleeping human. Some species (Sansevieria, Aloe vera) have a CAM metabolism that allows them to produce oxygen at night instead. In practice, plants in the bedroom have no negative impact on air quality.
The Zamioculcas is the most reliable choice — it tolerates darkness better than any other plant. With horticultural LED lighting (12–14h/day), Sansevieria and Pothos also become possible. See our complete guide on plants without light.
There is no scientific limit. One or two well-chosen plants are enough to create a calming effect without overcrowding the space. The bedroom should remain a resting area — the important thing is that the plants are well cared for and do not create excessive humidity. Check the month-by-month care calendar to never neglect them.
Verdeia shop
Create a greener, more calming bedroom
Each plant comes with its care sheet — light, watering, placement. Order from your couch.
