Purifying plants for the bedroom — breathe better, sleep better

The bedroom is the room where air quality matters most: we spend 7 to 9 hours there each night, often with the windows closed. Furniture made of panels, paints, synthetic textiles, and carpets emit volatile organic compounds that some plants can filter. Even better, a few species continue to produce oxygen during the night.

Plants that produce oxygen at night

Most plants absorb CO2 during the day and release it at night. But some species with CAM metabolism (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) reverse this cycle: Sansevieria and Aloe vera continue to fix CO2 and release oxygen during the night. They are therefore especially suited for the bedroom. Find them in our Sansevieria and Aloe collections.

Filtering bedroom pollutants

Spathiphyllum is one of the champions at filtering formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene — compounds found in furniture glues, varnishes, and some textiles. Dracaena and Chlorophytum are also very effective. Ficus Elastica, with its large leaves, offers a large filtration surface. Our article plants that purify the air details the capabilities of each species, and our article plants and air quality: myths and realities sorts fact from fiction.

Purifying plants and shade tolerance

Bedrooms are often the least bright rooms in the house. The purifying species in this selection almost all tolerate partial shade: Sansevieria, Zamioculcas, Spathiphyllum, Dracaena, Aglaonema, Chlorophytum, and Pothos thrive in low indirect light. You don’t need a south-facing window to enjoy their benefits. Check out our plants for shade and partial shade collection and our article light and humidity: finding the right balance.

Low-maintenance care to avoid disturbing sleep

The ideal bedroom plants are those you can almost forget about: no daily watering, no falling leaves, no need to rotate. Sansevieria only needs watering every 2 to 3 weeks. Zamioculcas even less. Aloe vera requires watering only when the soil is completely dry. None of these plants produce pollen or strong odors that could disturb sleep. See our complete watering guide and our low-maintenance plants and hardy plants collections.

Bedroom and pets: which purifying plants are non-toxic?

If your cat or dog sleeps in the bedroom, toxicity is an important factor. Chlorophytum, Calathea, ferns (Nephrolepis, Asplenium), and Maranta are both purifying and certified non-toxic for pets. Note: Sansevieria and Spathiphyllum are slightly toxic if ingested. Find all compatible species in our pet-friendly indoor plants collection and our article toxic plants: guide to protecting children and pets.

Create a green sleeping corner

Two to three plants are enough to transform the atmosphere of a bedroom. A tall Sansevieria on the bedside table for the night, a Spathiphyllum in a corner for purification, and a trailing Pothos from a shelf for a jungle touch. Read our article create a green relaxation corner at home and explore our plants for the bedroom collection.