What Are the Best Plants for the Bedroom?
The best plants for the bedroom are low maintenance houseplants that tolerate low light, improve humidity, and do not release strong scents at night.
Bedrooms usually have less light, stable temperatures, and limited airflow compared to other rooms. Plants that naturally grow in shaded or protected environments adapt best to these conditions. Choosing the right plant matters more than having many plants.
Practical insight: A single healthy plant placed correctly is better than multiple struggling plants in poor light.
Are Plants Good to Keep in the Bedroom?
Yes, plants are safe and beneficial to keep in the bedroom when properly chosen and cared for.
While plants do respire at night, the amount of oxygen they use is negligible in indoor spaces. In return, plants help regulate humidity and create a calmer indoor environment.
Practical insight: Concerns about plants “stealing oxygen” are outdated and not supported by real world indoor conditions.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Why Is a Snake Plant Good for the Bedroom?
Snake plants tolerate low light, require infrequent watering, and maintain strong structure in indoor environments.
Snake plants are native to dry regions and store water in their leaves, which makes them ideal for bedrooms with inconsistent care. They also handle artificial light better than many houseplants.
Practical insight: Overwatering is the most common way snake plants fail, especially in bedrooms with low light.
Best conditions:
- Light: low to bright indirect
- Water: every 2 to 4 weeks
- Avoid: consistently damp soil
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Why Is the ZZ Plant a Low Maintenance Bedroom Plant?
ZZ plants thrive in low light and store water in thick underground rhizomes, making them extremely resilient indoors.
Because bedrooms often have limited sunlight and stable temperatures, ZZ plants adapt easily without frequent care. Their glossy leaves also tolerate dry air better than many tropical plants.
Practical insight: If a ZZ plant’s leaves turn yellow, it is almost always from too much water rather than too little.
Pothos
Why Does Pothos Work Well in Bedrooms?
Pothos grows well in medium to low light and recovers quickly from minor care mistakes.
In nature, pothos climbs trees and spreads across shaded forest floors. This makes it well suited to bedrooms with indirect light and occasional missed watering.
Practical insight: Leggy pothos growth usually means the plant needs more light, not more water.
Best placement ideas:
- On shelves with trailing vines
- In hanging planters near windows
- On nightstands with indirect light
Peace Lily
Is a Peace Lily a Good Bedroom Plant?
Peace lilies grow well in low to medium light and respond clearly when they need water.
Their leaves droop noticeably when thirsty, making them easy to read for beginners. Peace lilies also help maintain indoor humidity, which can be beneficial in dry bedrooms.
Practical insight: Peace lilies prefer evenly moist soil, not soggy soil.
Avoid placing peace lilies:
- In direct sunlight
- Near heating vents
- In very dry air
Spider Plant
Why Are Spider Plants Popular for Bedrooms?
Spider plants are adaptable, pet friendly, and tolerate a wide range of indoor conditions.
They perform well in bedrooms because they handle indirect light and occasional neglect. Spider plants also produce offshoots, making them easy to propagate.
Practical insight: Brown leaf tips are usually caused by dry air or mineral buildup, not disease.
Are Bedroom Plants Safe for Pets?
Bedroom plants should be safe for both people and pets, especially if animals have access to the room. Some popular houseplants can cause irritation or digestive issues if chewed.
To confirm whether a plant is safe, it helps to check established plant toxicity guidelines from the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database.
How Many Plants Should You Keep in a Bedroom?
One to three plants is ideal for most bedrooms.
Too many plants can increase humidity beyond comfort levels and complicate care routines. Fewer plants allow better airflow and healthier growth.
Practical insight: Start with one plant and observe how it responds to your bedroom environment before adding more.
Where Should Bedroom Plants Be Placed?
Bedroom plants should be placed where they receive indirect light and are not exposed to drafts.
Avoid positioning plants directly beside beds if airflow is limited. Windows with filtered light or corners with reflected brightness work best.
Placement tips:
- Keep plants away from heaters and air conditioners
- Rotate plants monthly for even growth
- Use pots with drainage holes
What Plants Should You Avoid in the Bedroom?
Plants with strong fragrances, high light needs, or frequent watering requirements are less suitable for bedrooms.
Examples to avoid:
- Strongly scented flowering plants
- Plants requiring full sun
- Plants that need constant moisture
Practical insight: If a plant struggles in your bedroom, it may thrive in a brighter room instead of needing more care.
Do Bedroom Plants Affect Sleep?
Plants can support better sleep indirectly by improving air moisture and creating a calming environment.
Visual exposure to greenery has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. A well placed plant can enhance the bedroom atmosphere without disrupting sleep.
Practical insight: Choose plants with upright or trailing forms rather than wide spreading growth for a calmer visual effect.
How to Choose the Right Bedroom Plant
The best bedroom plant is one that matches your light, watering habits, and space.
Before choosing, consider:
- Available natural light
- How often you water
- Floor or shelf space
Consistency matters more than variety.
Supporting Your Indoor Plant Journey
Choosing the best plants for the bedroom helps create a calm, healthy indoor space that is easy to maintain.
If you enjoy learning about plant behavior and care, explore our Know Your Plants and Plant Care guides for deeper insights. And if you love bringing nature into everyday life, our botanical resin jewelry is inspired by real plant forms and textures, preserving nature in a lasting, wearable way.
