Keeping indoor plants is a hobby for some and a matter of decoration for others. However, all houseplant owners benefit from the many health advantages of having living greenery in the home. In particular, houseplants in your bedroom can have a positive effect on both the aesthetic and your overall health. Here we’ll go over some of the key benefits of keeping houseplants in your bedroom and suggestions for how to get started.
The most well-known advantage of keeping indoor plants is the extra oxygen they produce. Plants “breathe” in the opposite way humans do during the day, constantly replacing carbon dioxide with fresh oxygen. Humans and houseplants have been an excellent match for centuries for this benefit alone, but according to a NASA study, indoor plants can actually remove toxins from the air. Houseplants can filter common pollutants including VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and replace them with clean air to breathe. Considering how much time you spend in your bedroom sleeping, improving the air quality of the room is an obvious benefit.
Making sure you have plenty of oxygen is just one way plants in your bedroom can benefit your wellbeing. Studies show that houseplants can help you relax. Caring for and interacting with living greenery can decrease both psychological and physiological stress, which not only leads to better waking hours but also better quality of sleep. Some scented plants, like lavender or jasmine, have a calming effect that can help you fall asleep more quickly and create a pleasant nighttime environment.
Spending time out in nature works wonders for your mood, but it’s not always possible or practical to walk in the woods when you need a boost. Luckily, having houseplants can provide many of the same psychological benefits even if you can’t go outside. Researchers have found that greenery can promote positivity and focus in both work and living environments. Keeping living greenery in the bedroom can help you breathe and help you sleep, but also have the potential to make you happier when you wake up.
Some plants are better than others regarding these benefits. For example, snake plants are one of NASA’s favorites for air purification. What makes snake plants great for bedrooms is that it releases oxygen all night rather than only during the day. Lavender, jasmine and gardenia have pleasant scents that can reduce stress and improve your sleep. Popular hanging or trailing plants like pothos and heart leaf philodendron can also clean up the air by absorbing harmful pollutants.
As with all houseplants, make sure that any plants you choose for your bedroom are safe for your living situation. If you have pets, keep your snake plants and philodendron out of reach. While they can improve your overall health, they are toxic when eaten. This will help you avoid the additional stress of worrying your pets will eat something they shouldn’t—and any stress relief is a benefit in your bedroom.
