Did you know that you can improve the air quality in your bedroom with plants? Good air quality is vital for sleep and overall health, especially considering that people spend a lot of time in their bedrooms. In fact, people in New Zealand spend an average of 57% of their at-home time in the bedroom.
In the 1980s, NASA famously studied how plants filter toxins from the air. Today, you can select from a wide range of the best air purifying plants for bedroom use to help you breathe easier. This article will explore which plants offer the most benefits, how to choose the right ones for your space, and how effective plants are compared to dedicated air purifiers.
The science behind air-purifying plants
You probably learned in elementary school that plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This process, called photosynthesis, is one way plants purify the air. Plants also pull water up from their roots and release it into the air. This is called transpiration.
What you might not know is that plants can also absorb certain pollutants through their leaves and roots. Some of the pollutants plants can remove from the air include formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, nitrogen oxides, trichloroethylene, and ammonia.
The NASA Clean Air Study
In 1989, NASA published the results of an experiment that looked at how plants could be used to purify the air in space stations. One of the lead researchers, Dr. Bill Wolverton, said the results of the NASA Clean Air Study showed that plants could be “a very effective part of a system used to provide pollution free homes and work places.”
The NASA study looked at about a dozen common houseplants.
Top Air-Purifying Plants for Your Bedroom
Adding plants to your bedroom can make it a more pleasant place to be, but you can also consider Bath & Body Works aromatherapy candles to create a relaxing atmosphere. Here are some of the best air-purifying plants for your bedroom:
The All-Stars
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): The snake plant is known for taking carbon dioxide out of the air and releasing oxygen while you sleep, making it a great bedroom plant. It’s easy to care for and thrives even if you don’t have a lot of light.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Peace lilies are pretty to look at and effective at removing mold spores from the air. They need regular watering and indirect sunlight.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants are easy to grow and propagate, so they’re a good pick if you’re new to growing plants. They’re known for removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): Aloe is a succulent that releases oxygen at night and removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air. It needs bright, indirect sunlight to thrive.
Other Excellent Choices
- English Ivy (Hedera helix): Research shows that English ivy can remove a large percentage of airborne mold. One study showed it removed 78% of airborne mold in 12 hours. Keep in mind that English ivy is toxic to pets.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Boston ferns are effective air purifiers, but they need a lot of humidity and regular watering. Also, Boston ferns can be toxic to pets.
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): Rubber plants are robust and remove formaldehyde, benzene, and other toxins from the air. They need bright, indirect light.
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): Chinese evergreens are low-maintenance and remove a variety of pollutants from the air. They’re happy even if you don’t have a lot of light.
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Areca palms are good at removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. They need bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Considerations for Plant Placement
Where should you put plants in your bedroom for the best air purification results?
Keep your plants out of direct sunlight to keep their leaves from burning. Think about how big the plant is and make sure you have enough space for it to thrive.
Plants vs. Air Purifiers: Which is better?
Plants and air purifiers both have their pros and cons when it comes to cleaning the air in your bedroom.
What are the advantages of plants?
- They’re natural and pretty to look at.
- They can raise the humidity in a room.
- They’re usually cheaper than air purifiers.
- They can make you feel good.
What are the limitations of plants?
- They don’t purify air as well as dedicated air purifiers.
- How well they work depends on how many plants you have and how big they are.
- They need to be cared for (watered, fertilized, repotted).
- Some can be toxic to pets or cause allergies.
What are the advantages of air purifiers?
- They’re highly effective and can get rid of a lot of different pollutants, like particulates, VOCs, and allergens, quickly.
- They can target specific pollutants with special filters, like HEPA filters for particulates or activated carbon filters for VOCs.
What are the limitations of air purifiers?
- They can be pricey.
- They need electricity to run.
- They might make some noise.
- They don’t make a room look nicer.
Why not use both?
Using both plants and air purifiers is a great way to have the best possible air quality. Plants give you ongoing, low-level air purification, and you can use air purifiers to really deep-clean the air from time to time.
Picking the right plants for your bedroom
Bringing plants into your bedroom is a great idea! Here are a few things to think about when you’re choosing the best plants for you:
- Light: How much light does your bedroom get? Choose plants that thrive in those conditions. If your room is dim, look for snake plants, Chinese evergreens, or peace lilies. If you have bright, indirect light, aloe vera, rubber plants, or areca palms might be better.
- Watering: Are you good at remembering to water plants? If not, go with low-maintenance choices like snake plants or aloe vera. If you’re a regular waterer, peace lilies, Boston ferns, or areca palms could work.
- Allergies & Pets: Do you have allergies or pets? If so, make sure the plants you choose are safe and non-toxic. Avoid plants like English ivy and Boston ferns if you have pets.
- Space: Choose plants that fit comfortably in your bedroom without taking up too much space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air-purifying plants good for bedrooms?
Yes, air-purifying plants are generally considered beneficial for bedrooms. They can help remove common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, contributing to cleaner air quality. While the impact of a single plant might be subtle, several plants in a bedroom can potentially improve the air and create a more pleasant sleeping environment. Remember to choose plants that are safe for pets and children.
What is the best plant to purify the air in the bedroom?
There’s no single “best” plant, as different plants excel at removing different pollutants. However, some top contenders for air purification in the bedroom include snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata), spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum), and peace lilies (Spathiphyllum wallisii). Snake plants are particularly good at converting carbon dioxide to oxygen at night, making them ideal for bedrooms. Spider plants are easy to care for and effective at removing various toxins, while peace lilies can also help increase humidity in the air.
Which plant to keep in the bedroom for better sleep?
While air purification contributes to a better sleep environment, some plants are also believed to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality through their scent or other properties, and you can also explore essential oils that work to help you sleep better. Lavender (Lavandula) is well-known for its calming fragrance, which can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is another option with a soothing scent. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) releases compounds that may promote relaxation and sleep. However, some people may be sensitive to these scents, so it’s best to test them out and ensure they do not negatively impact your sleep.
In conclusion
Adding air-purifying plants to your bedroom can help you sleep better and feel better overall. These plants help create a healthier, more relaxing environment that’s conducive to good sleep.
When choosing plants, keep in mind that not all plants are created equal. Some plants are better at removing certain toxins, and some plants are easier to care for than others. So, it’s important to choose the right plants for your individual needs and preferences.
For the best possible results, consider combining air-purifying plants with a high-quality air purifier. This way, you’ll have the power of nature and technology working together to create the cleanest, healthiest air possible.
Why wait? Start creating your healthier bedroom today by adding a few air-purifying plants. Your body (and mind) will thank you.