Best Bedroom Plants For Oxygen and Air Purification
By Mlbrun Team | On 19 April 2024 07:01 AM
While technically all plants give off oxygen during the day through photosynthesis, the amount is negligible compared to the oxygen we obtain from the outdoors. Nevertheless, some bedroom plants are indeed effective at air purification, removing common toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
These toxins are often present in household items like furniture, paint, and cleaning products. Therefore, even though these plants may not function as oxygen machines, they can still contribute to a healthier indoor environment, especially in the bedroom where we spend a significant amount of time.
Snake Plant
Scientifically known as Sansevieria, the snake plant is a popular bedroom plant cherished for its striking appearance, air-purifying abilities, and low maintenance requirements. This plant is adaptable to a wide range of light conditions, tolerating low to bright indirect light, and can survive even in low light.
Snake plants only need to be watered fortnightly, allowing the soil to completely dry out between waterings. However, it's important to note that these plants can be toxic to both people and animals, so it's essential to keep them away from small children and pets.
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily, an elegant plant with glossy white flowers and deep green foliage, is one of the best choices for bedrooms. It removes pollutants like benzene, ammonia, and formaldehyde from the air, serving as a natural remedy to reduce indoor air pollutants.
Apart from that, peace lilies promote restful sleep and reduce stress, making them a great addition to bedrooms and office spaces. These plants create a calming atmosphere that fosters a sense of peace and calmness, ultimately contributing to improved mental health and overall well-being.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are a wonderful addition to any home, especially the bedroom, due to their visual appeal and numerous health benefits. Not only do they produce long, cascading stems with spiderettes at the ends, but they also thrive in various lighting conditions and are easy to propagate.
These plants are effective at removing common household toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde, and can increase the humidity in your home, helping alleviate respiratory conditions, skin problems, and sore throats.
Golden Pothos
The Golden Pothos is a fast-growing vine that adds a touch of elegance to your bedroom. Its heart-shaped leaves, adorned with variegation, make it an attractive and visually appealing addition to any indoor space. This plant is known for its adaptability, as it can thrive in low-light conditions and can be easily trained to climb or trail.
One of the most impressive features of this plant is its ability to act as a natural air cleanser, effectively filtering out harmful chemicals like xylene and toluene. This makes it a valuable asset in purifying the air in your home.
However, it's important to note that these plants can be toxic to your pets. If ingested, they can cause symptoms such as oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a low-maintenance plant with glossy, dark green leaves, well-known for its ability to remove toxins such as benzene and toluene from the air. It releases oxygen during the day through photosynthesis, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. This makes it an ideal companion for bedrooms or other areas where fresh air circulation is required.
Unlike the snake plant, ZZ plants do not release oxygen at night, but rather during the day, similar to most other houseplants. If you are looking for a plant that releases oxygen at night, this plant is not suitable for you.
English Ivy
English Ivy, also referred to as Hedera Helix, is an excellent air purifier, making it one of the best plants for bedroom. This plant removes harmful toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air, improving the quality of the air you breathe while you sleep.
These plants are low-maintenance and can thrive in low-light conditions. Being climbing vines, they can be easily trained to climb walls or hang from baskets, adding versatility and attractiveness to any bedroom.
Aglaonema
Aglaonema is a shade-loving plant that features colorful foliage with variegation in shades of green, white, and pink. These plants are easy to care for and thrive in indoor low-light conditions, making them an excellent choice for areas with limited sunlight. Native to tropical regions of Asia and New Guinea, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these evergreen plants are also effective at removing poisons from the air. They absorb toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, providing you with poison-free air.
Philodendron
Philodendron is a stunning tropical plant that boasts large and glossy leaves. These plants can tolerate low light and humidity fluctuations, making them an excellent choice for new gardeners.
Besides that, these plants are natural air cleansers that effectively remove harmful toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Their lush appearance and air-purifying qualities make them a popular choice for both homes and offices.
Gerbera Daisy
The Gerbera Daisy is a colorful plant that produces daisy-like flowers in various colors. This plant prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Although it is not as effective as some other plants in air purification, it can still help improve the air quality of your bedroom.
These flowers are also known for their ability to increase humidity levels and settle dust indoors, leading to fewer cold-related health issues. They are excellent oxygen producers, which can help reduce drowsiness or headaches caused by excess carbon dioxide.
These daisies can last up to 10 days in a vase in your bedroom; however, they are sensitive to fluoride. To prevent damage to their delicate petals and foliage, it is recommended to use bottled or filtered water if possible.
Dracaena
Dracaena is effective in removing common indoor air pollutants such as trichloroethylene and xylene, which can originate from various sources like furniture, paint, cleaning products, and even electronics. By filtering out these pollutants, this plant can contribute to creating a healthier and more refreshing sleep environment in your bedroom.
Unlike many other air-purifying plants, dracaena thrives in low to moderate light conditions. This makes them perfect for bedrooms that don't receive a lot of direct sunlight. You can place them near a window for some indirect light, or they'll do just fine in the shade of corners.
Rubber Plant
The Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a popular choice for indoor spaces due to its glossy, deep green leaves and its ability to purify the air. Placing this plant in your bedroom is an excellent idea, as it not only adds a touch of the tropics but also helps improve air quality.
While the rubber plant is great for your bedroom, it is essential to note that it can be toxic to your pets. This plant contains irritating sap that can cause dermatitis if it comes into contact with your pet's skin, leading to irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant, consult with a veterinarian for proper treatment.
Parlor Palm
Another amazing air-purifying plant for the bedroom is the Parlor Palm. These plants are low-maintenance and effective at removing toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene. The beautiful parlor palm typically thrives in low-light conditions and, unlike the previously mentioned plants, is safe for your dog and cat.
Native to subtropical regions of the Americas, this plant can grow well over six feet tall. If you have a tall and spacious bedroom, this plant would be perfect. However, it is a slow grower, and it may take years to reach its full height.
Lucky Bamboo
While not the most powerful air-purifying plant out there, lucky bamboo can help remove some common indoor air pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. This can contribute to a fresher and potentially healthier sleeping environment.
Lucky bamboo releases moisture into the air as it grows, which can help add humidity to your dry bedroom, especially during the winter months. Thus, if you are among those people who frequently suffer from dry sinuses or allergies, this plant can be beneficial.
Bamboo Palm
Bamboo plants are an excellent choice as air purifiers for your bedroom, as they have been shown to reduce the presence of benzene and carbon monoxide in the air. They absorb and trap toxins while releasing oxygen, creating a healthier and fresher sleeping environment. Furthermore, this plant adds a lush tropical feel to your bedroom and is relatively easy to care for.
Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is a popular choice for bedrooms due to its lush, cascading fronds that add a tropical vibe. Plus, it has the ability to help clean the air by removing common toxins such as formaldehyde and xylenes. Booston prefers moderate to bright indirect sunlight and slightly higher humidity than some other houseplants.
To care for it, keep the soil moist and avoid letting it dry out completely. If the humidity in your bedroom is too low, mist the plant occasionally.