Transforming your bedroom into a healthier and more inviting space can be as simple as adding a few strategically chosen plants. In addition to enhancing the décor with vibrant touches of life and color, certain plant species have been scientifically proven to improve indoor air quality by removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels at night.
NASA, in its well-known “Clean Air Study“, demonstrated that certain plants act as natural air purifiers, capable of filtering harmful substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly found in indoor environments. These toxins, present in furniture, paints, cleaning products, and building materials, can compromise respiratory health and sleep quality.
In this article, we present 15 plant species that not only thrive in low-light indoor environments but are also particularly effective at purifying the air in your bedroom, contributing to more restful nights and a refreshed awakening.
Why Have Plants in Your Bedroom?
Before we explore the recommended species, it’s important to understand the benefits of having plants in your bedroom:
- Air purification: Removes toxins and releases oxygen
- Humidity regulation: Helps maintain optimal humidity levels
- Stress reduction: Studies show that the presence of plants reduces anxiety
- Improved sleep: Some species promote sleep with their calming scents
- Aesthetic appeal: Enhances décor, bringing life to the space
Debunking the Myth: Plants Do Not “Steal” Oxygen at Night
A persistent myth suggests that keeping plants in the bedroom is harmful because they “steal” oxygen at night. This belief is fundamentally incorrect. While most plants do absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide during nighttime respiration, the amount is negligible—a typical person consumes approximately 100 times more oxygen than all the plants in a well-decorated bedroom combined.
Moreover, several species, such as the Snake Plant and Phalaenopsis Orchids, use Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), continuing to release oxygen even in the dark. Scientific studies, including NASA research, confirm not only the safety but also the benefits of keeping plants indoors, as their air-purifying and humidity-regulating effects far outweigh any minimal oxygen consumption.
The 15 Best Air-Purifying Plants for Bedrooms
1. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
The Snake Plant is virtually indestructible and perfect for beginners. This resilient plant releases oxygen at night, unlike most other species, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms.
Specific Benefits:
- Removes formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides
- Requires minimal water and maintenance
- Thrives in low-light conditions
- Helps filter benzene, commonly found in paints and detergents
Basic Care:
- Water only when the soil is completely dry
- Tolerates partial shade but prefers indirect light
- Does not require frequent repotting
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
Elegant and known for its distinctive white flowers, the Peace Lily is highly effective at removing alcohol, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air.
Specific Benefits:
- Increases indoor humidity by up to 5%
- Effective against mold spores in the air
- Neutralizes harmful gases emitted by electronics
- Recognized by NASA as one of the best air-purifying plants
Basic Care:
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Prefers indirect light
- Fertilize every six weeks during spring and summer
3. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
The Baby Rubber Plant is a compact, decorative plant that serves as an excellent air purifier, removing formaldehyde and other common household pollutants.
Specific Benefits:
- Effectively filters formaldehyde released by new furniture
- Compact size makes it perfect for bedside tables
- Varieties with colorful leaves add decorative value
- Low maintenance and pest-resistant
Basic Care:
- Water moderately, allowing soil to dry between waterings
- Prefers medium to bright light but avoids direct sunlight
- Tolerates dry indoor air, making it ideal for air-conditioned rooms
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Versatile and easy to grow, the Pothos efficiently removes formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene from the air, substances commonly found in new furniture and carpets.
Specific Benefits:
- Significantly reduces VOC levels in the air
- Adapts to different lighting conditions
- Can be grown as a hanging plant, saving space
- Each plant can purify the air in up to 100 square meters (1,076 sq. ft.)
Basic Care:
- Water when the top layer of soil is dry
- Thrives in indirect light but tolerates darker environments
- Keep away from pets (mildly toxic)
5. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
This indoor palm is particularly effective in removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. Elegant and imposing, it adds a tropical touch to the bedroom.
Specific Benefits:
- Excellent natural humidifier
- Filters multiple pollutants simultaneously
- Recommended for people with respiratory issues
- Recognized by NASA as one of the most efficient air-purifying plants
Basic Care:
- Keep soil slightly moist in spring and summer
- Prefer bright, filtered light
- Mist leaves regularly to increase humidity
6. Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
With its long, pointed leaves, the Madagascar Dragon Tree not only adds an interesting visual element to the bedroom but also effectively removes trichloroethylene, xylene, formaldehyde, and benzene.
Specific Benefits:
- Eliminates toxins released by varnishes and lacquers
- Effective against pollutants from cleaning products
- Helps reduce allergy symptoms
- Adapts well to air-conditioned environments
Basic Care:
- Water only when the soil is dry to the touch
- Thrives in indirect light
- Prefers temperatures between 18°C and 24°C (64°F–75°F)
7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Also known as the bamboo palm, this excellent air purifier effectively removes formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia from indoor environments.
Specific Benefits:
- Naturally humidifies the air
- Particularly effective against pollutants from cleaning products
- Grows slowly, requiring minimal repotting
- Resistant to common indoor plant pests and diseases
Basic Care:
- Keep soil slightly moist but not waterlogged
- Prefers bright, indirect light
- Occasionally mist leaves to remove dust
- Protect from cold drafts
8. Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
With its large, violin-shaped leaves, this fig tree is not only decorative but also effective in filtering formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Specific Benefits:
- Increases humidity levels
- Excellent CO₂ absorber
- Removes airborne particles
- Combats sick building syndrome in indoor spaces
Basic Care:
- Water when the top layer of soil is dry
- Position in bright, indirect light
- Regularly clean leaves to optimize photosynthesis
9. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Renowned for its resilience, the ZZ plant is excellent at removing xylene, toluene, and VOCs, substances released by products such as nail polish and removers.
Specific Benefits:
- Survives with minimal watering
- Tolerates low-light environments
- Resistant to pests and diseases
- Effective at purifying air even at night
Basic Care:
- Water only when the soil is completely dry
- Tolerates everything from partial shade to indirect light
- Avoid direct sun exposure
10. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
Beyond being a staple of modern décor, the Swiss Cheese Plant is effective at removing formaldehyde and other VOCs from indoor air.
Specific Benefits:
- Significantly increases air humidity
- Speeds up recovery from colds and respiratory issues
- Large leaves capture more pollutants
- Promotes a sense of well-being and connection with nature
Basic Care:
- Keep soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering
- Prefers bright, indirect light
- Regularly clean leaves to remove dust
11. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant, with its variegated leaves, is equally effective in removing formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air.
Specific Benefits:
- Combats pollution from kitchens and heating systems
- Effective against compounds released by MDF furniture
- Easily propagates, allowing more air-purifying plants to be distributed around the home
- Recommended for people with allergies and asthma
Basic Care:
- Water moderately, keeping the soil slightly moist
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Tolerates lower temperatures better than most tropical plants
12. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are excellent for increasing air humidity and removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, which are commonly found in products such as cosmetics and deodorants.
Specific Benefits:
- Naturally humidifies dry environments
- Filters small airborne particles
- Recommended for people with dry skin or respiratory issues
- Absorbs pollutants released by beauty products
Basic Care:
- Keep the soil consistently moist
- Prefers environments with indirect light and high humidity
- Mist the leaves regularly
13. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
NASA has classified English Ivy as one of the best air-purifying plants, capable of removing 94% of benzene and 78% of formaldehyde from indoor environments within 24 hours.
Specific Benefits:
- Proven to reduce mold and airborne bacteria
- Especially beneficial for allergy sufferers
- Effective against toxins from personal care products
- Can be grown as a hanging plant, saving space
Basic Care:
- Water when the top layer of soil is dry
- Place in moderate to bright light
- Keep away from children and pets (mildly toxic)
14. Phalaenopsis Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
One of the few flowering plants that release oxygen at night, Phalaenopsis orchids are effective in removing xylene and toluene from the air.
Specific Benefits:
- Continues the photosynthesis process at night
- Removes volatile compounds from paints and varnishes
- Long-lasting flowers that purify the air for months
- Especially recommended for freshly painted bedrooms
Basic Care:
- Water only when the substrate is dry
- Prefer bright, indirect light
- Avoid exposure to cold drafts
15. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
In addition to its striking red flowers that last for months, Anthurium is effective in removing ammonia, formaldehyde, and xylene from the air.
Specific Benefits:
- Removes toxins released by cleaning products
- Long-lasting flowers continue purifying the air
- Increases humidity in the environment
- Recommended for people with respiratory issues
Basic Care:
- Keep soil slightly moist but not waterlogged
- Position in a spot with indirect light
- Avoid direct sunlight and cold drafts
How to Maximize the Benefits of Air-Purifying Plants
To enhance the beneficial effects of air-purifying plants in your bedroom, consider these recommendations:
- Optimal number of plants: Studies indicate that for a medium-sized bedroom (approximately 12m² or 130 sq. ft.), having between 2 and 4 medium-sized plants is ideal for significant improvements in air quality.
- Strategic placement: Distribute plants throughout the room rather than clustering them together. Place them near potential pollution sources such as new furniture, electronic devices, or beauty products.
- Combination of species: Each plant is particularly effective against certain pollutants. Combining different species ensures a broader purification effect.
- Proper maintenance: Healthy plants are more efficient at purifying the air. Keep them free of dust (regularly clean their leaves), properly watered, and in ideal lighting conditions.
Important Precautions
Although plants offer numerous benefits, some considerations should be taken into account:
- Allergies: People with pollen allergies should avoid highly flowering plants.
- Toxicity: Some plants may be toxic to small children and pets.
- Excess humidity: In rooms prone to mold, limit the number of plants or choose species that require less water.
- Insects: Regularly check for pests and treat them immediately to prevent infestations.
- Dust accumulation: Indoor plant leaves can collect dust, which can harbor dust mites. Wash them regularly, mimicking light rain, to keep them clean. Use a garden hose or a showerhead.
Incorporating air-purifying plants into your bedroom not only enhances the quality of the environment but also significantly contributes to your physical and mental well-being. The 15 species presented in this article have been scientifically proven to effectively remove toxins from the air, in addition to providing additional benefits such as humidity regulation and stress reduction.
The best approach is to start with easy-to-maintain species, such as the Snake Plant or the ZZ Plant, and gradually introduce other varieties as you become more comfortable with plant care. Remember that the key to a truly purified environment lies in the diversity of plants and the proper maintenance of each species.
Transform your bedroom into a green sanctuary and enjoy the benefits of cleaner air and a more harmonious atmosphere. Your body and mind will thank you for this small yet significant investment in quality of life.
