If you are excited about decorating your home with houseplants, you have probably heard at some point that it’s not good to have houseplants in the bedroom, as they take up oxygen.
This common belief has led many to avoid placing them where they sleep, fearing they might negatively affect their air quality.
You might even have imagined a scenario where your plants suffocate you in your sleep.
However, it’s time to get back to reality and see whether houseplants in the bedroom are really that dangerous. The truth is, the amount of oxygen plants consume at night is minimal and unlikely to impact your health. Instead, houseplants can actually improve indoor air quality and create a more relaxing environment.
Are Houseplants Safe for your Bedroom
Houseplants have become a popular addition to bedrooms for their aesthetic and health benefits. A common concern, however, is whether houseplants in the bedroom are safe. Facts indicate that plants take up oxygen to produce carbon dioxide. Moreover, during the night, they lack a light source for photosynthesis, a process that consumes carbon dioxide to produce oxygen.
Thus, at night, plants take up more oxygen than during the daytime. However, the amount of oxygen that houseplants in the bedroom consume is minimal.
You would need a large tree like a baobab in your room to notice any oxygen insufficiency. Imagining a adansonia in your bedroom seems unrealistic, emphasizing that houseplants in the bedroom are safe.
The small amount of oxygen consumed by plants at night is negligible compared to our oxygen intake. Even a combination of numerous plants will not be harmful unless your room is completely covered in leaves.
Interestingly, plants produce more oxygen during photosynthesis than they consume. They enrich the atmosphere naturally, and the small amount of oxygen they take up at night won’t cause any deficiency. This means having houseplants in the bedroom does not pose a risk to your oxygen levels.
Is Sleeping with Plants Beneficial Then
Having houseplants in the bedroom can be quite beneficial. Plants have the ability to purify the air from toxic ingredients, creating a safer and healthier environment.
Many household items release toxic chemicals into the air, often in amounts too small for us to sense but which can accumulate in our bodies over time and negatively impact our health. Research conducted by NASA shows a significant decrease in air pollutants in the presence of houseplants in the bedroom.
Sleeping with houseplants in the bedroom might increase sleep quality and help you wake up feeling refreshed. Plants can also regulate humidity levels, making it easier to fall asleep. Furthermore, having houseplants in the bedroom has been proven to positively affect mood and effectively lower stress levels.
The primary concern should be for those with pets, as many houseplants can be harmful or irritating to them. Ensuring your chosen houseplants in the bedroom are pet-friendly will mitigate this risk.
What are the Best Plants for the Bedroom
If you are considering adding plants to other parts of your home, such as the living room, there are several options to explore. The living room, often a space for relaxation and socialization, can benefit from plants that not only purify the air but also enhance the ambiance.
Some of the best plants for your living room include the rubber plant, which is known for its large, glossy leaves and air-purifying qualities, and the fiddle leaf fig, which adds a dramatic touch with its large, violin-shaped leaves.
Rubber Plant – The rubber plant is a popular choice for living rooms due to its large, glossy leaves that add a touch of elegance to any space. Besides its aesthetic appeal, the rubber plant is known for its air-purifying qualities, effectively removing toxins such as formaldehyde from the air. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal maintenance.
Fiddle Leaf Fig – The fiddle leaf fig is another fantastic option for the living room. With its large, violin-shaped leaves, this plant makes a dramatic statement and can be a focal point in your décor. Fiddle leaf figs prefer bright, indirect light and need regular watering to keep their soil moist but not waterlogged.
Spider Plant – The spider plant is a versatile and hardy option for the living room. It’s well-known for its air-purifying abilities, effectively removing pollutants like carbon monoxide and xylene. Spider plants are easy to care for, thriving in a range of lighting conditions and requiring only occasional watering.
Boston Fern – Boston ferns are excellent for adding a touch of greenery to your living room while also improving air quality. These ferns are particularly good at removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene. They thrive in indirect light and prefer a humid environment, making them ideal for rooms that may feel dry.
Areca Palm – The areca palm is a popular indoor plant that can grow quite large, making it perfect for spacious living rooms. It’s known for its air-purifying qualities and its ability to add a tropical feel to your home. Areca palms prefer bright, indirect light and need regular watering to maintain their health.
Chinese Evergreen – The Chinese evergreen is a great choice for living rooms with lower light conditions. This plant is not only attractive with its variegated leaves but also effective at filtering out toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. Chinese evergreens are relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and the ability to thrive in a variety of lighting situations, making them ideal for busy households.
Peace Lily – Peace lilies are elegant plants that can thrive in the living room environment. Known for their striking white flowers and dark green leaves, peace lilies are excellent at removing toxins like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. They prefer low to medium light and require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Peace lilies also have the added benefit of increasing indoor humidity, which can be particularly beneficial in dry climates.
English Ivy – English ivy is another versatile plant that can enhance your living room. It’s known for its ability to filter airborne toxins and can be grown in various ways, including as a hanging plant or in a pot. English ivy prefers bright, indirect light and needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Its trailing vines can create a lush, green backdrop in your living space, adding to the overall aesthetic.
ZZ Plant – The ZZ plant is a hardy option that can thrive in low light conditions, making it perfect for living rooms that don’t receive a lot of natural sunlight. It’s also known for its ability to purify the air by removing toxins like xylene, toluene, and benzene. ZZ plants require minimal care, needing only occasional watering and being highly tolerant of neglect, which makes them a practical choice for those with a busy lifestyle.
I love traveling and writing. I’ve lived in different places across the world – Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and Bulgaria – and also traveled to many countries in Europe, Asia and South America.
At last I decided that the US was the best place for me and returned to my hometown.
Now I’m enjoying my time in Columbus, Ohio and I’ve turned to a new page in my life – blogging.