Some nights, no matter how exhausted you are, sleep just won’t come. Your mind won’t stop racing, the air feels stale, and suddenly, every little noise is annoying. I’ve been there, and if you have too, adding a few plants to your space might actually help.
Certain plants do more than just look nice—they clean the air, reduce stress, and even promote better sleep. Some release oxygen at night, some absorb toxins, and some just have a naturally calming scent. The best part? They do all of this without you having to lift a finger. If you want an easy way to make your bedroom feel fresher and more relaxing, these plants are worth having around.
Spider Plants
Spider plants actually make your space feel fresher. They’re known for removing toxins from the air, which can help with headaches, allergies, and overall sleep quality. If you’ve ever felt like the air in your room is a little stale, a spider plant can help clear things up so you can breathe easier at night.
These plants are as low-maintenance as it gets. They like bright, indirect light but won’t complain if they’re in a slightly darker corner. Water when the top two inches of soil feel dry, and don’t let them sit in standing water. Bonus: they’re pet-friendly and grow little “babies” that you can replant.
English Ivy
English ivy is a great plant for stress relief because it helps filter out airborne toxins and allergens like mold. Cleaner air means fewer irritants, which can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day and how well you sleep at night. Plus, its trailing vines give off that peaceful, nature-inspired look that makes any room feel more relaxing.
English ivy likes bright, indirect light but can survive in lower light, too. Let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and make sure the pot drains well. Just a heads-up—this plant isn’t pet-friendly, so keep it on a high shelf or hanging basket if you have animals at home.
Valerian
If you struggle with falling asleep, Valerian is worth adding to your bedroom. It’s been used for centuries as a natural sleep aid, and studies have shown that inhaling its scent can help you relax and drift off faster. The sweet-smelling flowers are a nice bonus, giving your space a light, calming fragrance without the need for artificial sprays.
Valerian needs a lot of sunlight—at least six hours a day—so a bright window is the best spot. Water regularly so the soil stays slightly moist. If you want an extra sleep boost, try adding a few petals to a warm bath or simply take a deep breath near the plant before bed.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is perfect if you want a relaxing space without a high-maintenance plant. Its trailing vines create a peaceful, natural look while also purifying the air, reducing airborne mold and bacteria that can mess with your breathing. Studies suggest that simply being around greenery can lower stress levels, making this an easy way to create a calmer environment.
Golden pothos thrives on neglect. It prefers bright, indirect light but won’t complain if you put it in a lower-light spot. Water when the soil feels dry, and trim the vines if they start getting too long. Since it grows fast, you can shape it however you like to keep your space feeling tidy and relaxing.
Snake Plants
Snake plants aren’t just low-maintenance—they actually make your bedroom air cleaner. They filter out toxins and pump out oxygen at night, which can help with stuffy noses, allergies, and just feeling like you’re breathing fresher air. If you’ve ever woken up feeling a little off and can’t figure out why, this plant might be what you need.
Snake plants are the definition of easy. They love sunlight but will survive just fine in shadier spots. The only way to mess this up? Overwatering. They only need water every few weeks, so if you tend to forget about your plants, this one’s perfect for you.
Lavender
Lavender has been a go-to for relaxation forever, and there’s a reason you see it in everything from essential oils to pillow sprays. But instead of just spritzing your sheets, why not get the real thing? A lavender plant in your bedroom means you’ll have that calming scent around all the time, helping you relax the second you walk in.
Lavender loves the sun—like really loves it. It needs about eight hours of light a day, so a sunny window is the best spot. Keep it in a warm spot (no cold drafts), water when the soil feels dry, and trim it now and then to keep it looking full. If you take care of it, you’ll get that fresh, soothing scent for a long time.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is great for your skin, helps with digestion, and—surprise—it also helps clean the air in your bedroom while you sleep. Plus, if you ever get a burn or a cut, you can just snap off a leaf and use the gel inside.
Aloe is about as easy as it gets. It barely needs water (maybe every couple of weeks), and it does best in bright, indirect light. If the leaves start turning brown, you’re either overwatering or giving it too much direct sun. Other than that, it pretty much takes care of itself.
Anthuriums
Anthuriums add a little color and life to your space, but they also help keep the air fresh and create a calming vibe. Their glossy, heart-shaped leaves and bright flowers make them look fancy, but they’re actually pretty easy to care for. If you want something that makes your room feel more put together without too much effort, this is a solid choice.
Anthuriums like bright, indirect light and a little bit of attention. Keep the soil slightly damp (but not soaked), and they’ll bloom almost year-round. A little fertilizer here and there keeps them looking their best. If you can remember to water them regularly, they’ll reward you with long-lasting flowers and cleaner air.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.