Plants in the bedroom: advantages, disadvantages & suitable types

Plants in the bedroom are hotly contested. Here you can learn about the advantages and disadvantages of plants in the bedroom and which ones are suitable.

Plants are not only beautiful, but also improve the indoor climate. No wonder you do not want to do without these green buddies in your bedroom either. But there are always rumours about plants in bedrooms – in no other room of the home are our potted plants as controversial as here. While some swear by plants in the bedroom, others believe that plants there are even dangerous. We will show you the advantages, but also disadvantages plants and which species are particularly suitable for the bedroom.

Plants in the bedroom: the disadvantages

The rumour “you should not put plants in your bedroom” still persists. It is based on the fear that plants will “steal” our oxygen through the night. What sounds strange at first glance is actually based on a grain of truth: Even when plants release oxygen through photosynthesis, they also breathe it in at the same time. During the day, the plant exhales much more oxygen than it inhales, thus providing fresh air. However, at night the plant cannot photosynthesise due to the lack of light and therefore the plant takes up more oxygen. This is undoubtedly a disadvantage, but not yet a reason to ban the plant from the room. Compared to humans, it quickly becomes clear that this is a negligible fraction: A square metre of leaf surface releases only 125 millilitres of carbon dioxide per hour, whereas a human emits 15 to 30 litres per hour, more than a hundred times that amount. So a single potted flower is more than safe for the bedroom. Only if you turn your bedroom into a jungle, the air quality at night could suffer.

Another disadvantage of a houseplant can be fungal spores and bacteria that like to cavort in the potting soil. The fear of moulds is not completely unfounded; after all, many hospitals also cite this as a reason for their ban on potted plants. Although this is due more to the increased safety and hygiene standards of the hospitals and not to any health hazards. For healthy people, the microorganisms contained in potting soil are not a problem; after all, we are constantly surrounded by them in our everyday lives. Only regular care should also be given importance in the bedroom. If plants actually start to mould (because they are watered too often, for example), the spore load in the air can also increase dramatically.

Plants in the bedroom: the advantages

It goes without saying that plants in the bedroom do not only have disadvantages, but also a whole range of advantages. The most obvious, of course, is their beautiful appearance. Plants can be real eye-catchers in the room and give it a unique homeliness. And this is not only pleasing to the eye: if you feel comfortable in your bedroom, you can switch off and relax much faster – which ensures a good night’s sleep.

At the same time, plants provide a better indoor climate. That is because even if the plants take some of the oxygen, they provide new oxygen, and thus fresh air, during the day. A whole range of air-purifying plants even absorb pollutants such as formaldehyde or cigarette smoke and can thus even have a positive effect on health. Finally, there are some plants that are characterised by a very special ability: so-called CAM plants, for example, produce oxygen not during the day, but at night. Thus, they provide good air even in the dark hours and are perfect for the bedroom. Plants like lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), on the other hand, are a real insider tip against mosquitoes with their pleasant scent.

The best bedroom plans

Basically, you can keep any plant in your bedroom without hesitation. However, if you want to benefit not only from the pretty appearance of the plants, but also improve their indoor air, do not miss the following plants for the bedroom.

1. Peace lily

Easy-care and robust – the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of the hardest houseplants to kill. It is therefore ideally suited even for people without green thumbs. In the bedroom, the plant is characterised by two main properties: Firstly, the peace lily filters toxins such as formaldehyde from the air. Secondly, it can increase the humidity in the room by up to five percent, which is particularly beneficial for dry mucous membranes.

2. Snake plant

The snake plant (Sansevieria) has long been one of the most popular houseplants yet is rarely encountered in the bedroom – that should change, however. As a CAM plant, snake plant produces oxygen at night and removes carbon dioxide from the room during the day. At the same time, snake plant also filters toxins from the air and is said to strengthen the immune system – a real all-rounder.

3. Aloe vera

Known to most as a medicinal plant, Aloe vera has also become increasingly important as a houseplant in recent years. Aloe vera should not be absent from the bedroom either, because it releases oxygen in the dark and thus provides us with fresh air.

4. Lavender

Lavender oil has long been known as a remedy against sleepless nights, but you can also benefit from the plant in the bedroom: The gentle scent of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) soothes and thus ensures a better sleep. At the same time, it is also a real insect repellent. The scent that we find so pleasant helps to keep unwelcome insects such as moths or mosquitoes out of the bedroom.

5. Golden cane palm

The golden cane palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), also known as the areca palm, is rightly one of the most popular houseplants and stands out with its large, light green fronds. Especially for the bedroom golden cane palm is a real blessing: not only does it clean the air, but it also provides a pleasant humidity.

For the plants to remain decorative and healthy in the long term, they need nutrients. Especially in the pot, these are often used up quickly. A liquid fertiliser such as our Plantura Liquid Houseplant Food provides a remedy and supplies your houseplants with all the necessary nutrients via the irrigation water.

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