Ah the eternal dilemma! Rumor has it that it would be better to avoid having plants in your bedroom, while decorating professionals argue the opposite. On the one hand, cons who swear not to have a single potted plant in a bedroom, it would be the worst room in the whole house. On the other hand, for those who can’t live without plants at night! So who to believe? Here is some light on the subject. Let’s discuss the disadvantages then the advantages before possibly proposing names of plants that could enhance your sleep.
Plants in a room: what are the disadvantages?
The idea that you shouldn’t put a plant in your bedroom is conveyed by the simple fact that plants photosynthesise at the same time as they breathe. In other words, they take oxygen from us. Photosynthesis takes place during the day, when it emits oxygen. Which provides fresh air. At night, however, due to lack of light, the plant breathes since photosynthesis is not possible. It therefore absorbs more oxygen. This is undoubtedly a disadvantage, but is it a reason to banish plants from your bedroom? If compared to a human, the carbon dioxide emission of a plant is a negligible fraction. Unless you turn your bedroom into a lush jungle, you’re safe at night. A simple potted plant is therefore harmless to your health.
The second argument against bringing potted plants into a room is undoubtedly the one raised by hospitals that prohibit them: potting soil and plants are a breeding ground for bacteria. The fear of mold is not entirely unfounded. However, regarding the hospital, it is more due to the increased safety and hygiene standards more than a real health risk. Healthy people are not afraid of microorganisms or bacteria in the soil. After all, we are constantly surrounded by them in everyday life. You just have to make sure you take good care of your plant(s). Because if they start to mold – for example because they are watered too often, this can have an impact.
Plants in a room: what are the advantages?
Of course, having plants in your bedroom not only has downsides, but a whole host of upsides as well. The most obvious, of course, is their good looks. Plants can be eye-catchers in a room and give it a unique character. And it’s not just easy on the eyes: if you feel comfortable in this environment, then you’re much more likely to fall asleep easily. Who says plant therefore says relaxation and the guarantee of a good night’s sleep. CQFD.
At the same time, plants ensure a quality environment. Because even if the plants breathe, they supply 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, which can have a positive effect on health. Some plants also have an effect against mosquitoes.
Plants in a bedroom: which one to choose?
Basically, you can keep whatever plants are in your bedroom. But if you don’t have one yet, here are a few that have the advantage of combining beauty and effective function for indoor air.
Le Spathiphyllum
Easy to maintain and robust, the Spathiphyllum is one of those indoor plants that can hardly be allowed to wither. As such, it is ideal for people who do not have a green thumb at all. In a bedroom, spathiphyllum has two main interesting characteristics: on the one hand, it filters toxins such as formaldehyde from the air, on the other hand, it can increase the humidity of the room by up to five percent, which is particularly beneficial in case of dry mucous membranes.
And Sansevieria
Like the Spathiphyllum, the Sansevieria cannot die: it is a robust plant. It is one of the popular plants, but we do not necessarily think of it for the bedroom. It is however a plant which has a particular photosynthesis and has the capacity to reject oxygen at night. It filters toxins from the air and is said to boost the immune system. In short, a real versatile plant if ever there was one.
Aloe Vera
Known to most as a medicinal plant, aloe vera has gained more and more importance in decoration as a houseplant in recent years. Aloe Vera should not be banned from bedrooms since it too releases oxygen in the dark and provides us with fresh air.
Lavender
Lavender has long been known to help you fall asleep, a gentle remedy for your sleepless nights. So you can have it in your room. Its sweet smell is soothing and ensures better sleep. It is also a great mosquito repellent and a plant that repels moths that sometimes invite themselves into our cupboards, wardrobes and other dressing rooms.
The Palm tree
take the palm tree Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, it is a small palm that indoors can measure up to two meters. With it, not only is the jungle effect guaranteed – the effect only, but it also cleans the air.
In order for your plants to remain decorative and healthy in the long term, like everywhere else in your house or garden, they need maintenance. Even minimal. Remember to water them and repot them if necessary.