The Best Bedroom Plants for Better Sleep

Plants in the bedroom aren't just aesthetic — the right ones can genuinely support better sleep. Certain plants reduce airborne irritants, others release calming scents, and even the act of caring for greenery can lower stress levels over time.

This guide covers which plants are actually worth having in your bedroom, what they do, and how to use them without overcomplicating it.

Do Bedroom Plants Actually Help You Sleep?

The research on plants and sleep is real, but it's worth keeping expectations grounded. Plants won't fix a bad mattress or cure insomnia. What they can do:

• Some plants release scents with documented calming effects (lavender is the most researched)
• Certain plants modestly improve indoor air quality by filtering particulates and volatile organic compounds
• The visual presence of greenery is associated with lower stress and cortisol levels in multiple studies
• Plants that release oxygen at night (like snake plants) can slightly improve air freshness while you sleep

Think of bedroom plants as a low-cost, low-effort layer of sleep environment improvement — not a cure-all.

Plants That Help You Relax and Fall Asleep

Lavender

Lavender is the most studied plant for sleep. Its scent has been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and promote longer, deeper sleep — particularly in people who are mildly anxious or stressed.

Best placement: On a nightstand or windowsill near the bed. Lavender needs sunlight, so a south-facing window works best.

Care: Water sparingly, allow soil to dry between watering. Needs 6+ hours of sunlight daily.

Jasmine

Jasmine has a sweet, light fragrance shown in some studies to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. It's more subtle than lavender and works well for people who find lavender too strong.

Best placement: Near the window for indirect light.

Care: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Prefers cooler temperatures at night.

Gardenia

Gardenia produces a rich, calming scent associated with sedative effects. It's a bit more demanding to care for, but the fragrance payoff is significant.

Note: Gardenia requires bright, indirect light and consistent humidity. It's rewarding but not the most beginner-friendly plant.

Valerian

Valerian root is well-known as a sleep supplement — the plant itself emits a mild scent with similar relaxing properties. Less commonly found in plant form than as a supplement, but a good addition if you can source it.

Care: Needs full sun and well-draining soil. Best suited to a bright bedroom.

Plants That Improve Bedroom Air Quality

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

One of the most popular bedroom plants for a reason. Snake plants release oxygen at night (most plants do this during the day), making them particularly useful in a bedroom. They also filter common indoor air toxins.

Best for: Anyone who wants low-maintenance air purification. Nearly impossible to kill.

Care: Tolerates low light. Water every 2–6 weeks depending on the season. One of the most forgiving plants available.

Areca Palm

Areca palms act as natural humidifiers, releasing moisture into the air. This is especially useful if you wake up with dry sinuses, a dry throat, or frequent congestion — common issues in dry climates like Los Angeles.

Best for: Dry sleepers, people with sinus issues, or anyone in a dry environment.

Care: Needs bright, indirect light. Water regularly — don't let soil dry out completely.

English Ivy

English ivy is effective at filtering airborne mold particles and certain allergens. If you're sensitive to dust or mold, it's worth considering — though it does require some care and is toxic to pets.

Best for: Allergy sufferers without pets in the bedroom.

Care: Thrives in moderate light, keep soil evenly moist.

Quick Comparison: Which Plant Is Right for You?

Tips for Using Bedroom Plants Effectively

• Start with one or two plants. More isn't always better. A few well-placed, healthy plants do more than a crowded shelf of struggling ones.
• Match the plant to your bedroom's light. Most bedrooms don't get direct sunlight. Stick to plants that thrive in indirect or low light unless you have a sunny window available.
• Keep plants healthy. A neglected, dying plant doesn't purify air or improve anything. If you're not confident with plant care, start with a snake plant — they're nearly indestructible.
• Position scented plants near the bed. For lavender and jasmine, proximity matters. On the nightstand or within a few feet of the bed works best.
• Don't clutter the room. Your bedroom should feel calm. Two or three intentional plants is a design choice; a dozen is a distraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to have plants in the bedroom while sleeping?

Yes, for most people. Plants release oxygen throughout the day and some (like snake plants) continue at night. The amount of CO₂ plants release at night is negligible. The bigger concern is allergies — if you're sensitive to pollen or mold, avoid flowering plants and keep soil dry enough to prevent mold growth.

Do plants really improve indoor air quality?

They help, but the effect in a typical home is modest. The original NASA study is often overstated — it was conducted in sealed chambers, not normal rooms. That said, plants do filter some toxins and particulates over time. They're a nice complement to good ventilation, not a replacement for it.

What bedroom plant is best for allergies?

Snake plant and English ivy are good choices for allergy sufferers. Avoid heavily-fragrant flowering plants like gardenia or jasmine if you're pollen-sensitive. Areca palm helps with dry air, which can worsen allergy symptoms.

What plants should you avoid in the bedroom?

Avoid plants that are toxic to pets or children if they share the space. Also skip heavily fragrant plants if you're sensitive to scent. Cactus and succulents are fine but offer minimal sleep benefits beyond aesthetics.

Better Sleep Starts with the Right Environment

Plants are one piece of a good sleep environment. The other major factors are temperature, darkness, noise control — and the surface you're sleeping on.

If your mattress is the reason you're not sleeping well, no amount of lavender will fix it. Come visit any of our LA showrooms to test options in person and talk through what you actually need. Our sleep experts are there to help — no hard sell, just real guidance.

Browse our full range of mattresses and sleep accessories online, or explore more sleep tips on our sleep blog.