Plants in the bedroom: the 7 best for better sleep (and why they really work)
Imagine the scene: it’s 7 a.m., soft light filters through the window, and your gaze rests on a lush green plant next to the nightstand. Putting a plant in the bedroom is one of the most beautiful and beneficial choices you can make for your well-being and rest. The best bedroom plants are Sansevieria, Hoya kerrii, Beaucarnea, and other CAM plants that release oxygen at night, lower cortisol, and improve ambient humidity. Sansevieria is by far the most recommended by nurseries.
In this article, we will guide you through the 7 plants we have selected in our catalog, explaining why they work scientifically, how to place them to maximize their benefits, and, above all, finally reassuring you about that old story that "plants steal oxygen at night." Get ready to transform your bedroom into a true sleep sanctuary.
Key Points
- Scientific Benefits — Plants in the bedroom reduce cortisol, improve humidity, and increase emotional well-being, promoting deeper sleep.
- CAM Plants — Some species, like Sansevieria, release oxygen at night thanks to a special metabolism, making them ideal for the bedroom.
- Sansevieria Queen — Sansevieria is the top choice for the bedroom, thanks to its ability to oxygenate the environment at night and its extreme ease of care.
- Myth Debunked — The belief that plants "steal oxygen" at night is unfounded; their consumption is minimal and does not affect air quality.
- Selection and Placement — Choosing suitable plants and pots that match your decor, and placing them strategically, helps create a relaxing and harmonious atmosphere.
Table of Contents
- Why plants in the bedroom really benefit you
- The superpower of CAM plants: oxygen while you sleep
- The 7 plants we choose for the bedroom
- Sansevieria Laurentii — the queen of sleep
- Sansevieria Swasdii in ceramic pot
- Hoya Kerrii Variegata — the love plant
- Beaucarnea Mangiafumo — the indestructible one
- Pothos Aurea / Scindapsus aureus
- Philodendron Birkin
- Calathea Sanderiana or Medallion
- But don't plants steal oxygen while I sleep?
- How to choose the right pot for the bedroom
- Where to Place Plants in the Bedroom (and What to Avoid)
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why plants in the bedroom really benefit you
Plants in the bedroom really improve sleep: they reduce cortisol (Sage Journals 2025 study), regulate room humidity, and increase emotional well-being. A room with two or three well-cared-for plants is measurably calmer, healthier, and more pleasant to fall asleep in.
It's not just an aesthetic matter. The presence of greenery indoors, especially in the bedroom, brings concrete and measurable benefits. Several scientific studies have shown how plants can positively influence our physiology and mood, crucial elements for quality rest.
A study published in Sage Journals in 2025 highlighted how interaction with plants significantly reduces cortisol levels, the stress hormone. This effect is quantifiable, with a Cohen's d of 1.47, a value indicating a strong influence. Imagine falling asleep with less stress accumulated during the day: sleep will be deeper and more restorative.
The perfect plants for your bedroom
Sansevieria, Pothos, Hoya, Beaucarnea, and all other species recommended in this article. Protected shipping throughout Italy, guaranteed healthy arrival.
Discover the recommended plantsGrown by our nurseries Protected packaging After-purchase support
Another key aspect is the regulation of ambient relative humidity. The ideal bedroom should have humidity between 40% and 60%. Plants, through transpiration, help maintain this balance. Adequate humidity is essential for the respiratory mucous membranes, preventing dryness and irritation that can disturb sleep, as confirmed by research in Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences in 2021.
Finally, emotional well-being. A review of over 50 studies (PMC9224521, 2022) confirmed that the presence of plants reduces psychological distress and increases positive emotions. This results in a calmer environment, which promotes easier falling asleep and an overall sense of calm. A room with plants is, ultimately, a more lively, calmer, and more deeply "yours" space, a refuge to find peace after a busy day.
Not just for sleep: research has also shown a 47% increase in concentration in environments enriched with plants. This benefit can be valuable for those who enjoy reading before bed or want to create a peaceful corner for evening mindfulness rituals.
The pot is not just a container; it is a decorative element that completes the plant and the environment. In the bedroom, where intimacy and harmony are essential, choosing the pot becomes even more important. Our growers recommend thinking of the pot as an integral part of the room’s design.
For bedroom plants, the handcrafted ceramics from Le Officine dei Giardini di Giulia offer unique solutions. Each piece is handmade, carrying an irregularity that tells a story and a weight that perfectly balances the plant. Warm tones like sand, ivory, terracotta, or neutral grays harmonize with most textiles and color palettes of modern bedrooms, creating a sense of coherence and calm.
Consider the shape: tall, slender pots are ideal for vertical plants like Sansevieria or Beaucarnea, enhancing their growth. For trailing-leaf plants like Pothos or Hoya, round or bowl-shaped pots, possibly hanging or placed on shelves, create a very attractive cascading effect. The four variants from Officine for the Sansevieria swasdii (Sally, Pitti, Ares, Dioniso) were designed to offer different aesthetic options while maintaining high artisanal quality and refined design.
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Where to Place Plants in the Bedroom (and What to Avoid)
Place plants 30-50 cm from the bed for aesthetic reasons, not scientific ones. Small Sansevieria on the nightstand, Beaucarnea in the opposite corner, trailing Pothos up high. Avoid strongly scented plants like jasmine or gardenia. For an average bedroom, 2-4 well-cared-for plants are enough, no more.
The arrangement of your bedroom plants is not random but follows aesthetic and wellness principles. There is no "scientific" distance from the bed to respect for oxygen reasons, but a distance of 30-50 cm is ideal to ensure comfort and visual harmony.
On the nightstand, a small Sansevieria or a Hoya Kerrii are perfect. These plants don’t take up much space and allow you a small evening gesture, like stroking the leaves, which can become part of your relaxation ritual. A Mini Moss and Stabilized Lichen Frame 14.5x24.5 cm – Black Frame | Made in Italy can be a maintenance-free alternative.
For a corner of the bedroom, perhaps opposite the bed, a Beaucarnea Mangiafumo or even a Strelitzia creates a dramatic visual effect. If you have high shelves or bookcases, a trailing Pothos Aurea is a romantic and space-saving choice that adds greenery without taking up precious floor space. You can also consider a Rectangular Frame of Stabilized Moss and Lichens for a touch of vertical greenery.
What to avoid? Plants with flowers that have too strong a scent, like jasmine or gardenia. Although beautiful, their fragrances can disturb the sleep of those who are particularly sensitive. Also avoid pots without waterproof saucers: the bedroom is the least suitable place for water stains or moisture on the floor or furniture. For a medium-sized room, 2-4 plants that are well cared for are the ideal amount to enjoy the benefits without overloading the environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best plants to keep in the bedroom?
The best plants for the bedroom are those with CAM metabolism, such as Sansevieria Laurentii, Sansevieria Swasdii, Hoya Kerrii, and Beaucarnea Mangiafumo, because they release oxygen at night. Pothos Aurea, Philodendron Birkin, and Calathea Sanderiana are also excellent choices for their beauty and ease of care, contributing to overall well-being.
Does Sansevieria really help you sleep better?
Yes, Sansevieria is considered the "queen of sleep" by growers. Thanks to its CAM metabolism, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during the night, improving air quality. Additionally, it is an extremely resilient and easy-to-care-for plant, perfect for those looking for a green ally for more peaceful rest.
Do plants in the bedroom steal oxygen at night?
Absolutely not. It’s an urban legend. Plants consume a negligible amount of oxygen at night, much less than a pet or another human being. CAM plants, like Sansevieria, even release oxygen during nighttime hours. You can safely have plants in your bedroom without worries.
How many plants can I keep in the bedroom?
For a medium-sized bedroom, 2-4 well-maintained plants are ideal. This amount is enough to enjoy the aesthetic and wellness benefits without overcrowding the space. The important thing is to choose suitable varieties and place them strategically to create a harmonious and relaxing atmosphere.
Which plant produces the most oxygen at night?
Among indoor plants, Sansevieria is best known for its ability to release oxygen at night thanks to its CAM metabolism. Other CAM plants sharing this trait include Aloe Vera and Beaucarnea. These species are especially recommended to improve air quality in your bedroom.
Can I keep a plant on the bedside table?
Of course! The bedside table is a perfect spot for small plants like a compact Sansevieria Laurentii or a Hoya Kerrii. Make sure the plant isn’t too large to clutter the space and that the pot has a saucer to protect the furniture. Being close to the bed can also promote a sense of calm and connection with nature.
Can succulents be kept in the bedroom?
Absolutely yes. Many succulents, like Aloe Vera and some Sansevierias, are CAM plants, meaning they release oxygen at night. They are also low maintenance and adapt well to varying light conditions, making them excellent choices for the bedroom. They add a touch of design with minimal effort.
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In summary
Plants in the bedroom are not just decorative elements but true allies for your well-being. From reducing cortisol to optimizing humidity, to the nighttime oxygen release of CAM plants, greenery transforms your space into a calm oasis. Choosing the right variety and the perfect pot, like the handcrafted ones from Le Officine dei Giardini di Giulia, will allow you to create an environment that nurtures your sleep and spirit. Embrace the power of nature for better rest.
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Our Respiro Verde selection
Discover the Respiro Verde collection — plants selected by our nurserymen for those who want to sleep with greenery nearby. Sansevierias, Hoyas, Beaucarneas, and ceramic pots from Officine: everything you need for the liveliest room in the house.
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