We spend more time in our bedrooms than in any other room. And while most of that time is spent sleeping, it isn’t the only thing most of us do there. But whatever you’re doing, may I suggest these five plants to help green up your space?
Golden Pothos
Do a quick search for air-purifying plants, and you’ll find list after list of plants claiming to be excellent for cleaning your air. Unfortunately, the research around these claims isn’t unanimous. One scientist who believes plants have air purification value is former NASA research scientist Bill Wolverton. Wolverton was part of the team that conducted a now-famous NASA study on the effectiveness of plants on air quality, and one of the plants that he recommends is the golden pathos. And what makes this one even better is how easy it is to maintain!
Boston Fern
Wolverton says, “The Boston fern is one of the most effective plants for removing airborne pollutants.” But, while you don’t need a botany degree and an uber-green thumb to maintain a Boston fern, they aren’t as plug-and-play as some other plants. They require placement in a room that provides them with plenty of sunlight, and, native to humid areas, you’ll also want to mist this guy daily.
Lavender
Everything about lavender makes it a good bedroom plant, starting with the smell. Who doesn’t love the smell of lavender? And beyond the pleasant odor, research shows that it can help calm you – which is what you want in the room where you sleep. Then there’s the light purple color, believed to soothe or calm us. Herbalists have also been known to suggest lavender to fight restlessness and insomnia.
Sansevieria
With its long sword-shaped leaves rising from the soil, the sansevieria plant makes a visual statement in any room. However, with its ability to purify the air and remove toxins, the bedroom makes a good home for this one. Also, the sansevieria plant, aka Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, makes for good bedroom feng shui, as it’s thought to bring good luck – and couldn’t we all use a little good luck in the bedroom?
Mondia Whitei
Mondia Whitei, aka White’s Ginger, has no air-purifying abilities. But according to some, it can take care of everything else. Found in Africa, the plant has been touted for its medicinal benefits for generations, including as a remedy for heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, gonorrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation, bilharzia, asthma, and high blood pressure. However, it’s the plant’s use as an aphrodisiac and as a cure for impotence that makes it most relevant to our list. While most scientific research has focused on rats, some research has suggested that Mondia Whitei improves human sperm motility.
Note: Regarding effective air purification, scientist Bill Wolverton recommends at least two “good-sized” plants per 100 square feet of interior space.