In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to unwind has become more important than ever. While there are many methods to promote relaxation, one easy solution is often overlooked: indoor plants. By bringing plants into the bedroom, you can create an environment that leads to better sleep and overall well-being.
Natural air purifiers?
While it’s commonly thought that plants purify the air, the extent of their impact in real-world settings is still open to debate.
Research conducted by Nasa in the 1980s suggested that certain plants could remove pollutants from the air but these experiments were conducted in sealed, controlled environments.
In a typical home, you would probably need a significant number of plants to see a noticeable difference in air quality. However, there’s no denying the psychological benefits of having plants around.
How greenery helps mind and body
Numerous studies have shown that exposure to greenery can ease stress and improve mood. For example, a 2002 review by healthcare design researcher Roger Ulrich showed that just a few minutes of gazing at plants could lead to significant stress reduction.
According to one of the studies cited, post-surgery patients who had a bedside view of trees recovered faster and needed less pain medication than patients whose rooms looked out onto a brick wall. The medical staff also noticed that the patients who had a view of greenery seemed to be in better spirits.
Choosing the right houseplant
When selecting plants for your bedroom, consider whether they will thrive in the kind of light and humidity levels there. Also, find out the speed of growth – if a plant shoots up by 50cm in six months, it probably won’t work in a small space.
Remember to check whether the plant is toxic, especially if you have young children or pets.
Here’s a list of plants with great visual appeal but need only minimal care, making them ideal for those with little time or gardening experience.
Bedroom plants for busy people
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Ficus Elastica Robusta: if you know next to nothing about gardening, start with this hardy rubber plant. Try putting it in a corner by a window – the waxy leaves are sure to bring a gloss to the decor.
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Philodendron Birkin: a great aesthetic addition because of its striking foliage, this plant does well in bright, indirect light. Its slow-growing nature makes the plant suited to small spaces.
Photo by Kara Eads on Unsplash
Monstera deliciosa: also known as the Swiss cheese plant because of the holes in its leaves, which give the plant its distinctive appearance. Originally a jungle dweller, it thrives in a warm and humid place. But all parts of the plant are toxic so don’t bring it into a space with young children or animals.
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Aglaonema, or Chinese evergreen: attractive yet low-maintenance, this popular indoor plant is also favoured by feng shui practitioners. It can adapt to low light, making it a good choice for darker bedrooms.
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Lucky bamboo: another feng shui favourite, this plant is thought to bring luck and prosperity. Its hardiness also makes it a good houseplant but keep it away from the air-conditioner and direct sunlight so you can enjoy its sculptural lines longer.
Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash
Tillandsia, or air plants: In nature, tillandsia are found growing on other plants so they don’t need soil. This means your imagination can run wild when it comes to display. Hang them from the ceiling in globes or macrame holders or arrange them on a piece of wood. Want to create a living work of art? Assemble a collage of air plants in a wire frame and hang it on your wall.
Let nature lull you to sleep
Adding plants to your bedroom is an easy way to jazz up the space while making it more conducive to sleep.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, there’s a wide range of options to choose from. So why not let nature lull you to sleep and see how greenery can revitalize you?
