Best Plants for the Bedroom

Let's face it, you've got enough on your plate when it comes to maintaining your living space. So if you want to spruce up your bedroom by adding a pop of greenery, there's a few criteria you should look for when choosing live plants. Whether you choose to put your new addition in a hanging basket or a trendy geometric vase, look for plants that can thrive with sunlight and little care like lavender, cactus, tiny succulents, English ivy and aloe vera.

Lavender 

Dare we start with the obvious? Virtually every sleep-inducing product from pillow sprays to lotions contain this calming scent. So naturally, it’s the perfect addition to any bedroom. When planting, scout out a spot near a window that draws in lots of sunlight and that can be opened from time to time to provide fresh air. Once in bloom, enjoy the fresh scent before bed or when you're feeling stressed—studies have shown the herb lowers your heart rate and blood pressure.

Cactus 

If you don't have little ones wandering in and out of your room day and night, consider the all-mighty cactus. Tall (columnar) cactuses draw your eye upward, making rooms with low ceilings appear larger. However, these beauties require lots of sunlight. In fact, they'll stretch and lean to get vitamin D if they're not getting adequate sun. To plant, pick out a decorative terra-cotta pot and water only when absolutely necessary.

Tiny Succulents  

These small and adorable plants are kind of a big deal if you haven't noticed. They're everywhere right now. If you're in a studio or have lot shelf space, buy several small succulents to add life to your room. Of course, you can buy them as is and just mist them occasionally with water, but if you're repotting them make sure to use cactus potting mix and add pebbles to the bottom of the planter to ensure that the soil drains properly.

English Ivy 

Want to give your room a secret garden vibe? Hang English Ivy in eye-catching baskets from your ceiling with beautifully-woven rope or let it cascade down a bookcase. As they grow, the vines from this plant drape dramatically and add a bit of romance to any room—especially when sunlight peaks through the leaves. However, if you're a dog or cat lover, beware. Ivy is toxic to our four-legged friends.

Aloe Vera 

Forget the Good Housekeeping seal of approval, NASA has proclaimed that aloe vera is one of the top houseplants for improving air quality because it emits oxygen and clears formaldehyde and benzene from your indoor space. Those pesky byproducts are introduced thanks to things you use on the regular like household cleaners. While this plant does require lots of sunlight, it's easy to grow and requires minimal watering (hooray!). Plus, the gel inside the plant can be used to treat minor cuts, sunburns and insect bites.

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