House plants have the ability to purify the air. Indeed, a study conducted by Nasa in 1989 concluded that some plants are better for purifying the air than others, removing harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, benzine and other toxins found in cleaning products, paints and flame-retardants commonly found in the modern home.

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It makes sense, therefore, to grow air purifying plants in the bedroom. Not only will the presence of plants create the perfect environment for dropping off to sleep, but the combination of extra oxygen, and an absence of toxins, will give you the best chance of a good night's rest.

More on growing house plants:

Browse our list of the best house plants for a bedroom, below.


1

Peace lily

House plants for a bedroom - peace lily
House plants for a bedroom - peace lily

NASA research found that the peace lily, Spathiphyllum wallisii, to be one of the best air purifying plants. It removes toxic gases like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide from the air. It's a good looking plant, too, bearing dark green, glossy leaves, and white flower 'spathes. Grow in bright light out of direct sunlight, and mist regularly to increase humidity.

Height x Spread: 60cm x 30cm


2

Philodendron scandens

House plants for the bedroom - Philodendron scandens
House plants for the bedroom - Philodendron scandens

Several philodendrons were tested in the NASA study, and were found to remove formaldehyde from the air. Many heart-leaved varieties like Philodendron scandens, pictured, can be grown in a hanging pot, from which its leaves can trail attractively.

H x S: 20cm x 80cm


3

Dracaena

House plants for a bedroom - dracaena
House plants for a bedroom - dracaena

A wide range of pollutants can be absorbed by dragon plant, dracaena. It also helps to clean the air of harmful cigarette smoke particles. Grow in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. It's useful for adding height to an indoor plant display.

H x S: 2m x 30cm


4

Dumb cane

House plants for a bedroom - dumb cane
House plants for a bedroom - dumb cane

Dumb cane, Dieffenbachia, is known for its air purifying qualities. It has large, variegated leaves in shades of green with distinct patterning. Grow out of direct sunlight in free-draining soil. Note that the sap of this plant is an irritant, so take care not to get any on your skin.

H x S: 1.5m x 50cm


5

Golden pothos

House plants for a bedroom - golden pothos
House plants for a bedroom - golden pothos

Golden pothos, Epipremnum aureum, is another winner in the Nasa study, being shown to remove benzene, fomaldeyde, xylene and toluene from the air. It's easy to grow – grow it up a coconut fibre support or let it hang down from a shelf. Take a look at our full guide to growing and caring for pothos.

H x S: 2m x 50cm


6

Chinese evergreen

House plants for a bedroom - Chinese evergreen
House plants for a bedroom - Chinese evergreen

Chinese evergreen, Aglaonema spp, is an attractive plant with green leaves with prominent cream veining. It sucks fomaldehyde and benzene from the air, and is easy to care for. Grow in bright light out of direct sunlight.

H x S: 50cm x 30cm


7

Anthurium

House plants for the bedroom - anthurium
House plants for the bedroom - anthurium

Beautiful anthurium is one of the few house plants bearing flowers over a long period. Its glossy green leaves give way to red 'spathes'. It’s native to tropical forest regions of South America, and so thrives in warm, humid environments. It removes a number of toxins from the air, including formaldehyde.

More like this

H x S: 60cm x 40cm


8

Snake plant

House plants for a bedroom - snake plant
House plants for a bedroom - snake plant

Snake plant, Sansevieria trifasciata, was shown to remove nearly all toxins in the NASA study, proving it invaluable in the home and bedroom. It's easy to grow, too. It does best out of direct sunlight but will tolerate shade. Water sparingly.

H x S: 75cm x 30cm


9

Rubber plant

House plants for a bedroom - rubber plant
House plants for a bedroom - rubber plant

While not as effective as removing toxins as its cousin, Ficus benjamina, the rubber plant, Ficus elastica, has great air purifying properties, including the removal of formaldehyde. This large, impressive house plant is easy to care for – grow in moist but well-drained compost out of direct sunlight.

H x S: 2m x 1m


10

Spider plant

House plants for a bedroom - spider plant
House plants for a bedroom - spider plant

The humble spider plant has great air purifying qualities, and it reproduces readily, meaning you acn grow a spider plant in every room of your house for the same price as just one plant. It's shown to remove formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the atmosphere, making it the perfect bedroom house plant.

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H x S: 20cm x 30cm

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