SOS Plants · Location & Light
Which plant to choose
for the bedroom?
The bedroom is one of the most particular rooms for housing plants: we spend a third of our lives there, we sleep there, we breathe there all night. Beyond the decorative aspect, certain criteria become important — air quality, absence of toxicity for children or animals who might enter, and a persistent old myth about nocturnal CO2 that it's time to clarify.
This guide presents the best plants for the bedroom, while also debunking some common misconceptions.
The myth of CO2 at night — true or false?
The most widespread misconception: plants "consume oxygen and release CO2 at night," which would be harmful in a closed bedroom. Let's see what's really going on.
🔬 The scientific truth
It's technically true — all plants respire (consume O2, release CO2) in the absence of light, the opposite of daytime photosynthesis. But the amount of CO2 released by one or two indoor plants is totally negligible compared to the volume of air in a bedroom — thousands of times less than what your own human breathing releases during the night. Having a few plants in the bedroom has no measurable impact on air quality during sleep. It's a myth without solid scientific basis for normal household use.
"One or two plants in the bedroom?
Your breathing produces far more CO2 than they do."
Some plants go even further — Sansevieria and some succulents perform CAM metabolism, a form of inverse photosynthesis that allows them to absorb CO2 at night and produce oxygen in the dark. These are particularly suitable choices for the bedroom, even if the effect remains modest on a room scale.
The 7 best plants for the bedroom
Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
The number one choice for the bedroom. Thanks to its CAM metabolism, sansevieria produces oxygen even at night — unlike most plants. Very resistant, it tolerates the low light often present in bedrooms (blackout curtains, low exposure) and requires very little maintenance. Its graphic forms fit into all decoration styles.
Zamioculcas (ZZ Plant)
If you sometimes forget to water, the zamioculcas is your ideal ally for the bedroom. It tolerates low light and weeks of neglect without flinching. Its shiny, dense foliage brings an elegant touch of greenery without demanding constant attention — perfect for a room where you don't spend the day.
Lavender (potted)
The scent of lavender is traditionally associated with relaxation and better sleep — some studies suggest a slight soothing effect on anxiety and sleep quality. Requires a bright window to thrive in the bedroom, but the fragrance and aesthetic effect are worth it for a bedside table or windowsill.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is one of the most effective plants for filtering volatile organic compounds from indoor air — an asset for a room where you spend a lot of time. Its tolerance to low light and minimal maintenance make it a safe choice for dimly lit bedrooms. Placed high on a shelf, it adds a natural touch without cluttering.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)
If your pets sleep with you, the spider plant is one of the only completely safe choices on this list — non-toxic to cats and dogs. Very tolerant of low light and forgotten watering, it is also one of the most effective plants for filtering formaldehyde present in some furniture and bedroom textiles.
Aloe vera
Like sansevieria, aloe vera performs CAM photosynthesis and releases oxygen at night. It requires a bright window to thrive but rewards with fleshy and graphic foliage, perfect on a south or east-facing bedroom windowsill.
Calathea
Calathea offers spectacular and colorful foliage, completely non-toxic — an excellent choice if you have pets or children playing in the bedroom. It tolerates low light well but needs proper ambient humidity. Avoid nearby radiators that dry out the air and cause brown tips.
Safety — children and pets in the bedroom
The bedroom is often a shared space with children or pets. Always check for toxicity before placing a plant within reach or mouth.
⚠ Plants to monitor if children or pets are present
Sansevieria, zamioculcas, pothos, and aloe vera are slightly to moderately toxic if ingested (mainly digestive irritation, rarely serious). Place them high up, out of reach, or opt instead for spider plant or calathea, which are completely safe for children and pets.
Installation tips for the bedroom
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We write practical guides to help enthusiasts care for their indoor plants. · sosplantes@douceurmaison.fr
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