Air-purifying plants that clean your bedroom for 'better sleep and health'

House plants offer an ideal means to infuse a touch of nature into your snug confines throughout the year. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living space, and certain ones also possess several health benefits. Some plants can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and offer respiratory benefits.

These domestic greens act as natural air purifiers, cleansing your home from pollutants such as carbon dioxide that accumulate to detrimental concentrations over time. Getting rid of particles like dust and pet dander aids in maintaining unobstructed nasal passages, potentially diminishing the frequency of sleep apnea occurrences. Inhaling purified air contributes to steadier breathing patterns during sleep, ensuring deeper and more rejuvenating cycles.



As per Sleep Foundation: "Research suggests that indoor air quality may play a significant role in the quality of a person's sleep. Pollutants and airborne particles in the bedroom can contribute to allergies and other problems that interfere with a good night's rest." In the following segment, gardening specialist Calum Maddock from HomeHow.

co.uk shares insights on the best plants for air purification and enhanced health. With over fifteen years of experience, Calum Maddock is a UK-based landscaping professional, reports the Mirror .

Ficus elastica, better known as the rubber plant, is native to the eastern regions of South and Southeast Asia. This robust flowering species thrives in subdued lighting and cooler climes, making it a perfect addition to indoor spaces. Calum remarks: "In addition to serving as a beautiful accent piece within a room, rubber plants can remove airborne toxins and fight tropical diseases and parasites.

They are particularly effective at removing formaldehyde from the air, which is found in cleaning supplies and furniture." Care Tips: Wipe the leaves with a moist paper towel every now and then to keep their pores open for optimal air purification. Place in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight, avoiding direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Rubber plants prefer high humidity, so most of the leaves regularly or place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles. Commonly known as English ivy or common ivy, this flowering plant originates from much of Europe and some areas of Western Asia. Its adaptability makes it a favoured houseplant, capable of flourishing under various conditions and thus a top pick for home decoration.

Calum notes: "This easy-to-care-for vine can help reduce mould in the home and offer stunning visual appeal. It is worth noting, however, that ivy can be toxic for cats and dogs, so it may be best suited to a pet-free environment." Care Tips: Ivys prefer bright indirect light, and it is best to keep them out of direct sunlight.

Keep soil moist and water thoroughly when the top inch feels dry, but do not let your plant sit in water. Keep temperatures cool to moderate, and consider increasing humidity through misting or other methods. Native to the tropical zones of the Americas and Southeast Asia, peace lilies are evergreen perennials that provide an attractive ornamental touch to any interior setting, suitable for both novice and seasoned plant enthusiasts.

Calum explains: "Not only are they a stunning accent feature for any home, but studies show that they can filter formaldehyde, ammonia, and other harmful toxins that can cause headaches and respiratory problems from indoor air. They can also remove airborne mould that aggravates allergies and asthma symptoms." Care Tips: Keep the plant in a room with average temperature, avoiding cold draughts.

Feed with a diluted liquid houseplant fertiliser every few weeks during the spring and summer months. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry, allowing it to mostly dry out between watering. The spider plant, scientifically known as Chloropythum comosum, gets its common name from its resemblance to a spider.

This evergreen perennial is native to tropical and Southern Africa but has adapted to various regions worldwide, including Western Australia and Bangladesh. Calum advises: "This is one of the easiest houseplants to grow and is natural at absorbing carbon monoxide and formaldehyde while decomposing benzene and nicotine. Just one plant in an average-sized living room is enough to be an effective air filter.

" Care Tips: Ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent soggy soil and root rot. Room temperature is the perfect growing environment for a spider plant, and extreme fluctuations should be avoided. Whilst they appreciate some humidity, spider plants can easily adapt to indoor conditions.

Native to tropical West Africa, the snake plant is a species of flowering plant often kept indoors due to its low-maintenance nature. It requires minimal water and sunlight to thrive. Its leaves can be boiled to create a holistic remedy for skin pain and irritation.

Calum shares: "Snake plants can remove a wide range of pollutants from the air within a home, including benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene. Therefore, as well as making a delightful statement floor piece, they are useful in reducing the effects of allergies and respiratory conditions." Care Tips: These plants prefer bright indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions.

Wipe leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to remove any dust that may have accumulated. Feed with dilute liquid fertiliser once a month during the spring and summer seasons. The Pothos genus comprises flowering plants native to various regions, including China, the Indian Subcontinent, and Australia.

Renowned for being the most low-maintenance houseplant, its numerous varieties and attractive heart-shaped leaves have contributed to its widespread popularity. Calum notes: "These plants are one of the best for removing all types of indoor toxins, so they provide a range of health benefits as well as aesthetic and practical ones. They tolerate lower light, humidity, and temperature, so they can be incorporated into almost any home environment.

" Care Tips: Water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light, around every 1-2 weeks on average. Place in a bright, indirect light, such as on an east or west-facing windowsill. Pothos plants are good for propagation, and you can grow more by taking cuttings from the vines.

In conclusion, Calum remarks: "When trying to improve our physical and mental health, we often consider many options, such as exercise, diet and meditation. The common houseplant is often neglected in our thought process aside from in terms of visual appeal, but it can purify the air in your home, leading to a healthier and happier you." For households with pets or young children, verifying that any plants introduced are non-toxic and safe in case of accidental ingestion is essential.

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