Best house plants that will 'help you sleep and improve your life' claims expert
A horticultural expert claims that having house plants can also help you to live longer, as well as helping you to get a better night's sleep. Here are his top 10 for the bedroom
If you're tossing and turning at night and finding that a lack of sleep is spoiling your day, worry not – the answer could be as simple as adding some greenery to your boudoir. Indeed, plants might just be the key for those struggling to drift off or those who are fans of a late-night espresso.
It turns out, introducing some leafy friends into your bedroom can do wonders. They don't just purify the air but can significantly enhance your sleep quality. David Domoney, an Everest brand ambassador and esteemed horticulturist, believes that embracing indoor vegetation could even contribute to a longer life.
A little botany lesson for you – many plants actually puff out moisture during what's known as transpiration. However, certain clever species have tweaked their system to hold onto water, which reduces the humidity in their surroundings.
This little trick can help prevent excess moisture building up on your windows, curbing ugly condensation and stopping mould from gatecrashing your space - an enemy to both aesthetics and health.
Plant enthusiast David, who's certainly no sapling at 60, explained: "It is well known that many plants can help improve indoor air quality.
"They absorb pollutants through their leaves, roots, and with microorganisms in the soil filter out harmful compounds which build up in our homes and release clean oxygen."
David, the green-fingered expert regularly gracing our screens on This Morning, has extolled the virtues of houseplants in boosting indoor air quality: "This natural process helps reduce levels of carbon dioxide, increase humidity, and eliminate significant amounts of airborne pollutants, thereby improving the overall air quality within indoor environments.
"Plants contribute to indoor air quality improvement through a few of their natural processes."
He also maintains that besides purifying the air, plants can help lower stress, lift spirits, and improve focus and productivity by creating calm, natural surroundings.
David's shared recommendations include the top 10 green companions for your bedroom haven.
Grabbing the spotlight is the Florist Chrysanthemum, or 'mum' plant, acclaimed for its exemplary benzene-scrubbing abilities, a nasty common in glues, paints, plastics, and detergents. Fancying bright, but indirect sunlight, the 'mum' demands attentive care like regular watering and deadheading to promote flowering.
Even though it may not be the hardiest of houseplants, it can bring seasonal joy.
English Ivy
English Ivy makes the list, highly praised for its pollutant-fighting prowess. Do keep the clippers handy, as this vine loves a trim to stay tidy and thriving. Pet parents, take note – English Ivy is ace at clearing the air of those unwanted faecal particles.
Peace Lily
Then there's the serene Peace Lily, a frontrunner in the home air-purification league. It's a real boon for interior humidity levels too, which could just give your respiratory system that extra bit of comfort.
The Peace Lily is renowned for its ability to purify indoor air and reduce humidity. It flourishes in environments with moderate to high humidity, and its watering needs can be easily met by keeping the soil consistently moist without overwatering.
These plants are content in low-light conditions and can even thrive under fluorescent lights.
Lady Palm
The Lady Palm is highly skilled at eliminating formaldehyde and functions well in a variety of indoor settings, including offices and homes. Its ability to prosper in low-light conditions and its resistance to pests make it an excellent plant for beginners.
The Lady Palm not only provides cleaner air but also enhances the aesthetics of its environment.
Snake Plant
The robust Snake Plant is recognised for its air-purifying properties and its capacity to decrease moisture in the air. This plant is ideal for bedrooms as it absorbs water vapour at night, helping to combat evening condensation on windows.
Additionally, the plant removes carbon dioxide from the air during the night and produces oxygen, which contributes to a good night's sleep.
Also known as the Mother-in-Law's tongue, this plant is perfect for beginners due to its easy care. You can neglect to water it for several weeks, and the plant will still flourish. You can also place the plant in rooms with high humidity or dry conditions.
Red-Edged Dracaena
This eye-catching plant is effective against pollutants such as xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. It can grow quite tall, making it a statement piece for room decor.
Care needed: Red-Edged Dracaena thrives in sunlight and requires soil that is kept lightly moist.
Barberton Daisy
The Barberton Daisy is particularly effective at removing benzene and improving sleep quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen overnight. It thrives in well-lit areas and requires well-drained soil.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is best known for its medicinal properties and is cultivated for its soothing acemannan gel found in the leaf. A lot of people use aloe vera gels to soothe burns, bites and abrasions.
It should be noted that although the gel is tolerated, the skin of aloe vera can be toxic, especially for pregnant women.
The plant prefers plenty of bright light and well-drained soil. So, place the plant on a bathroom or kitchen windowsill that gets plenty of light and this plant will help to reduce excess moisture and humidity.
Weeping Fig
The Weeping Fig is a popular indoor plant that helps combat pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. It prefers bright, indirect light and can be a bit finicky about its care, disliking changes in its location or watering schedule.
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