We've become a nation of plant lovers over the past year while stuck indoors. Looking for something simple to nurture and turn our attention to, all while making our homes a little brighter and more stylish.
Some new plant parents have really taken it in their stride looking after their seedlings, while others have perhaps struggled to remember that their plant babies actually need watering to survive.
Related: The best plant subscription boxes
If you're looking to refine your plant collection to a smaller, more manageable area like your bedroom, or are simply just starting out and need direction, plant expert and co-founder of The Little Botanical, Morag Hill, has shared her top tips for picking the best plants for your bedroom.
What are the best plants for bedrooms?
Morag explains that bringing plants into your bedroom can help you more than you think: "Houseplants are nature’s true superheroes; boosting oxygen levels, reducing stress and generally having a positive effect on our mood, wellbeing and energy levels.
"Some of the particularly clever Little Botanicals even work hard at night to remove toxins and nasty particles from the air, to ensure you get a better, more restful nights’ sleep."
So with that in mind, read on for Morag's top three plants that are most efficient at purifying the air, removing harmful toxins and generally working hard while we sleep.
1. Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
This houseplant purifies the air most efficiently, it gets busy while you’re sleeping and absorbs CO2 and other toxins at night, which makes it particularly good in the bedroom and the perfect size to be placed on a bedside table. Not only that, but our Sansevieria Snakey is super easy to care for.
What's The Best Tried and Tested review, by Deputy Commerical Content Editor Natalie Corner: "I am a total plant virgin and a regular to the faux plant aisle in Ikea. As my first time looking after a plant, I couldn't have found it easier.
"The Little Botanical had carefully packaged my new plant baby and when it was delivered, all it needed was the wrapping removed and a little top up of water. The grey pot which is included in the £20 price, fits perfectly in my bedroom as it's all neutral tones, and the leaves really bring a pop of colour. The plant care guide was brief and to the point, anything more complicated and I think I would have panicked. It explained that the snake plant only needed watering once every couple of weeks, and so far I've managed it without any problems.
"I can honestly say my bedroom feels fresh and the air a lot cleaner."
2. Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Benjamina AKA Weeping Fig is available in different sizes to fit any corner of your bedroom. This air purifying, leafy beauty is known to help filter out pollutants, particularly those that are present in carpets or furniture. Ideal for an empty space in your bedroom, just keep him away from draughts or radiators.
3. English Ivy
The beautiful trailing English Ivy. According to NASA, English Ivy is in the top ten list of Air-Purifying plants. A superstar when it comes to removing benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene; the perfect houseplant to pop on a high shelf in the bedroom.
The best plants for your bedroom
So whether you're a beginner looking to buy their first plant for a bedroom, or you're a green-fingered natural adding to your collection, we've rounded up which species will suit your boudoir. Or check out our best plant subscriptions feature if you're keen to get different plants delivered to your door regularly.
When it comes to indoor plants, Peace Lilies are up there. Not only is the flower beautiful, but it thrives in low light conditions, which are generally great for kitchens and can remove mould spores found in other areas of the home.
bloomboxclub.com
Bloombox Club already offers a stellar choice of plant subscriptions but the brand also gives shoppers the chance to buy single plants if they are not quite ready to commit to an influx of plant babies. Its snake plant option comes in two sizes, 14cm for £17 or 17cm for £21, with the plant pot sold separately. Make sure you have extra space available for your snake plant, as it can slowly grow up to 1m in height.
www.wowcher.co.uk
The Ficus Benjamina, also known as a Weeping Fig, comes in a variety of sizes. This one available on Wowcher is considerably large, so you will need to have space for it in your bedroom - but it will fit those jungle vibes. The 90cm tall plant comes complete in a 21cm pot. You can also opt for a smaller 17cm tall ficus from Crocus, here.
www.leafenvy.co.uk
Beautifully curated by its plant styling team, Leaf Envy will deliver the trendiest seasonal plants right to your home. Its pots are minimal, modern and classy, while the plants are unusually shaped, patterned and textured for the ultimate contrast of styles. Each plant will come with instructions on how to care for it, and will arrive at your door via carbon neutral delivery.
www.crocus.co.uk
Who doesn't love an English Ivy? The trailing leaves are perfect for that Instagram-worth snap, not to mention it's a space-saver if you have high shelves that you want to decorate. If you have a knack with a drill, then by all means secure a hook and make it into a hanging basket feature. You have to be careful if you have sensitive skin, though, as it can cause a reaction.
www.etsy.com
You'll probably recognise the signature striped leaves of the Spider plant which makes for an eye-catching decoration. It needs minimal care, all you have to get is a decorative pot to house it in that fits your bedroom decor.
plantpetclub.co.uk
Plant Pet Club is the houseplant subscription box for people who have no idea what they're doing but welcomes those who are well-versed in plant care. Each plant delivery comes with a gorgeous pot, a care guide and is safely packaged for its arrival. Choose from the Original or Pet-Friendly subscription, along with monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly, and cancel anytime. Want a quick plant fix? The Ultimate Starter Kit will be right up your street to help you start your indoor jungle. Review: "Absolutely excellent company with absolutely amazing plants that are packaged and sent with love. Brilliant attention to detail with an introduction and instruction booklet so you can get to know the new plant member of your family! I really cannot fault them. Highly recommend as a gift to yourself or to others."
www.waitroseflorist.com
Looking to branch out and add a few blooms to your plant collection? An orchid can be surprisingly easy to care for as long as you have the know-how. Tips include submerging the orchid in water once a week, using ice cubes to water it, misting the plant with distilled water, and regular pruning.
A very popular indoor houseplant, especially for beginners. It's also a great one for purifying your bedroom air. Thanks to the plentiful leaves, it really brings a bloom of green to your room. Another plant that thrives when it's hung up, it will also do well if you have a humid bedroom or in your bathroom.
Can plants get rid of a hangover?
Putting plants in your bedroom can help remove toxins as they work hard to purify the air, which also benefits us when we've had a particularly heavy night after celebrating with our loved ones now the lockdown restrictions have eased.
Orchids are great for re-oxygenating the night time air in the bedroom or other living spaces, helping to reduce stress and improve focus, whereas the Snake Plant can remove nitrous oxide and other toxins, helping to cleanse the air as you recover from your hangover.
Other effective plants include the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) which humidifies the air and is perfect for when you're feeling a little dehydrated the morning after a big night out.
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Andrew Fuller, Head Growing Guru at The Growers, part of the Bridge Farm Group, the UK’s largest supplier of plants and flowers, explained: "There's a huge amount of benefits of getting fresh air when hungover. Gentle movements in the garden can help to sweat out of the alcohol while spending time outside gardening can boost your mental health and rejuvenate your mind after a long night, especially if you have any anxiety from the night before!
"I would encourage people to plant some grow-your-own plants so you always have a home-grown source of nutritious fruit and vegetables to refuel your body. Kale is an easy to grow vegetable that can be planted in any space and cut off as needed, it then continues to grow all season. Kale is also high in vitamins A, C, K and others, and contains folate, which helps brain development, so perfect for combating anxious hangovers."
What are the best houseplants to cure a hangover?
• Snake plant - can remove nitrous oxide and other toxins produced by fuel-burning appliances, so it is great for the kitchen or any living space with a wood-burning stove, helping to cleanse the air as you recover from your hangover.
• Spider plant - can remove formaldehyde from treated wooden furnishings and glues from the air.
• Peace lily - thrives in damper areas of the house, removing mould spores from the air.
• The Boston Fern - can be used in living spaces to humidify the air, perfect when you’re feeling a little dehydrated after a few drinks!
• Orchids - are great for re-oxygenating the night time air in the bedroom or other living spaces, helping to reduce stress and improve focus.
How often should you water a houseplant?
Most plants will need to be watered every two to four days, however cacti and succulents only need to be watered when the compost feels completely dry. Always check the instructions for individual plants, as some may need watering once a week.
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How do you take care of house plants?
Stepping into the world of plant care can be a real challenge, especially if you think the only thing plants need is water. You'd be wrong.
Of course, they do, but for beginners, it is the most common mistake to make, as there is a thing as over-watering a plant which can lead to drowning, especially more low-maintenance species that really don't need that much attention.
For some who don't always remember to water their houseplants, a self-watering plant pot can be the way to go, as it takes all the hassle away as the plant feeds itself when needed.
After you've picked the right plant for you and your home, you need to check how much light it needs and where the best position is for it to thrive.
What type of soil you use is also another key factor in caring for your plants. Our advice? Use a good form of potting soil that has a good mixture of minerals that your plant will need.
Don't just stick your plant in any old pot you have lying around, you have to consider the best type of plant pots for your plant babies to start their journeys in, like these rustic pots that will add a touch of class.
What to read next:
Natalie Corner is the Deputy Commercial Content Editor for Bauer Media, working across brands such as What’s The Best, Yours, Mother&Baby, Heat and Closer, specialising in lifestyle and fitness content.
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