The moment we turn the clock back, we’ve officially turned to winter. Even though the sun still occasionally blesses us with its warm rays, the colder season is on its way. We’re slowly preparing for that long, chilly sleep, and we won’t be seeing much of our balconies or outdoor plants for a while. Life now begins to happen indoors — which means it’s time to make our spaces cozier and more atmospheric. Experts from our region share which plants not only beautify a space but, through their scents and presence, can create an atmosphere that promotes relaxation and restful sleep. We bring you inspiring suggestions and reveal whether there’s really a difference between houseplants — those meant for the bedroom and those for any other room.
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Choose plants based on your bedroom conditions
Danijela and Bojana from Walden Plants believe there’s no real difference between plants suitable for the bedroom and those for other rooms. If you’re worried that plants might “suffocate” you while you sleep because they consume some oxygen at night — don’t be. That’s a complete myth. The amount of oxygen plants use while you’re asleep is negligible compared to what your partner or pet would consume sleeping next to you.
They emphasize that we should instead focus on studies showing that living with plants reduces stress and boosts mood. The plants you choose for your bedroom should depend on the lighting conditions and your lifestyle — whether you keep the blinds down most of the day, making the room darker, or travel often and need a plant that doesn’t require frequent watering. Their suggestions lean toward timeless classics such as Monstera, Philodendron, Golden Pothos, and Spathiphyllum. These can adapt to different light conditions and are forgiving if you occasionally forget to water them — or even overwater them. For those who find the classics boring but still want something low-maintenance and tolerant of varied light and watering conditions, they recommend plants from the Peperomia family. They come in a range of colors and patterns, and the ones with fleshy leaves are especially easy to care for.
Sanseveria / Djardin
For darker rooms or those where blinds are often kept down during the day, Bojana recommends sticking to plants that can handle low-light conditions — primarily Zamioculcas, Sansevieria, or Aspidistra, also known as the “cast-iron plant” because of its resistance to various environments. For those who want a slightly more special version of these classics, there’s a dark purple variety of Zamioculcas called “Raven,” and an Aspidistra “Milky Way” variety with speckled leaves that look like a sea of stars in the galaxy.
Asplenium and Phlebodium
Plants that help you sleep better — whether in winter or summer — are the ones you truly love and that make you happy, says Polina from the flower shop Maj, when asked about plants ideal for the bedroom. She highlights her two current favorites: Asplenium and Phlebodium. “Choose the plants that genuinely suit you,” she advises. No plant can replace an air purifier or humidifier, that would be like cleaning an ocean with a fish tank filter. But plants matter because they help us create a soothing atmosphere, give us something to admire, and allow us to witness natural cycles, connecting us with nature and, in the process, understanding ourselves a little better.
Asplenium / Maj
Spathiphyllum “Diamond”
Ana from Biljke Plants concludes that for a calmer, more restful atmosphere in the bedroom, it’s worth choosing the plant best known for its ability to purify the air — the Spathiphyllum. Its nickname “Diamond” comes from its rare leaves covered in white-silver patterns that, under the right light, resemble the sparkle of a diamond. It was developed through selective breeding to have a more compact growth and more decorative foliage, with white and light-green variegation.
Ana explains that Diamond is a hybrid variation of the peace lily, also known as the “sail plant” or “female flower.” The name “sail plant” comes from its white blooms, which resemble small sails. Its decorative, glossy leaves and elegant white flowers bring a sense of calm and freshness, encouraging better sleep and relaxation. She also notes that NASA, in its Clean Air Study, ranked it among the plants most effective at removing toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant) and Sansevieria
The team from Botanika recommends the Spider Plant as an ideal choice for the bedroom, known as an excellent natural air filter. This plant can absorb pollutants and help maintain optimal humidity levels, creating a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in the room. Sansevieria is also an outstanding air purifier, it absorbs toxins and increases oxygen levels, which can contribute to more peaceful and restorative sleep. Aljaž from the A&A flower shop agrees, adding that both plants help humidify the air even at night, which is especially important during winter when heating often dries out indoor spaces. Having plants in the bedroom can therefore help reduce stress, boost brain function, and improve sleep quality.
Dracaena trifasciata and Aglaonema commutatum
According to Djardin, Dracaena trifasciata, commonly known as the “mother-in-law’s tongue” — is one of the most resilient indoor plants, making it ideal for frequently used or sleeping areas, as it also purifies the air. It tolerates dry air well, so it’s perfectly suited for heated rooms during winter. Care is minimal — it can withstand irregular watering and only needs water once the soil has completely dried out, often just once a month for larger plants. It thrives best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light spaces. Another easy-to-care-for indoor plant is Aglaonema. It adapts well to environments with low humidity and dim light, though it grows best in rooms with plenty of indirect sunlight. It should be watered roughly once a week, when the top two inches (around 5 cm) of soil have dried out
Aglaonema / Djardin
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Spathiphyllum wallisii (Peace Lily)
Known for its ability to purify the air and add humidity to the space, Spathiphyllum wallisii is considered an excellent choice for bedroom greenery, according to Džungla Plants. All of this contributes to better sleep quality, especially during the heating season when the air tends to be dry. The plant is easy to care for and thrives in mild humidity and diffused light. Sofija from Ćao Flowers agrees, adding that it’s often called “women’s happiness” because of its delicate appearance and the calming atmosphere it brings into a room. With its lush green foliage, it naturally increases humidity and filters the air — something especially important in winter when heating dries out interiors. It enjoys regular watering and, in return, provides a sense of freshness and clean, peaceful air — exactly what helps the body and mind truly rest.
