Nine Plant Species That Expert Advisors Recommend Avoiding in Your Sleeping Quarters
Nine Plant Species That Expert Advisors Recommend Avoiding in Your Sleeping Quarters
Houseplants can bring an exceptional sense of charm and serenity to your bedroom, but not all types are equally suitable. A plant that flourishes in a well-lit kitchen window may find it challenging to survive in a dimly lit bedroom. Consider opting for low-maintenance choices that stay small and don't require much light or frequent watering. While there are numerous options to choose from, some plants should be avoided. Below, gardening specialists share their insights on the worst plants for your bedroom and the reasons behind their recommendations.
- Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, founder of the Houseplant Guru and writer of Houseplants
- Marianne Willburn, award-winning author of Tropical Plants and How to Love Them and contributing editor at GardenRant.com
01/09
Echeveria
The vibrant pastel hues of Echeveria succulents make them a popular choice for houseplants, but they may struggle in the bedroom. "Many of our preferred succulents, such as Echeveria or Sempervivum, need good light to grow well and can become leggy in a low-light bedroom," says Willburn. "However, we often place them where we want them, like a charming and space-saving choice, despite their requirements for light." If you can meet their temperature and sunlight conditions, these can be low-maintenance and effortless-to-grow options.
02/09
Boston Fern
The attractive and delicate fronds of the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) are a joy to behold, but this plant has specific watering needs and requires consistent humidity. Consequently, it is more suitable for outdoor use rather than a bedroom. If its needs are not met, the Boston fern's leaves may wilt and fall off. "Boston ferns require a lot of sunlight and a good deal of humidity--both of which are scarce indoors," says Willburn. "Without them, the plant continuously sheds pinnae, leaving your floors and tables a constant mess."
03/09
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig tree (Ficus lyrata) can be a beautiful addition to any home, but it may struggle in a bedroom. "It requires plenty of light, yet it is often seen on home décor shows or magazines in a dark corner," says gardening author Lisa Eldred Steinkopf. She also notes that the fiddle leaf fig tree may be too large for most bedrooms, as its leaves are large and may obstruct traffic flow.
04/09
Rubber Tree
The attractive rubber tree (Ficus elastica) can be a stunning houseplant that adds a touch of elegance to any room, but it needs more natural light than bedrooms often provide. Like the fiddle leaf fig tree, it can also grow quite tall, making it a better choice for living areas.
05/09
Prayer Plant
Prayer plants (Calathea) are a visually appealing addition to any home, but they should not be kept in the bedroom. "Calatheas can be finicky. They never want to dry out. They are also not tolerant of fluoride in water," says Steinkopf, adding that their leaves may develop brown edges and possibly brown spots if a municipal water source is used. Instead, use rainwater or bottled water to water a prayer plant, as its watering needs are specific. It's easier to maintain this plant in a bathroom or kitchen where it is closer to a water source.
06/09
Gardenia
The fragrant white blossoms of gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) are a popular choice for houseplants, but they are easier to grow outdoors in a warm climate than indoors. Gardenias are highly sensitive to light changes, susceptible to pests, and not tolerant of inconsistent temperatures and humidity, all of which are difficult to control in a bedroom.
07/09
Venus Flytrap
Like many of the plants on this list, Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) have high growth requirements. These plants need a lot of sunlight to thrive, which is not usually an option in a bedroom where window treatments often block access to sunlight. Venus flytraps also need their soil to stay consistently moist. For optimal results, keep this plant in an area like the kitchen.
08/09
Peruvian Apple Cactus
The Peruvian apple cactus (Cereus peruvianus) brings the desert indoors, but it is not a great choice for the bedroom, especially if your bedroom is small. This cactus variety has the potential to grow quite tall and take up a lot of space in a bedroom. Additionally, as a desert plant, the Peruvian apple cactus requires plenty of sunlight.
09/09
Goldfish Plant
The goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarius) has rigid watering, humidity, and light requirements that make it a better fit for a southern-facing garden window than a dim bedroom.
In contrast to Martha Stewart's recommendation for low-maintenance houseplants, the Peruvian apple cactus ('Cereus peruvianus') may not be suitable for bedrooms due to its size and sunlight requirements. Similarly, the vibrant Goldfish Plant ('Nematanthus gregarius') has strict watering, humidity, and light needs that make it more suitable for a sunny outdoor window rather than a bedroom.