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Top Choices for Greenery in Your Sleeping Quarters

Discover the top 20 plants ideal for cultivating in your bedroom, hand-picked by the gardening professionals at BBC Gardeners' World Magazine.

Optimal Vegetation Choices for a Bedroom Environment
Optimal Vegetation Choices for a Bedroom Environment

Top Choices for Greenery in Your Sleeping Quarters

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in finding plants that can thrive in cooler and darker bedrooms. While new varieties specifically designed for these conditions are not yet widely available, certain tropical and subtropical houseplants that tolerate low light and cooler temperatures can be great choices.

One such plant is the Bunny-ears cactus (Opuntia microdasys), a sun-loving cactus that favors a dry, sunny environment but can tolerate slightly shadier spots. Its unique, flat, paddle-shaped leaves resemble bunny ears, making it a charming addition to any room.

Another low-maintenance option is the Living stone plant (Lithops species), which resembles small pebbles and requires very little attention. Although it is a hardy plant, its small, easily-dislodged hair-like prickles can be skin and eye irritants.

For those who appreciate colour and pattern, the Painted leaf begonia is a great choice. With its colorful evergreen foliage and bold patterns, this plant is ideal for a dry bedroom with low light levels. However, it's essential to note that painted leaf begonias are toxic to humans and animals, especially the roots.

The Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a robust evergreen climber with dark green heart-shaped leaves streaked with yellow. This plant loves humidity and can thrive in a bathroom if there is enough space. However, it's important to remember that while the golden pothos is generally non-toxic to pets, it can cause oral irritation and stomach problems if ingested.

For beginners, the Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is a good houseplant choice. With its dark green, strap-like leaves with creamy stripes, this plant can tolerate a certain amount of neglect. However, all parts of the cast-iron plant are mildly toxic to pets if ingested.

The Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) is another popular choice, with long red-edged leaves cascading from a woody stem. This plant is a sun-lover but can also tolerate low light levels. It's important to note that all parts of the dragon tree are toxic to pets.

For those seeking a unique houseplant, the Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is a fascinating option. With an elegant spray of strap-like leaves emerging from a bulbous stem, this plant thrives in a sunny spot and requires little watering.

Lastly, the Dwarf umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola) is a low-maintenance houseplant that can cope with warm, centrally-heated rooms and low light levels. This plant has dark green or variegated hand-shaped leaves on tall stems. However, it's essential to note that the dwarf umbrella tree is toxic to humans and pets, and is a skin allergen.

In conclusion, while there may not be specific plants bred for cooler, darker bedrooms, there are many low-light tolerant plants like snake plants or ZZ plants that can make excellent additions to these spaces. Always remember to research a plant's care requirements and potential toxicity before bringing it into your home.

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