If you’re tossing and turning at night your house plants might be to blame – experts have revealed 5 plants you should avoid keeping in your bedroom if you want a good night’s sleep
If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, experts warn that your houseplants may be to blame.
While having a mini biome of plants may make your room feel like a peace-loving sanctuary during the day, it can actually take a toll on your sleep once the sun goes down. Bedroom experts from Bed Sava warn that aroma is a hidden variable most people miss when it comes to a good night’s sleep.
Strong floral and herbal aromas can stimulate the brain, aggravate sensitive airways, and linger in enclosed rooms, all of which can lead to a lower quality sleep.
Of course, some plants smell far stronger than others. According to Bed Sava, these are five plants you should consider moving to a different room if you’re struggling to sleep.
1) Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
This elegant flower is considered an “after-hours” perfumer as its blossoms open at night and cast a sweet, musky cloud that can dominate small rooms. Bed Sava warns: “Even a single plant can scent a flat until morning.”
For this reason, they suggest that the plant might be better placed in a balcony, bright hallway, or a living room with airflow.
2) Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
This plant is known for its luxurious, creamy scent, which comes in waves and builds throughout the evening. However, Bed Sava warns that warm, humid air, which is common in bedrooms, can amplify the fragrance.
They suggest that a better spot for the plant could be in the living room near a window, so long as the humidity is moderate.
3) Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Bed Sava says: “[Hyacinth’s] dense florets deliver an intense, spring-bulb perfume that can feel heavy in compact spaces. When several spikes bloom at once, the scent becomes continuous.”
To avoid this issue, they recommend placing the plant in an entryway or kitchen ledge where air circulates.
4) Oriental lilies (‘Stargazer’)
Two stems can perfume an entire home with spicy-sweet notes. They’re spectacular, but the aroma concentrates after dark, and the pollen can be messy on bedding.
Instead, they may be better placed in a dining area. Bed Sava suggests snipping anthers to reduce pollen drop.
5) Eucalyptus
With its strong menthol-like foliage, Bed Sava says that its “invigorating, camphoraceous note dominates close quarters.” You could consider placing it in a bathroom or workspace, or use it as a shower bundle.
If you’re mourning the loss of your bedside plant, no need to worry. Bed Sava have suggested some equally aesthetic “low-scent swaps” that you can use instead. These include pothos, Snake plants, ZZ plants, calatheas and heart-leaf philodendrons.