Households across the UK have been urged to remove five specific plants from their bedrooms, as they may be affecting health in several ways. While bringing a plant into your home is often a joyful experience, certain houseplants could negatively impact your sleep and overall well-being.
Bedroom experts from Bed Sava have warned that a number of plants carry that around which can impact your sleep. Certain houseplants, particularly those with strong floral or herbal scents, can unintentionally disrupt your sleep environment. Their potent aromas may stimulate brain activity, making it harder to wind down at night. For individuals with sensitive airways, these scents can also trigger irritation or allergic reactions, further affecting comfort and rest. In enclosed spaces like bedrooms, these smells tend to linger, compounding the issue.
1) Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum):
Often considered an “after-hours” perfumer, the flower blossoms open at night and spread a sweet, musky fragrance. However, according to the experts, it is better to place this plant in a balcony, bright hallway or a living room with an airflow. They said: “Even a single plant can scent a flat until morning.”
2) Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Experts believe that warm and humid air in the bedrooms could amplify the fragrance of this plant. The plant is known for its luxurious, creamy scent, which comes in waves and builds throughout the evening. 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.” It is advisable to place the plant in an entryway or kitchen ledge where air circulates.
4) Oriental lilies (‘Stargazer’)
Just two stems of this particular plant can fill an entire home with rich, spicy-sweet fragrance, making it a striking addition to any space. However, its scent intensifies after dark, which may be overwhelming in a bedroom setting and potentially disruptive to sleep. Additionally, the plant’s pollen tends to scatter easily, creating a mess on bedding and other soft furnishings. For these reasons, experts like Bed Sava recommend placing the plant in a dining area instead, where its beauty and aroma can be enjoyed without compromising comfort.
5) Eucalyptus
This plant, known for its bold menthol-like foliage, releases a sharp, camphoraceous scent that can quickly fill small spaces. According to Bed Sava, its invigorating aroma tends to dominate close quarters, making it less suitable for restful environments like bedrooms. Instead, it’s better placed in areas where alertness and energy are welcome – such as bathrooms or workspaces – where its refreshing qualities can be fully appreciated. For a spa-like touch, it can also be bundled and hung in the shower, allowing the steam to release its stimulating fragrance and create a revitalizing experience.