Houseplants are more than just pretty decorations. Science has proved that they improve the air condition in your home, and some plants help your bedroom atmosphere in particular. NASA and the American College have put their brains together and come up with a list of the best plants for your bedroom. DM Design, quality fitted bedroom experts who love to see their designs accented by floral friends, guides you through the list:

Why should I put plants in my bedroom?

Let’s look at the science behind foliage in the bedroom.

Ian Drummond, who is a gold-medal winner of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and an interior landscaper, commented to The Telegraph on the practicality of houseplants. He explains: “Many people now live in cities with no outside space. We all have this longing to have some green around us, and houseplants are the perfect solution.”

Houseplants also naturally improve the aroma of your home, without a huge cost. Studies have shown that houseplants have been found to help with concentration, promote better sleep and reduce anxiety among people who live around them on a day-to-day basis too. The Plantsman, when reporting on a 2016 piece which was published in the RHS’s journal, underlined: “As placing indoor plants in rooms is one of the simplest changes that can be made to enhance the environment, it stands out as a practical and affordable support for health.”

What should I add to my bedroom?

Here’s a list of the top four plants that got the thumbs up from NASA and the American College for improving your sleeping space, plant them in a spacious pot that contains soil which has been well drained beforehand.

1. Areca Palm

This plant has many names; the Yellow Butterfly Palm, the Golden Cane Palm, the Bamboo Palm, Dypsis Lutescens, and Chrysalidocarpus Lutescens (which just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?).

More important than its many names, NASA has pointed to the plant as being one of its top 10 air purifiers. What’s more, the plant has been said to be great for those who often have colds or sinus problems due to it regularly releasing moisture into the air.

The Areca Palm plant has long, feather-like leaves, which will bring a tropical splash to your bedroom. When placing Areca Palm plants around your bedroom, look for an area that subjects the plant to bright but indirect light — you’ll know if it is being exposed to direct sunlight as the leaves will begin to turn a yellowish-green hue.

2. Peace Lily

The characteristic white bloom of the Peace Lily is said to be how it received its common name, representing the white flags of a ceasefire. This is recognised as one of the best plants for improving air quality, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, ammonia and carbon monoxide from the air. The flowers of a Peace Lily are specially adapted leaves called a bract. It is native to South America and from the same family as the Flamingo Flower.

The peace lily is an excellent choice for bedrooms because of its attractive appearance and air-purifying properties. It cleanses the air in bedrooms and raises humidity levels for better breathing and sleeping. An increase in humidity soothes sore throats and noses.

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3. Chinese Evergreen

If you want to add some greenery to your room, but plant care is not your forte, this next one is for you. One of the most appealing aspects of the Chinese Evergreen plant — also known as Aglaonema — is that it is one of the easiest houseplants to look after. This is because the plant can grow even in areas of low light — no need to worry about placing it in a dark bedroom then.

As for health benefits, the Chinese Evergreen plant removes more toxins in the air the longer it is exposed to space.

You can’t practice benign neglect when tending to a Chinese Evergreen though. As well as keeping it away from bright sunlight (which can scorch its leaves), the plant should be watered regularly with cool water and fed with plant food once every three to four weeks.

4. Aloe Vera

Medicinally beneficial, Aloe Vera has been grown around the world for thousands of years. This is because the clear and cool gel of an Aloe Vera leaf can be applied to burns, cuts, rashes and areas of sunburn to provide instant relief and speed up the healing process.

It’s not just great for medicine, it’s also a wonderful air purifier, says NASA. This is because they release oxygen regularly during the night and fight against benzene — an ingredient of detergents — and formaldehyde — found in varnishes — to ensure a room’s air remains pure.

Aloe Vera plants don’t like the cold and frost so much, as they are mainly made up of water. It’s best to keep them indoors, in a place with plenty of sunshine. Furthermore

5. Boston Fern

With beautifully elegant leaves and a natural ruffled look, the Boston Fern plant is a lovely view for your bedroom. It is also ranked ninth on NASA’s list of the best air-purifying plants. A key reason for this is that the plant is very adept at removing formaldehyde from rooms.

Bear in mind that this plant is particularly sensitive to chemicals. Smoke which comes from coal fires and wood burners can also be toxic to the plant, which means that they should be placed away from any spaces susceptible to draughts.

With its hanging leaves, the Boston Fern is suited to sitting in a hanging basket, or on the edge of a bookcase.