Mario Bautista
Money Tree
Orchid
If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your space, orchids are the best way to go. Plus, they fit easily on nightstands or windowsills. “Orchids (NOT the common grocery store orchids!) are hypoallergenic and clean the air, as well as give you flowers,” says Christopher Satch, founder and CEO of NYC Plant Help, a service that offers plant care calls nationwide for sick and dying plants.
Peace Lily
“This low-maintenance beauty originated from the South American tropics. While it thrives in this type of climate, it has a high transpiration rate that can help humidify the air and promote better airflow, helping its plant parents breathe better,” says Cochran. Peace lilies do best in indirect sunlight and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
Boston Fern
Native to humid forests and swamps, the Boston fern has been a popular houseplant since Victorian times. Also known as sword fern, it features drooping feather-shaped leaves that make for a perfect hanging plant. “Ferns are excellent for bedrooms because the lower light in many bedrooms helps their soil retain moisture,” says Satch. “Ferns also clean the air very well.”
Snake Plant
The snake plant’s bold, sword-like foliage is an eye-catching addition to any bedroom. Also called sansevieria, it’s been a popular houseplant for decades since it’s so hard to kill — all it requires is indirect light and little water. “While it does prefer a dry climate and tolerates droughts, it does need watering – but only when its soil is thoroughly dried,” says Cochran.
Aglaonema
Another plant that thrives on neglect, most aglaonema (a.k.a Chinese evergreen) can survive low-light conditions. Depending on which variation you choose, the strappy leaves may have hints of red or silver. Keep the soil moist by misting regularly.
Anthurium
Enter the world’s longest blooming houseplant: The neon flowers on this plant can last up to eight weeks, with fresh ones popping up regularly. Stick it in a spot with bright light and high humidity. The more light it receives, the more you should water it: As a general rule, water every week, allowing soil to dry out between waterings.
English Ivy
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a soothing ingredient commonly found in lotions and soaps, but it also makes a great houseplant. The tropical succulent with fleshy leaves and spiky edges doesn’t require frequent watering, but it does need bright light, so consider putting it on your bedroom windowsill.
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide for Growing and Caring for Aloe Vera Plants
Pothos
If you don’t have the greenest of thumbs, pothos is the answer! This hardy plant has glossy, trailing vines that drape perfectly over dressers, shelves or hanging planters.
It prefers moderate light, but will tolerate low light. Just be extra careful to let it dry out between waterings.
RELATED: 9 Best Indoor Hanging Plants That Are Easy to Care For, Too
Philodendron Birkin
With lush green leaves featuring beautiful white pinstripes, this fast-growing plant is one of the easier houseplants to keep healthy.
Put it in mid-bright to indirect sunlight and water it once every week or two. Find a good planter and it’s the perfect bedside plant.
Monstera
You’ve probably seen this glossy beauty all over Instagram, and for good reason: Monstera, also known as the “Swiss cheese plant,” is an easy-going option that requires moderate light and once-weekly watering. But take note: You’ll want to steer clear of this plant if you have pets, because its foliage may irritate cats, dogs or other small animals.
Rubber Plant
Black thumbs, this one’s for you: Rubber plants are hardy and its glossy, dark leaves will bring drama to any small bedroom.
While it prefers bright light — filtered morning sun, especially — it can tolerate lower-light conditions. Water when soil is slightly dry to the touch, about once a week.
RELATED: How to Keep Your Rubber Tree Plant Looking Its Best Indoors
Dracaena
With dramatic foliage and detailed markings, this popular air-purifying houseplant is a great way to fill up free space. Over time, it’ll reach a height of three feet, so make sure it has plenty of room to grow.
Dracaena like moderate light and lightly moist soil, so try to situate this plant near a window for optimum growth.
Philodendron Heartleaf
For the full effect, place this pretty vining plant with heart-shaped leaves on top of your dresser or nightstand. It’s a low-maintenance plant that tolerates low light, and it should dry out slightly between waterings. Just keep it away from pets and kids, as it can be toxic if eaten.
Dieffenbachia Camille
The intricately marked leaves on this accent plant make it an instant standout. Best of all: It doesn’t need a lot of regular care as long as it has moderate light and frequent watering. Just be careful to keep water moist, not wet or soggy.
Air Plant
This small-but-mighty plant is about as easy to take of as they come! It’s actually an epiphyte, meaning it doesn’t even need soil to thrive. Most of the time, you’ll see air plants displayed inside glass terrariums or hanging from pieces of wood. No matter which display route you take, give ’em bright light, and mist occasionally.
Parlor Palm
Parlor palms are best suited for advanced plant parents, since it needs bright indoor light and constant, light moisture. But trust us, this diva is well worth the extra effort because its sophisticated look and air-purifying qualities will seriously enhance your bedroom.
Lucky Bamboo
One of the best plants for feng shui, this hard-to-kill plant is said to bring positive energy and good fortune to your home. It’s fairly tolerant, too, preferring moderate light, but it can adapt well to low-light conditions. If grown in soil, keep it slightly moist. Otherwise, keep the roots covered in water, and change it out every week or so.
ZZ Plant
Shiny leaves and a bold, upright form make this striking plant a must-have for a nightstand or dresser. Even better? The ZZ plant, otherwise known as zamioculas zamiifolia, tolerates extremely low light levels and irregular watering. To keep it healthy, water only when the top few inches of soil feels dry.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.
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