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Indoor plants can do more than just look pretty. Many houseplants have the power to clean the air in your home. They absorb harmful toxins and release fresh oxygen, making your living space healthier.
Adding air-purifying plants to your home is an easy way to improve indoor air quality. These plants work hard to remove common pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. With so many options to choose from, you can find plants that match your style and care preferences while helping you breathe easier.
1. Snake Plant
Snake plants are tough, low-maintenance houseplants that can improve indoor air quality. They remove harmful pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. These plants have long, upright leaves with striking patterns. They thrive in low-light conditions and don’t need frequent watering.
Snake plants release oxygen at night, making them great for bedrooms. They can help create a more restful sleep environment.
2. Spider Plant
Spider plants are popular air-purifying houseplants. They have long, thin leaves arch outwards from the center, giving them a spider-like appearance. These plants are known for their ability to remove indoor air pollutants. They can help reduce formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide levels in homes and offices.
Spider plants are easy to care for and grow quickly. They thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer well-draining soil. Regular watering keeps them healthy, but they can tolerate short dry spells.
These plants also produce small white flowers and baby plants called “spiderettes.” The spiderettes can be easily propagated to grow new plants.
3. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are popular indoor plants known for their air-purifying abilities. These plants have large, dark green leaves and white flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Peace lilies can remove several harmful chemicals from indoor air. They help clean out substances like alcohol, acetone, and formaldehyde.
To maximize air cleaning, expose more of the plant’s soil to the air. You can do this by trimming lower leaves. This allows pollutants to be absorbed directly into the soil.
One peace lily can clean about 25% of the air in an average room. Two plants may clean up to 75% of the air in the same space.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular succulent known for its air-purifying abilities. This easy-to-grow plant removes harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air.
Aloe vera thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and needs minimal watering. It’s an ideal choice for busy plant owners or those new to gardening.
Besides cleaning the air, aloe vera offers other benefits. Its gel can soothe minor burns and skin irritations. This versatile plant is both practical and attractive in any home setting.
5. Boston Fern
Boston ferns are popular houseplants known for their air-purifying abilities. These lush, feathery plants thrive in humid environments and can help regulate moisture levels in your home.
Boston ferns are particularly good at absorbing excess humidity from the air. This natural dehumidifying effect can help prevent mold growth in damp areas of your house.
These ferns also remove harmful pollutants from indoor air. They can filter out formaldehyde, xylene, and other volatile organic compounds that may be present in your home.
Boston ferns prefer indirect light and regular watering. With proper care, they can grow quite large, making a striking addition to any room while helping to clean the air.
6. English Ivy
English Ivy is a popular indoor plant known for its air-purifying abilities. This climbing vine has distinctive lobed leaves that can be solid green or variegated.
English Ivy is especially good at removing formaldehyde from the air. It also helps filter out benzene and trichloroethylene.
This plant thrives in moderate to bright indirect light. It prefers slightly moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought. English Ivy is toxic if eaten, so keep it away from pets and children.
With proper care, English Ivy can grow quickly and create a lush, cascading effect. It looks great in hanging baskets or trained to climb trellises and walls.
7. Rubber Plant
Rubber plants are popular indoor air purifiers. Their large, glossy leaves help remove toxins like formaldehyde from the air. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions.
Rubber plants are easy to care for and can grow quite tall indoors. They prefer consistent moisture but don’t like to sit in water. Regular dusting of the leaves helps them photosynthesize better.
As they grow, rubber plants can become striking focal points in a room. Their air-cleaning abilities make them both beautiful and functional additions to any home. With proper care, a rubber plant can be a long-lasting companion in creating cleaner indoor air.
8. Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a popular indoor plant known for its air-purifying abilities. This easy-to-grow vine has heart-shaped leaves with golden-yellow variegation.
Golden Pothos can remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. It thrives in various light conditions, making it suitable for different areas of the home.
This plant is low-maintenance and can tolerate some neglect. It grows well in hanging baskets or as a trailing plant on shelves. Regular pruning helps keep Golden Pothos full and bushy.
While effective at cleaning air, Golden Pothos is toxic if ingested. It’s best to keep it out of reach of pets and children.
9. Areca Palm
The Areca Palm is a popular indoor plant known for its air-purifying abilities. It can remove harmful chemicals from the air, making it an excellent choice for homes and offices.
This tropical plant grows well indoors with bright, indirect light. It can reach heights of up to 7 feet, adding 5 to 10 inches each year until fully grown.
Areca Palms prefer warm temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They also need regular watering and higher humidity levels to thrive. A humidifier can help create the right environment during dry seasons.
To keep an Areca Palm healthy, it’s important to remove any yellow or dead fronds regularly. This encourages new growth and keeps the plant looking fresh.
10. Philodendron
Philodendrons are popular houseplants known for their air-purifying abilities. These plants come in various shapes and sizes, with heart-shaped leaves being a common feature. Philodendrons thrive in low to bright light conditions, making them versatile for different areas of the home. They are easy to care for and proliferate, perfect for beginners.
These plants are effective at removing indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde. Philodendrons add a touch of greenery to any space while helping to clean the air.
Regular watering and occasional pruning keep philodendrons healthy. Their lush foliage can trail or climb, depending on the variety and how they’re grown.
11. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen is a popular air-purifying houseplant. It removes formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. This plant is easy to care for and thrives in low-light conditions. Chinese Evergreen has attractive, variegated leaves. They come in shades of green, silver, and red. The plant grows slowly and stays compact, making it ideal for small spaces.
In Asian cultures, Chinese Evergreen is believed to bring good luck. It also adds a touch of natural beauty to any room. This plant is a great choice for beginners or busy plant owners.
12. Dwarf Date Palm
The Dwarf Date Palm is a small, slow-growing palm tree that can help purify indoor air. It typically grows to 8-10 feet tall, making it suitable for spacious indoor areas. This palm adapts well to low-light conditions, making it a good choice for offices or rooms with limited natural light. It’s known for its ability to remove various indoor air pollutants.
The Dwarf Date Palm is drought-resistant and relatively low-maintenance. It has long, slender leaves that add a tropical touch to any space. When caring for this plant, be cautious of its sharp spines near the base of the leaf stems. These can cause injury if not handled carefully.
13. Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm is a popular air-purifying houseplant. It removes harmful chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. This tropical plant grows up to 6 feet tall. It has long, slender stems with feathery fronds that resemble bamboo leaves.
Bamboo palms thrive in bright, indirect light. They need consistently moist soil but should not be overwatered. Regular misting helps maintain humidity.
These palms are relatively easy to care for. They grow well in most indoor environments. Bamboo palms add a lush, tropical feel to any room while cleaning the air.
14. Dracaena
Dracaena plants are popular choices for indoor air purification. These hardy plants come in various species with different leaf shapes and colors.
Dracaenas can remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. They are low-maintenance and adapt well to indoor environments.
Most dracaenas prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. They need moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Some common dracaena varieties include the corn plant, dragon tree, and lucky bamboo. These plants can grow quite tall, making them great statement pieces in homes and offices.
15. Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle-leaf figs are popular indoor plants known for their large, violin-shaped leaves. These plants can help improve air quality in homes and offices.
Fiddle leaf figs remove harmful toxins from the air, including benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene. They also release oxygen, making the environment smell fresher and cleaner.
These plants can live for 25-50 years or more, making them long-term companions for plant lovers. Fiddle leaf figs thrive in bright, indirect light and add a touch of natural beauty to any space.
To get the most benefit, place a fiddle leaf fig in a high-traffic area like the living room or entryway. With proper care, this stylish plant can help purify the air in your home for years to come.
16. Weeping Fig
The Weeping Fig is a popular indoor plant known for its air-purifying abilities. It grows well in homes with limited space, reaching 3-6 feet tall indoors.
This plant thrives in low to bright light conditions. It can be placed near windows in bedrooms or bathrooms with less light.
The Weeping Fig removes toxins like formaldehyde from the air. Its glossy leaves add an elegant touch to any room while helping create a healthier living environment.
Caring for a Weeping Fig is relatively simple. It prefers consistent watering and moderate humidity. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and size.
17. Parlor Palm
The Parlor Palm is a popular indoor plant that can improve air quality. It grows well in low light and small spaces. This palm usually reaches 2-6 feet tall when grown indoors.
Parlor Palms are easy to care for and don’t need much attention. They prefer warm temperatures and indirect light. These plants can remove harmful chemicals from the air.
The Parlor Palm has elegant, feathery fronds that add a tropical feel to any room. It’s a great choice for beginners or busy plant owners. With proper care, this palm can thrive for many years as an air-purifying houseplant.
18. Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair ferns are delicate, graceful plants that can purify indoor air. They have lacy, fan-shaped fronds that add a touch of elegance to any room.
These ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can damage their fragile leaves. They need consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged.
Maidenhair ferns prefer high humidity. Misting the leaves or using a pebble tray can help meet their moisture needs. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer supports healthy growth.
Though they can be finicky, maidenhair ferns are worth the effort. Their unique appearance and air-cleaning abilities make them a prized addition to indoor plant collections.
19. Bird’s Nest Fern
Bird’s Nest Ferns are unique indoor plants with wavy fronds that resemble a bird’s nest. These ferns can help purify the air by absorbing toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
They thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for indoor spaces. Bird’s Nest Ferns prefer moist soil with good drainage and do well in soil rich in organic matter.
To care for a Bird’s Nest Fern, water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. During the growing season in spring and summer, fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. These ferns add a tropical touch to any room while helping to control humidity and clean the air.
20. Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant lives up to its tough name. This hardy plant thrives in low light and neglect. It has dark green, lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 2 feet long.
Cast Iron Plants remove toxins from indoor air. They help improve air quality in homes and offices. These plants are especially good at getting rid of formaldehyde.
Caring for Cast Iron Plants is easy. They need little water and can handle a wide range of temperatures. Dust their leaves occasionally to keep them healthy.
These plants grow slowly, making them ideal for small spaces. They rarely need repotting. Cast Iron Plants make great additions to dark corners or rooms with few windows.
21. Swiss Cheese Plant
The Swiss Cheese Plant, also known as Monstera deliciosa, is a popular indoor plant that can help purify air. It gets its nickname from the unique holes in its large, glossy leaves.
This tropical plant is effective at removing common indoor pollutants. It can filter out substances like formaldehyde, benzene, and other harmful chemicals from the air.
Monstera plants are fairly easy to care for. They prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilizing every 4-6 weeks during the growing season helps keep them healthy.
With proper care, the Swiss Cheese Plant can grow quite large, making a striking statement in any room while improving air quality.
22. Zebra Plant
The zebra plant, also known as Aphelandra squarrosa, stands out with its striking dark green leaves and white veins. This tropical beauty adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.
Zebra plants help purify the air by removing common indoor pollutants. They absorb harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene through their leaves.
These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer high humidity. Regular misting or placing them on a pebble tray with water can help maintain moisture levels.
While not the easiest plant to care for, the zebra plant rewards attentive owners with occasional bursts of vibrant yellow flowers. Its air-cleaning abilities and unique appearance make it a worthwhile addition to any plant collection.
23. Kimberly Queen Fern
The Kimberly Queen Fern is a popular indoor plant known for its air-purifying abilities. Native to Australia, this fern has made its way into homes around the world.
With its lacy, sword-shaped fronds, the Kimberly Queen Fern adds a touch of elegance to any space. It can grow up to 3 feet tall, making it a striking addition to rooms.
This fern thrives in indoor environments and is relatively easy to care for. It prefers consistent moisture and benefits from regular misting to maintain humidity.
The Kimberly Queen Fern is recognized by NASA for its air-cleaning properties. It helps remove indoor pollutants, acting as a natural air purifier in homes and offices.
24. Asparagus Fern
Asparagus fern is a graceful plant that can help clean indoor air. Despite its name, it’s not a true fern but a member of the lily family.
This plant has delicate, feathery foliage that adds a soft touch to any room. It grows well in hanging baskets or as a tabletop plant.
Asparagus fern prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering. It can remove small amounts of indoor air pollutants, making it a good choice for homes and offices.
The plant is relatively easy to care for, but it’s important to note that its berries and sap can be toxic if ingested. It’s best to keep it away from pets and children.
25. Corn Plant
The corn plant, or Dracaena fragrans, is a popular indoor plant with long, striped leaves. It’s often chosen for its attractive appearance and low-maintenance nature. Some claim corn plants can purify indoor air. While they may remove some pollutants, their air-cleaning abilities are likely limited.
Corn plants grow slowly and can reach up to 10 feet tall indoors over many years. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
These plants are easy to care for and don’t need frequent watering. They can add a tropical touch to home decor while potentially offering modest air quality benefits.
Best Locations For Indoor Plants
Placing air-purifying plants in key areas of your home can maximize their benefits. The right spots help plants thrive while cleaning the air you breathe. Here are some ideal locations for indoor plants in different rooms.
Living Room
The living room is perfect for larger air-purifying plants. Place a tall rubber plant or fiddle leaf fig in a corner to make a statement. Put smaller plants like pothos or spider plants on side tables or shelves.
A coffee table centerpiece of succulents adds style while cleaning the air. Hang trailing plants like English ivy from ceiling hooks to save floor space. Group plants of different heights near windows for visual interest. Near electronics is another smart spot. Plants can help remove toxins given off by TVs and computers.
Bedroom
In bedrooms, choose plants that release oxygen at night. Snake plants and aloe vera are good picks. Put them on nightstands or dressers for easy care.
A peace lily on a shelf can remove airborne toxins while you sleep. Place lavender plants near the bed to promote relaxation with their calming scent.
For tight spaces, use wall-mounted planters. Fill them with small air purifiers like pothos or ferns. This saves floor space in smaller bedrooms. Avoid plants with strong scents in bedrooms. They may disrupt sleep for some people.
Home Office
Desktop plants boost mood and clean air in home offices. Small pots of succulents or air plants work well on desks. They need little care and won’t take up much space.
Place a larger plant like a dragon tree in a corner to remove toxins from printers and computers. Hang plants from ceiling hooks to save desk space.
Put a snake plant on a bookshelf to filter air and add greenery. Near windows, grow herbs like basil or mint. They clean the air and provide fresh ingredients for tea breaks.
Kitchen
The kitchen benefits from plants that can handle humidity. Ferns and spider plants thrive in this moist environment. Put them on top of cabinets or in hanging baskets.
Place herbs like basil, thyme, and mint on windowsills. They purify the air and provide fresh ingredients for cooking. Small pots of aloe vera near the sink help with minor burns and cuts.
Use vertical planters on walls to save counter space. Fill them with air-purifying vines like pothos or philodendrons. These plants can tolerate lower light levels often found in kitchens.
