In This Article
Indoor plants that purify air are a simple and effective way to improve your home’s air quality. Not only do these plants enhance your space’s aesthetic, but they also help remove toxins and increase oxygen levels.
In this article, we’ll highlight the best indoor plants that purify air, offering top picks to create a fresher, healthier environment in your home. Whether you’re a plant novice or expert, these air-purifying plants are perfect for boosting your home’s air quality.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Credit: Pinterest/@plantvineco
Description
The spider plant is a popular indoor plant recognized for its long, green and white-striped leaves that fan out elegantly.
It produces small white flowers and offshoots, known as “spiderettes,” which can be propagated to create new plants.
Why Effective
Spider plants are renowned for their ability to filter harmful substances like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
They are particularly effective in reducing common indoor air pollutants found in paints, cleaning products, and furnishings.
Benefits
- The Spider Plant is highly effective at removing common pollutants.
- It thrives in indirect light and only requires occasional watering.
- By absorbing moisture, it naturally increases humidity levels.
- The spiderettes can be used to grow new plants.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Credit: Pinterest/@feeypflanzen
Description
The snake plant, also called “mother-in-law’s tongue,” features tall, upright leaves with yellow or light-green edges. Its hardy nature and sleek appearance make it a popular choice for modern interiors.
Why Effective
Snake plants are extremely effective at removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.
Unlike many plants, the snake plant continues to purify air during the night, releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide, which is particularly beneficial for sleep.
Benefits
- This plant is unique in its ability to continue releasing oxygen at night.
- The Snake Plant can thrive in low light, making it ideal for bedrooms, hallways, or bathrooms.
- The snake plant is very drought-tolerant, requiring water only when the soil is dry.
- It is highly effective in reducing indoor pollutants like formaldehyde.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Credit: Pinterest/@sherilafay
Description
With lush, dark green leaves and white flowers, the peace lily is known for its elegance and beauty. It adds a calming, aesthetic appeal to indoor spaces and can bloom year-round when well-cared for.
Why Effective
Peace Lilies are incredibly effective at filtering out benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and ammonia, chemicals often found in household cleaning supplies and paints.
Their ability to absorb moisture through their leaves helps improve humidity levels in the room.
Benefits
- It is one of the best plants for filtering multiple toxins from indoor air.
- The Peace Lily thrives in low to medium light, and only requires watering when the soil is dry.
- Its elegant white flowers make it a stylish addition to any room.
- Its natural moisture absorption can help maintain optimal humidity levels.
4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Credit: Pinterest/@Thecactusway
Description
Aloe vera is a succulent known for its thick, fleshy leaves filled with a gel used in skincare and healing. Its architectural look and easy maintenance make it a great indoor plant.
Why Effective
Aloe Vera is particularly effective at purifying the air by absorbing formaldehyde and benzene, two common toxins often found in chemical cleaning agents, paints, and adhesives.
Benefits
- Aloe Vera is incredibly easy to care for.
- It helps to clear the air of harmful substances.
- The gel inside its leaves can be used to treat minor burns, cuts, and skin irritations.
- Aloe Vera’s compact growth habit makes it a great choice for small spaces.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Credit: Pinterest/@Lagreentouch
Description
The Boston fern features feathery fronds that give it a lush, tropical look. It grows well in humid environments and adds visual softness to any room.
Why Effective
Boston ferns are powerful air purifiers that help reduce levels of formaldehyde and xylene. Their dense foliage and ability to absorb moisture make them excellent for improving both air quality and humidity.
Benefits
- Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, the Boston fern helps regulate humidity.
- Removes harmful toxins, improving indoor air quality.
- Adds a lush, tropical vibe to your home or office.
- Can thrive in indirect or low light conditions.
6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Credit: Pinterest/@PricklePlantsUK
Description
With its large, glossy, dark green leaves, the rubber plant makes a bold statement in any indoor space. It has a modern look and grows well with minimal care.
Why Effective
This plant is excellent at removing formaldehyde from the air, a chemical often emitted by furniture, paints, and some textiles. It also helps absorb excess moisture in the air, making it ideal for humid environments.
Benefits
- The Rubber Plant is particularly effective at filtering formaldehyde.
- This plant requires minimal care.
- The Rubber Plant is perfect for larger spaces as it can grow up to 10 feet tall.
- Helps keep indoor air clean by trapping pollutants.
7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Credit: Pinterest/@homegardenlovee
Description
The bamboo palm has a compact form and tall, graceful fronds, which makes it ideal for tight spaces. It adds a touch of tropical elegance to indoor settings.
Why Effective
Bamboo palms are particularly efficient at removing benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. They thrive in low light conditions, making them perfect for offices or shaded areas.
Benefits
- Bamboo palms remove harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
- This plant thrives in indirect light and requires only occasional watering.
- Removes pollutants from the air.
- Its compact size makes it perfect for apartments and small rooms.
8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Credit: Pinterest/@ArtfulHomeDecor24
Description
English ivy is a trailing plant with lush, green foliage that cascades beautifully when grown in hanging pots or along shelves, adding elegance to any room.
Why Effective
English Ivy is particularly effective at reducing mold spores and other airborne allergens. It’s ideal for rooms prone to dampness, such as bathrooms or basements.
Benefits
- English Ivy helps reduce mold spores.
- Removes a variety of pollutants from the air.
- This plant is easy to grow and requires only occasional watering and indirect sunlight.
- Adds an elegant, cascading look to any indoor space.
9. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Credit: Pinterest/@groundedplants
Description
Known for heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, golden pothos is a highly resilient plant that adds vibrant green color to any room.
Why Effective
Golden Pothos is known for its ability to filter out formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. Its ability to adapt to low light conditions makes it an ideal plant for those new to gardening or with less-than-perfect lighting.
Benefits
- Effectively filters harmful toxins, including formaldehyde and benzene.
- Pothos requires very little care, making it perfect for beginners.
- Its cascading vines add a natural aesthetic to bookshelves, windowsills, and hanging baskets.
- Removes indoor pollutants like formaldehyde from the air.
The Bottomline
In conclusion, incorporating indoor plants that purify air into your home is an easy and natural way to enhance both your space and your health. With the right selection of air-purifying plants, you can enjoy cleaner, fresher air while adding a touch of greenery to your environment.
From low-maintenance options like snake plants to the beauty of peace lilies, these plants are not only visually appealing but also contribute to a healthier, more vibrant home.
