The best indoor plants for air purification (with easy care tips)
Indoor plants do more than just beautify a space—they also help clean the air we breathe. Backed by NASA’s Clean Air Study and other expert sources, certain houseplants have been proven to reduce indoor pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Whether you live in a city apartment or a suburban home, adding air-purifying plants to your interior can improve indoor air quality, boost your mood, and bring nature into your daily life.
Below is a curated list of the top indoor plants that are both efficient air purifiers and easy to care for—perfect for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike.
10 Best air-purifying plants
🌿 1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as: Mother-in-law’s Tongue
Air Purifying Power: Removes formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene
Light Needs: Low to bright indirect light
Care Tips: Allow soil to dry between waterings; very drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering.
🌼 2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Air Purifying Power: Filters out ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene
Light Needs: Low to medium, indirect sunlight
Care Tips: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Wipe leaves regularly to help the plant “breathe” better.
⚠️ Note: Peace lilies are toxic to pets if ingested.
🌱 3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Air Purifying Power: Great at removing carbon monoxide and xylene
Light Needs: Bright, indirect sunlight
Care Tips: Water weekly; produces baby “spiderettes” that can be propagated easily.
🍃 4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Air Purifying Power: Targets airborne mold and fecal particles, formaldehyde
Light Needs: Bright light; can tolerate partial shade
Care Tips: Keep soil slightly moist. Thrives in hanging baskets or as a climbing plant.
🌴 5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Air Purifying Power: Removes benzene and formaldehyde
Light Needs: Bright, indirect light
Care Tips: Water when top inch of soil is dry. Likes humidity—great for bathrooms.
🍀 6. Aloe Vera
Air Purifying Power: Removes benzene and formaldehyde from household cleaners
Light Needs: Bright, sunny locations
Care Tips: Water deeply but infrequently. Aloe thrives on neglect.
Bonus: The gel inside its leaves is a natural skin soother!
🎋 7. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Air Purifying Power: Humidifies air while removing airborne toxins
Light Needs: Bright, indirect light
Care Tips: Keep soil slightly moist. Prune yellowing fronds for healthy growth.
🌾 8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Air Purifying Power: Removes airborne toxins like formaldehyde
Light Needs: Bright, indirect sunlight
Care Tips: Let soil dry out slightly between waterings. Wipe leaves often.
🌸 9. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Air Purifying Power: Effective at removing benzene and trichloroethylene
Light Needs: Bright light, including some direct sun
Care Tips: Water regularly and deadhead blooms to promote more flowers.
🪴 10. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Air Purifying Power: Particularly good at removing formaldehyde and xylene
Light Needs: Indirect light and high humidity
Care Tips: Mist frequently, keep soil moist, and place in a cool room for best results.
Tips to Maximize Air-Purifying Benefits
- Use multiple plants: NASA recommends at least one plant per 100 square feet of space.
- Dust leaves regularly: Clean foliage helps plants photosynthesize and purify air better.
- Avoid overwatering: Root rot can lead to mold growth, counteracting air benefits.
- Consider pet safety: Some plants are toxic to cats and dogs (e.g., Peace Lily, Rubber Plant).
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best air-purifying indoor plants is not only a great way to upgrade your home décor, but it also contributes to your overall well-being. From hardy Snake Plants to humidity-loving Boston Ferns, there’s a plant for every type of indoor space. Start with one or two easy-care varieties and enjoy the dual benefits of cleaner air and a greener living environment.
Leave a comment