The Best Plants for Improving Air Quality in Your Home
Air pollution isn’t just an outdoor problem anymore. With rising levels of toxins, dust, and allergens, indoor air quality is becoming a growing concern. Lately, trending gifts for the holidays in 2024 seems to include items like this air monitor. Between the products we use, the furniture we buy, and the increasingly sealed nature of our homes, the air we breathe indoors can often be more polluted than what’s outside.
That’s where houseplants come in.
Not only do plants add a touch of greenery to your space, but they also work hard to clean the air, absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. Thanks to a famous NASA study, we know that certain plants are particularly effective at removing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air. So, let’s talk about the best plants to turn your home into a breathable oasis—and why you might want to make room for a few more green friends.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are a go-to for improving indoor air quality, thanks to their ability to filter out toxins like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Their high oxygen output and resilience make them perfect for any space.
Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings, and they’ll forgive occasional neglect.
Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to pets, so no worries if your furry friends get curious.
Propagation: Spider plants produce baby “spiderettes” that you can root and grow into new plants, making them endlessly rewarding.
Placement: Ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, or hanging in your living room, adding greenery and purifying the air.
With their hardiness and effortless charm, spider plants are perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plants, also known as "Mother-in-Law’s Tongue," are nearly indestructible and excel at improving indoor air quality. They filter toxins like benzene and formaldehyde and release oxygen at night, making them a great choice for bedrooms.
Care: Thrives in low to bright indirect light and requires minimal watering—let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Resilient: Tolerates neglect, low humidity, and even the occasional missed care routine, making it ideal for busy or forgetful plant owners.
Air-Purifying Bonus: Its ability to release oxygen at night supports better sleep and cleaner indoor air.
Placement: Perfect for bedrooms, offices, or any low-light corner that needs a touch of greenery.
With its striking, upright leaves and minimal maintenance needs, the snake plant is an easy, stylish addition to any home.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is a stunning houseplant with lush green leaves and elegant white blooms, but it’s more than just a pretty face—it’s a natural air purifier, removing toxins like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde.
Care: Thrives in low to moderate light and needs weekly watering, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Air-Purifying Power: Excellent for improving indoor air quality, especially in spaces with minimal natural airflow.
Pet Caution: Toxic to pets if ingested, so place it out of reach if you have curious animals.
Placement: Great for offices, bathrooms, or bedrooms where its soothing aesthetic can shine.
With its graceful blooms and ability to freshen the air, the peace lily is a versatile and hardworking addition to any home.
4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm, also known as the butterfly palm, is a tropical beauty that doesn’t just clean the air—it also acts as a natural humidifier, making it perfect for dry climates or winter months.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and consistent watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid letting it completely dry out.
Air-Purifying Power: Removes toxins like benzene and formaldehyde while adding moisture to the air, enhancing overall indoor comfort.
Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic, making it safe for homes with cats or dogs.
Placement: Ideal for living rooms or offices, adding a lush, tropical vibe while improving air quality.
The Areca Palm is a stylish, hardworking plant that brings a touch of the tropics to your home while keeping the air fresh and humidified.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are lush, feathery plants that are not only visually stunning but also excellent at increasing indoor humidity and filtering out pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene.
Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity. Keep the soil consistently moist, and mist the plant regularly for optimal health.
Air-Purifying Power: Particularly effective at improving air quality and adding moisture to dry indoor spaces.
Pet-Friendly: Safe for pets, making it a great choice for animal-loving households.
Placement: Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or any space where its tropical, vibrant fronds can stand out.
The Boston fern is a classic choice for adding greenery and humidity while keeping your home’s air fresh and healthy.
6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The rubber plant is a striking, low-maintenance houseplant with large, glossy leaves that add a bold statement to any room while effectively removing toxins like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering. Allow the topsoil to dry out before watering again, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Air-Purifying Power: Great at absorbing airborne toxins and improving overall indoor air quality.
Pet Caution: Toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it out of reach of curious animals.
Placement: Ideal for living rooms, offices, or entryways, where its bold foliage can shine.
With its polished appearance and air-cleaning benefits, the rubber plant is perfect for anyone looking to combine style with functionality in their indoor greenery.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera isn’t just for soothing sunburns—it’s also a fantastic air-purifying plant that pulls double duty in your home! With its striking, spiky leaves and low-maintenance needs, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to combine style with function.
Air-Purifying Power: Aloe vera helps remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, commonly found in household cleaning products and paints.
Care: Place in bright, indirect sunlight and water sparingly. It’s a succulent, so it thrives on less water—let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Bonus: Break off a leaf to access its gel for burns, cuts, or skin irritations—your very own first aid kit in a pot!
Placement: Perfect for sunny kitchen windowsills or bright bathroom counters.
With its healing properties and air-cleaning abilities, aloe vera is a must-have plant that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The bamboo palm, also known as the reed palm, is like having a little piece of the tropics right in your home. Not only does it add a lush, vibrant vibe to your space, but it’s also a hard worker when it comes to cleaning the air and adding moisture.
Air-Purifying Power: Bamboo palms excel at removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide while acting as a natural humidifier.
Care: They thrive in bright, indirect light but can handle lower light if needed. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and mist the leaves occasionally to keep them happy.
Pet-Friendly: Good news for pet owners—bamboo palms are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Placement: Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or offices, where their tall, elegant fronds can make a statement while working to improve air quality.
With their tropical charm and hardworking nature, bamboo palms are the perfect addition to any home looking for both beauty and better air.
9. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
If you’re looking for a plant that’s practically impossible to kill and works overtime to clean the air, pothos is your new best friend. Known as “Devil’s Ivy,” this hardy vine thrives just about anywhere and looks stunning while doing it.
Air-Purifying Power: Pothos is a pro at removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide, making it a great all-around air cleaner.
Care: Low light? No problem. Forget to water? Pothos doesn’t mind. Just water it when the soil is dry and give it a bit of indirect light if you can.
Pet Caution: It’s toxic to pets if ingested, so hang it up high or keep it out of reach.
Placement: Pothos looks amazing cascading from a hanging planter, climbing up a trellis, or spilling from a high shelf.
With its lush, trailing vines and effortless care routine, pothos is the ultimate plant for busy plant parents who want cleaner air with zero stress.
10. Dracaena
Dracaena plants are the chic, modern houseplant your home needs. With their striking, upright leaves and air-purifying powers, they’re the perfect mix of style and function. Plus, with so many varieties to choose from, there’s a dracaena for every aesthetic.
Air-Purifying Power: Dracaena is a champion at removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene—common culprits in indoor air pollution.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Pet Caution: Dracaena is toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of curious animals.
Placement: Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your living room, office, or bedroom.
With its bold, clean lines and hardworking air-cleaning abilities, dracaena is the houseplant that says, “I’ve got it together,” even if you don’t.
11. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a timeless beauty with its cascading vines and elegant, leafy texture, but it’s more than just eye candy—it’s a powerhouse for improving indoor air. Known for its ability to filter out toxins and even airborne mold, this plant is as practical as it is pretty.
Air-Purifying Power: English ivy excels at removing formaldehyde and other pollutants, and it’s particularly good at reducing mold spores in the air.
Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and trim the vines to keep it looking neat.
Pet Caution: It’s toxic to pets, so hang it up high or keep it in a spot your furry friends can’t reach.
Placement: Perfect for hanging baskets, climbing trellises, or as a dramatic accent on a shelf.
With its classic charm and hardworking air-cleaning skills, English ivy is a must-have for adding a touch of elegance while keeping your home’s air fresh and clean.
12. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese evergreen is a low-maintenance plant that brings a pop of color and lush greenery to your space while quietly working to improve your air quality. Its stunning leaves, often patterned with silver or pink, make it a standout in any room.
Air-Purifying Power: Great at filtering toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, making it a reliable choice for improving indoor air.
Care: Thrives in low to medium light and prefers soil that’s allowed to dry slightly between waterings. It’s incredibly forgiving, even if you forget it now and then.
Pet Caution: Toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of curious paws.
Placement: Perfect for dim corners, offices, or any spot that needs a touch of beauty and cleaner air.
With its elegant foliage and laid-back care routine, the Chinese evergreen is both a decorative and functional addition to any indoor space.
13. Philodendron
Philodendrons are the ultimate plant for those who want something lush and beautiful without a lot of fuss. With their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, they bring a pop of greenery to any space while quietly purifying the air.
Air-Purifying Power: Philodendrons are pros at removing toxins like formaldehyde, making them perfect for creating a healthier home environment.
Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can handle lower light conditions like a champ. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch, and watch it grow with ease.
Pet Caution: Toxic to pets if ingested, so hang it high or place it out of reach.
Placement: Perfect for hanging baskets, bookshelves, or climbing up a trellis for that indoor jungle vibe.
With their easy-going care routine and air-cleaning abilities, philodendrons are the perfect plant to add a touch of life to your home—no green thumb required.
14. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The parlor palm is the epitome of timeless elegance. Its delicate fronds bring a tropical vibe to your space, all while quietly improving your air quality. It’s easy to care for, making it a favorite for both plant newbies and seasoned green thumbs.
Air-Purifying Power: The parlor palm is excellent at removing toxins like carbon monoxide and benzene, making your indoor air cleaner and fresher.
Care: Thrives in low to medium light and prefers evenly moist soil—water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to pets, so it’s safe for your furry friends.
Placement: Perfect for dim corners, offices, or any spot that needs a subtle yet impactful touch of greenery.
With its graceful fronds and low-maintenance nature, the parlor palm adds sophistication and cleaner air to your home effortlessly.
15. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The fiddle leaf fig is the ultimate showstopper. With its bold, glossy leaves and dramatic height, it’s the kind of plant that instantly elevates any space. But it’s not just a pretty face—this beauty also works hard to improve indoor air quality.
Air-Purifying Power: The fiddle leaf fig filters toxins like formaldehyde, helping to create a fresher, healthier home environment.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering, but let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering. It can be a little fussy, but the results are worth it.
Pet Caution: Toxic to pets, so keep it in a spot where curious paws can’t reach.
Placement: Perfect as a statement piece in a living room, office, or bedroom with good lighting.
With its stunning good looks and air-cleaning benefits, the fiddle leaf fig is the plant equivalent of the friend who’s stylish, successful, and always on top of things. Just give it a little love, and it’ll thrive!
16. Money Plant (Pachira aquatica)
The money plant, also known as the money tree, is said to bring good fortune and positive energy to your space. But beyond its feng shui reputation, it’s also a fantastic air purifier that works to create a healthier home environment.
Air-Purifying Power: The money plant removes toxins like benzene and formaldehyde while adding a fresh, vibrant vibe to any room.
Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Pet-Friendly: Good news—it’s non-toxic to pets, making it a safe addition to any home.
Placement: Perfect for desks, coffee tables, or a sunny windowsill where its braided trunk can take center stage.
With its easy care routine and air-cleaning abilities, the money plant is a hardworking houseplant that adds beauty, freshness, and maybe even a little extra luck to your home.
17. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm isn’t just for teas and cooking—it’s a multitasking herb that helps clean the air while adding a delightful citrus scent to your home. It’s the perfect combination of functional and fragrant.
Air-Purifying Power: While not a traditional air-purifying plant, lemon balm can still freshen the air and help reduce stress with its soothing aroma.
Care: Loves bright, indirect sunlight and slightly moist soil. Trim it regularly to encourage bushy growth and keep it thriving.
Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to pets, so it’s a safe choice for households with animals.
Placement: Perfect for kitchen counters or windowsills, where it can double as an easy-to-reach herb for cooking or brewing tea.
With its refreshing scent, culinary uses, and air-freshening benefits, lemon balm is a versatile addition to your indoor plant family that smells as good as it looks.
18. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
The Swiss cheese plant, with its iconic split and holey leaves, is a favorite for adding a dramatic, tropical vibe to your home. But beyond its striking appearance, this plant is a hardworking air purifier, making it both beautiful and functional.
Air-Purifying Power: The Monstera helps remove toxins from the air, improving indoor air quality while making a bold visual statement.
Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light. Keep the soil moist but allow the top layer to dry between waterings. It also appreciates occasional misting to mimic its natural humid environment.
Pet Caution: Toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it out of reach of curious animals.
Placement: Perfect for living rooms, offices, or any space that needs a touch of lush, tropical greenery.
With its large, unique leaves and low-maintenance care routine, the Swiss cheese plant is a stylish way to freshen your air and elevate your space.
19. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
The corn plant, with its tall, leafy stalks and lush green leaves, is an elegant addition to any home. Not only does it bring a touch of tropical beauty to your space, but it’s also a reliable air purifier, working quietly to remove common indoor toxins.
Air-Purifying Power: Great at filtering out formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals, making your home’s air cleaner and fresher.
Care: Thrives in medium to low light and requires occasional watering. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again to prevent overwatering.
Pet Caution: Toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it in a spot your furry friends can’t access.
Placement: Perfect for corners, entryways, or offices, where its tall, upright form can add structure and greenery to the space.
The corn plant’s low-maintenance nature and air-purifying benefits make it an ideal choice for busy plant parents or anyone looking to spruce up their indoor environment with minimal effort.
20. Calathea (Prayer Plant)
The calathea, often called the “prayer plant” for its leaves that fold up at night, is a showstopper with its vibrant, patterned foliage. Beyond its striking beauty, it also contributes to a healthier indoor environment by helping to clean the air.
Air-Purifying Power: While not a heavy-duty air purifier, the calathea contributes to a fresher, more breathable atmosphere. Its real magic is in the humidity it provides, which can help improve indoor air quality.
Care: Thrives in indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist soil. Avoid letting it dry out and mist it regularly for best results.
Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to pets, so it’s safe for your furry friends.
Placement: Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or any space where you want to show off its bold, artistic leaves.
With its stunning colors, unique movement, and pet-safe status, the calathea is a standout plant that brings both style and a touch of freshness to your home.
How Do Toxins Sneak Into Your Home?
You’d be surprised how many toxins make their way into your home without you even noticing. They hitch a ride on everyday items, products, and even the air you breathe. Here’s how these sneaky pollutants get inside:
Cleaning Products: Your favorite sprays and air fresheners may leave a fresh scent but often come with a side of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like formaldehyde and ammonia that linger in the air.
Furniture and Carpets: New furniture, rugs, and carpets can release chemicals from adhesives, stain-resistant treatments, and synthetic fabrics. That “new furniture” smell? It’s not as innocent as it seems.
Paints and Finishes: Freshly painted walls or varnished furniture often emit VOCs as they dry. Unless labeled low-VOC or no-VOC, those fumes can stick around for a while.
Cooking and Heating: Gas stoves, ovens, and fireplaces can release carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide if not properly ventilated.
Outdoor Air Pollution: Even with your windows closed, outdoor pollutants like traffic exhaust or pesticides can sneak in through vents or cracks.
Everyday Items: Candles, cosmetics, and even electronics can release toxins as they’re used or degrade over time. Paraffin candles, for instance, can emit benzene and toluene when burned.
Mold and Dust: Not exactly “toxins,” but mold spores and dust mites can cause respiratory issues and worsen allergies, especially in damp or poorly ventilated areas.
How Plants Come to the Rescue
This is where plants step in like tiny, green superheroes. They act as natural air filters, absorbing harmful toxins and releasing oxygen. Many also help regulate humidity, reducing the chances of mold and dust build-up.
By adding a few hardworking houseplants, you’re not just decorating your space—you’re creating a healthier, fresher home where you can breathe easier. So, why not let a spider plant or peace lily do some of the heavy lifting for you? Your lungs will thank you!
Bringing It All Together
With air pollution on the rise, investing in houseplants is a simple and effective way to improve indoor air quality while creating a calming, green sanctuary. Whether you choose a hardy snake plant, a lush bamboo palm, or a stylish fiddle leaf fig, each of these plants works hard to make your home healthier and more beautiful.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick a few of these air-purifying powerhouses, find a sunny spot, and breathe easier knowing your plants are working their magic.
