15 Best Air-Purifying Indoor Plants For A Healthier Home

Introduction

Indoor air pollution is a real concern, more so if you're living in a modern energy-efficient home. if the air indoors is stagnant, it can also quickly become polluted. What's the solution you ask? Well, house plants or indoor plants are a great way to keep clean air in homes. In this article, we'll share the top 15 air-purifying plants that you can easily grow in your home. Keep on reading to find out which ones made the list.

How do indoor plants purify air?

You might be wondering how does air get polluted indoors? There are many sources. Our homes can harbor various pollutants from everyday activities. Cooking on gas stoves, smoking tobacco, pet dander, cleaning products, molds, dust etc. can cause air quality to deteriorate substantially. Besides other measures, the good thing is, we can purify air with plants. Here's how.

Through a process known as photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air. This way, indoor plants purify air, remove the waste gas and give you a breath of the good stuff.

Moreover, their leaves are like tiny dust magnets. They catch dust particles (like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene) floating around. And they keep your indoor air quality significantly better.

So indoor plants are basically your eco-friendly air purifiers, snatching up all the tiny specks that you might not even notice.

1. Golden Pothos

Starting our list with a classic favorite, the Golden Pothos. They are also known as Devil's Ivy, Money Plant, or just Pothos. With its heart-shaped leaves and easy-going nature, these are the plants to purify air.

It thrives in moderate lighting conditions and is suitable for various spots in your home. Golden Pothos is known for its air-purifying qualities, particularly in removing indoor air pollution like formaldehyde and benzene.

Plus, its trailing vines can add an elegant touch when placed in a hanging basket. 

2. Philodendron

In the same plant family as Pothos, Philodendrons are also great indoor plants to keep your air pure. These plants are recognized for their vibrant, heart-shaped leaves.

Philodendrons thrive in indirect bright light conditions and prefer to be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry.

These plants are effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde, making them excellent air purifiers.

Though many get confused and think Pothos and Philodendrons are the same. But they are different. Besides, there are so many varieties of Philodendrons. So you have several options to choose from, to decorate your space.

3. Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is not just pleasing to the eye; it's also a powerful air purifier. With its elegant white blooms and glossy green leaves, this plant thrives in low to moderate light.

These plants flourish in warm and humid conditions. They are very efficient in removing pollutants. They effectively filter air in home or any indoor space which makes them a wonderful choice for both air cleaning and beautification of your home.

4. Snake Plant

Snake Plants, also known as the mother-in-law's tongue, are indoor plants that feature tall, upright leaves with unique patterns.

This hardy plant is ideal for busy people because it grows well in low light and needs infrequent watering. Here are some more low-maintenance plants for busy souls.

It's an ideal plant to filter air in home or other indoor space. These plants are known for their ability to convert CO2 into oxygen during the night. It filters out toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene, contributing to cleaner indoor air.

5. Lady Palm

For a touch of elegance and air purification, the Lady Palm is an excellent option. With its delicate fronds, this plant can add a touch of sophistication to your home.

To keep your Lady Palm happy, provide it with bright, indirect light and ensure the soil remains consistently moist.

The Lady Palm is known for its ability to filter indoor air pollutants, contributing to a healthier indoor environment for you.

6. Weeping Fig

The Weeping Fig, also known as Ficus benjamina, is a graceful and elegant air purifying indoor plant that adds a touch of natural beauty to any space.

These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require consistent soil moisture. It is best to place it close to a window that lets in filtered light.

They are best suited for stable indoor temperatures. And they effectively sift out pollutants like formaldehyde, which can be present in household items.

7. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen plants come in a variety of striking colors and patterns. These plants prefer low to moderate light levels and have relatively low water requirements, making them ideal for areas with limited sunlight exposure.

So allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering.

Adaptable to various climates, the Chinese Evergreen is particularly effective at filtering indoor air pollutants, like formaldehyde and benzene.

Its decorative qualities, combined with its air-purifying abilities, make the Chinese Evergreen a valuable addition to your indoor plant collection.

8. Boston Fern

The Boston Fern, some even called the Sword Fern, is a lush and graceful indoor plant. They are good for bringing natural elegance to any room as well as keeping the air pure.

Caring for the Boston Fern involves providing it with bright, indirect light. It’s good to place it near a window with filtered sunlight. Keeping the soil consistently moist is essential to prevent the fern from drying out.

The Boston Fern naturally grows in humid environments, making it an excellent choice for spaces with higher humidity levels like bathrooms.

Boston Fern also removes indoor pollutants like xylene and formaldehyde, enhancing indoor air quality.

9. Bamboo Palm

Bamboo Palms are also plants that clean the air. They are tropical and elegant indoor plants. It can bring a touch of calmness to any space.

The natural habitat of the Bamboo Palm is tropical, and it thrives in warm and humid conditions. So it likes bright, indirect light and requires consistent watering to maintain its lush foliage. 

Highly effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene, the Bamboo Palm also ensures cleaner indoor air quality.

10. Dragon Tree (Dracaena Marginata)

Dragon Trees, available in various shapes and sizes, is a versatile plant that adapts well to different environments.

While some Dragon Trees prefer bright, indirect light, others thrive in lower light conditions. Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings is generally recommended to prevent overwatering and root rot.

Known for its air-cleaning properties, Dragon Trees greatly filters out pollutants like xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. So that you can have clean air in your space.

Whether you're looking to add a touch of green to your home or improve indoor air quality, Dracaena can be a reliable choice.

11. Aloe Vera

With its multiple benefits, Aloe Vera can be an attractive addition to your indoor plant collection. Beyond their renowned soothing gel, Aloe Veras are also efficient air purifying plants.

The Aloe Vera plant's natural habitat is arid, making it well-suited for indoor environments with relatively low humidity levels. Its ability to tolerate dry conditions makes it an excellent choice for various living spaces.

These plants require bright light and should be watered when the soil dries out completely.

Aloe Vera effectively purifies indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene, common indoor pollutants.

12. Spider Plant

Among other popular indoor air purifying plants are the Spider Plants which contain air-purifying qualities. With its arching leaves and colorful stripes, this plant is a favorite among the plant lovers.

Caring for the Spider Plant involves providing it with bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, placing it near a window with filtered sunlight encourages optimal growth.

If you're seeking low-maintenance, air purifying plants, the Spider Plant is an excellent option.

13. Rubber Plant (or Rubber Bush)

The Rubber Plant, also known as rubber fig, is a statement-maker known for its large, glossy leaves. It requires a minimum of 6-8 hours of daylight daily.

Watering it every 1 or 2 week will be enough. Allowing the soil to dry out slightly in between waterings is recommended, but overwatering should be avoided.

Its adaptability extends to different indoor climates and weather conditions, making it suitable for homes, offices, and apartments. Its robust nature allows it to thrive in various indoor environments.

Rubber Plants are also one of the best indoor plants for clean air by filtering out toxins.

14. ZZ Plant

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia), is a hardy and modern indoor plant that adds a touch of minimalism. With its glossy leaves, this indoor plant is a popular choice for those seeking low maintenance.

ZZ Plant prefers bright to medium indirect light. It can tolerate lower light conditions. It doesn’t need much watering. Water only when the soil is completely dry. That will be enough.

Like most air purifying indoor plants, ZZ plants are also adaptable to different indoor climates and weather conditions. And they filter out pollutants like xylene and toluene.

15. Corn Plant (Dracaena Fragrans)

Another tropical indoor plant that helps you to keep fresh air is Corn Plant. With their tall, cane-like stems and lush foliage, these are a popular choice for decorating and air purifying indoors.

Providing it with bright, indirect light is ideal. And it’s good to place it near a window with filtered sunlight, as it helps the plant thrive.

Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings is enough to maintain optimal root health. These plants also have high adaptability in different weather conditions.

Conclusion

As we spend most of our time indoors, prioritizing air quality there is essential. So, include air purifying indoor plants in your home to keep air clean, breathable and create a healthier environment.