10 Plants You Can Grow Indoors to Help Purify Your Air

Indoor plants do more than just beautify your space—they can actually improve the air quality in your home. With indoor pollution on the rise due to chemicals from furniture, cleaning products, and poor ventilation, having air-purifying plants has never been more important. NASA’s Clean Air Study highlighted several common houseplants that effectively remove harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air.

In this blog, we’ll explore 10 of the best indoor plants that not only thrive in home environments but also help purify the air you breathe. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned plant lover, these options are easy to maintain and perfect for apartments, offices, and homes. From low-maintenance Spider Plants to the elegant Peace Lily, each plant has unique benefits that contribute to a healthier indoor atmosphere. Let’s take a closer look at these green allies in your journey to cleaner air and a more vibrant living space.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Spider Plant is a popular indoor houseplant known for its long, arching leaves and ability to produce “babies” or offshoots that can be replanted. Native to southern Africa, this plant thrives in indirect sunlight and is highly tolerant of occasional neglect, making it perfect for beginners. What sets the Spider Plant apart is its ability to remove harmful indoor air pollutants, particularly formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide.

According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, Spider Plants were among the top performers in improving air quality. They also help increase humidity, which can be beneficial for people suffering from dry skin or respiratory problems. Spider Plants prefer well-draining soil and should be watered moderately, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings. Regular misting can also help keep the leaves healthy. In addition to their air-purifying properties, Spider Plants are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe and beneficial addition to any indoor environment.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is one of the most resilient and low-maintenance indoor plants available. Its upright, sword-shaped leaves can grow quite tall, adding a modern and architectural touch to interior spaces. This plant is exceptional at filtering indoor air and is particularly effective at removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.

What makes the Snake Plant unique is that it continues to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen even at night, unlike most plants which only photosynthesize during the day. This trait makes it an excellent choice for bedrooms, helping to promote better sleep quality. Snake Plants prefer indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions, making them highly versatile for various indoor spaces. They require minimal watering—typically only every few weeks—as they are drought-tolerant. Their hardy nature and proven air-cleaning capabilities make Snake Plants a top choice for anyone seeking an attractive, beneficial indoor plant.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lilies are elegant indoor plants known for their glossy, dark green leaves and beautiful white spathes that resemble flowers. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Peace Lilies are renowned for their strong air-purifying abilities. They are capable of filtering out a wide range of pollutants, including ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Peace Lilies are especially useful in homes with poor ventilation or heavy use of cleaning products, which can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

These plants prefer low to medium, indirect light and thrive in slightly moist soil. They also help improve humidity levels, which can alleviate dry sinuses and skin issues. While beautiful and beneficial, it’s important to note that Peace Lilies are mildly toxic to pets and children if ingested. Proper care involves wiping the leaves to remove dust and prevent pests, and occasional fertilization during the growing season. Overall, Peace Lilies are an excellent indoor choice for both aesthetic and air quality improvement.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves filled with a soothing gel known for its healing properties. While widely recognized for its ability to treat burns and skin irritations, Aloe Vera also offers significant air-purifying benefits. It effectively removes formaldehyde and benzene, which are commonly emitted from household cleaners and synthetic materials. Aloe Vera thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for sunny windowsills or desks.

Overwatering is a common issue, so it’s important to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. In addition to its medicinal and purifying qualities, Aloe Vera also serves as a natural decor element, with its sculptural form adding interest to indoor spaces. As a bonus, the plant’s gel can be harvested and used for various skin treatments, making it a multipurpose addition to your home. However, Aloe Vera can be mildly toxic to pets, so placement is important.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston Fern is a lush, feathery plant that not only adds greenery to your indoor space but also acts as a powerful air purifier. It excels at removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene, making it especially useful in areas exposed to cigarette smoke, adhesives, or new furniture. This fern also acts as a natural humidifier, helping to restore moisture to dry indoor air—beneficial during winter months when heaters can dry out your living space.

Boston Ferns prefer indirect light and high humidity, so placing them in bathrooms or near a humidifier can support healthy growth. Regular misting and keeping the soil consistently moist—but not soggy—are essential for maintaining its vibrant foliage. Boston Ferns are also non-toxic to pets, which adds to their appeal for animal lovers. Though they require a bit more care than other hardy houseplants, the benefits they offer in terms of air quality and aesthetics make them well worth the effort.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy is a trailing or climbing plant with a classic, timeless look and powerful air-purifying properties. It’s particularly effective at reducing airborne mold spores and fecal particles, making it a useful addition to bathrooms or households with pets. It also filters benzene, formaldehyde, and other VOCs commonly found in household materials. English Ivy prefers bright, indirect light and thrives in cooler temperatures with moderate humidity.

It should be planted in well-draining soil and watered regularly, though care should be taken not to overwater, as it can be prone to root rot. This plant can be grown in hanging baskets or trained along trellises for a decorative touch. However, it’s important to note that English Ivy is toxic if ingested by pets or small children, so it should be placed in areas that are out of reach. With proper care, English Ivy offers both visual charm and significant air-cleansing benefits in your indoor environment.

Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

The Bamboo Palm, also known as the Reed Palm, is an attractive indoor plant with slender, cane-like stems and feathery fronds. It is one of the most effective plants for filtering indoor air, removing pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It also acts as a natural humidifier, increasing moisture in the air—especially beneficial in dry or air-conditioned rooms. Bamboo Palms prefer bright, indirect sunlight and consistently moist, but not soggy, soil.

They are relatively low-maintenance and can grow quite tall, making them a striking addition to living rooms or office spaces. These palms are also non-toxic to pets, making them a safe option for animal-friendly households. Periodic pruning of dead fronds and occasional fertilizing during the growing season will keep them healthy and vibrant. The Bamboo Palm not only improves air quality but also adds a touch of the tropics to your interior décor, contributing to a more relaxing and visually pleasing environment.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

The Rubber Plant is a bold and attractive indoor tree known for its large, glossy leaves and powerful air-purifying capabilities. It is especially effective at removing toxins such as formaldehyde from the indoor air. Rubber Plants prefer bright, filtered light and should be planted in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. They enjoy moderate watering, with the soil needing to dry out slightly between waterings.

Their impressive size and structure make them ideal focal points in larger indoor spaces, such as living rooms or entryways. Besides purifying air, the plant also helps to increase humidity, making it beneficial for skin and respiratory health. However, Rubber Plants can be toxic to pets and small children if ingested, so placement should be considered carefully. With proper care, including occasional pruning and wiping down of leaves to remove dust, the Rubber Plant can grow into a beautiful, health-enhancing fixture in any home or office.

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Golden Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a hardy and fast-growing vine that thrives in a variety of indoor conditions. Its trailing vines with heart-shaped, variegated leaves make it perfect for hanging baskets or high shelves. This plant is exceptional at purifying the air, especially when it comes to removing formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. Golden Pothos is also known for its tolerance to low light and irregular watering, making it ideal for beginners or busy individuals.

It should be grown in well-draining soil and allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. While it is a low-maintenance plant, it’s important to know that it is toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages fuller growth. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, Golden Pothos significantly contributes to indoor air quality, making it one of the most popular and practical houseplants available.

Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

Philodendrons are a diverse group of tropical plants known for their lush foliage and adaptability to indoor environments. They are efficient air purifiers, particularly adept at filtering formaldehyde and other VOCs emitted by common household items. With varieties ranging from heartleaf to split-leaf types, Philodendrons offer plenty of options for interior decoration. They prefer medium to bright, indirect light and should be grown in well-draining soil with moderate watering.

Allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings helps prevent overwatering. Philodendrons are relatively easy to care for and grow quickly, making them ideal for those who want immediate greenery. However, they are toxic to pets and humans if ingested, so they should be kept out of reach. Their air-cleansing ability, combined with their striking appearance, makes Philodendrons a favorite among indoor gardeners who want both beauty and functionality in their living spaces.

Bottom Line

Incorporating air-purifying plants into your indoor spaces is a simple yet powerful step toward a healthier home. These 10 indoor plants not only enhance the visual appeal of your space but also help remove toxins, improve humidity, and contribute to better breathing conditions.

Whether you prefer trailing vines like Golden Pothos or upright beauties like the Snake Plant, there’s a plant to suit every space and lifestyle. Best of all, most of these options are easy to care for and thrive in typical home environments. Start small, stay consistent, and let nature do the rest.

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