If you’re looking for a way to make your home healthier, houseplants are a great choice. Not only do they add beauty and warmth to your space, but many are also natural air purifiers.
Some houseplants excel at removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide while producing fresh oxygen.
Read below for a list of the best houseplants for improving air quality, along with tips for keeping them happy.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- Why It’s Great: The snake plant is a powerhouse for air purification. It’s known to remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene while releasing oxygen, even at night—perfect for bedrooms.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in low to bright indirect light.
- Water sparingly; let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Hardy and low-maintenance, perfect for beginners.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Why It’s Great: This elegant plant is excellent at filtering out pollutants like ammonia and formaldehyde. Plus, its white flowers are stunning.
- Care Tips:
- Prefers low to moderate light.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; it likes slightly moist soil.
- Benefits from occasional misting to boost humidity.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Why It’s Great: Spider plants are champs at removing carbon monoxide and other impurities. They’re also super easy to care for, making them ideal for busy households.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
- Water when the soil dries out.
- Great for beginners and safe for pets.
4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Why It’s Great: This tall, graceful plant not only purifies the air but also increases humidity, which is perfect for dry indoor climates.
- Care Tips:
- Needs bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering.
- Benefits from occasional misting.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Why It’s Great: Boston ferns are known for their ability to remove formaldehyde and increase humidity, which can make your home feel fresher and more comfortable.
- Care Tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Loves high humidity, so mist regularly or use a humidifier.
6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Why It’s Great: With its large, glossy leaves, the rubber plant is highly effective at removing toxins from the air.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Clean the leaves occasionally to keep them shiny and healthy.
7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Why It’s Great: This easy-to-grow plant removes airborne toxins and adds a tropical touch to your home.
- Care Tips:
- Likes bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
- Keep the soil lightly moist.
- Perfect for living rooms and offices.
8. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Why It’s Great: Often called “Devil’s Ivy,” this trailing plant is fantastic at filtering toxins like carbon monoxide and benzene.
- Care Tips:
- Grows well in low to bright, indirect light.
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Nearly indestructible and grows quickly.
9. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Why It’s Great: Known for its striking, waxy leaves, the ZZ plant is efficient at removing toxins like xylene and toluene.
- Care Tips:
- Can survive in low light but grows faster in bright, indirect light.
- Water sparingly; let the soil dry out completely.
- Great for forgetful plant parents.
10. Aloe Vera
- Why It’s Great: Besides purifying the air, aloe vera is a great plant to have on hand for its medicinal properties—it’s great for soothing burns and cuts.
- Care Tips:
- Needs bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Perfect for sunny windowsills.
11. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
- Why It’s Great: Dracaena plants come in many varieties, all of which are great at filtering toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
- Water when the top inch of soil dries out.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
12. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Why It’s Great: This classic trailing plant is highly effective at reducing airborne mold and other allergens.
- Care Tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Ideal for hanging baskets or climbing trellises.
13. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Why It’s Great: Tough as nails, the cast iron plant is great at improving air quality in less-than-ideal conditions.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in low to medium light.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Slow-growing but very hardy.
14. Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
- Why It’s Great: This stylish plant not only improves air quality but also makes a statement with its large, dramatic leaves.
- Care Tips:
- Needs bright, indirect light.
- Water when the topsoil feels dry.
- Rotate regularly for even growth.
Proper Placement
- Place plants in areas with good air circulation to maximize their air-purifying benefits.
- Avoid direct sunlight for plants like Peace Lilies and English Ivy, as it may scorch their leaves.
- Group plants together to create a mini “air-cleansing station.”
Watering
- Water plants according to their needs; overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Use pots with drainage holes to prevent standing water.
- Check the soil regularly; most air-purifying plants prefer slightly moist soil but not soggy.
Humidity and Temperature
- Many air-purifying plants are tropical and thrive in higher humidity. Consider misting their leaves or placing a humidifier nearby.
- Keep them in temperatures between 60–75°F (16–24°C) for optimal growth.
Maintenance Tips
Clean the Leaves
- Dust on leaves can reduce a plant’s ability to photosynthesize and filter air. Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks.
Fertilizing
- Feed plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during their growing season (spring and summer).
Repotting
- Repot plants every 1–2 years to give them room to grow and refresh the soil, which can lose nutrients over time.
Pest Control
- Watch for common pests like spider mites or aphids. Treat infestations with natural remedies, such as neem oil.
Rotate Your Plants
- Rotate pots occasionally so all sides of the plant get equal light exposure, encouraging even growth.
Specific Recommendations for Improving Air Quality
Increase Plant Density
- Place multiple plants in areas like living rooms and bedrooms to amplify air-purifying effects.
Avoid Toxic Plants Around Pets
- If you have pets, avoid potentially harmful plants like Peace Lilies. Instead, choose pet-safe options like Spider Plants or Areca Palms.
Grow Herbs Indoors
- Basil, mint, and lavender are not only air-purifying but also add fragrance and can be used in cooking.
Monitor CO2 Levels
- Certain plants, like Snake Plants, can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night, making them ideal for bedrooms.
Houseplants are a natural, beautiful way to improve your home’s air quality. Whether you’re looking for something low-maintenance like a snake plant or a more dramatic option like a fiddle-leaf fig, there’s a plant on this list for every style and level of expertise.
Not only will your home look more vibrant, but you’ll also breathe easier knowing your air is cleaner.