Top Indoor Plants for Purifying Your Home's Air
Breathe easier with nature's air purifiers - discover the most effective houseplants for cleaner indoor air
Breathe easier with a touch of green. Houseplants are not only a vibrant addition to home decor, but many also serve as natural air purifiers. A landmark 1989 study by NASA, the "Clean Air Study," investigated the ability of common indoor plants to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air in sealed environments, offering valuable insights into how plants can contribute to a healthier indoor space.
While the quantities of plants needed to significantly impact a typical home environment are debated, their ability to filter certain toxins is well-documented in laboratory settings. Here are the plants celebrated for their air-purifying qualities and the toxins they are known to remove.
Spider Plant
Also known as: Chlorophytum comosum
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
An easy-to-care-for and resilient plant, making it ideal for beginners. It is also non-toxic to pets.
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Snake Plant
Also known as: Sansevieria trifasciata, Mother-in-Law's Tongue
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
This low-maintenance plant is unique for its ability to produce oxygen at night, making it a great choice for bedrooms. ...
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Peace Lily
Also known as: Spathiphyllum
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
Known for its beautiful white blooms, the Peace Lily can also help humidify indoor air. It is, however, toxic to pets an...
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Boston Fern
Also known as: Nephrolepis exaltata
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
This plant acts as a natural humidifier by restoring moisture to the air. It is particularly good at removing formaldehy...
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
English Ivy
Also known as: Hedera helix
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
English Ivy is particularly adept at reducing airborne mold. It is an easy-to-grow plant suitable for various home condi...
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Rubber Plant
Also known as: Ficus elastica
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
This hardy plant is known for its proficiency in removing formaldehyde.
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Bamboo Palm
Also known as: Chamaedorea seifrizii, Areca Palm
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
A fast-growing plant that helps to add moisture to a dry environment. It is also safe for children and pets.
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Dracaena
Also known as: Dracaena spp., Janet Craig, 'Warneckei, Dragon Tree
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
This is a large genus of popular houseplants, with varieties like the 'Janet Craig' and Red-Edged Dracaena being effecti...
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Golden Pothos
Also known as: Epipremnum aureum, Money Plant, Devil's Ivy
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
A very resilient and easy-to-care-for plant, it's known for its ability to remove various pollutants.
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Chinese Evergreen
Also known as: Aglaonema modestum
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
A common houseplant known for its high oxygen production and ability to purify indoor spaces of harmful chemicals.
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Weeping Fig
Also known as: Ficus benjamina
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
This popular houseplant is effective at filtering formaldehyde. It can be harmful to pets.
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Chrysanthemum
Also known as: Chrysanthemum morifolium
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
The flowers of this plant are particularly effective at removing a variety of harmful VOCs.
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Gerbera Daisy
Also known as: Gerbera jamesonii, Barberton Daisy
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
These cheerful flowering plants continue to produce a high level of oxygen at night.
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Aloe Vera
Also known as: Aloe barbadensis miller
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
Known for its medicinal properties, Aloe Vera also releases oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide at night.
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Areca Palm
Also known as: Dypsis lutescens
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
An excellent air purifier that also helps to humidify the air.
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Dwarf Date Palm
Also known as: Phoenix roebelenii
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
This plant is particularly effective at removing xylene from the air.
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
ZZ Plant
Also known as: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
Extremely low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those with a busy lifesty...
Scientifically proven air purification capabilities
Lady Palm
Also known as: Rhapis excelsa
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
This is one of the easiest palms to grow indoors. It has a high transpiration rate and is very effective at cleansing th...
Kimberly Queen Fern
Also known as: Nephrolepis obliterata
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
A robust and graceful fern that is more tolerant of low humidity and light than the Boston Fern. It's an excellent natur...
Flamingo Lily
Also known as: Anthurium andraeanum
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
Prized for its stunning, long-lasting "flowers" (which are actually spathes), this plant is also a powerhouse at removin...
Moth Orchid
Also known as: Phalaenopsis amabilis, Moon Orchid
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
Beyond their elegant beauty, Moth Orchids are known to absorb xylene and toluene from the air. They also release oxygen ...
Cast Iron Plant
Also known as: Aspidistra elatior
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
As its name suggests, this plant is nearly indestructible, tolerating neglect, low light, and low humidity. While not th...
Prayer Plant
Also known as: Maranta leuconeura
🧪 Toxins Removed:
🌱 Care Notes:
Known for its beautiful, decorative leaves that fold up at night as if in prayer. It is non-toxic to pets and helps to r...
🌿 Air Purification Guidelines
Quantity Needed
At least 1 plant per 100 sq ft of living space for optimal air purification
Optimal Placement
Place in areas with good air circulation and appropriate lighting
Proper Care
Healthy plants are more effective at air purification - maintain proper watering and care
⚠️ Important Note
While these plants have been scientifically proven to remove certain toxins in controlled laboratory settings, the effectiveness in typical home environments may vary. For significant air quality improvement, multiple plants and good ventilation are recommended.
🐾 Always research plant toxicity if you have pets or small children, as some air-purifying plants may be harmful if ingested.