30 Best Air Purifying Indoor Plants: Breathe Easier with Nature
Indoor air pollution can significantly impact our health, leading to issues such as headaches, fatigue, and respiratory problems.
According to a NASA study conducted in the late 1980s, certain houseplants can effectively remove harmful toxins from the air, including formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These plants not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
In this guide, we’ll explore 30 of the best air-purifying indoor plants, detailing their unique foliage, air-cleaning properties, and care requirements.
How Do Indoor Plants Purify Air?
Indoor plants purify the air through several mechanisms:
- Absorption of Toxins: Plants absorb harmful chemicals through their leaves and roots. The toxins are then either stored or transformed into less harmful substances.
- Transpiration: As plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration, they increase humidity levels, which can help dilute indoor air pollutants.
- Microbial Activity: The soil in potted plants contains beneficial microorganisms that break down toxins and convert them into nutrients for the plant.
- Oxygen Production: Through photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, improving overall air quality.
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Foliage: Dark green, glossy leaves that are oval-shaped with prominent veins. They produce elegant white flowers that resemble a hood.Air Purifying Properties: Effective at removing ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Maintenance: Easy
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Foliage: Long, narrow, arching leaves with green and white stripes. It produces small plantlets that dangle from the mother plant.Air Purifying Properties: Known for filtering out formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Very easy
3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Foliage: Lobed, dark green leaves, often with a glossy finish. It can trail or climb, making it versatile for various displays.Air Purifying Properties: Effective against formaldehyde and reduces airborne fecal particles.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light
- Water: Keep soil slightly moist
- Maintenance: Moderate
4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Foliage: Tall, upright, sword-like leaves with a striking pattern of dark green and light green stripes.Air Purifying Properties: Filters out formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene; releases oxygen at night.
- Light: Low to bright indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings
- Maintenance: Very easy
5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Foliage: Feathery, arching fronds with narrow leaflets that create a lush appearance.Air Purifying Properties: Removes benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Maintenance: Easy
6. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Foliage: Graceful, feathery fronds that are bright green and grow in clusters.Air Purifying Properties: Effective at removing toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene.
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Maintenance: Moderate
7. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Foliage: Lush, arching fronds with small, delicate leaflets that create a soft, feathery look.Air Purifying Properties: Known for its ability to remove formaldehyde and enhance humidity.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Maintenance: Moderate
8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Foliage: Large, thick, glossy leaves that can be dark green or burgundy, providing a bold statement.Air Purifying Properties: Filters formaldehyde and thrives in low light.
- Light: Low to bright indirect light
- Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Easy
9. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Foliage: Dark green, deeply lobed leaves that are soft to the touch, with vibrant flowers in various colors.Air Purifying Properties: Effective at removing benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia.
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Maintenance: Moderate
10. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Foliage: Thick, fleshy leaves that grow in a rosette, often with serrated edges and a waxy texture.Air Purifying Properties: Helps reduce formaldehyde and benzene levels.
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings
- Maintenance: Easy
11. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Foliage: Heart-shaped or split leaves, varying by species, often with a glossy finish.Air Purifying Properties: Known for filtering formaldehyde.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Easy
12. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Foliage: Large, dark green, deeply lobed leaves that form a rosette, topped with vibrant flowers.Air Purifying Properties: Effective at removing benzene and trichloroethylene.
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Maintenance: Moderate
13. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Foliage: Long, strap-like leaves that can be solid green or variegated with colorful edges.Air Purifying Properties: Effective against various toxins including formaldehyde and benzene.
- Light: Low to bright indirect light
- Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Easy
14. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Foliage: Heart-shaped leaves that are often variegated with yellow or white, trailing beautifully.Air Purifying Properties: Filters out formaldehyde and is easy to care for.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Very easy
15. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Foliage: Large, broad leaves with striking patterns of green and white, creating a tropical feel.Air Purifying Properties: Known to remove pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Maintenance: Easy
16. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Foliage: Fan-shaped leaves with deep splits, creating a lush, tropical appearance.Air Purifying Properties: Effective at removing indoor air pollutants.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Maintenance: Moderate
17. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Foliage: Small, glossy, oval leaves that grow on gracefully arching branches.Air Purifying Properties: Known for filtering indoor air toxins.
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Moderate
18. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Foliage: Oval leaves with striking patterns in shades of green, silver, or pink.Air Purifying Properties: Effective at removing various toxins including formaldehyde.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Keep soil lightly moist
- Maintenance: Easy
19. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Foliage: Narrow, sword-like leaves with red edges growing from a thin trunk.Air Purifying Properties: Filters out toxins and is easy to care for.
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Easy
20. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
Foliage: Graceful, feathery fronds with long, narrow leaflets.Air Purifying Properties: Known for its air-purifying properties.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Easy
21. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Foliage: Large, oblong, dark green leaves that grow from the base.Air Purifying Properties: Tolerant of neglect and helps purify the air.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Very easy
22. Elephant Ear Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)
Foliage: Large, heart-shaped leaves with a glossy texture, creating a tropical look.Air Purifying Properties: Filters out common indoor air pollutants.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Maintenance: Easy
23. Pineapple Plant (Ananas comosus)
Foliage: Long, sword-like leaves arranged in a rosette, often with spiky edges.Air Purifying Properties: Known for its air-purifying properties.
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Moderate
24. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Foliage: Large, violin-shaped leaves with prominent veins and a glossy finish.Air Purifying Properties: Helps purify the air while adding beauty.
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Moderate
25. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves arranged in a herringbone pattern, giving a striking appearance.Air Purifying Properties: Tolerates low light and helps filter air toxins.
- Light: Low to bright indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings
- Maintenance: Very easy
26. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Foliage: Delicate, feathery fronds with narrow leaflets, creating a soft look.Air Purifying Properties: Effective at improving indoor air quality.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Keep soil lightly moist
- Maintenance: Easy
27. Cacti (Cactaceae)
Foliage: Various shapes, often with spines instead of leaves, adding unique textures.Air Purifying Properties: Some species can help improve air quality.
- Light: Bright direct light
- Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings
- Maintenance: Easy
28. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Foliage: Thick, fleshy leaves that grow from a central stem, typically dark green.Air Purifying Properties: Known for its beauty and air-purifying qualities.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Moderate
29. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Foliage: Thick, scalloped leaves that are often waxy and green.Air Purifying Properties: Adds beauty and helps purify the air.
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Maintenance: Easy
30. Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Foliage: Fan-shaped leaves with deep splits, creating a multi-fingered appearance.Air Purifying Properties: Effective at removing various toxins from the air.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Maintenance: Moderate
Incorporating these air-purifying plants into your home can significantly enhance indoor air quality while adding natural beauty to your space.
Each plant offers unique benefits and varying levels of care, making it easy to find the right fit for your lifestyle.
Enjoy the fresh air and aesthetic appeal that these plants bring to your environment!
