10 Best Air-Purifying Indoor Plants
Looking to refresh your home and improve air quality? Let indoor plants do the work! They purify the air, and boost your mood, while elevating your decor. Whether you’re aiming for a lush indoor jungle or just a hint of greenery, houseplants make it easy to create a healthier, more relaxing home.
Why You Need Plants In Your Life (and Your Indoor Space)
Before we dive in, let’s talk about the benefits of adding indoor plants to your home.
Cleaner Air, Reduced Stress, Increased Productivity
Research shows that certain houseplants are highly effective at removing harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. This means they help you breathe cleaner and healthier air every day.
Studies suggest that greenery in indoor spaces can also significantly reduce stress levels, improve concentration, and even boost productivity. One study found that adding plants to an office can increase productivity by 15%. Talk about a work hack!
Plus, being surrounded by nature (yes, even potted plants) has been linked to improved creativity and mental well-being.
Combat Dry Winter Air
During the colder months, we tend to keep windows closed and crank up the heat, which can leave our indoor air feeling dry and stale. This trapped air can accumulate toxins and harmful particles, making it even more important to have air-purifying plants around.
Luckily, houseplants naturally help regulate humidity. They release moisture into the air, which can make your home feel more comfortable and breathable. This is especially beneficial during the winter when indoor air tends to get drier, potentially causing dry skin, irritated sinuses, and respiratory discomfort.
Convinced? We've rounded up the 10 best air-purifying plants to add to your space today.
1. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
AKA the mother-in-law’s tongue, the Snake Plant is beloved for good reason. It’s known for its ability to filter out harmful indoor toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides. Even better, it’s one of the few plants that releases oxygen at night, making it a perfect addition to your bedroom for a restful night’s sleep.
Maintenance: It’s practically indestructible! The Snake Plant thrives in low light, requires infrequent watering, and doesn’t demand much attention. Perfect for those who want to keep an air-purifying plant without the fuss.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
With its glossy leaves and stunning white blooms, the Peace Lily is the epitome of elegance. But don’t let its delicate beauty fool you. It can remove formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia from the air. On top of that, it helps increase humidity, which is great for dry indoor environments.
Maintenance: Place it in indirect light and keep the soil moist to enjoy its full benefits. It’s slightly dramatic when thirsty, so don’t panic if you see it drooping. It perks up quickly after a drink or two.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is making a grand comeback in modern homes, and for good reason. Not only does it work wonders at cleaning the air by removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, but it’s also completely pet-safe.
Maintenance: This resilient houseplant thrives in indirect sunlight, tolerates a range of temperatures, and doesn’t mind if you forget to water it once in a while. The best part? It produces baby spiderettes that you can propagate!
4. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bring a touch of the tropics into your home with the Bamboo Palm. It filters out benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, keeping your air clean. It also helps keep humidity levels up, which is great for dry spaces.
Maintenance: Bamboo Palm loves bright, indirect light and prefers consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. Mist it occasionally to keep it happy.
5. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The Golden Pothos is the ultimate starter plant, and it’s easy to see why. A stunner with its trailing vines and marbled leaves, it filters out indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene. Low-maintenance and hardworking? Yes, please!
Maintenance: This plant is nearly impossible to kill. It tolerates low light, thrives on neglect, and only needs watering when the soil feels dry. Just be cautious if you have pets, as it’s toxic when ingested.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy brings an enchanting charm to any corner while improving air quality. It helps eliminate toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, and can even help reduce mold in the air. This plant keeps your home feeling fresh and smelling clean throughout the year.
Maintenance: This trailing plant thrives in indirect light and prefers evenly moist soil. Perfect for adding a cascading effect to shelves or hanging planters.
7. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Beyond its well-known soothing properties, Aloe Vera is effective at removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Its unique, understated look makes it a perfect fit for minimalist or contemporary decor.
Maintenance: This desert plant loves bright, indirect sunlight and requires infrequent watering (about once every two to three weeks).
8. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Known for their lush, feathery fronds, Boston Ferns are highly effective at eliminating formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Plus, they add a gentle, natural feel to any room.
Maintenance: They love humidity, so keep them in a well-lit bathroom or mist them frequently to keep them happy. They also like their soil to be consistently moist.
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant, with its large, glossy leaves, makes a striking addition to any nook. Not only does it effectively remove formaldehyde from the air, but it also looks stunning in a modern planter.
Maintenance: This plant loves bright, indirect light and prefers to dry out between waterings. Wipe its leaves occasionally to keep them glossy and dust-free.
10. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Elegant and low-maintenance, the Weeping Fig purifies the air by filtering out formaldehyde and xylene. Its tree-like shape makes it perfect for filling in gaps and empty corners in both modern and traditional interiors.
Maintenance: This Weeping Fig thrives in bright, indirect light and enjoys consistently moist, well-draining soil. Place it in a minimal, modern planter to highlight its natural beauty.
Breathe In, Breathe Out
Incorporating houseplants into your decor not only elevates your home's aesthetic but also promotes a healthier living environment. A well-placed plant can work wonders for your mood, productivity, and even the air you breathe. Plus, studies show that surrounding yourself with greenery can reduce stress and create a more calming atmosphere.
Remember: the key to thriving indoor plants is understanding their specific care needs and providing the right conditions. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, there's a perfect air-purifying plant for everyone.
Ready to elevate your plant display? Check out Luxe Leaf Decor’s curated selection of beautiful, modern planters!