12 Best Houseplants For Clean Air

Creating a healthier indoor environment is more straightforward and greener than you might think. Incorporating houseplants into your home decor not only adds a touch of nature's beauty but also plays a crucial role in purifying the air. According to a NASA study, certain houseplants can significantly reduce indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Although a more recent study suggests that while plants do purify the air, the rate at which they do so may be slower than previously thought, incorporating these natural air purifiers can still contribute positively to your indoor environment​.

The Top 12 Air-Purifying Houseplants

1. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants, scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum, are celebrated for their remarkable air-purifying qualities, particularly their ability to remove formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from indoor environments. This attribute was highlighted in the NASA Clean Air Study, which noted the plant's proficiency in absorbing toxins through its leaves and roots​.

Spider plants are characterized by their lush, arching green leaves with white stripes, making them both a decorative and functional addition to home and office spaces. They are incredibly resilient and low-maintenance, thriving in a wide range of lighting conditions from semi-sunny to full shade. 

To ensure optimal growth and health, it's recommended to keep their soil moist and place them in locations that receive indirect sunlight. Their adaptability and ease of care make them an ideal choice for novice and experienced gardeners alike.

2. Philodendrons

Philodendrons are among the most popular houseplants due to their visually appealing heart-shaped leaves and potent air-purifying capabilities, notably their effectiveness in removing formaldehyde gases from the air. This makes them not only a decorative asset but also a practical one for enhancing indoor air quality​. 

Philodendrons are versatile and resilient, capable of thriving in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to low light, provided they are watered regularly. Their quick-growing trailing vines and aesthetic foliage contribute to their popularity. For those seeking to cultivate a healthy and green indoor space, philodendrons offer both beauty and environmental benefits, serving as a natural way to detoxify the air.

3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy, or Hedera helix, stands out for its exceptional air-purifying qualities, capable of absorbing a multitude of pollutants. This makes it a valuable plant for those looking to reduce indoor air contaminants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene​. English Ivy prefers cooler temperatures and moist, well-draining soil, thriving under care that includes weekly leaf spraying to deter spider mites. Its preference for lower temperatures and adaptability to various lighting conditions, from low light to variegated varieties requiring brighter spots, make it a versatile choice for indoor gardeners. 

The plant’s cascading vines and lush foliage can add a touch of elegance to any interior, while its environmental benefits support a healthier living space.

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily, or Spathiphyllum, is renowned for its striking beauty and potent air-purifying properties. It has been identified as capable of improving indoor air quality by removing harmful toxins, including alcohols, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde. 

The Peace Lily is distinguishable by its glossy green leaves and white, spoon-shaped flower spathes, which add a serene elegance to any room. It thrives in semi-shady locations and prefers moist soil, making it suitable for indoor environments where direct sunlight is limited. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Peace Lily's ability to filter out air pollutants contributes to creating a healthier and more pleasant indoor atmosphere, making it a favored choice among houseplants for clean air.

5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The Snake Plant, or Sansevieria trifasciata, is highly regarded for its robust air-purifying capabilities and minimal care requirements. It stands out for its ability to absorb excessive amounts of carbon monoxide, along with other toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene, making it an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality​. 

Its thick, upright leaves with unique patterns can thrive under a wide range of lighting conditions, from direct sunlight to low light, making it versatile for various indoor settings. The Snake Plant releases oxygen at night, differing from most plants that do so during the day, thus promoting better air quality while you sleep. Its drought-resistant nature means it requires minimal watering, further contributing to its reputation as one of the easiest houseplants to maintain.

6. Bromeliads

Bromeliads are tropical plants known for their striking appearance and remarkable air-purifying qualities, particularly their ability to clean the air at night. This makes them an ideal plant for bedrooms, where they can help maintain air quality during sleep hours​. Bromeliads work by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen at night, supporting a healthier sleeping environment. Their bright, colorful flowers and green foliage can enhance the aesthetic of any room. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight and do best with minimal watering, making them relatively low-maintenance. 

Additionally, bromeliads can increase indoor humidity, which can be beneficial in drier climates or during winter months when indoor air tends to be dry.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly for soothing burns and skin irritations. Beyond its health benefits, Aloe Vera is also an effective air purifier, known to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air​. This succulent plant thrives in bright, sunny locations and requires minimal watering, making it suitable for areas of the home that receive plenty of natural light. Its ability to improve air quality, alongside its low water needs and healing properties, makes Aloe Vera a versatile and valuable addition to any home.

8. Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

The Broadleaf Lady Palm, or Rhapis excelsa, is prized for its air-purifying qualities and its ability to add moisture to indoor air, making it particularly beneficial for dry indoor environments​. It is an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, or any area prone to dryness, thanks to its preference for high humidity levels. This palm is adaptable to various light conditions, though it thrives best in bright, indirect light. Its lush, fan-shaped leaves not only contribute to cleaner air but also bring a touch of elegance and greenery to indoor spaces. 

The Broadleaf Lady Palm’s resilience and ease of care make it a favored choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to enhance indoor air quality and aesthetics.

9. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

The Areca Palm, known for its graceful fronds and elegant stature, is a popular choice for indoor environments due to its exceptional air-purifying capabilities, especially in removing formaldehyde from the air​. 

This tropical plant also offers a pet-safe option for households looking to enhance their indoor air quality without risking the health of their furry companions. Thriving in bright, indirect sunlight, the Areca Palm can contribute significantly to removing toxins from indoor environments while adding a lush, decorative touch. Its preference for higher humidity levels makes it a fitting addition to areas of the home where moisture is more prevalent, aiding in the balance of indoor air moisture.

10. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

The Rubber Plant, with its striking, glossy, rubber-like leaves, is not only an attractive houseplant but also highly effective at purifying the air. It excels at absorbing air toxins, particularly formaldehyde, making it an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality​. This plant prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light levels, making it versatile for different indoor settings. Despite its powerful purifying abilities, the Rubber Plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering and regular dusting of its leaves to maintain its health and effectiveness in air purification.

11. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston Fern is celebrated for its lush, feathery fronds and its capacity to add humidity to indoor air, making it particularly beneficial for environments that tend to be dry​. This plant loves humidity and thrives in well-lit conditions, making it an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms where moisture levels are higher. Regular misting can help maintain its vibrant appearance and health, contributing to its effectiveness in purifying the air. The Boston Fern's preference for indirect light and its ability to thrive in moist conditions make it a versatile and visually appealing option for enhancing indoor air quality and aesthetics.

12. Dracaena

Dracaena is a diverse genus of plants known for their striking forms and varying leaf colors, making them a popular choice for indoor environments. These plants are not only appreciated for their aesthetic appeal but are also celebrated for their air-purifying properties, particularly their ability to remove a range of air toxins including formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene​.

Dracaenas are adaptable to a variety of indoor conditions, preferring indirect light and moderate watering, making them relatively easy to care for. With several species to choose from, including the striking Dracaena marginata with its narrow leaves and dramatic coloration, and Dracaena fragrans, known for its wide, glossy leaves, there's a Dracaena to suit almost any indoor setting or personal taste. Their effectiveness in purifying the air, combined with their low maintenance needs, makes Dracaenas a smart choice for enhancing indoor spaces both visually and environmentally.

Fern's Leafy Learnings

• Effective Air Purification: Even though plants purify air at a slower rate, incorporating varieties like spider plants and peace lilies can contribute to cleaner indoor air.

• Low Maintenance Options: Many air-purifying plants, such as snake plants and philodendrons, require minimal care, making them suitable for busy individuals.

• Health and Wellness: Besides cleaning the air, the presence of houseplants like aloe vera and rubber plants can enhance overall well-being and indoor aesthetics.

• Humidity Lovers: Plants like the Boston fern thrive in moist environments, adding not just clean air but also necessary humidity to indoor spaces.

• Safe for Pets: Selecting pet-friendly options such as the areca palm ensures that yourgreen oasis is safe for all family members, furry ones included.

Deepen Your Roots with Flora

At Flora, we not only bring you a vibrant selection of locally sourced, rare, and delightful plants, but we also serve as your continuous guide in your plant parenting voyage, ensuring every leaf in your sanctuary thrives. With our Flora Pod™ technology and a nurturing community of over 250,000 plant lovers, we cultivate a space where every plant parent - novice or expert - can blossom.

We propagate with a commitment to sustainability, connection, and ceaseless growth, fostering a community where each member, and their plants, are cherished and nurtured.

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