The quality of the air inside our homes can have a big impact on health and well being. Everyday items like furniture, cleaning supplies, and even paints release toxins that lower indoor air quality.
Poor ventilation makes it worse, leading to headaches, fatigue, or allergies. Thankfully, nature provides a simple and beautiful solution—indoor plants.
Having plants inside the home does far more than add beauty , they naturally filter toxins, release oxygen, and balance humidity. NASA’s famous Clean Air Study showed that many houseplants remove harmful chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from indoor air. In addition, they can reduce dust, mold spores, and bacteria.
Certain plants don’t just look good; they actively filter harmful toxins from the air while also adding oxygen and humidity to your living spaces.
The best part is that many of these plants are hardy, low-maintenance, and thrive in typical household conditions.
Here are 22 of the best indoor plants for clean air in your home, along with their benefits and care tips.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant, also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” is one of the easiest houseplants to grow.
Its long, sword-like leaves are both striking and highly effective at filtering toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Care is simple: snake plants prefer to be watered sparingly, as their roots can rot in soggy soil.
They thrive in low to bright light conditions, which means you can place them almost anywhere in the home.
A unique feature of snake plants is that they release oxygen at night, unlike most plants, which makes them perfect for bedrooms.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is a popular indoor plant known for its glossy green leaves and elegant white blooms.
Beyond aesthetics, peace lilies are excellent air purifiers, removing pollutants like benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde.
Peace lilies enjoy shaded corners and thrive in low-light conditions, making them suitable for living rooms, offices, or hallways.
Keep the soil moist and mist the leaves occasionally to mimic the humidity they love. Peace lilies also act as natural humidifiers, which can be beneficial in homes with dry air.
3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The areca palm, also called the butterfly palm, is a graceful plant with feathery fronds that can grow quite tall indoors.
It is particularly effective at removing airborne toxins like toluene and xylene. In addition, it releases moisture into the air, making it an excellent choice for maintaining indoor humidity.
This plant prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering, but it does not tolerate overwatering.
Its tropical look makes it a great addition to living rooms or entryways, adding a sense of freshness and greenery.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are among the most popular houseplants because they are adaptable, hardy, and attractive.
Their long, arching leaves often feature white or yellow stripes, and they produce small offshoots or “spiderettes” that hang down like little plantlets.
Spider plants are great at removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
They grow well in low to moderate light and only need occasional watering. They’re also non-toxic, making them safe for homes with pets and children.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are lush, feathery plants that thrive in humid environments.
They are excellent at removing indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene.
Their vibrant green fronds also add a soft, natural touch to interiors, making them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens.
To keep them healthy, provide indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist. Mist the fronds frequently or place them in rooms with higher humidity, as dry air can cause the leaves to brown.
With proper care, Boston ferns can create a refreshing, spa-like atmosphere in your home.
6. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera is well known for its medicinal properties, especially the gel inside its leaves that soothes burns and nourishes the skin.
But aloe is also an effective air purifier. It removes formaldehyde and benzene—two common chemicals found in household cleaners and paints.
Aloe vera thrives in bright, indirect light, making it ideal for sunny windowsills. Water it sparingly, as it prefers dry soil conditions.
Along with improving air quality, aloe vera is a practical plant to keep in the home thanks to its natural healing properties.
7. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The rubber plant is a striking houseplant with large, glossy leaves.
It is particularly effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde from the air. In addition, its bold appearance makes it a stylish addition to modern interiors.
Rubber plants prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions. Water them moderately, allowing the topsoil to dry between waterings.
With minimal care, they grow tall and lush, acting as both a natural air purifier and a decorative element.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The bamboo palm, with its slender stems and delicate fronds, is another powerful air-cleaning plant.
It is highly efficient at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. It also adds a tropical touch to any room.
This palm prefers indirect light and consistent moisture.
It does especially well in living rooms or office spaces, where its tall, elegant growth can complement furniture and décor. As a bonus, bamboo palms are non-toxic, making them safe for pets.
9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreen is a colorful plant with leaves that may feature shades of green, silver, and even red.
It is one of the most tolerant indoor plants and thrives in low-light conditions. It is known for filtering air pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde.
This plant prefers slightly moist soil and does well in warm, humid environments. Its striking leaves brighten dark corners, making it an excellent decorative piece as well as a natural air cleaner.
10. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
The gerbera daisy is a cheerful flowering plant that not only adds bright splashes of color to your home but also improves air quality.
It is particularly effective at removing benzene, which is found in inks, dyes, and adhesives.
Gerberas prefer bright, indirect light and need well-draining soil. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide good air circulation to prevent mildew.
While they may need a little more care than foliage plants, their colorful blooms and air-purifying abilities make them worth the effort.
11. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden pothos is often called the “devil’s ivy” because of how hard it is to kill. Its trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves can grow in low light and withstand occasional neglect.
This plant is highly effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene from the air.
You can hang it in baskets, place it on shelves, or let it trail down from high spots.
Golden pothos thrives in indirect light and only needs watering when the soil dries out, making it ideal for beginners.
12. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and tolerance for neglect.
ZZ survives in low light and doesn’t require frequent watering, thanks to its rhizomes that store moisture.
Beyond being hardy, the ZZ plant filters toxins such as xylene, toluene, and benzene. Its bold, upright look makes it suitable for modern interiors. Just keep it away from curious pets, as its leaves are mildly toxic if ingested.
13. Dracaena Marginata (Dragon Tree)
The dragon tree features slender stems topped with spiky, red-edged leaves, giving it a dramatic, architectural look.
It’s excellent at absorbing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
This plant enjoys bright, indirect light but adapts to lower light levels as well. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot.
With proper care, it can grow tall, making it a beautiful floor plant for living rooms and offices.
14. Calathea (Calathea spp)
Calatheas are known for their strikingly patterned leaves in shades of green, purple, and cream.
They not only improve indoor air quality but also add artistic flair to your home.
These plants prefer low to medium indirect light and require consistent moisture.
Because they are sensitive to chemicals in tap water, it’s best to water them with filtered or distilled water. Calatheas are safe for pets and make excellent bedroom or living room companions.
15. Philodendron Heartleaf (Philodendron hederaceum)
The heartleaf philodendron is a popular trailing plant with glossy, heart-shaped leaves.
It’s easy to grow and requires little care while still effectively cleaning indoor air of toxins like formaldehyde.
This plant thrives in moderate to bright indirect light but can also adapt to low light. It prefers evenly moist soil but can tolerate occasional drought.
Heartleaf philodendron is perfect for hanging baskets or as a tabletop plant.
16. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a versatile climber that can grow as a trailing plant indoors.
This is particularly effective at reducing airborne mold and fecal particles, making it useful for bathrooms and bedrooms.
This plant needs moderate light and regular watering but doesn’t like overly soggy soil. It can also be trained to climb trellises or moss poles, giving you flexibility in how you display it.
English ivy’s ability to remove benzene and formaldehyde adds to its air-purifying benefits.
17. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
The lady palm is a slow-growing, elegant plant with fan-like green fronds.
In my experience lady palm is one of the best air-purifying palms, filtering out ammonia, formaldehyde, and other indoor pollutants.
This prefers indirect light and consistently moist soil.
They’re also more tolerant of low light than other palms. Their graceful structure makes them ideal for living rooms or offices where they can shine as statement plants.
18. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Croton plants are loved for their bold, colorful leaves in shades of yellow, orange, red, and green. Along with their visual appeal, they help filter toxins from the air.
Crotons need bright, indirect sunlight to maintain their vibrant colors.
They also prefer consistent moisture and higher humidity. While they require a bit more attention than hardier plants, their striking foliage makes the effort worthwhile.
19. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
The monstera, famous for its large, fenestrated leaves, has become a favorite in interior design.
It not only adds a tropical vibe but also helps purify the air of formaldehyde and other toxins.
Monsteras prefer bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
They grow quickly and can be trained to climb supports, adding dramatic greenery to large spaces. With proper care, a monstera becomes a centerpiece plant that enhances both air quality and décor.
20. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Kalanchoe is a succulent with thick leaves and clusters of bright flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, or orange.
While not as powerful as some other plants, it contributes to air purification and adds a splash of color indoors.
It thrives in bright light and requires minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance choice.
Like aloe vera, kalanchoe is also known for its medicinal properties in certain cultures. Its cheerful blooms and air-cleaning ability make it a wonderful addition to sunny spots in your home.
21. Orchid (Phalaenopsis Orchid)
Orchids are elegant flowering plants that bring beauty and freshness indoors. They help remove xylene, a toxin found in paints and adhesives, while also producing oxygen.
Orchids prefer bright, indirect light and a well-draining growing medium.
They don’t require frequent watering, but they do enjoy humid environments.
Their long-lasting blooms add a touch of sophistication to any room while subtly improving air quality.
22. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
Anthuriums, often called “flamingo flowers,” are striking plants with heart-shaped leaves and bright red or pink spathes.
They are excellent at removing ammonia, toluene, and formaldehyde from indoor air.
These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and need consistently moist soil.
They also appreciate higher humidity levels, making them great for kitchens or bathrooms. Their vibrant flowers make them both decorative and functional as natural air purifiers.
Adding indoor plants is one of the simplest and most natural ways to improve air quality in your home.
Beyond their beauty, plants like golden pothos, ZZ plant, dracaena, and philodendron act as living filters against household pollutants. Others, like orchids and anthuriums, add colorful blooms while cleaning the air.
The key to success is choosing plants that suit your lifestyle and environment.
If you want low-maintenance options, the ZZ plant, pothos, or philodendron are excellent. For those who enjoy a bit more care, orchids, calatheas, or crotons bring striking color and personality.
By combining a variety of these air-purifying plants, you can create a healthier indoor environment that is refreshing, calming, and aesthetically pleasing.
Not only will you breathe easier, but your home will also feel more alive with the presence of nature.