7 Best Indoor Plants for Air Purification at Home

It is easy to forget that the air inside our homes can get a little stale and dusty over time. I used to rely on expensive machines to keep things fresh, but I eventually turned to nature instead.

Plants are like tiny, silent workers that scrub the air while we go about our day. They make my home feel crisp and clean. Here are seven of my favorite plants for keeping your indoor air pure.

Spider Plant

The Spider Plant is one of the most hardworking air cleaners I have ever owned. It is incredibly efficient at removing carbon monoxide and other common household fumes. I love how it looks when it is full and bushy. It is also a very safe choice because it will not harm your curious cats or dogs.

• Helps eliminate harmful gases from the air.
• Completely safe for households with pets.
• Grows tiny plantlets that you can share with friends.

Snake Plant

I think the Snake Plant is a must-have for every bedroom. Unlike most plants, it converts carbon dioxide into oxygen during the night. This means it is literally helping you breathe better while you sleep. It is very tough and thrives even if you are someone who often forgets to water your greenery.

• Increases oxygen levels in the room at night.
• Filters out common toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
• Does not mind being in low-light corners of the house.

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is beautiful and very functional at the same time. It is great at absorbing mold spores and chemicals found in common cleaners. I find that it makes my laundry room or bathroom feel much fresher. It is a very honest plant that lets you know it needs water by drooping its leaves.

• Reduces the amount of mold spores in damp rooms.
• Cleans air pollutants often found in cleaning products.
• Tells you exactly when it is thirsty by sagging its leaves.

Areca Palm

I love the Areca Palm because it acts like a natural air freshener for the whole house. It is excellent at removing general toxins from large living areas. Because it is quite big, it can process a lot of air at once. It also adds a nice bit of moisture back into dry indoor environments.

• Excellent at filtering toxins from larger living spaces.
• Adds healthy moisture to the air in dry weather.
• Safe for both children and household pets to be around.

Boston Fern

If your home feels a bit dry, the Boston Fern is the perfect solution. It is a natural humidifier that releases moisture through its soft fronds. I find it very refreshing to have near my workspace. It works hard to remove pollutants and keeps the air from feeling too thin or irritating to your throat.

• Acts as a natural humidifier for indoor spaces.
• Removes pollutants commonly found in home furniture.
• Thrives in humid areas like a bright bathroom.

English Ivy

English Ivy is a classic plant that I find very useful for keeping the air clean. It is specifically known for reducing airborne fecal particles and mold. I like to keep mine in a hanging basket. It helps keep the air feeling crisp and is a great help for anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies.

• Great at reducing mold and other airborne particles.
• Helps improve air quality for people with allergies.
• Prefers cooler spots and consistent, medium light.

Bamboo Palm

The Bamboo Palm is a wonderful plant for filtering out chemicals that often come from new carpets or painted walls. It grows quite tall and adds a peaceful, tropical feeling to any room. I find it very easy to care for as long as you keep it out of the direct, hot sun.

• Filters out harsh chemicals found in household materials.
• Helps create a very calm and serene atmosphere.
• Works best in shady spots or rooms with indirect light.

Tips for a Cleaner Home

General Advice for Fresh Air

To get the most out of your air-purifying plants, you need to keep them in good shape. A healthy plant works much harder than a struggling one. I have found that a little bit of regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping the air in my home feeling pure and easy to breathe.

• Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth so they can absorb toxins easily.
• Place at least two medium-sized plants for every hundred square feet.
• Open your windows occasionally to help the plants circulate fresh air.