Indoor air quality matters, and while plants alone won’t replace proper ventilation or air purifiers, they can still offer some benefits for your living space. Here’s what you need to know about the top air purifying plants and how to use them effectively.
What Science Actually Says About Plants and Air Quality
The idea of air-purifying plants gained popularity after NASA’s 1989 Clean Air Study, which found certain plants could absorb toxins in sealed spacecraft environments. However, recent research shows that achieving similar results at home would require an impractical number of plants – as many as 680 plants for a typical 1,500 square foot home.
That said, plants do:
- Remove trace amounts of toxins
- Add humidity to dry spaces
- Trap some airborne particles
- Provide psychological benefits
Top Air Purifying Plants Worth Having
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Removes: Formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia
- Care: Thrives in low light, water when soil feels dry
- Note: Toxic to pets if ingested
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Removes: Benzene, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides
- Care: Extremely low maintenance, tolerates neglect
- Bonus: Converts CO2 to oxygen at night (unlike most plants)
3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene
- Care: Needs consistent moisture and humidity
- Bonus: Acts as a natural humidifier
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Removes: Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide
- Care: Adaptable to various light conditions
- Note: Safe for pets and easy to propagate
5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Removes: Benzene, trichloroethylene
- Care: Prefers bright, indirect light
- Note: Pet-friendly and helps increase humidity
6. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
- Removes: Formaldehyde, benzene
- Care: Needs sunny spots, minimal watering
- Bonus: Has medicinal properties for minor burns
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Removes: Airborne mold, formaldehyde
- Care: Adaptable to low light
- Note: Toxic to pets, requires pruning
Best Air Purifying Plants Comparison Chart
How to Maximize the Benefits
Optimal Placement
Position plants in areas with known pollutant sources:
- Kitchen (cabinets release formaldehyde)
- Living room (electronics emit benzene)
- Near new furniture (off-gassing VOCs)
Proper Density
While NASA suggests one plant per 100 square feet, clustering several plants in problem areas may be more effective than spreading them throughout your home.
Maintenance Tips for Success
- Light: Match plant needs to your space – Snake Plants and Peace Lilies tolerate low light, while Aloe needs bright sun
- Watering: Most air-purifying plants prefer drying out between waterings
- Soil: Use well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot
- Cleaning: Wipe leaves monthly to remove dust that blocks pores
Pet-Safe Options
If you have pets, focus on these non-toxic options:
- Spider Plant
- Boston Fern
- Bamboo Palm
- Areca Palm
Avoid Peace Lily, English Ivy, and Weeping Fig around pets.
Complementary Strategies for Cleaner Air
For best results, combine plants with:
- Regular ventilation (open windows when possible)
- Source reduction (choose low-VOC products)
- HEPA air purifiers for particulates
- Activated carbon filters for chemical pollutants
Final Thoughts
While plants won’t transform your air quality single-handedly, they offer modest improvements alongside aesthetic and psychological benefits. The best approach is integrating them into a broader air quality strategy while enjoying their natural beauty and the satisfaction of caring for living things.
Dora Decora is a biophilic interior design specialist and passionate blogger. With a deep commitment to integrating nature into living spaces, Dora specializes in creating environments that foster human-nature connections through thoughtful design elements. Her approach emphasizes sustainable materials, natural lighting, and organic patterns that enhance wellbeing and reduce environmental impact.
This post (https://homechroma.com/best-air-purifying-plants-for-home/) was originally published by Dora Decora on Home Chroma. As an Amazon Associates partner, qualifying purchases are compensated.
