These 19 Indoor Plants Will Literally Clean the Air In Your Home
There’s nothing quite like the joy of bringing a bit of green into your home! Not only do houseplants brighten up a space, but they also work overtime to clean indoor air and boost your mood.
After diving into this leafy world, I’ve discovered a treasure trove of 19 amazing plants that not only purify the air but also lift our spirits. Let’s dig into this list and find out which green companions can help create a healthier, happier home!
How to Choose Air-Purifying Indoor Plants
- Assess Your Lighting Conditions: The type of lighting your space receives will determine which plants thrive best. For low-light areas, choose resilient species like Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, or Peace Lilies. Bright, indirect sunlight is perfect for Spider Plants, Rubber Plants, and Areca Palms.
- Consider Ease of Maintenance: Match your plant choices to your lifestyle and available care time. For minimal upkeep, opt for hardy plants like Snake Plants, Aloe Vera, or Pothos, which require infrequent watering and minimal attention. If you’re ready for a bit more engagement, Boston Ferns and Peace Lilies will reward your care with lush growth.
- Choose Plants Based on Pollutant Removal: Certain plants are especially effective at targeting specific airborne toxins. Snake Plants and Spider Plants excel at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. Peace Lilies and English Ivy efficiently reduce airborne mold spores and ammonia, making them excellent choices for bathrooms and kitchens.
Our Top Purifying Indoor Plants
When it comes to choosing an indoor plant that also cleans there air, there are plenty of options and it all comes down to the room you want to clean, the size of the space you have and, importantly, light levels:
1) Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a super hardy houseplant that thrives on neglect. It has tall, sword-like leaves that come in a variety of green and yellow shades. One of the coolest things about the Snake Plant is its ability to purify the air. It can absorb toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, making your indoor air cleaner and healthier to breathe.
What sets the Snake Plant apart is its unique ability to produce oxygen at night. Most plants only do this during the day, but the Snake Plant keeps the air fresh while you sleep. It’s perfect for bedrooms or any cozy nook in your house!
Popular Varieties
- Snake Plant Laurentii: Tall, upright leaves with yellow edges and dark green centers—very drought-tolerant and excellent air purifier. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Snake Plant Moonshine: Silvery-green, wide leaves with a smooth texture—adds modern, subtle color to indoor spaces. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Snake Plant Bantel’s Sensation: Narrow, wavy leaves with horizontal light green stripes—compact and decorative for tabletops. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
2) Spider Plant
Spider Plants are charming little green superheroes that are super easy to care for. They have long, arching leaves that look great in hanging baskets. These plants are fantastic at filtering out pollutants like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air. Plus, they’re known for producing “baby” plants—little offshoots that you can propagate and share!
If you’re looking for an air-purifying plant that also brings some cheer to your home, the Spider Plant is a top choice. It’s especially great for beginners since it’s nearly impossible to kill.
Popular Varieties
- Spider Plant Variegatum: Classic green leaves edged with creamy white stripes—vigorous grower and great for hanging baskets indoors. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Spider Plant Bonnie: Features narrow, curly leaves with white variegation—adds playful texture to indoor spaces. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Spider Plant Hawaiian: Bold, wide leaves with vibrant white stripes—thrives in bright indirect light and cleans indoor air. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Spider Plant Reverse Variegated: Green leaves with a central white stripe—offers a unique twist on traditional variegation. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
3) Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are known for their stunning white blooms and glossy green leaves. But don’t let their beauty fool you; these plants are powerful air purifiers! They can filter out toxins like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde, making your space feel fresh and clean. Plus, they’re pretty forgiving, so they’re perfect for folks who might forget to water occasionally.
One of the best things about Peace Lilies is how they can thrive in low light, which means you can pop them in darker corners of your home and still enjoy their lovely presence.
Popular Varieties
- Peace Lily Sensation: Large, glossy dark green leaves with impressive white flowers—thrives in low light and excellent at removing indoor toxins. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Peace Lily Domino: Compact with striking white variegation on leaves and classic white blooms—ideal for smaller indoor spaces. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Peace Lily Petite: Smaller stature with delicate white flowers—perfect for tabletops and low-light corners. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
4) Bamboo Palm
Bamboo Palms are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a plant that adds a tropical vibe to your home. They have lush, feathery fronds and can help filter out benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. Not only do they clean the air, but they also add a relaxed, beachy feel to any room!
These palms thrive in bright, indirect light and can grow quite tall, making them perfect for filling empty corners or spaces in your home.
Popular Varieties
- Bamboo Palm Compacta: Smaller, denser form with slender green stems and lush fronds—ideal for tabletops or small indoor corners. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Bamboo Palm Variegata: Features creamy yellow and green striped leaves—adds brightness and texture to shaded indoor spots. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Bamboo Palm Standard: Tall and elegant with multiple thin stalks and feathery foliage—excellent for air purification and room division. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
5) Rubber Plant
Rubber Plants have thick, glossy leaves that can add a touch of elegance to any room. They are not just a pretty face; these plants are excellent at filtering out toxins like formaldehyde and can help keep the air in your home clean and fresh. They can grow quite tall, making them a striking focal point in your space.
An added bonus? Rubber Plants are relatively low-maintenance. They prefer bright light but can adapt to lower light conditions, just don’t overwater them!
Popular Varieties
- Rubber Plant Burgundy: Deep burgundy, glossy leaves that bring rich color and texture to indoor spaces—thrives in bright, indirect light. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Rubber Plant Decora: Large, broad green leaves with a shiny finish—popular for its upright growth and air-purifying qualities. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Rubber Plant Tricolor: Variegated with cream, pink, and green—adds vibrant color contrast and adapts well to indoor light. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
6) Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is more than just a skincare hero; it also plays a role in purifying the air! This succulent has thick, fleshy leaves that can help remove formaldehyde and benzene. Plus, it’s super easy to care for—just give it bright light and a little water now and then, and you’re good to go!
Aloe Vera is also very handy to have around for those minor burns or cuts. Just break off a leaf, and you’ll have that soothing gel ready to go!
Popular Varieties
- Aloe Vera Barbadensis: Classic succulent with thick, fleshy leaves containing soothing gel—easy to grow indoors with bright, indirect light. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Aloe Vera Curly: Features wavy, curled leaf edges adding decorative texture—compact and suitable for tabletops. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
7) Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are lush and feathery, bringing a touch of the outdoors inside. They’re known for their ability to absorb formaldehyde and other toxins from the air, making them a great choice for a cleaner indoor environment. These ferns love humidity, so they’re perfect for bathrooms or kitchens!
They do require a bit more attention than some other plants, but the vibrant greenery is totally worth the effort.
Popular Varieties
- Boston Fern Compacta: A smaller, denser variety with rich green, finely divided fronds—ideal for hanging baskets indoors. (Zones 8–11 indoors year-round)
- Boston Fern Lacy: Features delicate, lacy fronds with a soft texture—adds elegance and thrives in humid, shaded indoor spots. (Zones 8–11 indoors year-round)
- Boston Fern Fat Albert: Noted for its thick, robust fronds and vigorous growth—great for larger indoor spaces or bright bathrooms. (Zones 8–11 indoors year-round)
8) Dracaena
Dracaena plants are super versatile and come in many varieties. They’re fantastic at purifying the air, especially when it comes to removing toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene. With their tall, elegant stalks and colorful leaves, they can really make a statement in your home.
Most Dracaenas are pretty low-maintenance, making them a great choice for busy folks who still want some greenery in their space.
Popular Varieties
- Dracaena Marginata: Thin, arching leaves with red edges—slender and architectural, perfect for corners and low light indoors. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Dracaena Warneckii: Broad green leaves striped with white or cream—adds a bold variegated look and tolerates moderate light. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Dracaena Janet Craig: Deep green, glossy leaves with a bushy form—excellent for shade and air purification. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Dracaena Lemon Lime: Bright chartreuse and green variegated leaves—adds vibrant color to indoor spaces with indirect light. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
9) ZZ Plant
ZZ Plants are like the low-maintenance superheroes of the plant world. With their waxy, dark green leaves, they’re not just easy on the eyes; they’re also great at purifying the air. ZZ Plants can tolerate low light and neglect, making them a perfect choice for those who might not have a green thumb.
They’re not just a pretty face; they help remove toxins like xylene, toluene, and benzene from your indoor air, making your space healthier.
Popular Varieties
- ZZ Plant Raven: Deep, almost black glossy leaves that add dramatic contrast—extremely low maintenance and thrives in low light. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- ZZ Plant Regular: Classic bright green, waxy leaves with a sturdy, upright growth—tolerates neglect and low light well. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- ZZ Plant Zanzibar: Known for slightly larger, more elongated leaves with a rich green color—adds a tropical touch to indoor spaces. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
10) Ficus
Ficus plants are classic houseplants that can add a touch of sophistication to your home. They’re known to filter out harmful toxins, including formaldehyde and xylene, making the air cleaner. With their shiny leaves and bushy appearance, Ficus plants can also serve as tall accent pieces in your living space.
They do prefer bright, indirect light and a bit of humidity, so keep that in mind when placing them around your home.
Popular Varieties
- Ficus Benjamina: Graceful, arching branches with small, glossy green leaves—popular as a floor or tabletop tree indoors. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Ficus Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig): Large, violin-shaped leaves with a leathery texture—makes a bold statement in bright indoor spaces. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant): Thick, shiny, dark green leaves with a robust growth habit—easy to care for and purifies air well. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
11) Parlor Palm
Parlor Palms are charming little palms that can thrive in low light and add a tropical touch to your home. They’re excellent at filtering out indoor pollutants, making your air cleaner and fresher. These palms are super forgiving, which makes them perfect for beginners or those who travel frequently.
Whether you place them in a living room or a cozy nook, Parlor Palms bring a sense of tranquility and freshness to your space.
Popular Varieties
- Parlor Palm Compacta: A smaller, bushier form with dense, dark green fronds—perfect for limited indoor spaces and low light. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Parlor Palm Variegata: Displays delicate cream and green variegated leaves—adds subtle brightness to shaded rooms. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Parlor Palm Standard: Classic upright growth with slender, arching fronds—an elegant, low-maintenance indoor palm. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
12) Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreens are vibrant and colorful houseplants that are fantastic for purifying the air. They can filter out toxins like formaldehyde and toluene and come in a variety of leaf colors and patterns, making them visually striking. They’re also low-maintenance and can tolerate low light, which is a huge plus.
With their beautiful foliage, they can add a burst of color to any room without needing much care.
Popular Varieties
- Chinese Evergreen Silver Queen: Broad, silvery-green leaves with darker green markings—tolerant of low light and easy to maintain indoors. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Chinese Evergreen White Stripe: Features long leaves with striking white stripes running lengthwise—brightens shaded indoor spots. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Chinese Evergreen Golden Bay: Shows yellow-green foliage with subtle variegation—adds warmth and thrives in low light. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Chinese Evergreen Red Siam: Deep green leaves with reddish undersides—offers a splash of color and air-purifying benefits. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
13) Philodendron
Philodendrons are some of the easiest houseplants to grow, and they come in many shapes and sizes! These plants are known for their ability to purify the air, filtering out harmful toxins while adding a lush, tropical feel to your home. They thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, making them super adaptable.
With their beautiful heart-shaped leaves, Philodendrons can create a cozy vibe and bring a little nature indoors.
Popular Varieties
- Philodendron Heartleaf: Trailing vine with glossy, heart-shaped leaves—easy to grow indoors and excellent for improving air quality. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Philodendron Brasil: Variegated with striking yellow and green leaves—adds color contrast and thrives in moderate indoor light. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Philodendron Xanadu: Compact, bushy plant with deeply lobed leaves—perfect for small spaces and low-light conditions. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Philodendron Pink Princess: Known for its dark green leaves splashed with bright pink variegation—adds a unique pop of color indoors. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
14) Areca Palm
Areca Palms, sometimes called Butterfly Palms, are elegant and feathery, adding a tropical vibe to your home. They’re super effective at filtering out toxins, especially xylene and toluene, making your indoor air healthier. Plus, they thrive in bright, indirect light and can grow quite tall, making a stunning visual impact.
These palms are perfect for adding a touch of the tropics to your living room or office space!
Popular Varieties
- Areca Palm Variegated: Features bright green fronds edged with creamy yellow—adds tropical flair and improves indoor air by filtering toxins. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Areca Palm Dwarf: A smaller, more compact version suited for tabletops or limited spaces, with graceful arching leaves. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Areca Palm Butterfly: Known for its bushy, full form with feather-like fronds that resemble butterfly wings—great for filling corners. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
15) English Ivy
English Ivy is a classic climbing plant that’s not just pretty but also a powerful air purifier! It can help filter out mold spores and toxins, making it great for improving indoor air quality. Ivy can be grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb up trellises, adding a lovely green touch to your decor.
This hardy plant prefers bright, indirect light and could be a great addition to your living room or bathroom.
Popular Varieties
- English Ivy Needlepoint: Features fine, deeply lobed leaves with a delicate texture—ideal for hanging baskets and air purification indoors. (Zones 4–9 indoors year-round)
- English Ivy Goldchild: Bright green leaves edged with golden-yellow variegation—adds warmth and brightness to low-light indoor spaces. (Zones 4–9 indoors year-round)
- English Ivy Glacier: Silvery-gray variegated leaves with a subtle sheen—great for trailing over shelves or containers. (Zones 4–9 indoors year-round)
16) Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant is aptly named because it’s nearly indestructible! With its dark green, glossy leaves, this plant is perfect for anyone looking for a low-maintenance option. It’s great at filtering out toxins and can thrive in low light, making it a perfect choice for offices or darker rooms.
You can set it and forget it—just give it a little water when the soil dries out, and it’ll keep thriving!
Popular Varieties
- Cast Iron Plant Metallica: Features silvery-green, textured leaves with a metallic sheen—very tolerant of low light and neglect. (Zones 7–11 indoors year-round)
- Cast Iron Plant Variegata: Shows creamy white variegation along leaf edges, adding visual interest while thriving in shade. (Zones 7–11 indoors year-round)
- Cast Iron Plant ‘Hoshi-zora’: Compact form with dark green leaves and subtle silver stripes—great for smaller spaces. (Zones 7–11 indoors year-round)
17) Corn Plant
The Corn Plant is a favorite for those looking to add some height to their indoor garden. With its long, arching leaves and tall stalks, it’s not just beautiful; it’s also great at purifying the air! Corn Plants can filter out toxins like formaldehyde and make your space feel fresher.
They adapt well to different lighting conditions, although they prefer bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
Popular Varieties
- Corn Plant Massangeana: Features bold, arching green leaves with yellow stripes down the center—tolerant of low light and excellent at improving indoor air quality. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Corn Plant Lemon Lime: Bright lime-green and yellow variegated leaves add a splash of color while thriving in moderate indoor light. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Corn Plant Black Stem: Noted for its striking dark stems contrasting with bright green foliage—adds drama to indoor spaces. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
- Corn Plant Victoria: Compact growth with darker green leaves and subtle yellow striping—ideal for smaller indoor areas. (Zones 10–12 indoors year-round)
18) Lady Palm
Lady Palms are elegant and graceful, with lush fronds that can elevate any indoor space. They’re great at filtering out indoor air pollutants, making them perfect for creating a healthier environment. Lady Palms prefer bright, indirect light and can tolerate low light as well.
They make for stunning floor plants that can really enhance the aesthetic of a room!
Popular Varieties
- Lady Palm Compacta: A smaller, bushier variety with dense, dark green leaves—perfect for tight indoor spaces or tabletops. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Lady Palm Variegata: Features striking cream and green striped leaves, adding decorative contrast while purifying indoor air. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
- Lady Palm Broom: Exhibits a more upright, broom-like growth with narrower leaf segments for a sleek, architectural look indoors. (Zones 9–11 indoors year-round)
19) Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera Daisies are cheerful and vibrant flowers that can brighten up any space. While their primary purpose is to bring joy with their beautiful blooms, they also help improve indoor air quality by filtering out toxins. They thrive in bright light and need a bit of care, but their beauty is worth it!
These flowers are perfect for adding color to your home and can also be a lovely gift for friends and family.
Popular Varieties
- Festival Series: Compact plants with vivid blooms in red, yellow, orange, and pink—ideal for pots and bright indoor spaces. (Zones 8–11 indoors year-round)
- Revolution Series: Known for larger flowers and a wide color range; thrives in containers with consistent moisture and good airflow. (Zones 8–11 indoors year-round)
- Durora Mix: A mix of richly colored, long-lasting blooms on short stems—great for tabletops or decorative groupings. (Zones 8–11 indoors year-round)