Indoor plants are more than just decorative elements; many of them offer powerful air-purifying benefits that can improve our health and well-being. Plants like Dracaena, Pothos, and Aglaonema don’t just add beauty to your space—they also help filter out toxins from the air, including harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. These plants bring a sense of calm, a touch of nature, and a healthier environment. Here are seven plants that not only beautify but also cleanse the air, making your home a fresher, more enjoyable place to be.
In this article
Dracaena
Dracaena is one of the top choices for those seeking a plant that can filter out several common toxins from indoor air. It’s particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene—substances often found in household cleaners, furniture, and even certain fabrics.
- Health Benefits: Dracaena can reduce allergens and improve respiratory health by cleansing the air, which makes it especially beneficial in bedrooms or living rooms where you spend the most time.
- Light Requirements: Prefers low to moderate light, so it’s versatile for most spaces.
- Watering: Needs minimal watering; simply water when the top inch of soil is dry.
With its long, arching leaves and low-maintenance care, Dracaena is a beautiful and effective air purifier for any room in the house.
Pothos
Pothos, often called the “Can’t-Kill” plant, is not only easy to care for but also highly effective at filtering out toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. This popular vining plant is ideal for anyone looking to add greenery to their space with minimal effort.
- Health Benefits: By absorbing and breaking down toxins, Pothos helps improve respiratory health, reduce fatigue, and even alleviate stress.
- Light Requirements: Tolerates low light but also thrives in bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, as Pothos can tolerate occasional neglect.
With its fast-growing vines, Pothos brings both beauty and cleaner air to indoor spaces, making it perfect for bookshelves, hanging baskets, or even office desks.
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
Aglaonema, or Chinese Evergreen, is well-known for its attractive, variegated leaves, but it’s also a powerful air purifier that removes toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. It’s perfect for homes and offices, as it can tolerate a range of light conditions and requires very little maintenance.
- Health Benefits: By reducing airborne toxins, Aglaonema can promote better breathing, reduce eye irritation, and improve overall air quality.
- Light Requirements: Does well in low to moderate light, though brighter, indirect light can enhance leaf coloration.
- Watering: Water only when the top layer of soil feels dry.
With its lush, colorful foliage and air-purifying properties, Aglaonema is both a beautiful and functional addition to any room.
Snake Plant
Known as the “bedroom plant,” the Snake Plant (or Sansevieria) is unique because it releases oxygen at night, making it an excellent choice for improving air quality where you sleep. It’s also effective at filtering out toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, which can be released from household cleaning products.
- Health Benefits: The Snake Plant promotes restful sleep by boosting oxygen levels at night, making it ideal for bedrooms.
- Light Requirements: Tolerates low to bright light, making it a versatile option for almost any room.
- Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
With its tall, sword-like leaves, the Snake Plant is perfect for adding a modern, sculptural element to your decor while promoting better health.
Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are known for their beautiful white blooms and rich green leaves, but they’re also powerful air purifiers. They help remove formaldehyde, benzene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, creating a fresher, healthier environment.
- Health Benefits: Peace Lilies reduce indoor air pollutants and can help alleviate allergy symptoms, making them a great choice for those with respiratory sensitivities.
- Light Requirements: Prefers low to moderate indirect light, making it suitable for most indoor spaces.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
With their striking flowers and natural air-purifying abilities, Peace Lilies add elegance and health benefits to any room in your home.
Spider Plant
Spider Plants are often overlooked, but they’re fantastic for improving indoor air quality by removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. They’re also non-toxic, making them perfect for homes with pets or small children.
- Health Benefits: Spider Plants help reduce indoor pollution levels, which can lead to improved respiratory health and reduced feelings of fatigue or headaches.
- Light Requirements: Thrives in moderate to bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Watering: Water when the soil feels dry, and they’ll produce “spiderettes” or small offshoots that can be propagated easily.
With their unique arching leaves and ease of care, Spider Plants bring a fun, lively energy to indoor spaces while keeping the air fresh.
Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are one of the best plants for adding humidity to the air, which can be especially beneficial in dry environments. These lush plants are excellent for removing formaldehyde, xylene, and other VOCs from the air.
- Health Benefits: By increasing humidity and reducing indoor air pollutants, Boston Ferns can improve skin hydration, relieve dryness, and promote respiratory health.
- Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, as ferns love humidity.
With their soft, feathery fronds, Boston Ferns add a lush, tropical feel to any space while improving indoor air quality and boosting humidity levels.
Why Air-Purifying Plants Are Important for Indoor Health
Air-purifying plants do more than just look good—they actively improve the air we breathe, which is crucial for health, especially in closed spaces where pollutants can accumulate. Here are a few key benefits:
- Improved Respiratory Health: Many of the toxins these plants remove, like formaldehyde and benzene, can cause respiratory irritation. Plants that cleanse the air help reduce these risks.
- Enhanced Mood and Reduced Stress: Studies show that exposure to indoor plants can lower stress levels, improve mood, and even increase productivity, making them perfect for home and work environments.
- Better Sleep Quality: Plants like Snake Plant release oxygen at night, which can help improve sleep quality and support relaxation in bedroom settings.
Tips for Maximizing Your Air-Purifying Plants’ Health Benefits
Here are a few easy ways to keep your air-purifying plants in top shape so they can keep your indoor air fresh:
- Dust Regularly: Dust can inhibit a plant’s ability to absorb toxins, so wipe down the leaves gently with a damp cloth every couple of weeks.
- Water Wisely: Overwatering can lead to mold growth, which could offset the air-purifying benefits. Stick to the watering requirements for each plant.
- Place Strategically: For best results, place these plants in areas where you spend the most time, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices.
Bringing air-purifying plants into your home is a natural, low-maintenance way to improve indoor air quality and promote better health. So, whether you’re looking for a bedroom plant to boost oxygen at night or a versatile, hardy plant for the living room, these air-purifying options offer the perfect balance of beauty and health benefits.
