Looking to decorate your home and improve indoor air quality at the same time? Houseplants do more than just add greenery—they also help remove toxins from the air! According to the NASA Clean Air Study, many common indoor plants can filter pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, which are often found in household cleaners, furniture, and paints.
Here are our top 10 best air-purifying plants to keep your home looking beautiful and feeling fresh!
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is one of the most effective houseplants for removing airborne toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. It thrives in low light and only needs occasional watering, making it a low-maintenance choice for any home. Plus, its elegant white blooms add a touch of beauty to any space!
2. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
All Dracaena varieties are excellent air purifiers, but the Red-Edged Dracaena is particularly effective at filtering formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene. This tropical plant prefers indirect sunlight and consistently moist soil to thrive.
3. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Not only does Aloe Vera filter out formaldehyde and benzene, but it also has healing properties—its gel can soothe burns, cuts, and sunburns. This sun-loving succulent is perfect for a bright windowsill and requires minimal watering.
4. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons like Heartleaf, Selloum, and Elephant Ear are excellent at removing formaldehyde, a common toxin found in particle board and household materials. These easy-care, low-maintenance plants thrive in moderate light and only need occasional watering.
5. Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
Also known as Dumb Cane, this tropical plant helps filter xylene and other toxins from the air. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-drained soil to keep its large, variegated leaves healthy and vibrant.
6. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is one of the best plants for air purification, according to NASA. It absorbs formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene, improving indoor air quality. This hardy, low-light plant is nearly impossible to kill—perfect for beginners!
7. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, also called Devil’s Ivy, is a trailing, vining plant that effectively filters indoor air. Its heart-shaped leavesadd a decorative touch, and it’s one of the easiest houseplants to grow—ideal for beginners!
8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
A classic climbing vine, English Ivy helps remove benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. It’s also known to reduce mold and airborne particles, making it a great choice for improving indoor air quality. Keep it in bright, indirect light for best results!
9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese Evergreen is not only an easy-to-care-for houseplant, but it also becomes more effective at air purification over time. It thrives in low to medium light and helps remove airborne pollutants, keeping your home fresh.
10. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
A resilient and low-maintenance houseplant, the Spider Plant is excellent for improving indoor air quality. It effectively removes toxins like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene from the air. With its cascading green-and-white striped leaves and easygoing nature, the Spider Plant thrives in indirect light and requires minimal care, making it a perfect addition to any home. Plus, it produces small offshoots, or “spiderettes,” that can be propagated for even more greenery!
Breathe Easier with Houseplants!
Adding air-purifying plants to your home is an easy and natural way to improve indoor air quality while enhancing your decor. 🌿
Find these plants in-store at Sunnyside Gardens! Stop by or call us at (612) 926-2654 to learn more.
