Top 10 Air-Purifying House Plants

Plants can brighten up a room, improve your mental health and boost your creativity. Did you know they can also clean the air in your home? Plants naturally remove toxins from the air and purify their surroundings. Some are better than others at cleaning toxins from the air. Let’s explore the top ten air-purifying house plants you can purchase for your home. 

1. Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum, better known as spider plant, is known for its ability to remove the air of toxins at a rapid pace. Spider plants can take 95% of harmful chemicals out of the air in a room in just 24 hours. They are also one of the only air-purifying plants that are non-toxic to animals, so you won’t have to worry about your furry friends getting into them in your home. The spider plant is an evergreen perennial species native to the coastal regions of South Africa. 

2. Rubber Plant

Ficus robusta, formerly known as Ficus elastica and more commonly known as rubber plant, is one of the top air-purifying house plants, removing up to 60% of toxins from the air. Rubber plants can grow up to ten feet high and primarily remove the toxin formaldehyde from the air. Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant that releases into the air from paint and wooden polish. 

3. Snake Plant

Snake plants have a variety of health benefits in addition to being an air-purifying house plant. The plant filters the air as they remove toxins and help to reduce allergies. They are also said to improve the energy of a space and help with minor health issues. They regulate the air quality in a room by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, even at night. Some toxins that snake plants filter are formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, benzene and xylene. 

4. English Ivy

English ivy purifies the air by removing molds and harmful air toxins. It also humidifies the air and improves its plant parents’ respiratory health. Also known as Hedera helix, English ivy possesses antispasmodic, antioxidant and antiallergenic properties. You can also use English ivy to treat skin ailments like burns and rashes, similar to aloe vera. It’s a low-maintenance air-purifying house plant, as it can withstand low-light situations and adapt to any type of soil. 

5. Broad Lady Palm

Broad lady palm works as a natural filter in whatever room you place it in your home. This plant packs a punch in the purification department, siphoning ammonia out of the air, which is part of what makes it unique. Lady palms love the shade, which makes them one of the most ideal air-purifying house plants. Planting a broad lady palm outdoors and ensuring optimal shade can attract various tropical butterflies and nesting birds. 

6. Peace Lily

The peace lily is another fabulous air-purifying house plant that can humidify the air and remove harmful toxins like benzene and carbon monoxide. When you breathe high levels of carbon monoxide, it decreases the oxygen levels in your bloodstream, which can lead to serious health problems. Peace lilies also help to promote relaxation for the duration of their flowering. 

These plants generate a more positive breathing environment for people who have asthma and other breathing complications. Peace lilies are not ideal for pet owners unless you can place them out of their reach because of their poisonous properties. 

7. Philodendron

Philodendron is known for removing formaldehyde from the air and adapting to any environment. This is one of the easiest air-purifying house plants to grow and maintain. As long as you water it regularly —about once a week — and ensure it has some sunlight, your philodendron will thrive and purify the air in your home. Its green foliage is gorgeous, and its cascading vines would be an excellent addition to any home. 

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is commonly known for easing skin ailments after too many hours in the harsh sun. This medicinal plant houses many other properties that can improve overall health. Aloe vera is an air-purifying house plant that should be a staple in your home. 

It is one of the easiest plants to maintain and propagate. Aloe vera raises oxygen levels in the home and removes harmful toxins from the air. With its healing properties and easy maintenance, aloe vera is one of the best air-purifying house plants. 

9. Air Plants

Air plants are the quintessential air-purifying house plants, mainly because of their ability to thrive without any soil. The plants come in many shapes and sizes, allowing you to hang them anywhere you want in your home. You can hang them on the headboard of your bed or anywhere else in your bedroom for increased air quality while you sleep. 

Many decorative air plant hangers come in various cute designs that perfectly hang above a kitchen sink or bathroom. Air plants filter the air and remove dust and other particles from their living space. This makes them an excellent addition to any room in your home. 

10. Boston Ferns

Like many other air purifying house pants, Boston ferns purify the air with the microorganisms within their soil. The soil absorbs the toxic chemicals in the air and the plant’s leaves purify them. They naturally restore moisture in the air and improve humidity levels in your home. They absorb formaldehyde and toluene and help remove xylene, all typical toxins in indoor air circulation. 

Boston ferns prefer bright sunny spots without too much harsh or direct sunlight. They require moist, organic and fertilized soil, making them a little more high maintenance than other air-purifying houseplants. Ferns are pretty sensitive, but they are worth the effort for optimal air purification and the beautiful aesthetic they add to your living space. 

Air-Purifying House Plants

House plants can improve your mood, boost your focus and reduce stress. Air-purifying house plants can also decrease your blood pressure, adding to the many benefits of being surrounded by plants. Air-purifying house plants are the perfect addition to your space, improving your overall health and providing gorgeous decor for your home!