15 Plants That Naturally Improve Air Quality Indoors

Indoor air can sometimes feel stale, especially in closed spaces with little airflow. Adding a few plants is a simple way to freshen things up. Certain plants can help reduce toxins and make the air feel cleaner. Many of them are also easy to care for and look great in any room. Choosing the right ones can make your home feel more comfortable and inviting.

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Spider Plant

The spider plant is known for its ability to filter harmful substances like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from indoor air. It produces oxygen while reducing indoor pollutants, which makes it ideal for bedrooms and offices. Its long green-and-white striped leaves give a lively touch to any space. This plant is especially helpful in spaces with poor ventilation.

Caring for a spider plant is easy. It thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. It can tolerate occasional neglect and still continue to grow well. You can also propagate new plants from its offshoots, which makes it a low-cost way to spread clean air through your home.

Peace Lily

The peace lily is effective at removing airborne toxins such as benzene and trichloroethylene. It produces white blooms and dark green leaves, making it both useful and attractive. This plant helps raise humidity slightly, which can ease dry skin or irritated sinuses. Its ability to absorb pollutants through leaves makes it a popular indoor choice.

Peace lilies grow best in low to moderate light and prefer moist, well-drained soil. Keep it away from direct sun, as too much light can damage the leaves. Water it regularly, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Clean the leaves occasionally to help the plant absorb more air pollutants.

Snake Plant

The snake plant, sometimes called mother-in-law’s tongue, is known for releasing oxygen at night. It also helps filter out harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and xylene. This makes it a good option for bedrooms or rooms with limited airflow. Its upright, stiff leaves add structure and color to indoor spaces.

Snake plants are very easy to care for. They grow well in indirect light but can also handle low-light corners. Watering once every two to three weeks is usually enough, depending on the room’s temperature. The plant can survive drought and does not need much attention to stay healthy.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is not only a soothing plant for skin care but also a helpful air purifier. It removes pollutants from cleaning products and improves overall air quality. Its thick, spiky leaves store water, making it drought-resistant. Aloe is also known to produce oxygen at night, which supports better sleep.

This plant prefers a sunny spot near a window and grows well in dry soil. Water it every two to three weeks, letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. Too much moisture can cause the roots to rot. Aloe is perfect for people who want a plant that helps both the air and skin.

Boston Fern

Boston ferns are effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde while raising indoor humidity. Their long, feathery fronds help trap airborne toxins and dust. This plant works well in larger rooms or entryways where air can circulate. Its soft texture also brings a calming, natural feel to the space.

Boston ferns thrive in high humidity and indirect light. They need regular misting or a nearby water tray to stay happy. Keep the soil slightly damp but not soggy. Pruning dead leaves helps the plant grow fuller and stay fresh-looking.

Areca Palm

The areca palm helps clean indoor air by removing harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde. It also adds moisture to dry rooms, which can ease breathing and skin irritation. Its soft, feathery leaves bring a tropical look to living spaces. The plant grows tall over time, making it a natural divider in larger rooms.

This palm prefers bright, filtered light and regular watering. The soil should stay lightly moist but not soaked. Mist the leaves often if your home has dry air. With good care, the areca palm stays lush and vibrant throughout the year.

Rubber Plant

The rubber plant is a powerful air-cleaner that absorbs airborne toxins and breaks them down in its roots. Its large, glossy leaves make it a bold addition to indoor decor. It also improves air quality by trapping dust on its thick foliage. As the plant matures, it can grow into a small tree indoors.

This plant prefers indirect sunlight and likes the soil to dry slightly between watering. Overwatering should be avoided to protect the roots. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to help the plant absorb more pollutants. The rubber plant is both attractive and functional for home spaces.

English Ivy

English ivy helps reduce airborne mold and formaldehyde, which makes it a useful plant for allergy relief. Its small, trailing leaves can be trained to grow along shelves or in hanging baskets. It also captures airborne particles and improves freshness in closed rooms. English ivy is a flexible plant that fits well in tight corners.

This plant prefers medium light and cool temperatures. Keep the soil moist but avoid soggy conditions. English ivy benefits from occasional pruning to keep it full and bushy. It does well with regular misting, especially in dry indoor climates.

Bamboo Palm

The bamboo palm removes pollutants such as benzene and trichloroethylene from indoor air. It is also good for adding humidity, which helps people breathe more easily in dry spaces. With its long green stems and full leaves, it adds a soft, calming presence indoors. The bamboo palm is often used in living rooms and offices.

This plant grows best in indirect light and needs evenly moist soil. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as the leaves can burn. Occasional feeding with diluted liquid fertilizer supports healthy growth. Bamboo palms can reach several feet in height and remain a popular indoor choice.

Pothos

Pothos is known for cleaning air while being easy to care for, even for beginners. It helps remove toxins like xylene and formaldehyde from indoor environments. Its heart-shaped leaves grow on trailing vines that can hang or climb. This plant is ideal for bookshelves, corners, or high ledges.

Pothos grows well in low to medium light and does not need frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry between waterings to avoid rot. It can be trimmed easily to manage its size. Pothos thrives with very little attention and continues growing in most indoor settings.

Dracaena

Dracaena improves indoor air by removing toxins like benzene and trichloroethylene. Its long, narrow leaves come in different colors depending on the variety. The plant adds height and texture to corners or entryways. It is well-suited for offices and homes alike.

Dracaena prefers filtered sunlight and evenly moist soil. Avoid tap water with fluoride, which can harm the leaves. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Regular leaf cleaning helps the plant look fresh and absorb more pollutants.

ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant cleans the air while tolerating low light and low humidity. It absorbs toxins through its waxy, dark green leaves and requires little care. This plant is popular in offices and apartments with limited sunlight. Its upright stems bring a clean and simple style to indoor spaces.

Watering is only needed when the soil is fully dry. The ZZ plant prefers indirect light and can survive in windowless rooms. It does not need frequent fertilizing and grows slowly over time. Its strong leaves make it one of the easiest houseplants to keep.

Lady Palm

Lady palms help purify indoor air by removing harmful particles like ammonia and formaldehyde. They have fan-like leaves and grow slowly in a bushy form. This plant is often found in lobbies or waiting areas because of its neat shape. It adds a quiet and tidy look to any room.

Lady palms need indirect sunlight and like moist, well-drained soil. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root damage. They respond well to mild fertilizer during the growing season. The plant grows best when placed in a steady environment with little temperature change.

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreen is valued for both its air-cleaning ability and attractive patterned leaves. It helps remove pollutants like benzene and improves indoor freshness. This plant grows slowly and fits well on desks or tabletops. It works well in low-light conditions where other plants may not thrive.

The plant prefers warm temperatures and indirect light. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Dust the leaves now and then to keep them looking nice. Chinese evergreen is a reliable option for beginners and busy households.

Philodendron

Philodendrons help improve air quality by absorbing toxins through their large, leafy surfaces. Their heart-shaped or split leaves bring a tropical touch to indoor spaces. These plants are known for their ability to adapt to different light levels. Philodendrons are often used in homes for their trailing or upright forms.

They prefer indirect light and regular watering when the top layer of soil feels dry. Overwatering can cause yellowing, so good drainage is important. They are easy to trim and shape as needed. With steady care, philodendrons can grow lush and full throughout the year.

Bringing plants indoors is a simple way to improve air quality while adding a touch of green to your space. Many of these plants are easy to care for and work well in different lighting conditions. With the right mix, you can freshen the air and create a more relaxing environment. A few well-chosen plants can make your home feel cleaner and more comfortable every day.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.