While air purifiers and open windows help, nature offers its own solution: houseplants. Not only do they look great, but they also work silently to filter toxins without using a single watt of electricity.
We dug into the research, including NASA’s famous Clean Air Study, to find the top 15 air-purifying plants. These picks are effective, accessible, and ready to freshen up your space.
Key Takeaways
- Indoor pollution is real: Poor ventilation traps toxins, making indoor air significantly dirtier than outdoor air.
- Nature’s filters: NASA research confirms that specific plants absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde.
- Top performers: The Peace Lily, Snake Plant, and Spider Plant are among the most efficient at removing airborne toxins.
- Wellness boost: Beyond cleaning the air, indoor plants increase humidity and can help lower stress levels.
Do Plants Really Clean the Air?
NASA spent decades researching how to keep air clean inside sealed space stations. Their findings were promising: certain plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which is basic biology.
However, they also discovered that plants can scrub other nasty toxins from the air (1).
Common household toxins that plants can tackle include:
- Benzene.
- Formaldehyde.
- Trichloroethylene.
- Ammonia.
Experts agree that big, leafy plants act as effective natural filters. However, there is some debate about how well this translates to a typical home.
NASA conducted their studies in small, sealed chambers. Your living room is a much larger, open environment. Newer studies suggest that while plants do help, you would need a jungle-level density to match the efficiency of a mechanical air purifier.
That said, even if they aren’t a complete substitute for ventilation, they still contribute to a healthier home environment (2).
Benefits of Indoor Plants
Even if you don’t turn your home into a biosphere, keeping plants offers benefits beyond just filtration. They change the look and feel of a room instantly.
Here are the top perks of bringing the outdoors in:
- Fresh oxygen: We breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Plants do the opposite during photosynthesis, refreshing the room’s oxygen supply. Some unique species, like orchids and succulents, even continue this process at night (3).
- Cleaner air: NASA’s data showed that plant leaves and roots remove toxic vapors. They specifically noted that leaves alone could lower levels of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide (4).
- Increased humidity: Plants release moisture through transpiration. This boosts indoor humidity, which is great for dry climates or winter months. A Norwegian study even linked indoor plants to a decrease in dry skin, sore throats, and coughs (5).
- Better mood: Greenery acts as a natural antidepressant. Studies suggest that being around indoor plants reduces stress, lowers anxiety, and improves overall productivity (6).
Best Air Cleaning Plants for the Home
Having any plant is better than none, but some are true powerhouses when it comes to filtration. If you want to maximize the effect, you need the right species.
We researched care requirements and toxin-fighting abilities to bring you this definitive list. Here are the best plants to remove harmful toxins from your air:
| Plant | Benzene | Formaldehyde | Trichloroethylene | Xylene and toluene | Ammonia | Edible? |
| Peace lily | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Florist’s chrysanthemum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bamboo palm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| English Ivy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Variegated snake plant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Red-edged dracaena | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Barberton daisy | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Green spider plant | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cornstalk dracaena | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Aloe vera | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Weeping fig | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Chinese evergreen | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Heartleaf philodendron | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Selloum philodendron | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Elephant ear philodendron | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
1. Peace Lily
- Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum.
- Sunlight Needs: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Water Needs: Water occasionally (keep soil moist).
Peace lilies are a favorite for a reason. They are elegant, hardy, and one of the few houseplants that bloom indoors. Since they are native to forest floors, they thrive in shaded spots where other plants might struggle.
To keep those iconic white flowers coming, place them in bright, indirect light and don’t let the soil dry out completely. Peace lilies are powerhouse filters, removing:
- Benzene.
- Formaldehyde.
- Carbon monoxide.
- Trichloroethylene.
- Xylene and toluene.
- Ammonia.
Toxicity Warning
2. Florist’s Chrysanthemum
- Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum morifolium.
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun.
- Water Needs: Medium watering.
These beautiful perennials bring a pop of color to any room. Native to China, “mums” are often used in traditional medicine, but in your home, they act as a heavy-duty air scrubber.
They are hungry plants, so you will need to feed them fertilizer during the growing season to get the best blooms. In exchange, they filter out a wide range of toxins:
- Benzene.
- Formaldehyde.
- Trichloroethylene.
- Xylene and toluene.
- Ammonia.
Pet Safety
3. Bamboo Palm
- Botanical Name: Chamaedorea seifrizii.
- Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect light to partial sun.
- Water Needs: Water occasionally.
If you want a tropical, bohemian vibe, the bamboo palm is your best bet. It adds height and warmth to a room without demanding too much attention.
Beyond its looks, those luscious fronds are hard at work. The bamboo palm targets several common household chemicals:
- Formaldehyde.
- Benzene.
- Trichloroethylene.
- Xylene and toluene.
Best of all? Bamboo palms are non-toxic, making them a worry-free choice for households with furry friends.
4. English Ivy
- Botanical Name: Hedera helix.
- Sunlight Needs: Indirect light (6, 8 hours).
- Water Needs: Roughly 1 inch of water per week.
English Ivy is a classic creeping vine that looks great trailing off a bookshelf or hanging planter. Outdoors, it can be invasive and damage brickwork, but indoors, it is a contained and effective air cleaner.
It reproduces via berries that birds love, but you likely won’t see fruit on an indoor plant. It is great at tackling:
- Benzene.
- Formaldehyde.
- Trichloroethylene.
- Xylene and toluene.
Pet Warning
5. Variegated Snake Plant
- Botanical Name: Sansevieria trifasciata.
- Sunlight Needs: Any (tolerates low light well).
- Water Needs: Water sparingly.
Also affectionately known as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” this is arguably the hardest houseplant to kill. It thrives on neglect. It prefers warmth and light but will happily survive in a dim corner.
NASA specifically highlighted the Snake Plant for its ability to filter:
- Formaldehyde.
- Benzene.
- Trichloroethylene.
- Xylene and toluene.
Toxicity
6. Red-Edged Dracaena
- Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata.
- Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect light.
- Water Needs: Minimal water.
Also called the Dragon Tree, this plant makes a statement with its woody stems and spiky, red-lined leaves. It grows slowly but can eventually reach ceiling height, making it a great architectural piece for a room.
While it looks sharp, it works hard to remove:
- Formaldehyde.
- Benzene.
- Trichloroethylene.
- Xylene and toluene.
Pet Danger
7. Barberton Daisy
- Botanical Name: Gerbera jamesonii.
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun.
- Water Needs: Moderate watering.
You have probably seen these in bouquets, they are the cheerful, large flowers that come in vibrant reds, pinks, and yellows. Growing them indoors can be tricky because they crave direct sunlight, but the payoff is worth it.
Aside from the bright colors, they are excellent at filtering:
- Benzene.
- Formaldehyde.
- Trichloroethylene.
Good news for pet owners: Barberton daisies are non-toxic and safe for the whole family.
8. Green Spider Plant
- Botanical Name: Chlorophytum elatum.
- Sunlight Needs: Bright, indirect light.
- Water Needs: Water regularly.
The spider plant is a classic starter plant. It is resilient, grows fast, and produces adorable “spiderettes” (baby plants) that you can propagate easily. The long, arching leaves look fantastic in a hanging basket.
According to NASA, the spider plant is a pro at targeting:
- Formaldehyde.
- Xylene.
This is one of the best choices for pet owners because it is completely non-toxic.
9. Cornstalk Dracaena
- Botanical Name: Dracaena fragrans.
- Sunlight Needs: Filtered sun.
- Water Needs: Minimal water.
Named for its resemblance to a corn stalk, this plant (often called the “Corn Plant”) gives you the look of a palm tree without the high maintenance. It grows tall and slow, making it perfect for empty corners.
NASA studies found the Cornstalk Dracaena effective at scrubbing:
- Benzene.
- Formaldehyde.
- Trichloroethylene.
Toxicity Warning
10. Aloe Vera
- Botanical Name: Aloe vera.
- Sunlight Needs: Bright light.
- Water Needs: Water deeply but infrequently.
You know it for the soothing gel inside the leaves, but the plant itself is a great air purifier. As a succulent, it loves the sun and hates having wet feet, so use a cactus mix soil and let it dry out between waterings.
While it sits on your windowsill, Aloe Vera removes:
- Benzene.
- Formaldehyde.
Safety Check
11. Weeping Fig
- Botanical Name: Ficus Benjamina.
- Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect light.
- Water Needs: Water regularly.
The Weeping Fig, or Ficus tree, is a staple in offices for a reason. It has broad, glossy dark leaves and often features a braided trunk. Be warned: Ficus trees are moody. If you move them around too much, they might drop their leaves in protest.
Once it’s happy in a spot, it works efficiently to remove:
- Formaldehyde.
- Xylene and toluene.
Pet Toxicity
12. Chinese Evergreen
- Botanical Name: Aglaonema modestum.
- Sunlight Needs: Partial to low light.
- Water Needs: Water moderately.
This is the plant for people who have low-light homes. The Chinese Evergreen has beautiful variegated leaves and thrives in humidity. It prefers to stay warm (above 55°F), so keep it away from drafty windows in the winter.
While it grows, it helps filter out:
- Benzene.
- Formaldehyde.
Safety Warning
13. Heartleaf Philodendron
- Botanical Name: Philodendron cordatum.
- Sunlight Needs: Indirect light.
- Water Needs: Moderately.
Appropriately named for its heart-shaped leaves, this philodendron is a vigorous climber. It is incredibly tolerant of poor lighting and missed waterings, making it a favorite for beginners.
It specifically targets formaldehyde in the air.
Toxicity
14. Selloum Philodendron
- Botanical Name: Philodendron bipinnatifidum.
- Sunlight Needs: Part shade / Indirect light.
- Water Needs: Water regularly (keep moist but not soggy).
Also known as the Tree Philodendron, this plant makes a dramatic statement with its deeply lobed, split leaves. It can grow quite large, up to 5 feet wide indoors, so make sure you have the floor space.
Like its heartleaf cousin, it helps remove formaldehyde from the environment.
Pet Warning
15. Elephant Ear Philodendron
- Botanical Name: Philodendron domesticum.
- Sunlight Needs: Low to medium indirect light.
- Water Needs: Water moderately.
This climber features giant, arrow-shaped leaves that look like elephant ears. It’s a fast grower that needs something to climb on, like a moss pole or trellis. It’s also variegated, meaning you might see splashes of cream color on the green leaves.
Give it plenty of pot space, and it will help scrub formaldehyde from your air.
Toxicity
Air Cleaning FAQs
How Many Plants Does It Take to Purify the Air in a Room?
According to NASA’s original recommendation, you need about one plant per 100 square feet of floor space. So, for a standard 200-square-foot living room, two or three large plants should help improve air quality.
Is It Safe to Have Plants in the Bedroom?
Yes, it is perfectly safe. While most plants release a tiny amount of carbon dioxide at night, it is not enough to harm you. In fact, plants like orchids, snake plants, and succulents actually release oxygen at night, which might even help you sleep better.
Best Plants If You Have Pets?
Many popular air purifiers are toxic to animals. If you have curious cats or dogs, stick to safe options like the Spider Plant, Bamboo Palm, and Barberton Daisy. Always check the ASPCA website before bringing a new plant home.
How Do Plants Remove Toxins From the Air?
Plants absorb toxins through the pores on their leaves (stomata). The chemicals are then transported to the roots, where microbes in the soil break them down and neutralize them (12).
What Is the Easiest Plant to Grow Indoors?
From our list, the Snake Plant and the Heartleaf Philodendron are the toughest. They tolerate low light and inconsistent watering. The Spider Plant is also incredibly forgiving and recovers quickly if you forget to water it.
What Plants Are Good for Mental Health?
Almost any living greenery can boost your mood. Plants reduce visual stress and increase feelings of well-being. Lavender and Jasmine are specifically noted for their calming scents, though they didn’t make the main NASA air-purifying list.
Can You Have Too Many Plants in a Room?
Technically, yes. While a “jungle” look is trendy, too many plants can spike humidity levels. If the humidity gets too high (over 60%), it can encourage mold growth. Ensure you have good airflow if you plan on keeping dozens of plants in one room.
Do Indoor Plants Cause Mold?
The plants themselves usually don’t cause mold, but constantly damp soil can. Overwatering or using pots without drainage holes can lead to mold growing on the soil surface or root rot. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent this.
Other Ways to Clean Indoor Air
Plants are great helpers, but they can’t do it all alone. If you are serious about improving your home’s air quality, combine your greenery with these methods:
- Ventilate: It sounds simple, but opening a window for just 10 minutes a day creates a cross-breeze that flushes out stale, toxin-filled air.
- Use an Air Purifier: For heavy lifting, get a mechanical air purifier with a HEPA filter. These trap dust, mold spores, and allergens that plants might miss.
- Clean Routine: Dust and pet dander accumulate quickly. Regular dusting and vacuuming prevent pollutants from recirculating.
- Upgrade Your Vacuum: A cheap vacuum often just blows fine dust back into the room. Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum to actually lock the dirt away.
- Go Natural: Many household cleaners release VOCs. Swap harsh chemicals for vinegar, baking soda, or eco-friendly products to stop adding toxins to your air in the first place.
