Indoor plants have the remarkable ability to cleanse the air we breathe, offering a natural way to improve indoor air quality. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, effectively increasing the oxygen levels indoors and creating a healthier living environment.
Whether you have a green thumb or are just beginning your indoor plant journey, we’ve put together a list of the top 15 low-maintenance plants that will not only enhance the look and feel of your home but also provide numerous air-purifying benefits. Different plants can target various types of indoor air pollution, so having a variety from our list in your home can be beneficial for both you and your plants.
15 Indoor Houseplants That Improve Air Quality
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lily plants are exceptional natural air purifiers, effectively eliminating harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. They are also adept at reducing mold spores, making them an excellent choice for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.
Light: Prefers bright, filtered, indirect light but can also thrive in low light. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it may damage the leaves.
Watering: Maintain consistently moist soil, avoiding over-saturation. Water once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Size: Can grow up to 16 inches tall indoors.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is visually appealing and possesses a natural ability to purify indoor air by removing harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide.
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf scorching.
Watering: Water once a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings.
Size: Can grow up to 20 inches tall indoors.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
The ZZ Plant is a hardy plant with glossy, waxy leaves known for removing toxins such as xylene, toluene, and benzene from the air.
Light: Thrives in indirect light, while direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf scorching.
Watering: Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Size: Can grow up to 2-3 feet tall indoors.
4. Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
The Heart-Leaf Philodendron is a natural air purifier, removing pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene with its lush, heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light.
Watering: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Size: Can grow up to 10 feet long indoors.
5. Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron Selloum)
The Lacy Tree Philodendron is highly efficient at purifying the air, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene from the environment.
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light.
Watering: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Size: Can grow up to 4 feet tall indoors.
6. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
The Bird’s Nest Fern, with its arching fronds, is excellent at removing pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
Light: Grows best in filtered or indirect sunlight.
Watering: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings.
Size: Can grow up to 2 feet tall indoors.
7. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm, with its elegant, feather-like fronds, is effective at removing pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
Light: Can thrive in low to bright indirect light, but prefers medium indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf scorching.
Watering: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Size: Can grow up to 2-6 feet tall indoors.
8. Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Devil’s Ivy, with its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves, effectively targets harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, making it a valuable addition to any indoor space.
Light: Tolerant of low light, but thrives in bright, indirect light.
Watering: Water every 1-2 weeks or when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Size: Can grow up to 6.5 feet tall indoors.
9. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is renowned for its ability to filter out toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene. Its adaptability to low-light conditions makes it an excellent choice for darker areas in your home.
Light: Thrives in any light level.
Watering: Water every 2 weeks when the soil is completely dry.
Size: Can grow up to 1-3 feet tall indoors.
10. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm, with its graceful fronds and tropical allure, creates an indoor oasis while purifying the air by removing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates some shade.
Watering: Water once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Size: Can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors.
11. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a beautiful ornamental plant with trailing vines and distinctive lobed leaves. It can remove airborne mold and toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and airborne fecal matter, making it ideal for the bathroom.
Light: Prefers medium light but also does well in bright sunlight.
Watering: Water once a week or until the soil is dry to the touch but not completely dry yet.
Size: Can grow up to 9 feet long annually indoors.