Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:22 pm
Some people maintain that the best air purifying indoor plants are active plants at home or in offices. They argue that these natural air filters cleanse the air of pollutants, such as formaldehyde from paints and glues, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from carpets, cleaning products, new furniture, and exhaust fumes. These chemicals are potent allergens that cause all sorts of health problems.
Depending on the type of plant used, air purifying indoor plants may remove formaldehyde (which is a common ingredient in paints), benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air; or contain airborne allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or mold spores which are commonly found in homes with pets or near an airport.
Peace lilies absorb these irritants through their leaves so they cannot affect people’s health any longer. Some maintain that the best air purifier is an active plant at home or in offices while others argue that plants don’t clean air and may also release some pollutants themselves.
This air purifying indoor plants article discusses the benefits and downsides of these air filters. It also identifies the 20 best air purifying indoor plants that can be used at home or in offices.
What are air purifying indoor plants?
Air purifying plants are often called air-filtering plants. These indoor potted houseplants absorb air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene in the air surrounding them. An effective air filtering plant can remove up to 87% of a room’s air toxins while releasing oxygen back into the environment.
Not all air purifying plants can be kept indoors. If you have a cat or dog living with you, air-purifying plants may not be the best choice if your pet dislikes them or has been known to chew on foliage such as philodendron and peace lilies.
Indoor air pollution has become a major health concern in modern times. Unfortunately, air-purifying indoor plants cannot eliminate all the air pollutants from your home or office. However, they do reduce them and provide other benefits for your health as well!
There are many different types of plants that you can choose to place around your home or office that will help cleanse the air: some remove toxins while others just release oxygen into the air (eucalyptus).
Here is a list of the 20 best air purifying indoor plants to get started with.
This air purifying indoor plants list covers a range of different types, so there’s something for every type of person and style. The following list is in no particular order.
Best air purifying indoor plants
- Aloe vera (Aloe vera or A. barbadensis):
This succulent can be found at most garden stores with its pointy leaves sticking out like spears on all sides. It has medicinal properties and air purifying abilities. - Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea elegans):
These air purifying indoor plants are great for someone who wants to have a large plant in their home without needing very much maintenance. The long, green leaves are also usually around the same color as most interior décor so it blends well with just about anything you put in your house. It’s toxic to pets, so make sure you keep them away from it. - Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum):
These air purifying indoor plants are a good one for those of us who are in need of something low maintenance but still want to be able to show off some greenery around the house. These air purifying indoor plants don’t require much water or light and are resistant to pests. - Peace lily (Spathiphyllum):
These air purifying indoor plants are one of the best plants for those who have cats or other pets that might like to eat houseplants because it’s toxic and not at all appealing to them. These air purifying indoor plants should be kept away from children as well, so make sure they don’t get a hold of the plant. - English ivy (Hedera helix):
These air purifying indoor plants are great for someone who is looking to have some green in their house but doesn’t want anything too large that will take up space, as it grows vertically instead of horizontally and can be used on any surface or hanging from the ceiling. It also looks good in dark corners where you might usually put plastic flowers because they don’t need much light at all. This air purifying indoor plant does not like being watered so make sure you follow its watering instructions carefully when caring for the plant - Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix Roebelenii): These air purifying indoor plants are a good choice for people who want to have air-purifying plants in their homes but don’t have very much space. The leaves on these air purifying indoor plants grow vertically and can be pruned to create that “tree” look without all the messy upkeep of actually planting an actual tree indoors. These air purifying indoor plants can get a little bit taller than most air purifying indoor plants, so make sure you have enough space for it or that it won’t be blocking any windows.
- Philodendron: These air purifying indoor plants are one of the few air-purifying plants that can be grown outdoors because they’re able to handle full sunlight. The leaves on these air purifying indoor plants grow in a vine-like pattern and come in various shapes, sizes, textures, and colors so there’s something for everyone when it comes to these plants.
- Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium):
These air purifying indoor plants are a good choice for those who want to have air cleaning plants in their home but don’t have very much space. The leaves on these air purifying indoor plants grow vertically and can be pruned to create that “tree” look without all the messy upkeep of actually planting an actual tree indoors. These air purifying indoor plants can get a little bit taller than most air purifying indoor plants, so make sure you have enough space for it or that it won’t be blocking any windows. - Rubber plants (Ficus elastic):
These air purifying indoor plants are perfect for someone who’s looking to have air-purifying plants in their home but doesn’t want anything too large that will take up space, as it grows vertically instead of horizontally and can be used on any surface or hanging from the ceiling. These air purifying indoor plants do not like being watered so make sure you follow its watering instructions carefully when caring for these air purifying indoor plants. - Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata v. Bostoniesis):
This air purifying indoor plant is also one of the best ones for those who have cats or other pets that might like to eat houseplants because it’s toxic and not at all appealing to them. These air purifying indoor plants should be kept away from children as well, so make sure they don’t get a hold of the plant. - Areca palms (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens):
These air purifying indoor plants are a good choice for people who want to have air-purifying plants in their home but don’t have very much space. The leaves on these air purifying indoor plants grow vertically and can be pruned to create that “tree” look without all the messy upkeep of actually planting an actual tree indoors. These air purifying indoor plants can get a little bit taller than most air purifying indoor plants, so make sure you have enough space for it or that it won’t be blocking any windows. - Pineapple Plant (Ananas comosus):
These air purifying indoor plants are popular air purifying plants as they can help remove formaldehyde from the air. These air purifying indoor plants need to be watered often and provided with plenty of sunlight for them to grow quickly. - Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena Deremensis):
These air purifying indoor plants are perfect for someone who wants air-purifying plants but not too big, as these air purifying indoor plants grow vertically instead of horizontally. They need to be watered often and provided with plenty of sunlight for them to grow quickly. - Ficus/Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina): These air purifying indoor plants are popular plants for cleaning indoor air as they can help remove formaldehyde from the air. They should be watered often and provided with plenty of sunlight for them to grow quickly.
- Snake Plant/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata): This air purifying plant is often called “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. It can thrive in a variety of environments and doesn’t need much water or light to survive, making it perfect for air filtering indoors.
- Flamingo Lily/Fleur (Anthurium andraeanum):
The Flamingo Lily is a flowering air filter plant that includes air purifying qualities. This air-purifying plant requires low levels of light and water to thrive, so it’s the perfect indoor air cleaner for those with less than ideal conditions - Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa):
The air purifying qualities of the Lady Palm are due to its dense foliage which is a great air filter. This air-purifying plant can thrive in low light and doesn’t require much water or care - Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum): Also known as “the Common House Plant,” this air cleaner requires little light or water to survive. This air-purifying plant is also perfect for those with low light conditions
- Gerber Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii): This air cleaner needs little light and water to survive, making it a perfect air-filtering plant for those with less than ideal conditions. It’s also a flowering air purifying indoor plants.
- Kimberly Queen Ferns (Nephrolepis obliterata): This air purifying plant thrives in low light and requires little water. It’s a great air cleaner for those with less than ideal conditions.
This succulent can be found at most garden stores with its pointy leaves sticking out like spears on all sides. It has medicinal properties and air purifying abilities.
These air purifying indoor plants are great for someone who wants to have a large plant in their home without needing very much maintenance. The long, green leaves are also usually around the same color as most interior décor so it blends well with just about anything you put in your house. It’s toxic to pets, so make sure you keep them away from it.
These air purifying indoor plants are a good one for those of us who are in need of something low maintenance but still want to be able to show off some greenery around the house. These air purifying indoor plants don’t require much water or light and are resistant to pests.
These air purifying indoor plants are one of the best plants for those who have cats or other pets that might like to eat houseplants because it’s toxic and not at all appealing to them. These air purifying indoor plants should be kept away from children as well, so make sure they don’t get a hold of the plant.
These air purifying indoor plants are great for someone who is looking to have some green in their house but doesn’t want anything too large that will take up space, as it grows vertically instead of horizontally and can be used on any surface or hanging from the ceiling. It also looks good in dark corners where you might usually put plastic flowers because they don’t need much light at all. This air purifying indoor plant does not like being watered so make sure you follow its watering instructions carefully when caring for the plant
These air purifying indoor plants are a good choice for people who want to have air-purifying plants in their homes but don’t have very much space. The leaves on these air purifying indoor plants grow vertically and can be pruned to create that “tree” look without all the messy upkeep of actually planting an actual tree indoors. These air purifying indoor plants can get a little bit taller than most air purifying indoor plants, so make sure you have enough space for it or that it won’t be blocking any windows.
These air purifying indoor plants are one of the few air-purifying plants that can be grown outdoors because they’re able to handle full sunlight. The leaves on these air purifying indoor plants grow in a vine-like pattern and come in various shapes, sizes, textures, and colors so there’s something for everyone when it comes to these plants.
These air purifying indoor plants are a good choice for those who want to have air cleaning plants in their home but don’t have very much space. The leaves on these air purifying indoor plants grow vertically and can be pruned to create that “tree” look without all the messy upkeep of actually planting an actual tree indoors. These air purifying indoor plants can get a little bit taller than most air purifying indoor plants, so make sure you have enough space for it or that it won’t be blocking any windows.
These air purifying indoor plants are perfect for someone who’s looking to have air-purifying plants in their home but doesn’t want anything too large that will take up space, as it grows vertically instead of horizontally and can be used on any surface or hanging from the ceiling. These air purifying indoor plants do not like being watered so make sure you follow its watering instructions carefully when caring for these air purifying indoor plants.
This air purifying indoor plant is also one of the best ones for those who have cats or other pets that might like to eat houseplants because it’s toxic and not at all appealing to them. These air purifying indoor plants should be kept away from children as well, so make sure they don’t get a hold of the plant.
These air purifying indoor plants are a good choice for people who want to have air-purifying plants in their home but don’t have very much space. The leaves on these air purifying indoor plants grow vertically and can be pruned to create that “tree” look without all the messy upkeep of actually planting an actual tree indoors. These air purifying indoor plants can get a little bit taller than most air purifying indoor plants, so make sure you have enough space for it or that it won’t be blocking any windows.
These air purifying indoor plants are popular air purifying plants as they can help remove formaldehyde from the air. These air purifying indoor plants need to be watered often and provided with plenty of sunlight for them to grow quickly.
These air purifying indoor plants are perfect for someone who wants air-purifying plants but not too big, as these air purifying indoor plants grow vertically instead of horizontally. They need to be watered often and provided with plenty of sunlight for them to grow quickly.
These air purifying indoor plants are popular plants for cleaning indoor air as they can help remove formaldehyde from the air. They should be watered often and provided with plenty of sunlight for them to grow quickly.
This air purifying plant is often called “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. It can thrive in a variety of environments and doesn’t need much water or light to survive, making it perfect for air filtering indoors.
The Flamingo Lily is a flowering air filter plant that includes air purifying qualities. This air-purifying plant requires low levels of light and water to thrive, so it’s the perfect indoor air cleaner for those with less than ideal conditions
The air purifying qualities of the Lady Palm are due to its dense foliage which is a great air filter. This air-purifying plant can thrive in low light and doesn’t require much water or care
Also known as “the Common House Plant,” this air cleaner requires little light or water to survive. This air-purifying plant is also 
This air cleaner needs little light and water to survive, making it a perfect air-filtering plant for those with less than ideal conditions. It’s also a flowering air purifying indoor plants.
This air purifying plant thrives in low light and requires little water. It’s a great air cleaner for those with less than ideal conditions.What are the benefits of air-purifying plants?
You’re busy, and sleep is just not easily attained. You live in a city with air so polluted that you can feel it working its way into your lungs while driving or walking to work. Your office at the smoggy megacorp has plants lining your walkway but they don’t help much when there’s still dust floating through the air. You’re home, but you can’t open the windows because of a smoke-filled air quality index hovering at the topmost portion of its scale for weeks on end.
This is when having air purifying plants inside your house comes in handy! They help to clean up the air around us that’s been polluted by natural sources and air pollution.
Listed below are some benefits of air purifying plants
- Air cleaning indoor plants are a natural air filter that cleans the air while providing oxygen and removing toxins.
- Many indoor air pollutants come from inside of our homes, so it’s important to have some filtering plants in your home to help keep you healthy!
- The most common air polluters include tobacco smoke, air fresheners and candles (which emit chemicals), paints, furniture, and certain household cleaners.
- The plants help scrub the air of these pollutants by absorbing them right out of the air around us!
- Air cleaning indoor plants also help you to feel happier and calmer by reducing the number of certain air pollutants in your home or office.
- Air purifying plants work harder than any air filter on the market, so it’s important that you keep them watered! It is recommended to water air-purifying houseplants once a day
- Air purifying plants help remove air pollutants by absorbing them through their leaves or roots from the air around us! This includes cigarette smoke, cooking odors, and chemicals such as formaldehyde that are often found in many household cleaners.
- The shrubs and vines also provide a much-needed air supply because they are constantly producing oxygen!
- They can be used in offices, schools, and hospitals to help reduce air pollution levels.
- They also provide the calming effect of having living things around us by improving concentration and reducing stress or anxiety
- Air purifying plants help lower air pollution levels by absorbing air pollutants such as formaldehyde from our indoor air
- Air purifying plants also remove the harmful particles that can damage your health and may be responsible for many illnesses including asthma, allergies, or cancer!
- By adding these beautiful plants to your home or office you are helping yourself stay healthy while also making the air around you and your loved one’s cleaner.
- Air cleaning plants remove toxins and allergens from indoor air
- Air cleaning indoor plants create a clean, healthy environment by removing formaldehyde
- Air cleaning plants are also known to improve concentration levels and air quality
- Air purifying plants have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, as well.
- Air purifying plants are an important part of living a healthy lifestyle!
