Best Air Purifying House Plants

All plants take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Below are some of our favorite options for supporting air purification in your home.

• Spider plant. This plant has long, spear-like leaves that help remove toxins, including carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.
• Peace lily. This plant helps break down airborne pollutants. But be careful; peace lilies are mildly toxic to pets.
• Snake plant (aka “mother-in-law’s tongue”). Put a snake plant in your bedroom to leverage its innate ability to absorb toxins and release oxygen at night.
• Areca palm. These palms are incredible humidifiers, filtering your air while helping maintain proper moisture levels.
• Boston fern. Add ferns to your living space to humidify and filter the air.
• Aloe vera. Aloe vera plants remove pollutants. You can also break off a point and use the inner gel-like substance to treat minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation.

Some of the best plants for air circulation are also low-maintenance, making them ideal for busy and less plant-inclined homeowners.

• ZZ plants flourish in low light and need minimal watering.
• Pothos plants grow quickly and won’t wilt if you forget a watering day here and there.
• Rubber plants are resilient and highly effective at supporting air purification.

Here are some basic care tips to help you keep your air-purifying indoor plants healthy and active.

• Stick to the recommended watering schedule for each plant. Remember, overwatering is just as bad as underwatering.
• Adjust sunlight exposure based on the plant type. Some plants need direct sunlight, while others need low or medium exposure.
• Use well-draining soil and an adequate planter to prevent excess moisture buildup.
• Wipe plant leaves occasionally to remove dust that can impede air cycling.

While air-filtering plants can play an important role in improving air quality, there are additional measures you can take to amplify their impact.

• Use high-quality air filters in your HVAC system to trap airborne particles, including dust and pollen.
• Take your air quality to the next level by installing whole-home air purifiers that work around the clock.
• Maintain proper ventilation throughout your home to prevent air stagnation and the buildup of pollutants.
• Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms to expel food particles and other air pollutants.