Did you know the air inside your home can be much more polluted than the air outside? We spend most of our time indoors, breathing in things we cannot see. Many people want cleaner air, but bulky, noisy air purifiers are not always the best fit for every room or style.
Choosing the right plant to clean your air adds beauty and life to your space, but it can feel overwhelming. Which plants actually work? How much light do they need? You want effective, easy-care solutions, not another chore.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you the top, scientifically-backed plants that actively scrub toxins from your air while looking fantastic. You will learn exactly which green friends are best for your home’s specific needs.
Get ready to transform your indoor environment naturally, starting now, as we dive into the best air-purifying plants you can bring home today.
Top Indoor Air Purifier Plants Recommendations
- PERFECT CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY DÉCOR BUNDLE: This 3-pack offers incredible value to instantly decorate multiple spaces with live houseplant room decor. Perfect for shelf or desk décor, or as party favors. Varieties will vary — examples include Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Fern, Dieffenbachia, Pothos, and others
- EASY TO MAINTAIN, BEGINNER-FRIENDLY INDOOR PLANTS: This pack of three Assorted Indoor Houseplants are an effortless way to start your collection. These low-maintenance varieties are easy to grow and require minimal attention, making them a perfect match for new plant parents
- CREATE A CALMING SANCTUARY: Group these gorgeous varieties together for an instant mood-boosting display that supports your wellbeing and brings life to any room
- PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION: This living and thoughtful present is ideal for birthdays, housewarmings, holidays, or just because. Brighten a loved one's day with a beautiful indoor plant
- FRESH PLANTS, READY FOR YOUR HOME: Your collection of healthy, vibrant live indoor plants, fresh from our farm, arrives secured in specialized packaging right to your home
- HOUSE PLANT BOX: Includes a rotating assortment of 4 greenhouse-grown, low-maintenance plants in 4.25" nursery pots
- POPULAR VARIETIES IN EVERY PACK: Features popular plants like Philodendron, Pothos, Syngonium, Aralia, Ficus, and pet-safe plants like Peperomia, Calathea, and Ferns
- PLANT LOVER GIFTS: Gift with cute plant pots or ceramic planters for indoor plants to make these the perfect gifts for plant lovers
- FRESH FROM THE FARM: Grown with love and shipped with care directly from our team of passionate horticulturists
- ABOUT US: We love animals as much as we love plants. That's why a portion of every purchase is directed to our mission to help place shelter animals in happy homes.
- Air Purifying Rattlesnake Calathea: Perfect addition to your living room decor, office decor, or garden decor. This live Calathea Rattlesnake plant not only brings color but also acts as an air purifier.
- PERFECT CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT DÉCOR: This 6-pack offers incredible value to instantly decorate multiple spaces with live houseplant decoration. Perfect for shelf or desk décor, or as party favors. Varieties will vary — examples include Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Fern, Dieffenbachia, Pothos, and others
- EASY TO MAINTAIN, BEGINNER-FRIENDLY INDOOR PLANTS: This pack of six Assorted Indoor Houseplants are an effortless way to start your collection. These low-maintenance varieties are easy to grow and require minimal attention, making them perfect for new plant parents
- CREATE A CALMING SANCTUARY: Enjoy the benefit of six plants to purify the air and naturally boost your mood, transforming your space into a peaceful haven for wellbeing
- PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION: This living and thoughtful present is ideal for birthdays, housewarmings, holidays, or just because. Brighten a loved one's day with a beautiful indoor plant
- FRESH PLANTS, READY FOR YOUR HOME: Your collection of healthy, vibrant live indoor plants, fresh from our farm, arrives secured in specialized packaging right to your home
- PERFECT ROOM DÉCOR: The architectural upright leaves of this live Snake Plant provide a modern, sleek look that defines minimalist decor. An excellent, stylish real plant choice for an office desk, plant shelf, or tabletop
- EASY TO MAINTAIN, BEGINNER-FRIENDLY INDOOR PLANT: The Snake Plant (Mother in Law’s Tongue) is a resilient, low-maintenance houseplant that thrives on neglect, making it perfect for any level of plant owner. It’s an ideal, hassle-free choice for busy individuals
- CREATE A CALMING SANCTUARY: This drought-tolerant plant is a stress-free addition that quietly promotes a sense of peace and improves your daily wellbeing
- PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION: This living and thoughtful present is ideal for birthdays, housewarmings, holidays, or just because. Brighten a loved one's day with a beautiful indoor plant
- FRESH PLANT, READY FOR YOUR HOME: Your beautiful, healthy live indoor plant, fresh from our farm, arrives secured in specialized packaging right to your home
- About the Plant: English Ivy is a timeless houseplant grown for its lush, trailing vines and vibrant green foliage! Perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or as a climbing accent, this fast-growing plant adds a touch of natural beauty to any space. English Ivy is easy going and easy to care for, making it a wonderful choice for a beginning green thumb! Leaf shape may vary based on availability.
- Growing Habit: English ivy is a fast growing, vining plant making it a wonderful plant to hang in a window or train to climb a trellis!
- Air Purifying: Houseplants are well known to be a healthy addition to your home due to their natural air purifying qualities. Many houseplants, including English Ivy, have been identified by NASA as able to filter toxins out of the air, allowing you to breathe easy!
- Plant Size: This plant is 4-inches in diameter, and approximately 5-7 inches tall at time of shipping. Height will vary by plant; however, we pick the best plant available for each order. Please note that you will not receive the plant in the photos as each plant is unique.
- Pot: Plant arrives in a 4-inch diameter growers pot inside of a classic-style pot cover made of plastic. This pot cover does not have drainage holes and is intended to be used as a cache pot.
- PERFECT ROOM DECOR: Bring prosperity and festive charm to your home or office with this live Money Tree, featuring a unique braided trunk and broad, glossy leaves. Ideal as a gift, tabletop centerpiece, or stylish décor accent, it adds modern elegance and a touch of luck to any living room, office, or desktop
- EASY TO MAINTAIN, BEGINNER-FRIENDLY INDOOR PLANT: Live Money Tree Plant is a resilient, air-purifying houseplant that thrives on neglect, making it perfect for any level of plant owner. It’s an ideal, hassle-free choice for busy individuals or new plant parents
- CREATE A CALMING SANCTUARY: Add a touch of natural elegance to your home or office with a live Money Tree plant, creating a sense of peace and wellbeing in your daily life
- PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION: A safe, pet-friendly present for birthdays, housewarmings, and all your loved ones. Send a lasting token of affection that brightens any room
- FRESH PLANT, READY FOR YOUR HOME: Your beautiful, healthy live indoor plant, fresh from our farm, arrives secured in specialized packaging right to your home
- LIVE SNAKE PLANTS: Sansevieria Zeylanica (mother in law plant) is an easy low-maintenance houseplant
- AIR PURIFYING PLANTS: These fast growing live plants clean the air and are easy plants for beginners
- SNAKE PLANT POT INCLUDED: Our decorative plants are fun plant lover gifts, no repotting required
- VARIEGATED SNAKE PLANT CARE: Real snake plants thrive in bright light and are hardy low light plants
- LIVE HOUSE PLANT DELIVERY: Arrives in a decorative white plant pot, approximately 6 inches tall
Bringing Nature Indoors: Your Guide to Air Purifying Plants
Want cleaner air at home? Plants are a natural way to help! These “indoor air purifier plants” soak up bad stuff and release fresh oxygen. This guide helps you pick the best green helpers for your space.
Key Features to Look For
1. Air Cleaning Power (Toxicity Level)
Some plants clean the air better than others. Look for plants known to remove common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Check if the plant is safe around pets and small children. Highly toxic plants might not be worth the risk for some homes.
2. Size and Growth Rate
Consider the space you have. A tiny apartment needs a smaller plant, like a Snake Plant. A large living room can handle a bigger one, like a Fiddle Leaf Fig. Fast-growing plants need more pruning and care.
3. Light Requirements
Every plant needs light. Some thrive in bright, direct sun. Others prefer low, indirect light. Match the plant’s needs to the light available in the room you plan to put it in. A plant that doesn’t get enough light will not clean the air well.
Important Materials (What Makes Them Work)
The Soil Matters
Good potting mix is crucial. It needs to drain water well. Soggy soil leads to root rot, which kills the plant. Many experts suggest using a blend with perlite or orchid bark for better airflow around the roots.
The Pot and Drainage
Always choose a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom. Water must escape easily. If water sits at the bottom, the roots drown. Terracotta pots breathe better than plastic ones, which can sometimes hold too much moisture.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Helps Your Plant Clean Air?
- Healthy Leaves: Wipe the leaves gently once a month. Dust blocks the tiny pores (stomata) the plant uses to breathe and clean the air.
- Proper Watering: Give the plant water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering reduces air cleaning ability because the roots struggle.
- Appropriate Temperature: Most houseplants like temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Extreme cold or heat stresses the plant.
What Harms Your Plant’s Performance?
- Pests: Spider mites or mealybugs suck the life out of the leaves. A sick plant cannot purify air effectively.
- Too Little Light: If the plant looks leggy or pale, it is not getting enough energy to perform photosynthesis, which is how it cleans the air.
- Chemical Sprays: Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or air fresheners near your plants. These can damage the leaves.
User Experience and Use Cases
Where Should You Place Them?
Place air purifying plants where you spend the most time. The bedroom is a popular spot for plants like the Peace Lily to help create a relaxing environment overnight. The home office benefits from plants that might boost focus, like Rosemary (though this is more scent-based).
Ease of Care (Beginner vs. Expert)
If you are new to plants, choose “unkillable” options like the ZZ Plant or Snake Plant. These handle neglect better. More sensitive plants, like the Calathea, require high humidity and consistent attention. A good user experience starts with matching the plant to your lifestyle.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air Purifying Plants
Q: Do these plants really clean the air effectively?
A: Yes, but they work best in groups. One plant cleans a little. Many plants together make a bigger difference in a room.
Q: How long does it take for a plant to clean the air?
A: The cleaning starts immediately, but you will not notice a big difference overnight. It takes consistent time and many healthy plants to significantly change air quality.
Q: Which plant is the easiest for beginners?
A: The Snake Plant (Sansevieria) and the Pothos are very tough. They tolerate low light and infrequent watering.
Q: Are these plants safe for cats and dogs?
A: No. Many popular air purifiers, like the Peace Lily and Dumb Cane, are toxic if eaten. Always check the ASPCA list before buying if you have pets.
Q: Do I need a special type of soil?
A: Standard, well-draining potting mix is usually fine. Do not use garden dirt, as it compacts too easily in pots.
Q: How much light do air purifying plants need?
A: It varies greatly. Always check the specific plant’s needs. Most thrive in bright, indirect light, but many tolerate shade.
Q: Do I need to mist my plants?
A: Some tropical plants, like Ferns, need misting to mimic high humidity. Most common air purifiers do not require daily misting.
Q: Can I use an air purifier plant instead of an electric filter?
A: No. Plants are a great *supplement* to an electric filter, but they cannot replace the speed and efficiency of a HEPA filter for removing very fine particles.
Q: What is the best plant for a dark corner?
A: The ZZ Plant is famous for surviving in very low light conditions. It is a great choice for dimly lit hallways.
Q: Do I need to fertilize my air purifier plant?
A: Yes, feed them lightly during the spring and summer growing seasons. Do not fertilize them in the fall and winter when they rest.