Find out the best houseplants for cleaning the air so you may breathe easier and live healthier.

We spend a lot of time inside, but have you ever stopped to think about how clean the air is that you breathe every day? It’s a genuine worry, especially in our modern homes and businesses that are typically sealed off. But here’s some good news: Nature might have a gorgeous, live solution right inside your walls! You may have heard that plants help clean the air, but can they truly work? The answer, which is both shocking and scientific, is a big yes!

Studies have shown that some houseplants are very good at filtering out common indoor contaminants. In fact, they operate like little, leafy air purifiers that come from nature. This tutorial will help you find out these secrets. We’re going to show you the best houseplants for cleaning the air, based on research. This will help you pick not only pretty plants, but also ones that work hard to make your home healthier and fresher. You may have heard of the NASA Clean Air Study from the late 1980s, which was a great place to start! Since then, more research has looked at the astonishing things these plants can do in real life. Let’s get started and learn about these natural air fresheners, how they operate, and which ones you should let into your home.

What is hiding in your indoor air that you can’t see?

It’s important to know what our green heroes are up against before we honor them. Believe it or not, our homes might be full with a mix of unseen contaminants that are in the air. Things like furniture, carpets, cleaning supplies, and gadgets can all let out chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Here are some things that are likely to be in your space:

• Formaldehyde is a common chemical that can be found in a lot of things, like pressed wood products (like particleboard and plywood used in furniture and cabinets), carpets, upholstery textiles, glues, and even some cleaning solutions for the home.
• Benzene is a chemical that is often found in plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, and, most importantly, tobacco smoke. Some paints and furniture wax can also let off gas.
• You might find trichloroethylene (TCE) in paint removers, adhesives, spot removers, rug cleaning products, and some printing inks.
• Xylene and toluene are chemicals that can be found in paints, lacquers, varnishes, glues, and even some permanent markers and car exhaust that can get inside.
• Ammonia is often found in window cleaners, floor waxes, pet urine, and even household cleaners, especially glass cleaners.

Even though the amounts of these chemicals are normally low indoors, being around bad indoor air for a long time can cause a lot of difficulties, including headaches, dizziness, allergies, asthma attacks, and other breathing problems. But don’t give up! This is exactly where our green heroes come in. They offer a natural solution to assist fight these hidden dangers.

How do plants make the air cleaner? A Look at Phytoremediation

So, what do scientists say about these leafy air purifiers? Phytoremediation is the name of this interesting procedure. Plants have a few smart ways to deal with contaminants in the air.

Like how they take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, they “clean” the air by taking in these gases through small holes in their leaves called stomata. The plant’s metabolism can break down these toxins into safe compounds once they get within the leaf.

But the magic doesn’t end there! The plant’s roots and the tiny living things in the soil around them (the rhizosphere) are also very important. These helpful bacteria are good at breaking down some VOCs that get dragged down into the soil. The plant and its microscopic friends in the soil work together to do this.

Plants also let water vapor escape into the air through a process called transpiration. This can help raise the humidity, which is usually a good thing in dry indoor spaces, and it can also assist bring more dirty air down to the root zone, where the helpful microorganisms can function.

But don’t forget that plants are just one aspect of a bigger plan for a healthy house. They work best when combined with other beneficial habits, like making sure there is enough air flow. They are like a wonderful, natural way to make the air in your home better!

Meet Nature’s Detoxifiers: The Best Greenery for Cleaning the Air (Backed by Research)

Okay, let’s get to the main event! Many investigations, including the first NASA study, have shown that the following plants are very good at removing common indoor air contaminants. We’ll talk about what they are, how to take care of them, and if they’re safe for your pets.

Dracaena trifasciata, also known as Sansevieria trifasciata, is a type of snake plant.

The Mighty Snake Plant: a great plant for removing toxins and easy to care for! For a good reason, this plant is a popular in modern design because of its distinctive, erect, sword-like leaves.

• Air-Purifying Superpowers: Snake plants are famous for their ability to filter out formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. What makes them so special is that they can turn carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, which makes them great to have around in the bedroom.
• A small part of the care guide:
  • Light: Very flexible; does best in bright, indirect light but can also handle low light very well.
  • Water: Can survive without water. Only water the plants when the soil is absolutely dry. Its biggest enemy is too much water.
  • General Tips: Likes soil that drains well. Doesn’t need to be repotted very often.
• Note for pet owners: If cats or dogs eat this, it can make them sick and cause them to vomit. It’s best to keep it away from curious nibblers.
• Why It’s a Great Choice: It’s very easy to care for, has a beautiful architectural shape, and is a top-notch air purifier.
• Keywords for this plant: Snake Plant air purifier, Snake Plant eliminates formaldehyde, Snake Plant maintenance, and Sansevieria air quality.

Chlorophytum comosum, the Spider Plant

The Cheerful Spider Plant: This plant is a classic for a reason: it’s tough, easy to grow, and cleans the air well. Its arching leaves and cascading “spiderettes” (baby plants) are beautiful.

• Superpowers that clean the air: they work well to get rid of formaldehyde and xylene.
• A small part of the care guide:
  • Light: Likes bright, indirect light but can live with less light. Stay away from the intense, direct sun.
  • Water: Water well when the top inch of soil is dry. Pretty forgiving.
  • General Tips: Likes a little bit of dampness. Dry air or salts in tap water can cause brown tips.
• Note for pet owners: This product is safe for cats and dogs, so it’s a great choice for houses with pets. A lot of cats like to hit the plantlets.
• Why it’s a good choice: It’s easy to grow, enjoyable to spread, safe for pets, and a good air filter.
• Keywords for this plant: Spider Plant air purifier, Spider Plant removes formaldehyde, Spider Plant care, and pet-safe Spider Plant.

Spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa” Peace Lily

The Elegant Peace Lily: This air purifier has dark green leaves that shine and white “flowers” (really spathes) that are very attractive. People typically say that the “Mauna Loa” kind works well.

• Air-Purifying Superpowers: This is a real workhorse that can get rid of ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.
• A small part of the care guide:
  • Light: Likes indirect light that is medium to low. Can handle low light, but it might not bloom as well. Stay away of the sun.
  • Water: The soil should always be damp, but not too wet. Famous for drooping when thirsty, but instantly perking up after watering.
  • General Tips: Likes it when the air is quite humid.
• Note for pet owners: This product is mildly harmful to cats and dogs if they eat it. It has calcium oxalate crystals in it that can irritate the mouth, make them drool, and make them throw up.
• Why It’s a Great Choice: It has beautiful flowers, lets you know when it needs water, and gets rid of a lot of different toxins.
• Keywords for this plant: Peace Lily air purifier, Peace Lily eliminates ammonia, Spathiphyllum care, and Peace Lily poisons.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”)

The Lush Boston Fern: The Boston Fern has fluffy, bright green fronds that make it look lush and act as a natural humidifier.

• Superpowers for cleaning the air: They are very good at getting rid of xylene and formaldehyde.
• A small part of the care guide:
  • Light: Likes strong, indirect light and a lot of humidity. Stay out of the sun.
  • Water: Make sure the soil stays moist all the time. Don’t let it get entirely dry.
  • General Advice: A pebble tray or regular spraying can help with humidity. Can be a little picky if its wants aren’t met.
• Note for pet owners: This product is safe for homes with pets because it is not harmful to cats or dogs.
• Why It’s a Great Choice: It looks like a beautiful, traditional fern, it humidifies the air naturally, and it’s safe for pets.
• Keywords for this plant: Boston Fern air purifier, Boston Fern reduces formaldehyde, Boston Fern maintenance, and pet-safe Boston Fern.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

The Tropical Areca Palm, often called the Butterfly Palm, has fluffy, arching fronds that give it an elegant, tropical look.

• Superpowers that clean the air: They can get rid of xylene, formaldehyde, and toluene. It’s also a fantastic way to add moisture to the air.
• A small part of the care guide:
  • Light: Likes strong, indirect light.
  • Water: Keep the soil slightly damp, but let the top inch dry out between waterings.
  • General Advice: Likes dampness. Can get very big.
• Note for pet owners: This is safe for cats and dogs.
• Why It’s a Great Choice: It gives off a tropical vibe, works well in big rooms, is safe for pets, and adds moisture to the air.
• Keywords for this plant: Areca Palm air purifier, Areca Palm eliminates xylene, Dypsis lutescens care, and pet safe Areca Palm.

Ficus elastica, or the rubber plant

The Bold Rubber Plant: The Rubber Plant has big, shiny, dark green (or variegated) leaves that make a dramatic statement and clean the air well.

• Air-Purifying Superpowers: Known for getting rid of formaldehyde, these air-purifying superpowers are amazing.
• Care Guide Snippet:
  • Light: Likes bright, indirect light but can handle middling light.
  • Water: Let the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings. Don’t water too much.
  • General Tips: To maintain leaves shiny and good at soaking up light and pollutants, wipe them down every now and again.
• Note for pet owners: This is bad for dogs and cats. If the milky sap gets on your skin or you eat it, it might make you feel bad.
• Why It’s a Great Choice: The leaves are beautiful, it’s easy to care for, and it gets rid of formaldehyde well.
• Keywords for this plant: Rubber Plant air purifier, Ficus elastica eliminates formaldehyde, and Rubber Plant maintenance.

Dracaena Varieties, such as Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’) and Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)

The various Dracaenas: This big group of plants has a lot of various kinds, each with its own unique leaf shape, color, and pattern. A lot of them are great at cleaning the air.

• Superpowers that clean the air: Different types of Dracaenas work against benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene. Dracaena marginata is especially well-known.
• A small part of the care guide:
  • Light: Most people like light that is mild to bright and indirect. Some can handle less light.
  • Water: Let the soil dry out a little bit between waterings. They don’t like getting too much water.
  • General Tips: Fluoride in tap water might make them sensitive and turn their tips brown.
• Note on Pet Safety: If cats or dogs eat this, it will make them vomit and drool.
• Why It’s a Great Choice: It comes in a lot of different styles, is easy to care for, and is great at cleaning the air.
• Keywords for this plant: Dracaena air purifier, Dracaena marginata eliminates benzene, and Dracaena care.

Hedera helix, or English Ivy

The Classic English Ivy: This fast-growing vine can climb or trail. It’s commonly seen outside, but it can also be cultivated as a houseplant that cleans the air.

• Superpowers that clean the air: especially good at getting rid of formaldehyde. Some research also suggests that it can lower the number of mold spores and fecal matter particles in the air.
• A small part of the care guide:
  • Light: Likes strong, indirect light. Can handle light that is not too bright.
  • Water: Make sure the soil stays moist but not too wet. Likes humidity.
  • General Tips: To keep pests like spider mites away, make sure there is proper air flow.
• Note: If your cat or dog eats this, it can make them sick, throw up, have stomach ache, and have diarrhea.
• Why It’s a Great Choice: It gets rid of formaldehyde really well and has a nice trailing habit.
• Keywords for this plant: English Ivy air purifier, Hedera helix eliminates formaldehyde, and English Ivy care.

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

The Indestructible Golden Pothos: This trailing plant, often called Devil’s Ivy, is very easy to grow and does a great job of cleaning the air.

• Superpowers that clean the air: They get rid of benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene.
• A small part of the care guide:
  • Light: Can handle a lot of different light circumstances, from low to bright and indirect. Brighter light makes variegation easier to see.
  • Water: Let the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings. Very forgiving.
  • General Tips: It’s easy to grow new plants from cuttings.
• Note for pet owners: If eaten, it is poisonous to cats and dogs because it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth.
• Why It’s a Great Choice: It’s very easy to care for, can be placed anywhere, and works well as an air purifier.
• Keywords for this plant: Golden Pothos air purifier, Pothos removes benzene, and Epipremnum aureum care.

Chrysanthemum morifolium

The Colorful Chrysanthemum (Florist’s Mum): People commonly think of mums as seasonal flowers, yet they are great in cleaning the air, especially while they are in bloom.

• Air-Purifying Superpowers: The best at getting rid of ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.
• A part of the care guide:
  • Light: Needs strong, indirect light to let it blossom.
  • Water: Keep the soil moist all the time when the plant is blooming.
  • General Tips: People often think of it as a transitory indoor plant when it blooms. It can be hard to get them to bloom again inside.
• Note for pet owners: If eaten, this can make cats and dogs sick and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of coordination.
• Why It’s a Great Choice: It can clean the air of a wide range of contaminants and has lovely blossoms.
• Keywords for this plant: Chrysanthemum air purifier, Mum eliminates ammonia, and Chrysanthemum care.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Green Air Filters

Great! You’ve picked some great air-purifying champs. Now, how can you make sure they’re performing at their best to make your indoor space feel fresh? Here are some ideas:

• More is More (Within Reason): Even one plant can help, but the more plants you have, the better the air can be cleaned. The first NASA research said that a home with 1800 square feet should have about 15 to 18 medium-sized plants in pots that are 6 to 8 inches wide. You don’t have to turn your home into a jungle overnight, but adding to your collection over time can make the benefits even better.
• The size of the leaves is important: In general, plants with bigger or more leaves have more surface area for taking in contaminants from the air. A huge, leafy Areca Palm might be better at cleaning the air than a little succulent.
• Keep Leaves Clean: Dust can build up on leaves and obstruct their stomata (pores), which makes it harder for them to absorb toxins and photosynthesize. To keep the leaves clean and let them breathe, wipe them down with a moist towel every few weeks.
• Happy plants are good air purifiers. A plant that is stressed or sick won’t filter air well. Make sure your plants get the right amount of light, water, and nutrients to stay healthy. Plants that are healthy work hard!
• Exposure to soil can help: Some studies show that the microorganisms in potting soil are very important for breaking down pollutants. Allowing some of the soil surface to show through (instead of covering it totally with beautiful moss or stones) might make these microbes work better. Of course, you should also think about pets or keeping things clean.
• Size of the container and amount of soil: Bigger pots with more soil can host a bigger community of these helpful soil microorganisms, which may help break down contaminants faster.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Setting Realistic Goals and Other Good Habits at Home

It’s so thrilling to think about how houseplants can help clean the air, and they really do! But it’s also necessary to be realistic about what you can anticipate. Controlled lab research, like the NASA trials, reveal that a lot of toxins can be removed. However, the effects in our homes can vary based on things like room size, the quantity and type of plants, the current ventilation rates, and the level of pollutants.

Plants are a great, natural way to improve the air quality indoors, but they can’t take the place of sufficient ventilation or, in some situations, mechanical air filters. A whole-person approach is the best way to keep the air inside clean.

Here are some more important behaviors that will help make your home a healthy place to live:

• Open your windows often (even for a few minutes a day in the winter) to let fresh air in and mix with the toxins in your home.
• Pick Low-VOC Products: When you paint, buy new furniture, or use building materials, search for ones that have low or no VOCs.
• Use natural cleaning products instead of regular ones, which sometimes include strong chemicals and VOCs. Choose simpler, more natural options like vinegar, baking soda, or cleansers made from plants.
• Don’t smoke inside; this is one of the worst things you can do to pollute the air inside.
• Control Humidity: Keep the humidity in your home between 30% and 50% to keep dust mites and mold from growing.
• Think about getting an air purifier: If you have allergies, asthma, or are worried about the quality of the air in your house, a high-quality HEPA air purifier can be a great addition to your green friends.

In conclusion, grow a healthier home, one leaf at a time!

Adding the best air-purifying houseplants (based on research) to your home is a great way to make it better. These plants not only bring life, color, and peace to our homes, but they also work silently in the background to make the air we breathe a little cleaner and fresher. It’s a lovely synergy.

You may choose plants that work well in your space, match your lifestyle, and look good by learning which ones are best, how to care for them, and how to get the most out of them. Adding a plant is always a good thing for your home because it makes it healthier and more lively. So, why not let some of these green powerhouses into your home? Not only will you be adding a touch of nature’s beauty that lasts, but you’ll also be creating a space where you can breathe easier and live a better life. Have fun on the trip!

Your Questions About Air-Purifying Plants Answered!

How many plants that clean the air do I really need in my home?

The first NASA study said that an 1800 sq. ft. area should include about 15–18 plants in 6–8 inch pots for the best purification. For the best filtration, even a few well-chosen plants can help. The more healthy, growing plants you have, the more good things that could happen. Pick a handful that you enjoy and can take care of, and think about adding more over time.

Do plants that clean the air function in rooms that don’t have windows?

Plants need some kind of light to live and photosynthesize, which is necessary for them to clean the air. Some of the plants on our list, like the Snake Plant and Golden Pothos, can handle low natural light quite well. However, if a room has no windows at all, it would probably need extra artificial grow lights to help them develop and clean the air.

Is it okay for pets to be among all plants that clean the air?

Sadly, not all of them are. Before bringing a plant into a home with pets, it’s important to be sure it’s safe for them. In the list above, we’ve added a “Pet Safety Note” for each plant. The Spider Plant, Boston Fern, and Areca Palm are all great air purifiers that are safe for pets. Always put your dogs’ safety first!

Are blooming plants better at cleaning the air than leafy plants?

Not always, but certain flowering plants are quite good at cleaning the air. The Chrysanthemum, for example, was at the top of many lists in the NASA study because it can get rid of a lot of different toxins, especially when it’s in bloom. But a lot of leafy plants, like Snake Plants, Dracaenas, and Rubber Plants, are also great at cleaning the air since they have big leaves and active metabolisms. It’s not just about whether or not it flowers; it’s also about the type of plant.

How long does it take for plants to start cleansing the air?

As soon as plants are in an area with pollution, they start to naturally absorb and exchange gases. The quantity and size of the plants, the amount of pollutants in the air, the size of the space, and the amount of ventilation will all affect how much the air quality in the room changes. It’s not a quick repair; it’s a process that happens over time. Think of it as a long-term benefit that will help the ecosystem get better over time.

Scientific Sources

The information presented in this article is supported by research from various scientific studies and reputable organizations. Below is a comprehensive list of the sources referenced.

Foundational Studies & Reviews

• Wolverton, B. C. (1989).A study of interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement: An Interim Report. NASA Technical Reports Server. Available at: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930073077
  • This is the original NASA Clean Air Study, a cornerstone in the research of houseplants for indoor air purification.
• Wolverton, B. C., & Wolverton, J. D. (1993). Plants and soil microorganisms: removal of formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia from the indoor environment. Journal of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences, 38(2), 11-15.
  • A follow-up study by the primary NASA researcher, further detailing the role of soil microorganisms in pollutant removal.
• Dela Cruz, M., Dela Cruz, D., & Urquiza, S. (2014). Indoor plants: Their effects on our health and well-being. Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 32(4), 162-171.
  • A comprehensive review summarizing existing research on the health and air quality benefits of indoor plants.

Specific VOC Removal Studies

• Joshi, A. G. (2024). Can indoor plants reduce formaldehyde levels in the anatomy dissection hall? A study to evaluate the practicality of using plants in reducing formaldehyde levels. F1000Research, 13, 1180. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11803571/
  • Explores the efficacy of indoor plants, including Dracaena trifasciata and Epipremnum aureum, in reducing formaldehyde in a real-world setting.
• ResearchGate. (2024). Study on the ability of indoor plants to absorb and purify benzene pollution. ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381258375_Study_on_the_ability_of_indoor_plants_to_absorb_and_purify_benzene_pollution
  • Investigates the benzene purification capabilities of various indoor plants, highlighting Sansevieria trifasciata var. laurentii and Spathiphyllum floribundum.
• Yang, Y., et al. (2016). Studies on the Decontamination of Air by Plants. ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226584995_Studies_on_the_Decontamination_of_Air_by_Plants
  • A compilation of research, including findings on the removal rates of trichloroethylene by species like Hedera helix and Chlorophytum comosum.
• Sriprapat, S., et al. (2016). Removal ratio of gaseous toluene and xylene transported from air to root zone via the stem by indoor plants. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 23(7), 6149-6158. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26797953/
  • Examines the removal efficiency of toluene and xylene by indoor plants and the significant role of the root zone in this process.
• NASA Spinoff. (2025). Toxin-Eating Plants. NASA Spinoff. Available at: https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Toxin_Eating_Plants
  • Highlights the ongoing impact of Wolverton’s NASA research on developing plant-based air purification solutions, including for ammonia.

Mechanisms of Air Purification

• Shao, Q., et al. (2020). The role of rhizospheric microbial community in phytoremediation of volatile organic compounds: A review. Environmental Pollution, 264, 114674.
  • A review specifically focusing on the crucial role of microorganisms in the plant root zone (rhizosphere) in breaking down VOCs.
• Joshi, R. C., et al. (2024). Effects of indoor plants on CO2 concentration, indoor air temperature and relative humidity in office buildings. PLOS ONE, 19(7), e0305677. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11253968/
  • Provides evidence for the ability of indoor plants to increase relative humidity through transpiration, contributing to overall indoor air quality.

Broader Indoor Air Quality & Mitigation Strategies

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2010).WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Selected Pollutants.
  • An authoritative guide outlining health risks associated with indoor air pollutants, including VOCs, and providing recommended exposure limits.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Introduction to Indoor Air Quality. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality
  • Provides comprehensive information on indoor air quality issues and emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation in mitigating pollutants.
• Cyr Painting Service. (2025).The Truth About Low-VOC Paint: Does It Really Improve Indoor Air Quality? Available at: https://cyrpaintingservice.com/blog/low-voc-paint/
  • Discusses the benefits of low-VOC paints in reducing indoor air pollutants, referencing an EPA report.
• BBC Future. (2025). Is it healthier to use household cleaning products – or not? BBC. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250327-is-it-healthier-to-use-household-cleaning-products-or-not
  • Explores the health implications of conventional and “green” cleaning products on indoor air quality.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Secondhand Tobacco Smoke and Indoor Air Quality. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/secondhand-tobacco-smoke-and-indoor-air-quality
  • Details the harmful effects of secondhand smoke as a significant indoor air pollutant.
• Carr, D., et al. (2024). INDOOR HUMIDITY LEVELS AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH REPORTED SYMPTOMS IN OFFICE BUILDINGS. medRxiv. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10924614/
  • A study supporting the recommendation for maintaining moderate indoor relative humidity levels for health benefits.
• Teqoya. (2023).How Effective Are Air Purifiers with a HEPA Filter? Available at: https://www.teqoya.com/en/hepa-filter-air-purifier-particles-pollution/
  • Explains the effectiveness of HEPA filters in removing particulate matter and factors influencing their real-world performance.
• UMass Amherst Environmental Health & Safety. (Accessed 2025).Air Purifiers Fact Sheet. Available at: https://ehs.umass.edu/air-purifiers-fact-sheet
  • Provides key information on HEPA filters, including their ability to remove particulate matter and their safety regarding ozone emissions.

This comprehensive list of sources will add significant scientific rigor to your article, allowing readers to explore the evidence further.