13 Air-Purifying Plants That Work Miracles on Your Health

Did you know that the air in your home could be making you sick? Poor indoor air quality can cause headaches, fatigue, and even more severe health issues over time. Fortunately, nature has provided us with a solution: air-purifying plants. These green wonders don’t just brighten up your home, but they also help improve the air quality, removing harmful toxins and promoting better health. Here are 13 air-purifying plants that can work miracles on your health!

1. Snake Plant

The snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the most effective air-purifying plants. It’s known to remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene from the air. The snake plant is unique in that it continues to purify the air even at night, unlike many other plants that only do so during the day. This makes it an ideal choice for bedrooms, where you can enjoy clean air while you sleep.

What’s great about the snake plant is how resilient it is. It thrives in low light and can tolerate infrequent watering, making it an excellent choice for people who may not have a green thumb. Its upright, sword-like leaves add a modern touch to your décor, while it quietly works behind the scenes to improve your air quality and overall health. According to Wikipedia, the snake plant was included in NASA’s Clean Air Study for its ability to remove harmful toxins from the air, though it did not evaluate its ability to sustain human life in sealed environments.

2. Spider Plant

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of the easiest plants to care for, and it also does wonders for your indoor air. It’s known to effectively remove toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from the air, making it a great addition to any space. Spider plants are perfect for those who want a low-maintenance air purifier, as they thrive in bright, indirect light and require minimal attention. In addition to purifying the air, the spider plant also adds a touch of greenery to your home, improving your mood and overall well-being. According to Asthma.net, spider plants are quite effective in cleaning indoor air by absorbing chemicals including formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and carbon monoxide, providing relief for those with respiratory issues.

What’s surprising about this plant is how quickly it grows and multiplies. Its long, arching leaves produce small “babies,” or offshoots, that can be easily propagated to grow more plants. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Not only will it help cleanse your air, but you’ll also have a fresh batch of plants to share with friends or move around your home.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is commonly known for its soothing properties when applied to the skin, but it also has impressive air-purifying abilities. This succulent plant helps remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it a natural air purifier. Aloe vera is particularly effective in spaces with higher humidity levels, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It’s an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in direct sunlight, and a little goes a long way when it comes to purifying your indoor environment.

Beyond its air-purifying properties, aloe vera has the added benefit of being a low-maintenance plant. It only needs occasional watering and can survive in a variety of environments, from windowsills to countertops. Whether you use it for skincare or simply enjoy its air-cleaning qualities, aloe vera is an incredibly versatile and health-boosting plant to have in your home. According to Be Green, aloe vera absorbs toxins like benzene and formaldehyde, making it an effective natural air purifier.

4. Peace Lily

The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is not only known for its beautiful white flowers but also for its powerful ability to purify indoor air. It’s particularly effective at removing toxins like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. The peace lily also has the unique ability to absorb mold spores, making it ideal for humid environments. By adding this lovely plant to your home, you can improve your indoor air quality while enhancing your décor with its elegant blooms. According to MDPI, while peace lilies have some air-purifying capabilities, they are more effective in reducing CO2 levels than formaldehyde in controlled environments.

Another surprising benefit of peace lilies is their ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for areas of the home that don’t receive much sunlight. With just occasional watering, they’ll continue to cleanse the air, helping to reduce allergens and toxins. Whether in the living room or bedroom, the peace lily’s ability to purify the air and its beautiful aesthetic make it a must-have plant for health-conscious individuals.

5. Boston Fern

The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a lush, leafy plant that’s not only visually appealing but also great for purifying the air. It’s especially effective at removing formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air. Boston ferns thrive in humid conditions, making them perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or any other room with higher humidity. Their delicate fronds help maintain a clean atmosphere while also contributing to the overall aesthetic of your space.

What’s surprising about this plant is how it thrives in indirect light and requires regular misting to keep its leaves hydrated. While it does need a bit more care than some other air-purifying plants, the benefits it provides in terms of air quality and its ability to reduce indoor humidity make it well worth the effort. Adding a Boston fern to your home will not only purify the air but also create a calming, nature-filled environment.

6. Bamboo Palm

The bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is a tropical plant that’s known for its ability to filter out toxins like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. It’s particularly effective in removing harmful substances commonly found in furniture and cleaning products. This palm is perfect for homes with pets or children, as it’s non-toxic and safe to have around. The bamboo palm also helps add moisture to the air, improving the humidity levels in dry indoor environments.

What’s appealing about the bamboo palm is its elegant, feathery fronds and its ability to thrive in low to medium light. It’s easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering and a well-draining pot. As a bonus, the bamboo palm is also effective at reducing stress and improving the overall atmosphere of your home, making it a great addition to any room in the house.

7. English Ivy

English ivy (Hedera helix) is not only a versatile climbing plant but also an excellent air purifier. It has been shown to reduce airborne mold, allergens, and other pollutants that can negatively impact respiratory health. Ivy is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, which is found in furniture, flooring, and certain cleaning products. Whether hung in a basket, trained on a trellis, or cascading down a shelf, this plant is a natural solution for improving your home’s air quality.

What’s surprising about English ivy is how adaptable it is. It can thrive in low light and is relatively easy to maintain, although it does require occasional pruning to keep it in check. With its quick-growing vines and ability to purify the air, English ivy is a great addition to any home, particularly for those looking to reduce allergens or pollutants in the air.

8. Areca Palm

The areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) is another tropical plant that works wonders as an air purifier. It excels at removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from the air while also adding a touch of greenery to your home. The areca palm is known for its ability to improve indoor humidity levels, making it ideal for dry climates or during the winter months when air tends to be drier. Its graceful fronds and elegant appearance make it a beautiful and functional addition to any room.

What makes the areca palm so special is its ability to thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, from low to bright light. It’s a low-maintenance plant that requires only occasional watering, making it perfect for busy individuals who still want to enjoy the benefits of clean air. By adding an areca palm to your space, you can enjoy cleaner air while elevating the overall décor.

9. Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) are not only beautiful but also powerful air purifiers. These vibrant flowers are known to remove toxins like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. The bright and cheerful blooms are a mood booster and add a pop of color to any space. Gerbera daisies are particularly effective in removing VOCs, which are common in paints and cleaning products.

What’s surprising about gerbera daisies is that they thrive in sunlight and need a bit more attention compared to other air-purifying plants. They require regular watering and occasional deadheading to keep the blooms looking fresh. Despite the extra care, the health benefits and aesthetic value of these flowers make them a worthwhile addition to your home.

10. Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is more than just a fragrant herb; it’s also an air-purifying plant that can help improve your health. Its soothing scent has been shown to reduce stress, and anxiety, and improve sleep quality. Lavender also helps purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. This calming herb is perfect for the bedroom or living room, creating a peaceful atmosphere while improving the air quality.

What’s especially surprising is how easy it is to grow lavender. It requires plenty of sunlight and minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance plant that’s ideal for beginners. Whether you use it for its calming fragrance or its air-purifying abilities, lavender is a must-have plant for anyone looking to create a peaceful, healthy living space.

11. Pothos

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as devil’s ivy, is one of the most popular and effective air-purifying plants. It’s capable of removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air. The pothos plant is especially resilient and can thrive in a variety of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves make it an attractive addition to any room.

What’s surprising about pothos is its ability to purify the air even in less-than-ideal conditions. It can tolerate a variety of indoor environments, making it an excellent choice for busy individuals. Whether placed on a shelf, in a hanging basket or trained on a trellis, pothos is a great way to improve your home’s air quality with minimal effort.

12. Rubber Plant

The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is another popular air-purifying option that thrives in bright, indirect light. It’s particularly effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde from the air, which can be found in furniture, carpets, and cleaning products. Rubber plants are easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering and a well-draining pot. Their large, glossy leaves add a touch of elegance to any room while improving the air quality.

What’s great about the rubber plant is how quickly it can grow and fill up a space. It’s also known for being a hardy plant that can survive in different indoor conditions. With its air-purifying abilities and attractive appearance, the rubber plant is a great way to improve your home’s air while also enhancing your décor.

13. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) are more than just beautiful flowers—they’re also one of the best air-purifying plants around. These flowers are particularly effective at removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. Chrysanthemums are known to bloom in bright colors, adding a cheerful and vibrant touch to your space while also improving air quality.

What’s surprising about chrysanthemums is that they’re easy to care for and bloom in various lighting conditions. They require moderate watering and thrive in well-lit spaces, making them a great choice for living rooms or kitchens. Adding a chrysanthemum plant to your home will purify the air and bring a burst of color and freshness to any room.