I bet you don’t know that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. So if you’re feeling off or stuffy at home, your air quality might be the issue.
But don’t stress—air-purifying plants are here to help! These green heroes remove harmful stuff like formaldehyde and benzene and make your air cleaner.
They also boost your mood and make your home look great. Plus, they’re eco-friendly, creating oxygen and reducing carbon dioxide.
In this article, we’ll explore how each of these air-purifying plants can enhance your home’s atmosphere, boost your well-being, and add a touch of natural beauty to your space.
Quick Tips for Adding Air-Purifying Plants to Your Home
Before selecting your plant squad, you’ll need to know how to integrate these green beauties into your home.
- Interior Design Tips: Plants can transform any room from “meh” to marvelous. Try placing them on shelves, hanging them from the ceiling, or grouping them in decorative pots.
- Exterior Design Tips: Don’t forget about your outdoor spaces! Air-purifying plants can also thrive on balconies, patios, and garden beds. They’ll not only boost your outdoor aesthetics but also contribute to a healthier environment.
- Plant Arrangements: Get creative with your plant arrangements. Mix and match different types for a visually interesting setup, or create a “plant corner” with a variety of air-purifying plants. Use decorative pots and planters to complement your home’s style, and don’t be afraid to play with heights and placements.
1) Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
This plant is perfect for beginners. Its long, arching leaves look fantastic in hanging baskets or on a shelf where its baby “spiderettes” can dangle down.
The Spider Plant is great at removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Place it in indirect light, and give it water when the soil feels dry. It’s a low-maintenance way to bring life to a room.
2) Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant’s tall, sword-like leaves add bold, sculptural lines to any room. You can display it in a sleek and minimalist pot.
It’ll thrive in low light while filtering toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. The Snake Plant’s hardy nature makes it perfect for those who occasionally forget to water their plants.
3) Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
The Peace Lily is the diva of air-purifying plants. With its glossy leaves and stunning white flowers, this plant brings elegance to any space.
Display it in a ceramic pot to give it a sophisticated home. I’d recommend placing it on a windowsill where it can enjoy indirect sunlight.
Just keep the soil moist, and it’ll reward you by removing toxins like mold spores and VOCs from the air.
4) Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Boston Fern’s soft, feathery fronds bring a lush, tropical feel to any space. Hang it in a macramé holder or place it near a window with bright, indirect light.
Its ability to remove formaldehyde makes it perfect for bathrooms or kitchens that need a bit of greenery and moisture.
5) Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Not only does Aloe Vera purify the air, but it’s also your go-to plant for skincare emergencies! Its spiky leaves look fantastic in terracotta pots that highlight its desert vibe, and it thrives in sunny spots.
You should place it near a sunny window, and let the soil dry out between waterings. Its sleek look works well in modern or boho décor, and you can even snip off a leaf when you need to soothe a sunburn!
6) Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant’s thick, glossy leaves are both stylish and practical. This beauty is great at removing formaldehyde, so it’s perfect for your living room or home office.
Place it in a large, neutral-colored pot to let its dark green leaves stand out. It adds height and a touch of elegance to any corner.
7) Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Dreaming of a tropical getaway? The Areca Palm can give you that vibe right in your living room.
Its feathery fronds create a breezy, laid-back atmosphere, especially when placed in woven baskets or light-colored planters.
It’s great at filtering formaldehyde and xylene, making it perfect for your living room or home office.
8) English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Let English Ivy trail from a shelf or hanging planter to add some effortless greenery to your home.
You can pair it with a decorative pot that complements its elegant, trailing vines. It is especially great for reducing mold in the air, making it a good choice for kitchens or bathrooms.
9) Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm adds height and grace to your space with its tall, slender stems. I’d suggest using it in a large planter to create a relaxed, tropical feel, and let it filter toxins like benzene from the air.
It’s a perfect choice for living rooms or entryways that need a bit of greenery.
10) Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
The Gerbera Daisy’s bright, cheerful blooms add a pop of color to any room. Place it in a fun, colorful pot by a sunny window, and enjoy its ability to filter toxins like benzene from the air.
It’s a great choice for adding some joy to your kitchen or home office.
11) Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Dracaenas are versatile plants that come in many varieties, making them easy to incorporate into any style.
You can use them in modern, minimalist planters to bring a pop of greenery to hallways or corners. Their air-purifying abilities, especially for formaldehyde, make them practical and decorative.
12) Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese Evergreen’s striking, patterned leaves make it a perfect accent for a side table or desk.
Display it in a decorative planter to showcase its vibrant colors while it purifies the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
13) Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons are easy-going plants with heart-shaped leaves that add softness to your décor.
You can place them in hanging baskets or let them trail down a shelf for a lush, tropical look. They’re great at removing pollutants like formaldehyde, and they thrive in indirect light.
14) Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The Weeping Fig’s delicate, arching branches add a touch of elegance to any room.
Display it in a decorative pot near a window with indirect light, and enjoy its ability to filter harmful chemicals from the air while enhancing your room’s décor.
15) Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)
The Money Plant, also known as Pothos, has trailing vines that are great for creating a lush, green wall.
It’s perfect for shelves or hanging planters, and its air-purifying properties help reduce formaldehyde and benzene. Plus, it’s super low-maintenance!
16) Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
The Money Plant’s trailing vines make it perfect for adding texture to your space. Place it on a shelf or hang it in a basket to let its long vines cascade down.
Its air-purifying properties, especially for formaldehyde, make it a practical and beautiful choice.
17) Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
This is another fantastic trailing plant that looks stunning in hanging baskets or cascading down shelves.
Golden Pothos helps remove carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, and its vines are perfect for adding texture to your living space.
18) Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
The Corn Plant’s tall, striped leaves add height and drama to any space. You can use it in a tall planter in your living room or hallway to make a bold statement.
It’s not only beautiful but also great at filtering harmful toxins like formaldehyde from the air.
19) Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is small enough for tabletops but still adds a touch of elegance with its feathery fronds.
It is perfect for an office desk or side table, and it does a great job of filtering toxins like formaldehyde.
20) Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
The Broadleaf Lady Palm’s fan-like leaves add a touch of the exotic to your home. I’d recommend using a tall, decorative planter to showcase its unique foliage while it filters toxins from the air.
It’s perfect for adding height and elegance to living rooms or entryways.
21) Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
Orchids are not only gorgeous but also air-purifiers. You can place them in minimalist pots near a window to highlight their delicate beauty.
Their elegant flowers will bring color and refinement to any room while they clean the air.
22) Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is almost indestructible! Use it in low-light areas like hallways or bedrooms, and pair it with sleek planters for a modern look.
It’s great at filtering toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.
23) Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a statement plant with its large, violin-shaped leaves. Display it in a modern pot near a window where it can get indirect light.
Its bold shape makes it a perfect focal point for living rooms or offices.
24) Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
The Kentia Palm’s long, elegant fronds bring a tropical feel to your home. Use it in a tall, decorative planter to create a relaxed atmosphere, and enjoy its air-purifying benefits.
It’s ideal for brightening up living rooms or bedrooms.
25) Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
The Umbrella Tree’s glossy, umbrella-shaped leaves are perfect for adding texture and greenery to your home.
You can display it in a chic pot in your living room or office to freshen up the air while adding a modern, sophisticated touch.
Keeping Your Green Friends Blooming
Now that you’ve got your plants, let’s make sure they stay in tip-top shape.
- General Care Tips: Most air-purifying plants are pretty easygoing. Just make sure to water them appropriately. Overwatering is a common mistake, let the top inch of soil dry out before giving them a drink. Also, keep an eye on their light needs. Most of these plants prefer indirect light, but always check the specific requirements for each plant.
- Troubleshooting Common Issues: Got yellowing leaves or weird spots? It might be time to check your watering habits or pest situation. Overwatered plants might develop root rot, while pests like spider mites can make themselves at home on your greenery. Regularly inspect your plants and adjust care as needed.
- Seasonal Care: Plants need a bit of extra care during seasonal changes. In winter, they might need less water but more humidity, especially if you have central heating. Keep an eye on their condition and adjust your care routine to keep them thriving year-round.
Conclusion
Air-purifying plants are more than just decorative pieces; they’re natural, eco-friendly allies working to improve your home’s air quality and boost your well-being.
From stylish Spider Plants to elegant Peace Lilies, these green companions filter out harmful toxins while adding beauty and serenity to your space.
By incorporating them into your home you’ll not only create a healthier environment but also enhance your interior design. With the right care, your plant squad will thrive year-round, helping you breathe easier and feel more connected to nature.
