The Best Air-Purifying Plants for Your Home

Discover the best air-purifying plants to transform your home into a healthier sanctuary. From thriving palms to lush pothos, explore vibrant greenery that not only beautifies your space but also enhances air quality. Breathe easier with our top picks for indoor plants that filter toxins and promote well-being.

The Best Air-Purifying Plants for Your Home

My family lives in upstate New York. Over the years, I have noticed we were stuck indoors a lot. Mostly because it was either much too cold to be outside or way too hot. I love being outdoors, and being indoors for days in a row can take a toll on you, mentally.

While I always keep out home clean, it still felt stale. I quickly realized I wanted to bring some outdoor life to the indoors—a place where I could breathe easily. This quest led me to discover the incredible world of air-purifying plants, and I’ve never looked back since.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant quickly became my very first purchase. Renowned for its resilience, this beauty is nearly impossible to kill, which appealed to my novice plant-parent heart. What I didn’t realize at the time is that the snake plant also converts CO2 into oxygen at night, making it a perfect bedroom companion. Its striking upright leaves gave my space an instant modern touch, and I found that I could go days without worrying about its care.

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Next on my list was the peace lily. With its elegant white blooms and glossy leaves, it felt like a touch of sophistication in my living room. I learned that peace lilies are fantastic at removing toxins like ammonia and benzene, and that they thrive in low light. Watching the first blossom appear felt like a small victory, and I found joy in the routine of watering and tending to it. Plus, the peace lily was a great conversation starter with friends who visited!

pothos plant plants that help purify air

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

As I became more confident, I decided to incorporate the pothos plant into my interior spaces. Known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, pothos adds a charming touch to any corner. I placed one on a high shelf, allowing its luscious green tendrils to cascade down. Pothos is especially forgiving, and as someone who occasionally forgets to water, it quickly became a staple in my home. This plant not only cleanses the air of formaldehyde but also adds a vibrant pop of color to my decor.

spider plants with lots of little babies

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

I frequently found myself entranced by the spider plant’s playful nature. The arching leaves and baby “spiderettes” that it produces attracted my attention and eventually led me to adopt one for my kitchen window. Not only does it filter out pollutants like xylene and toluene, but the spider plant also encourages propagation, which I turned into a small project. I love being able to share my spider plant babies with friends.

5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

After experimenting with smaller plants, I spread my wings (and my urban jungle) by bringing in a bamboo palm. This lush palm not only serves as a natural air purifier but also doubles as a statement piece in my living room. It’s a fantastic humidifier, adding moisture to the dry indoor air, especially during those long winter months. Watching it grow taller and lusher over time has been a delightful reminder of life’s little changes.