Are you looking to freshen up your home’s air and add a touch of natural beauty at the same time? Look no further! We’ve got a fantastic list of 20 indoor plants that not only purify the air but also look absolutely gorgeous. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your green journey, these plants will help you create a healthier, more serene indoor environment.
Why Choose Air-Purifying Indoor Plants?
Before we dive into our list of fabulous plants, let’s talk about why air-purifying indoor plants are such a great addition to any home.
Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, thanks to various factors like cleaning products, furniture off-gassing, and lack of ventilation. This is where our leafy friends come to the rescue! Many plants naturally filter out common indoor pollutants, helping to create a cleaner, fresher atmosphere in your home.
Plus, having plants around has been shown to reduce stress, increase productivity, and even boost your mood. It’s like having a little slice of nature right in your living room!
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – our list of 20 amazing indoor plants that will purify your air and look great doing it.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Let’s start with a true superstar of the plant world – the Snake Plant. This hardy plant is perfect for beginners and busy folks alike.
Why We Love It
- Extremely low-maintenance
- Thrives in low light conditions
- One of the best air purifiers, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene
Snake plants come in various sizes and patterns, from the tall, sword-like leaves of Sansevieria trifasciata to the compact, bird’s nest formation of Sansevieria hahnii. Their striking vertical lines add a modern touch to any room.
Pro Tip: Snake plants are great for bedrooms as they release oxygen at night, unlike most other plants.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is another air-purifying champion that’s super easy to care for.
Why We Love It
- Fast-growing and easy to propagate
- Safe for pets
- Effective at removing indoor air pollutants
With its arching green and white striped leaves, the Spider Plant adds a soft, cascading element to your decor. It looks particularly stunning in hanging baskets or on high shelves where its “babies” can dangle freely.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
For those who love a touch of elegance, the Peace Lily is a perfect choice.
Why We Love It
- Beautiful white flowers
- Excellent at removing various indoor pollutants
- Thrives in low to medium light
Peace Lilies are known for their ability to remove toxins like ammonia and formaldehyde from the air. Their glossy green leaves and pristine white flowers bring a sense of calm and sophistication to any space.
4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
If you’re after a lush, tropical vibe, look no further than the Boston Fern.
Why We Love It
- Creates a humid environment
- Excellent air purifier
- Adds a vibrant, green touch to any room
Boston Ferns are fantastic at removing formaldehyde from the air. Their feathery fronds create a soft, romantic atmosphere, perfect for creating a cozy corner in your home.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera isn’t just great for soothing sunburns – it’s also an excellent air purifier!
Why We Love It
- Easy to care for
- Has medicinal properties
- Removes formaldehyde from the air
This succulent plant is perfect for sunny windowsills and adds a touch of desert chic to your decor. Plus, you can use its gel for various beauty and health purposes.
6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
For those who want a statement plant, the Rubber Plant is an excellent choice.
Why We Love It
- Large, glossy leaves that make a big impact
- Effective at removing indoor air pollutants
- Can grow quite tall, perfect for filling empty corners
Rubber Plants come in various colors, from deep green to burgundy, allowing you to choose one that best fits your decor style.
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens are known for their ability to thrive in various light conditions, making them perfect for those tricky, low-light spots in your home.
Why We Love It
- Comes in various patterns and colors
- Very low-maintenance
- Excellent at removing indoor air pollutants
These plants are perfect for adding a pop of color and pattern to your space, with varieties ranging from silver-speckled to pink-tinged leaves.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Want to bring a tropical paradise into your home? The Bamboo Palm is your go-to plant.
Why We Love It
- Creates a lush, tropical atmosphere
- Excellent at humidifying the air
- Removes various indoor pollutants
Bamboo Palms can grow quite tall, making them perfect for filling empty corners or creating natural room dividers.
9. Dracaena
The Dracaena family includes a wide variety of plants, all of which are excellent air purifiers.
Why We Love It
- Many varieties to choose from
- Some can grow quite tall, others stay compact
- Effective at removing various indoor pollutants
From the striped leaves of Dracaena marginata to the broad, colorful foliage of Dracaena reflexa, there’s a Dracaena for every taste and space.
10. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a classic choice for those who love a touch of traditional elegance.
Why We Love It
- Can be trained to climb or trail
- Excellent at removing airborne mold
- Adds a romantic, cottage-core touch to any room
English Ivy is perfect for hanging baskets or for training along bookshelves or window frames.
11. Chrysanthemum
Who says air-purifying plants can’t be colorful? Chrysanthemums bring both beauty and function to your indoor space.
Why We Love It
- Vibrant flowers in various colors
- Excellent at removing benzene from the air
- Adds a cheerful touch to any room
While Chrysanthemums are often thought of as outdoor plants, they can thrive indoors with proper care and bring a burst of color to your home.
12. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The Weeping Fig is a classic houseplant that’s been popular for decades, and for good reason.
Why We Love It
- Can be grown as a small tree or bush
- Effective at removing indoor air pollutants
- Adds a touch of elegance to any room
Weeping Figs have delicate, drooping branches covered in small, glossy leaves, creating a graceful silhouette that works well in both modern and traditional decors.
13. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is often called “Devil’s Ivy” because it’s so hard to kill – perfect for those of us without a green thumb!
Why We Love It
- Extremely easy to care for
- Can be grown in water or soil
- Effective at removing various indoor pollutants
Pothos comes in several varieties, from the classic golden pothos to the striking marble queen, allowing you to choose the perfect one for your space.
14. Philodendron
Philodendrons are another family of plants that offer a wide variety of options for indoor gardeners.
Why We Love It
- Many varieties to choose from
- Some climb, others trail
- Excellent at removing formaldehyde from the air
From the heart-shaped leaves of the classic Philodendron cordatum to the dramatic split leaves of Philodendron bipinnatifidum, there’s a Philodendron for every style.
15. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Want to create a tropical oasis in your living room? The Areca Palm is your plant!
Why We Love It
- Creates a lush, tropical atmosphere
- Excellent air purifier and humidifier
- Can grow quite tall, perfect for making a statement
Areca Palms have feathery fronds that add a soft, romantic touch to any room. They’re perfect for creating a natural room divider or filling an empty corner.
16. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Who says air-purifying plants can’t be bright and cheerful? Gerbera Daisies bring a pop of color to your indoor garden.
Why We Love It
- Vibrant flowers in various colors
- Excellent at removing benzene from the air
- Adds a cheerful touch to any room
While they can be a bit more challenging to keep blooming indoors, Gerbera Daisies are worth the effort for their bright, cheerful flowers and air-purifying abilities.
17. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
For those who love the lush look of ferns but struggle with the high humidity requirements, the Bird’s Nest Fern is a great alternative.
Why We Love It
- Unique, wavy leaves
- More tolerant of dry air than other ferns
- Effective at removing indoor air pollutants
The Bird’s Nest Fern’s bright green, rippled leaves add a touch of tropical elegance to any room. It’s perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where it can benefit from a bit of extra humidity.
18. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is a classic houseplant that’s been popular since Victorian times.
Why We Love It
- Compact size, perfect for small spaces
- Tolerant of low light conditions
- Effective at removing indoor air pollutants
Parlor Palms add a touch of elegance to any room with their delicate, feathery fronds. They’re perfect for coffee tables, desks, or any small space that needs a green touch.
19. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is often called the “eternity plant” because it’s so hard to kill – perfect for those who travel frequently or tend to forget about their plants.
Why We Love It
- Extremely low-maintenance
- Tolerant of low light conditions
- Effective at removing various indoor pollutants
With its glossy, dark green leaves, the ZZ Plant adds a touch of sophistication to any room. It’s perfect for offices or other spaces where plants might not get much attention.
20. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Last but not least, we have the Money Tree, which is said to bring good luck and prosperity.
Why We Love It
- Unique braided trunk
- Can be shaped into a bonsai
- Effective at removing indoor air pollutants
Money Trees have palm-like leaves and are often sold with their trunks braided, creating an interesting visual element. They’re perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your decor.
Caring for Your Air-Purifying Plants
Now that you’ve got a great list of air-purifying plants to choose from, let’s talk about how to keep them healthy and thriving.
General Care Tips
- Light: Most indoor plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves.
- Water: The number one killer of houseplants is overwatering. Always check the soil before watering – if it’s still moist, wait a day or two.
- Humidity: Many tropical plants appreciate extra humidity. You can increase humidity by misting your plants, using a pebble tray, or running a humidifier.
- Fertilizer: Feed your plants during their growing season (usually spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Cleaning: Dust can accumulate on leaves, blocking light and reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth occasionally.
Conclusion
Incorporating air-purifying plants into your home decor is a win-win situation. Not only do you get to enjoy the beauty of nature indoors, but you also benefit from cleaner, fresher air. From the low-maintenance Snake Plant to the colorful Chrysanthemum, there’s an air-purifying plant for every taste and skill level.
Remember, the key to success with houseplants is to choose ones that suit your lifestyle and the conditions in your home. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect green companions for your space.
So why wait? Start your indoor jungle today and breathe easier knowing your leafy friends are hard at work purifying your air. Happy planting!