We’ll Grab Any Reason to Buy More Plants. You’ve heard it before, right? Houseplants can clean the air in your home—but will they actually? Don’t blow your whole paycheck on cleaner air just yet—let’s get a little further down the road with what air-purifying plants can actually do. We’ll break it down for you with the science, share our go-to plant picks, and talk about what you can actually expect to get out of it.
We’ve been told for years that plants are natural air purifiers in our homes. But just how much is that really true? Let’s get to the bottom of it.
7 Air-Purifying Plants We Love
If you’re reading for the plant list, then you’re in luck. Listed below are our favorite air-purifying houseplants. They’re all low-maintenance, stunning, and several are even on our list of the best low-light indoor plants.
Dracaena (such as Corn Plant)
Snake Plant
Aglaonema
English Ivy
Pothos
Bamboo Palm
Spider Plant
There are numerous others that might be listed, yet we picked these on both professional recommendation and appearance.
Do Plants Actually Clean the Air?
Yes—but qualified. Plants don’t just capture CO₂ and emit oxygen; they also can absorb toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde from the air. This idea took off on the basis of an 1989 report from NASA, which is widely used as proof that plants are natural air purifiers.
The catch: That research was conducted under sterile laboratory conditions—conditions quite different from most households. Our homes are not sealed containers; we open windows, use HVAC, and bring in outside air. In the real world, specialists now suggest you’d need hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of houseplants to produce the effects found in that NASA study.
Why You Should Still Keep Houseplants Around
Even if they aren’t miracle air purifiers, houseplants are well worth having. They bring other important benefits—especially for your mental health.
Plants Improve Your Mood
Studies show that simply being around houseplants can boost happiness and decrease negative feelings within as little as 20 minutes.
Plants Help Reduce Stress
Plant care has also been linked with lower stress levels—more so even than completion of computer tasks. And just looking at plants (actual or photos!) has had positive impacts in hospitals and offices.
Plants Boost Concentration and Productivity
Plants decrease « attention fatigue » in classrooms and offices. A study showed students who looked at plants were more alert, and others have found that adding plants to work spaces enhanced mood and performance.
So even if they are not cleaning the air to NASA standards, we still say: bring it on, plants.
How to Actually Improve Indoor Air Quality
Since plants aren’t sufficient by themselves, here are tips from experts to breathe easier.
1. Minimize Indoor Pollutants
Prevent indoor smoking, restrict gas stove use, and minimize burning candles or wood fires. Also be aware of off-gassing from new furniture, paint, or fabric. If an item has a strong « new » odor, air it out outdoors prior to bringing it inside.
2. Open Your Windows
Allowing fresh outside air in for as little as 10 minutes per day can help exchange stale indoor air—yes, even in cold weather.
3. Use an Air Purifier
If you’re serious about clean air, this is your best bet. Air purifiers remove VOCs, allergens, dust, and more. We’ve used this one [link] for years and swear by it.
4. Clean Regularly
Dust, vacuum, and wash bedding often. Keep an eye on moist areas that might grow mold or mildew.
5. Change HVAC Filters
Replace filters every three months for optimal performance. Put a phone reminder on your calendar and have another on standby.
6. Check for Radon and Carbon Monoxide
Radon is a natural gas that can be harmful to your health. Check your house (especially if it’s new to you), and maintain a carbon monoxide detector at all times.
7. Keep Your Plant Collection in Check
We love plants, but a dusty or neglected plant corner can be a blunder. Fuzzy foliage, mouldy potting soil, or softening roots can lower air quality. If you are going to have a collection, make sure you can care for them properly.
Plants Can Make Your Home Healthier
Alright, we admit—we may have popped a few plant-fueled air-purifying bubbles. But houseplants are still a wonderful addition to your living space! They’re easy to care for, typically tolerant of low light, and yes, they do remove toxins from the air… just not amazingly. You can still tell guests your plants are cleansing your air—because, technically, they are.
Our Favorite Picks
Dracaena
One of the stars of the NASA study. Vines like the Corn Plant, Dragon Tree, and Janet Craig are all low maintenance with showy green leaves.
Snake Plant
Really a Dracaena these days (formerly Sansevieria), this plant is famous for its power to convert CO₂ into oxygen at night—perfect for bedrooms.
Aglaonema
Also known as Chinese Evergreen, these are in bright hues and adore low light. Easy to love, easier to keep alive.
English Ivy
One of NASA’s highest achievers. Brilliant in hanging baskets or spilling over shelves, and dealing with shady spots as well.
Pothos
Our office MVP plant. Simple to care for, fast-growing, and beautiful. From Golden right up to Neon varieties, they’re as useful as they are beautiful.
Bamboo Palm
Adds height and tropical ambiance. These palms grow up to 8 feet inside and do well in lower light.
Spider Plant
Grassy, variegated, and easy to start. Ideal for the tabletop or shelf when you want a small, bright plant.
