Top 9 Plants That Clean the Air and Look Great Indoors

Peace Lily: The Elegant Purifier

The Peace Lily is not just a beautiful addition to any room; it’s also a powerhouse when it comes to purifying indoor air. According to a NASA Clean Air Study, Peace Lilies can remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air, making them a practical choice for healthier homes.

Their glossy green leaves and striking white flowers add a touch of elegance, brightening up even the darkest corners. Peace Lilies thrive in low to medium light, which makes them suitable for offices and bedrooms.

They are also known for their ability to increase indoor humidity by releasing moisture, helping to combat dry air. However, it’s important to keep them away from pets and children, as the plant can be mildly toxic if ingested.

Watering once a week is usually enough, making Peace Lilies a low-maintenance yet highly effective air-cleaning option.

Snake Plant: The Indestructible Air Filter

The Snake Plant, sometimes called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is famous for its resilience and its ability to clean the air, even at night. Research shows that Snake Plants absorb toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and nitrogen oxides, and they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen after dark—a rare trait among houseplants.

Their upright, sword-like leaves create a dramatic look, perfect for modern and minimalist spaces. Snake Plants are almost impossible to kill, tolerating low light, infrequent watering, and a wide range of temperatures.

This makes them ideal for beginners or for anyone who forgets to water regularly. Studies have shown that having Snake Plants indoors can improve mood and increase productivity, making them a smart choice for both homes and workspaces.

Just be sure not to overwater, as they prefer to dry out between drinks.

Spider Plant: The Lively Little Survivor

Spider Plants are cheerful, fast-growing green friends that excel at removing pollutants like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from the air. The NASA Clean Air Study highlighted Spider Plants as one of the most effective air-purifying plants due to their ability to tackle a wide range of toxins.

Their arching leaves and adorable baby plantlets, or “spiderettes,” make them especially attractive in hanging baskets or on shelves. Spider Plants are non-toxic to pets and children, which is a relief for many families.

They thrive in bright, indirect light but can also handle lower light environments. With minimal care—just watering when the soil feels dry—Spider Plants can flourish for years.

Their playful look and proven air-cleaning power make them a favorite for many plant lovers.

Boston Fern: The Classic Humidity Booster

Boston Ferns are lush, feathery plants known for their ability to increase humidity and filter out airborne toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. A study from the American Society for Horticultural Science found that ferns are particularly effective at removing indoor air pollutants.

With their cascading fronds, Boston Ferns bring a touch of the tropics into any living space. They prefer cool, humid environments and indirect light, making them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens.

Regular misting helps them thrive, especially in dry indoor air. Boston Ferns can be a little fussy about watering, so it’s important to keep their soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Their classic look and proven air-purifying qualities make them a staple in many homes.

Rubber Plant: The Stylish Toxin Absorber

Rubber Plants are bold, glossy-leafed beauties that have been shown to remove formaldehyde and other toxins from indoor air. Recent studies, including one published in the Journal of Environmental Management, have highlighted the Rubber Plant’s ability to absorb harmful chemicals and improve overall air quality.

Their deep green foliage and upright growth make them a standout feature in any room. Rubber Plants are relatively easy to care for, requiring moderate light and watering only when the top inch of soil is dry.

Over time, they can grow into impressive indoor trees, adding height and drama to your décor. They also release a good amount of oxygen, helping to freshen up stale indoor air.

Just keep them out of reach of pets, as the sap can be irritating if touched or ingested.

Aloe Vera: The Healing Air Freshener

Aloe Vera is widely recognized for its soothing gel, but it’s also a hardworking air purifier. Research has shown that Aloe Vera plants can help remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air, both common byproducts of cleaning products and paints.

Their thick, succulent leaves store water, so they only need occasional watering, making them a perfect choice for busy people or forgetful plant owners. Aloe Vera thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and can even handle direct morning sun.

Its compact size means it fits easily on desks or windowsills. Besides its air-cleaning abilities, Aloe Vera’s gel can be used for minor burns and skin irritations, making it one of the most practical plants you can own.

Simple to care for and multifunctional, it’s a must-have for any indoor garden.

Pothos: The Effortless Green Cascade

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, stands out for both its beauty and its ability to purify indoor air. Studies have confirmed that Pothos can absorb toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, contributing to a cleaner, fresher home environment.

Its heart-shaped leaves, often variegated with streaks of yellow or white, add visual interest and adapt well to a variety of lighting conditions. Pothos is famously easy to grow, needing only occasional watering and tolerating low light, though it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.

Its trailing vines look stunning in hanging baskets or draped over shelves, adding a lush, tropical feel to any space. Pothos is also known for its resilience and ability to bounce back from neglect, making it a top choice for beginners.

Just remember to keep it away from curious pets, as it can be mildly toxic if eaten.

Areca Palm: The Air-Reviving Statement Plant

The Areca Palm is a popular indoor palm that’s both striking and functional, acting as a natural humidifier and air purifier. According to the Indian Society of Landscape Architects, Areca Palms can filter out toxins like formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene, while also releasing moisture into the air.

Their feathery, arching fronds create a sense of oasis and movement in any room, often reaching impressive heights indoors. Areca Palms prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering, but they’re generally forgiving if you occasionally forget.

They are non-toxic to pets, which makes them a safe choice for families. Their ability to improve humidity levels is especially helpful in dry climates or during winter months when heating systems can dry out the air.

The Areca Palm’s dramatic look and proven air-purifying qualities make it a favorite for those seeking both beauty and function.

Dracaena: The Colorful Toxin Fighter

Dracaenas are a diverse group of plants, and they’re celebrated for their bold, sword-like leaves and impressive ability to filter toxins. Research from the University of Georgia has shown that Dracaenas can remove pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from indoor air.

These plants come in various shapes and colors, from deep green to variegated reds and yellows, offering plenty of options for every style. Dracaenas prefer moderate indirect light and should be watered when the top layer of soil feels dry.

They’re known for tolerating periods of neglect, making them suitable for people with busy lifestyles. Their upright form and striking foliage make a strong visual statement in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices.

While Dracaenas are toxic to pets, their air-cleaning abilities and visual appeal make them a popular choice for homes and workplaces.