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18 Plants That Clean the Air, Calm the Mind, and Look Beautiful Doing It

18 Plants That Clean the Air, Calm the Mind, and Look Beautiful Doing It

Some plants don’t just sit there looking pretty—they actively make your life better. Imagine a living room filled with greenery that not only enhances your decor, but also helps you breathe easier, sleep deeper, and feel more centered. Sounds ideal, right? The truth is, some of the most accessible houseplants are natural multitaskers—and they’re just waiting to move in.

In this list, we’re sharing 18 incredible plants that purify the air, support mental wellbeing, and elevate your space with style. From NASA-approved air scrubbers to soothing plants used in aromatherapy, these picks are loved not just for their looks, but for their real, noticeable impact on how you feel. They’re perfect for bedrooms, workspaces, living rooms—anywhere you need a breath of fresh, grounded energy.

At Plantisima, we believe in surrounding ourselves with plants that give back. These selections aren’t just for plant lovers—they’re for anyone craving calm, clarity, and a little more life in their living space. Whether you’re new to houseplants or building your own indoor jungle, these are the plants that will love you back.

Snake Plant

Snake Plant
© wildwood_plantlife

Often dubbed the ‘bedroom plant,’ the snake plant emits oxygen at night, unlike most plants. Its striking vertical leaves make it an eye-catching centerpiece. Known for being low-maintenance, it’s perfect for beginners or those without much time to spare. With its air-cleaning abilities, it reduces toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, making your space healthier. This plant thrives on neglect, needing minimal water and light, which makes it ideal for any home.

Peace Lily

Peace Lily
© houseplantjournal

Enhancing any room with its elegant white blooms, the peace lily is a symbol of tranquility. It effectively filters indoor pollutants, creating a cleaner atmosphere. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, it’s known for promoting restful sleep, making it suitable for bedrooms. Requiring only moderate light and weekly watering, this plant fits effortlessly into a busy lifestyle. A gentle reminder of peace, it’s an ideal companion for those seeking a calm refuge.

Spider Plant

Spider Plant
© plantpeopleboutique

The playful spider plant is loved for its arching leaves and tiny plantlets. This hardy plant is renowned for its ability to purify the air by absorbing carbon monoxide and other toxins. Its resilience makes it a great choice for novice gardeners. The spider plant enjoys bright, indirect sunlight and occasional watering. With its lively appearance, it brings a breath of fresh air to any room.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera
© dutchsaskatoon

Aloe vera is more than just a healing plant; it’s a stylish addition to any windowsill. Known for its succulent leaves filled with soothing gel, it also cleans the air of pollutants. This plant appreciates sunlight and sparse watering, making it a low-maintenance marvel. Its dual purpose of decoration and functionality makes it a household staple.

Bamboo Palm

Bamboo Palm
© botanicalheaven_

Elegance and air purification come together in the bamboo palm, a favorite for indoor spaces. Besides its soothing presence, it effectively removes toxins like formaldehyde. Flourishing in low light and humid conditions, it’s perfect for bathrooms or offices. Its feathery fronds gently sway, bringing a sense of calm and grace to your surroundings.

Boston Fern

Boston Fern
© marlygarden

With its lush, feathery fronds, the Boston fern is a timeless classic. It’s particularly effective at removing pollutants, ensuring cleaner air. This plant thrives in cool, humid environments and prefers indirect light. Its vibrant greenery adds a touch of nature to any interior, inviting a sense of tranquility and well-being.

Rubber Plant

Rubber Plant
© jardin_dazur

The rubber plant stands tall with its broad, shiny leaves, adding a bold statement to any room. Its ability to absorb toxins like formaldehyde makes it a natural air purifier. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers consistent watering. Its robust nature and striking appearance bring vitality and depth to your living space.

Dracaena

Dracaena
© plantifyseattle

Dracaena captivates with its vibrant striped leaves, ranging from deep green to red. Known for removing pollutants such as xylene, it boosts indoor air quality. This plant prefers low light and tolerates occasional neglect, making it ideal for busy individuals. Its striking appearance complements contemporary interiors beautifully.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Fig
© marthastewart48

The fiddle leaf fig’s dramatic, large leaves make it a designer favorite. Beyond aesthetics, it’s efficient at improving air quality. This plant enjoys bright, indirect light and regular watering. Its bold presence transforms any room into a sophisticated haven, offering both style and substance.

English Ivy

English Ivy
© mypeacefulmoment

English ivy’s cascading vines bring a touch of classic elegance to any space. Known for its ability to remove mold spores and airborne fecal matter, it enhances indoor air. This plant flourishes in indirect light and appreciates regular watering. Its timeless beauty and air-purifying qualities make it a beloved choice for plant enthusiasts.

Pothos

Pothos
© craigmilran

Pothos boasts heart-shaped leaves that spill over elegantly. It’s revered for its ability to cleanse the air of pollutants like formaldehyde and toluene. This plant thrives in a variety of light conditions and requires minimal care, making it a favorite among plant lovers. Its cascading vines add a touch of nature’s elegance to any interior.

Lavender

Lavender
© erichbea

Lavender’s delightful fragrance and delicate purple blooms offer more than just visual appeal. It’s known for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Placed by a sunny window, it adds a calming presence. This plant prefers well-drained soil and regular watering. Its aromatic charm and soothing properties bring a touch of serenity to your home.

Areca Palm

Areca Palm
© mashtalgardencenters

The areca palm’s feathery fronds sway gracefully, enhancing any room’s ambiance. It’s highly effective at humidifying the air, making it ideal for dry climates. Preferring bright, indirect light and regular watering, this plant adds a tropical touch to your decor. Its vibrant greenery invigorates living spaces with a refreshing vibe.

Jade Plant

Jade Plant
© urbanroots.ph

Jade plant’s rounded, succulent leaves symbolize prosperity and good luck. It’s a hardy plant that purifies the air, thriving in bright light and requiring minimal watering. Its compact size is perfect for desks or small spaces. Beyond aesthetics, it brings a sense of tranquility and positive energy to your surroundings.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum
© thebloomconservatoryofpanat

Chrysanthemums burst with color, bringing joy and visual delight. Known for filtering out toxins like ammonia, they enhance indoor air quality. These plants enjoy bright, indirect light and require regular watering. Their cheerful blooms and air-purifying properties make them a favorite for kitchens and living areas.

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera Daisy
© awholebunchflowermarket

Gerbera daisies are a burst of color that can lift anyone’s spirits. Besides their cheerful appearance, they are effective at removing benzene and trichloroethylene from the air. This plant prefers bright light and regular watering. Its vivacious blooms bring a splash of joy and freshness to any room.

ZZ Plant

ZZ Plant
© thelecaqueen

ZZ plant’s glossy leaves add a touch of modern elegance. It’s known for its ability to withstand neglect and low light, making it perfect for busy lifestyles. This plant quietly purifies the air, requiring minimal attention. Its sleek appearance and resilience make it an excellent choice for offices and homes alike.

Golden Pothos

Golden Pothos
© reenasplants

Golden pothos captivates with its marbled leaves and cascading vines. Famous for surviving in low light, it removes indoor toxins effectively. This plant thrives with minimal care, making it ideal for those new to gardening. Its lush greenery adds a touch of tranquility and elegance to any space.