We often turn to houseplants to beautify our spaces, but many also offer a hidden superpower: purifying the air we breathe. Certain plants go beyond adding a splash of green — they actively remove toxins and release fresh oxygen, even while you sleep. But be warned: not every trendy plant lives up to this reputation.
While some species work tirelessly around the clock, filtering out pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, others are simply decorative. They may look lush and vibrant, but they contribute little to your indoor air quality. Knowing the difference can help you curate a home that’s both healthier and more beautiful.
In this article, you’ll discover 10 powerhouse air-purifying plants that clean the air overnight, and learn which 7 popular plants offer visual appeal but little in the way of purification. If you want to breathe easier — especially while you sleep — this guide is your essential starting point.
Snake Plant
Renowned for its resilience, the snake plant is a nocturnal air cleaner. Its unique ability to convert CO2 into oxygen at night makes it a bedroom favorite. This plant is not only low-maintenance but also thrives in indirect sunlight. Snake plants help filter indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. A perfect companion for those seeking cleaner, fresher air as they sleep. Its robust nature makes it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned plant lovers seeking an effective air purifier.
Spider Plant
The spider plant is as graceful as it is functional. Its arching leaves and gentle demeanor make it a charming addition to any room. Known for eliminating pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene, it’s particularly efficient in improving indoor air quality. Easy to care for, it thrives in indirect sunlight and requires minimal watering. An excellent choice for those embarking on their plant care journey, offering both beauty and utility in one verdant package.
Peace Lily
With its elegant white blooms, the peace lily offers more than just visual appeal. It excels at breaking down and neutralizing toxic gases like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. This plant loves the shade and can thrive in low-light conditions, making it perfect for offices and bedrooms. Regular watering keeps it content, and its air-purifying prowess ensures a healthier environment. A practical choice for those who want a touch of elegance alongside improved indoor air quality.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are lush, feathery wonders that excel at removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and airborne germs. Their love for humidity makes them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. These ferns require a bit more attention, preferring to be misted and kept in indirect sunlight. For those willing to cater to its specific needs, the reward is a fresher, cleaner atmosphere. A brilliant choice for plant enthusiasts with a penchant for the classics.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is more than a sunburn remedy; it’s a hardworking air purifier. Known for absorbing formaldehyde and benzene, this succulent thrives in bright, indirect light. It’s a low-maintenance option, requiring infrequent watering. The gel within its leaves is not only soothing for the skin but also an indicator of air quality—brown spots can appear if harmful chemicals are present. A dual-purpose plant that offers both health benefits and a cleaner living space.
Bamboo Palm
Elegant fronds and towering structure characterize the bamboo palm, a natural humidifier and air purifier. Perfect for placing in living rooms or offices, it excels at removing benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. This tropical beauty prefers indirect light and regular watering to maintain its vibrant green color. As a natural filter, it contributes to a more breathable and healthier home environment. An ideal choice for those seeking to combine style with functionality.
English Ivy
English ivy’s trailing vines are more than just ornamental. This plant is effective in reducing airborne fecal particles and filtering low concentrations of formaldehyde. Its hardy nature makes it suitable for hanging baskets and high shelves. Though it prefers indirect light, it’s adaptable to various conditions. Regular trimming encourages lush growth, and its air-purifying qualities make it a valuable addition to any home. A classic choice for those who value both appearance and utility.
Gerbera Daisy
The gerbera daisy brings a splash of color while purifying the air. Renowned for removing benzene and trichloroethylene, it’s a breath of fresh air for any home. Thriving in bright light, this plant requires regular watering and well-draining soil. Its cheerful blooms are not just pleasing to the eye but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment. A perfect pick for those who want aesthetics and air quality improvement in one delightful package.
Golden Pothos
Golden pothos is the epitome of an easy-care plant with potent air-purifying capabilities. Known for its ability to cleanse the air of formaldehyde, it’s a favorite among indoor gardeners. Its heart-shaped leaves are resilient, thriving in a variety of lighting conditions. Minimal watering is needed, making it perfect for busy individuals. Its cascading vines bring life to any space, and its air-purifying prowess ensures a healthier atmosphere.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, with their vibrant blooms, are more than just a seasonal delight. They’re adept at filtering out common toxins like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. Prefer bright light, these plants are best suited for well-lit areas, whether indoors or on patios. Regular watering and well-drained soil enhance their longevity. These florals offer a cheerful aesthetic while contributing significantly to cleaner indoor air.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Admired for its dramatic, glossy leaves, the fiddle leaf fig is a living statement piece. However, its air-purifying abilities are modest at best. This plant thrives in bright, filtered light and requires regular watering. Its towering form adds a touch of grandeur, yet it doesn’t significantly enhance air quality. Perfect for those who prioritize aesthetics over functionality, it remains a popular choice among modern decorators.
Monstera Deliciosa
The monstera deliciosa, with its iconic split leaves, is a tropical adornment with limited air-purifying effects. Preferring bright, indirect light, this plant requires occasional watering to maintain its lush appearance. While it may not cleanse the air like some of its counterparts, its unique foliage makes it a standout piece in any room. Ideal for plant lovers who appreciate visual appeal over air purification.
Rubber Plant
The rubber plant, known for its rich, glossy leaves, adds a sophisticated touch to interiors. Despite its beauty, its contribution to air purification is relatively low. It thrives in bright to moderate indirect light and needs a regular watering schedule. While it may not significantly improve air quality, its striking foliage makes it a popular ornamental choice. Suitable for those who value aesthetics with minimal air cleaning benefits.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are beloved for their lush, heart-shaped leaves and ease of care. Although they add greenery to spaces, their air-purifying abilities are modest. Thriving in low to medium light, they require moderate watering to stay healthy. These plants are ideal for those who seek decorative greenery without extensive air cleaning benefits. Perfect for adding a touch of nature to modern interiors without demanding much attention.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is celebrated for its resilience and glossy, waxy leaves. It tolerates low light and infrequent watering, making it a staple in low-maintenance collections. Despite its hardy nature, its air-purifying effects are minimal. Ideal for busy individuals seeking a touch of greenery with little effort, its aesthetic value often outweighs its functional benefits. A reliable choice for those focusing on style rather than air quality.
Orchid
Orchids, with their exotic blooms, are a symbol of elegance and grace. While they captivate with their beauty, their air-purifying abilities are limited. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require a specific watering routine to flourish. Although they’re not the go-to choice for air cleansing, their stunning flowers make them a cherished decorative piece. Perfect for those who prioritize visual charm over air purification.
Succulents
Succulents, with their diverse forms and hardy nature, are popular in contemporary decor. Despite their beauty and low maintenance, they offer minimal air-purifying benefits. Favoring bright light and infrequent watering, they flourish in well-draining soil. Though not significant air cleaners, their unique textures and forms make them a versatile choice for adding character to any space. A perfect option for those prioritizing style over function.