We welcome any reason to add another plant to the house, and you may have heard they can help indoor air quality. Before you empty your wallet in the name of cleaner air, let’s take a clear look at what plants can and can’t do. Below we explain which plants we recommend, what realistic benefits to expect, and practical alternatives for improving air quality.
Plants have long been promoted as natural air filters, and while that idea contains truth, the full story is more nuanced. Read on for balanced, practical guidance.
7 Air Purifying Plants
If you just want a quick list, here are our top picks for attractive, low-maintenance houseplants that are commonly cited for air-cleaning benefits and are also easy to live with:
- Dracaena (including the Corn Plant)
- Snake Plant
- Aglaonema
- English Ivy
- Pothos (Golden Pothos)
- Bamboo Palm
- Spider Plant
There are many more options, but these combine proven popularity, attractive form, and straightforward care.
Do Plants Really Purify The Air?
Yes — plants do remove some pollutants and convert CO2 to oxygen — but their real-world impact in typical homes is limited. The often-cited 1989 NASA study demonstrated that certain plants can remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in sealed laboratory chambers. Real homes, however, are not sealed boxes: ventilation from windows, doors, and HVAC systems exchanges indoor and outdoor air much more efficiently than a few houseplants can.
Recent research suggests you would need an impractically large number of plants — often hundreds or thousands — to match the air-cleaning performance of mechanical ventilation or air purifiers. That said, plants still offer modest removal of some compounds and contribute positively to indoor environments in other meaningful ways.
What Benefits Do Houseplants Have?
Even if plants aren’t primary air purifiers for most homes, they deliver several proven benefits: improved mood, reduced stress, and enhanced concentration. These psychological and well-being effects make them worthwhile additions.
Plants Improve Mood
Spending time near plants can increase positive emotions and reduce negative feelings in a short time. People routinely report greater happiness, increased life satisfaction, and a more positive outlook when plants are present in living and work spaces.
Plants Reduce Stress
Caring for plants and simply being exposed to them — or even images of plants — has been shown to lower stress levels in multiple settings, including clinical and workplace environments. Adding greenery to windowless offices or patient rooms can have measurable calming effects.
Plants Improve Productivity & Concentration
Improved mood and lower stress often translate into better focus. Studies have found that students and office workers are more attentive and less prone to attention fatigue when plants are present, which can support productivity and comfort for demanding tasks.
Taken together, these benefits give plenty of reasons to include plants in your home beyond the modest air-cleaning they provide.
How To Purify Indoor Air
If your goal is significantly better indoor air quality, there are effective steps you can take that outperform houseplants alone. Here are practical strategies recommended by indoor air quality experts:
Reduce pollutants coming in
Preventing pollutants is the most effective strategy. Avoid indoor smoking, limit use of combustion sources like gas stoves when possible, and be cautious with candles and fireplaces. Choose low-VOC paints and products, and let new items air out outdoors if they have a strong “new” smell.
Open a window
Simple ventilation — opening windows or doors for a short period each day — refreshes indoor air and reduces accumulated pollutants. Even brief daily airing can make a noticeable difference.
Purchase an air purifier
A quality air purifier with a true HEPA filter and appropriate CADR rating will remove dust, pollen, and many airborne particles far more effectively than houseplants. For VOC removal, look for purifiers with activated carbon stages. Air purifiers are a reliable, measurable way to improve indoor air quality.
Keep a clean house
Regular vacuuming, dusting, and washing bedding reduce allergens such as dust and pet dander. Address moisture issues promptly to prevent mold growth in damp areas like bathrooms and basements.
Change your HVAC filter
Replace heating and cooling filters regularly — typically every three months — and use higher-efficiency filters where compatible with your system. A simple schedule or phone reminder helps ensure consistent maintenance.
Test for radon & carbon monoxide
Radon and carbon monoxide are invisible, dangerous gases. Test homes for high radon levels and install a carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areas. Mitigation systems or repairs are necessary if elevated levels are found.
Shrink your plant collection if needed
Healthy plants are helpful, but poorly maintained collections can contribute to indoor issues: overwatered pots and decaying roots encourage mold, dusty leaves trap allergens, and some blooms trigger sensitivities. Keep the number of plants at a level you can properly care for.
Plants For A Healthier Home
So while plants may not replace ventilation or purifiers, they still belong in a healthy home. They lift mood, reduce stress, and add living beauty. Below are a few favorite, easy-care varieties that perform well in typical indoor conditions and are great for styling your space.
Dracaena
Dracaena species, including the Corn Plant and Dragon Tree, were highlighted in earlier research and remain popular for their tall form and glossy foliage. They’re resilient and easy to style in living rooms or entryways.
Snake Plant
Snake plants are practically indestructible and tolerate low light. They’re often placed in bedrooms for their reputation as night-time oxygen producers, and they make a bold sculptural statement.
Aglaonema
Aglaonema, sometimes called Chinese Evergreen, offers colorful foliage and thrives in lower light. It’s forgiving and adds tropical texture to indoor spaces.
English Ivy
English ivy is a classic vining plant that adapts well to indoor life and can fill shelves or hanging baskets with trailing green texture.
Pothos
Pothos are among the most versatile and durable indoor plants. They trail beautifully, tolerate low light, and are highly forgiving of inconsistent care — perfect for shelves and hanging pots.
Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palms bring a tropical, airy feel and can grow several feet tall indoors. They make great statement plants in larger rooms and help create a relaxed, lush atmosphere.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are compact, easy to care for, and produce attractive arching leaves and baby plantlets — a great option for shelves, tables, or hanging baskets.
More Plant Guides
If you want deeper care tips or inspiration, look up guides on low-light plants, propagation methods, and care sheets for specific varieties such as pothos, aglaonema, and snake plant. Those resources will help you choose the best plants for your space and keep them healthy.
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