The Best House Plants That Clean Your Air

1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily is a popular choice for improving indoor air quality. It can help remove pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Plus, its beautiful white flowers add a touch of elegance to any room.

• Light Requirement: Low to medium light.

Placement Tip: Place the Peace Lily in a Vicksburg Rectangular Tabletop Planter to make it the focal point of your coffee table or sideboard. Its low light tolerance makes it great for north-facing windows.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is known for its ability to filter toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. It’s also one of the easiest plants to care for, making it perfect for beginners.

• Light Requirement: Low to bright indirect light.

Placement Tip: Snake Plants do well in round planters that allow their tall, sword-like leaves to stand out. They are also great options for offices or other low-light areas.

3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider Plants are excellent air purifiers and can remove formaldehyde and xylene from the air. They produce "babies" or offshoots, making them easy to propagate and perfect for adding greenery around your home.

• Light Requirement: Bright, indirect light.

Placement Tip: Place a Spider Plant in a wall-mounted planter to create a cascading effect. This makes it ideal for small spaces or rooms where floor space is limited.

4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston Fern is great for removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. It also acts as a natural humidifier, making it perfect for dry environments.

• Light Requirement: Indirect light with high humidity.

Placement Tip: Use a fluted planter to highlight its feathery fronds. Place it in a bathroom or kitchen where there is more humidity, or consider pairing it with other plants that thrive in low light.

Read our Guide to Designing with Ferns Here >>

5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

The Rubber Plant is known for its ability to remove toxins like formaldehyde from the air. It has thick, glossy leaves that make a bold statement in any room.

• Light Requirement: Bright, indirect light.

Placement Tip: A rectangular planter is perfect for holding a larger Rubber Plant and allows it to shine in a living room or office setting. Rubber Plants also contribute well to a Feng Shui-inspired space.

6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy is effective at reducing airborne mold and formaldehyde, making it an ideal plant for improving air quality. It’s also versatile and looks great when trailing from shelves or planters.

• Light Requirement: Bright, indirect light.

Placement Tip: Use a Tonto Small Cube Planter to keep the Ivy contained while allowing it to trail beautifully. This plant does well on window sills and can also be used in windowless offices.

7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Bamboo Palms are not only elegant but are also effective at filtering formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. They add a touch of tropical greenery to your home.

• Light Requirement: Low to medium light.

Placement Tip: Place the Bamboo Palm in a commercial planter to make a statement in large spaces like foyers or living rooms. This plant also works well in tall planters for landscaping.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is well known for its ability to clean the air of formaldehyde and benzene, and it also has medicinal properties that make it a great addition to any home.

• Light Requirement: Bright, indirect light.

Placement Tip: Aloe Vera is perfect for tabletop planters, like the Wheeling Narrow Rectangular Planter, and can be placed in a kitchen or living room for easy access to its soothing properties.

Create a Healthier Home with Air-Purifying Plants

Adding air-purifying plants to your home is an easy way to improve air quality and create a relaxing environment. Whether you need a plant for a sunny spot, a low-light room, or to add height and visual interest, these plants will do the job. Plus, our range of indoor planters helps you showcase these plants in style.

Explore our planter collections to find the perfect home for your air-cleaning plants, and learn more about the best ways to use greenery in your space by checking out our other helpful guides like Plants That Grow in the Dark.