Best Air Purifying Houseplants for Your Home
If you've ever searched for air purifying houseplants, you've probably come across claims that certain plants can dramatically improve indoor air quality. While the reality is a little more complicated, there is no doubt that houseplants make our homes feel fresher, calmer and more connected to nature.
Many houseplants have been studied for their ability to absorb airborne compounds and trap dust on their leaves. While you would need a very large number of plants to significantly improve air quality throughout an entire home, they remain a wonderful way to bring nature indoors and create a healthier-feeling living space.
Looking for air purifying houseplants?
Browse our Top Air Purifying Houseplants collection.
What About the NASA Clean Air Study?
Much of the discussion around air purifying plants comes from a NASA study carried out in the 1980s. The research showed that certain plants could remove airborne compounds in controlled laboratory conditions.
More recent research suggests the effect in a typical home is much smaller. However, houseplants still provide many benefits, from making rooms feel calmer and more inviting to helping us feel more connected to nature.
With that in mind, here are some of our favourite houseplants for creating a fresher, greener home.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily remains one of the most popular air purifying houseplants and for good reason. Its elegant dark green foliage and long-lasting white flowers look fantastic in almost any room.
Peace Lilies thrive in bright, indirect light but will also tolerate shadier positions. They are surprisingly easy to care for and clearly signal when they need watering by gently drooping their leaves.
Best for: living rooms, bedrooms and lower-light spaces.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The Snake Plant is one of the toughest houseplants you can buy. Its upright architectural leaves make it a popular choice for modern interiors, while its drought tolerance makes it ideal for busy plant owners.
Snake Plants can cope with a range of light conditions and only need watering when the compost has dried completely.
Best for: bedrooms, hallways and low-maintenance homes.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)
Spider Plants have remained popular for decades thanks to their attractive striped foliage and easy-going nature.
They are also one of our favourite pet friendly houseplants, making them a great choice for homes with cats and dogs.
When happy, Spider Plants produce trailing baby plants that can be propagated and shared with friends.
Best for: shelves, hanging pots and family homes.
Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Devil's Ivy, also known as Golden Pothos, is one of the easiest trailing houseplants to grow.
Its cascading stems help soften shelves, bookcases and cupboards, while its fast growth quickly adds greenery to a room.
It tolerates lower light surprisingly well, although growth is strongest in bright, indirect light.
Best for: shelves, trailing displays and home offices.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is famous for surviving where many other houseplants struggle.
Its glossy green leaves and remarkable tolerance for lower light make it a favourite for homes, offices and darker corners.
It stores water in thick underground rhizomes, allowing it to go weeks between waterings.
Best for: offices, darker rooms and forgetful plant owners.
How to Get the Most from Your Houseplants
Whatever plants you choose, healthy plants perform best.
To keep your houseplants looking their best:
- Wipe dust from leaves regularly
- Provide the correct light levels
- Avoid overwatering
- Repot when plants become root bound
- Feed during spring and summer
If you're unsure where to start, our Plant Care Guides can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do houseplants really purify the air?
Houseplants can absorb certain airborne compounds and trap dust on their leaves, but the effect in a typical home is generally modest. Their greatest benefits are often aesthetic and psychological.
What is the best air purifying houseplant?
Popular choices include Peace Lilies, Snake Plants, Spider Plants, Devil's Ivy and ZZ Plants.
Which air purifying plant is easiest to care for?
The ZZ Plant and Snake Plant are two of the easiest houseplants to care for and tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Are air purifying plants safe for pets?
Some are and some are not. Spider Plants are generally considered pet friendly, while Peace Lilies, Snake Plants and Devil's Ivy should be kept away from pets that like to chew foliage.
Create Your Own Urban Jungle
While no houseplant can replace good ventilation, a collection of healthy plants can transform how a room feels.
Whether you're looking for a statement Peace Lily, an easy-care ZZ Plant or a trailing Devil's Ivy, you'll find plenty of options in our Top Air Purifying Houseplants collection.