Air Purifying Plants: 10 Houseplants That Purify Air

Plants are the best way to purify the air and detoxify your home. Explore with us, the best Air Purifying Plants: 10 Houseplants That Purify Air.

In a study published in 1989, NASA revealed that some indoor plants can contribute greatly to the abatement of indoor air pollution. It suggested that the “leaves, roots, soil, and associated microorganisms” of some plants are evaluated to be effective in the removal of air toxins.

You Can Read The Study Here: Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement

It has been a long time since that study and plants are a part of most of our homes. In fact, there are some decor trends that revolve around hoarding plants themselves. Such as the very popular urban jungle decor style.

However, as useful, pretty, and lively plants are, not all of them serve the purpose of purifying the air. There are only certain plants that fall under the category of air-purifying plants.

We have listed 10 such plants in this post. So take a look.

1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

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Spathiphyllum, more commonly known as Peace Lily is a very liked plant. Owing to its high adaptability and low-maintenance requirements, it is an ideal plant for all you busy bees.

They do come in different sizes and types but are most commonly kept as floor plants. Their midsize variety can grow up to 3-4 feet tall.

Toxic For Pets: Peace lilies are poisonous/toxic to cats and dogs. Thus, you should suggestively keep it somewhere your pets can’t reach. Or avoid it altogether if you are a dog/cat owner.

How to Care: Peace lilies don’t require much sunlight and some even thrive in rooms with little to no sunlight. They also don’t need to be watered much frequently. Wait until it tells you when it’s thirsty by drooping slightly.

2. Rubber plants (Ficus elastica)

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Ficus Elastica or the Rubber Plant is a popular houseplant serving as decorative plants. Their indoor varieties can grow up to 3 feet.

Toxic For Pets: It’s poisonous for cats and dogs

How To Care: These are usually low-maintenance and can grow just fine in low light. Over-watering or inconsistent temperatures are not good for this variety.

3. Ficus/Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

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Ficus Benjamina, more commonly referred to as weeping fig or just ficus are tree-like looking. They look quite attractive serving as indoor decorative trees.

They naturally grow in rain forests but their indoor miniature varieties grow up to just 3 feet.

Toxic For Pets: It’s poisonous for cats and dogs

How To Care: These air purifying plants do not like being moved much. Therefore, the carer must choose the perfect spot for it when its first brought in. A good spot for it should have enough sunlight and space to grow.

It doesn’t like to be under-watered or over-watered. Therefore, it should always be kept hydrated just enough that the water seeps into the soil.

Also Read: How To Create A Scandinavian + Bohemian Living Room

4. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

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Chinese evergreens are incredibly tolerable when it comes to poor lighting, dryness, or less watering. This makes it the perfect plant for anyone without a green thumb or just super busy to take care of houseplants.

Needless to say, they are pretty popular owing to their low maintenance. They come in different varieties are look great in living rooms.

How To Care: Despite its durability, it does thrive if given a little more care and effort. These species prefer low or indirect sunlight.

These air cleansing gems can tolerate imperfect temperatures. However, 21-22 C, which is the average/ common indoor temperature is the most favorable.

These plants too enjoy moderate watering. You can them dry a little before watering them.

5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

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Chamaedorea Seifrizii or The Bamboo Palm is a popular decorative plant. It is a great plant for both indoors and outdoors.

Due to its air purifying properties, it’s not just preferred in homes, but also in commercial places like offices or malls. It looks attractive and can make any space look lively.

How to Care: These species particularly enjoy shade or indirect sunlight. They do drink a lot so don’t forget to water it thoroughly.

Also Read:  How To Create A Wabi Sabi Home

6. Devil’s Ivy or pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

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Another popular indoor plant choice is the Devil’s Ivy. Its heart-shaped leaves are glossy, green, and variegated which makes it a very attractive plant.

They grow only 6-8 feet horizontally but can grow as long as 40 feet as vertically climbing vines. In most households, it can be seen in hanging plant baskets, commonly in balconies.

How To care: They prefer bright, indirectly-lit conditions but no direct sun contact. They do tolerate low light just fine as well.

Its leaves need to be mist regularly and the soil should be kept moist.

7. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

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The spider plant is an ornamental plant for its gorgeous leaves. The leaves of Chlorophytum comosum have green and white stripes and are long and thin in size.

The popularity of this beautiful air purifying plant is a result of its low-maintenance and fast growth. These plants are commonly placed in living rooms and look ideal with various decor styles.

How to Care: This plant has almost little to no demands and is very durable. Favorable spots for this plant are the bright ones and where it can get in direct sunlight.

Low temperatures result in slower growth for these otherwise rapidly growing species. It also thrives when watered generously and regularly.

8. Areca palms (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)

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Areca palms are another loved species of indoor air purifying plant. Fully grown Areca palms can be quite expensive, so they are commonly purchased small and grown indoors.

On average, they grow up to 15-25 cm per year and can mature to a height of 6-7 feet. They are ideal for living rooms and are popular in commercial spaces such as offices and malls too.

How To Care: The leaves of the Areca palm turn yellowish if left in direct sunlight. They thrive in bright but indirect sunlight and need to be given just the right amount.

These species do require moderate attention and can’t be completely neglected. In warm weather, the soil needs to be kept slightly moist at all times. Whereas, in cold weather, it should be watered only when it is slightly dry.

9. Kimberly Queen Ferns (Nephrolepis obliterata)

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Nephrolepis obliterata, commonly known as Kimberly Queen Ferns is one of the most beautiful ferns. It naturally grows in rainforests but is a popular and loved indoor as well as outdoor plant.

It’s sword shaped and green leaves are extremely attractive and makes it a great choice of decorative plant.

How To Care: This plant is tolerant to low as well as high sunlight but needs to be watered accordingly. It needs more water in more sunlight and vice versa.

Water-logging is a big no no for this species and needs to be moderately watered. As long as the soil is moist consistently, the plant should do just fine.

Also Read: 55+ Stunning Courtyard Ideas: Modern & Traditional

10. Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena Deremensis)

Dracaena Deremensis or Janet Craig is among the most popular interior plants. They are commonly decorated indoors as floor plants or planted in groups outdoors.

They can grow up to 15 feet but for indoor use they are preferred in smaller sizes. The leaves of Dracaena Janet Craigs are dark green colored and solid and shiny textured.

How To Care: These plants can tolerate low-light conditions and low humid environments. However, they are at their best in indirect sunlight.

One thing to keep in mind for these plants are that they are extremely intolerant to high temperatures and can’t survive in too cold temperatures either.

It needs to be watered moderately and the soil should be kept moist.