Best Indoor Plants For Air Purification

15 Best Indoor Plants for Air Purification (Pet-Safe Options & Care Tips)

Discover the best indoor plants for air purification, from peace lily to snake plant. Get pet-safe options, room-by-room suggestions, and easy care tips for a fresher, healthier home.

If you’re looking for an easy way to freshen the air in your home and add a bit of style at the same time, indoor plants for air purification are a pretty cool option. Houseplants aren’t just about looking good; they can help reduce common toxins and even boost your mood. But it’s important to know how much real impact plants can have in your space, and how to pick the right ones for your needs.

Hello & welcome, My love of gardening spills over into my home, too. What started with a single anniversary orchid quickly grew into a full-blown passion for indoor plants. Over the years I’ve learned how to create cosy, green corners with houseplants that thrive, and now I share simple, confidence-boosting tips to help others enjoy the calm and colour that indoor plants bring to everyday life.

Garden Nest Living grew from a simple idea: to share my love of gardens and creating calm, beautiful spaces, both inside and out. When you buy through my affiliate links, you are allowing me to keep sharing inspiration, ideas and products… at no extra cost to you. Thank you for being a part of my journey!

Do Indoor Plants Really Purify the Air?

NASA’s Clean Air Study Explained

Back in 1989, NASA ran the famous Clean Air Study to see which common houseplants could clean the air inside sealed environments; think space stations, not your typical bedroom. Their tests showed certain plants could absorb harmful chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

What’s interesting, and not always talked about, is that it’s not just the plant itself doing the heavy lifting. Healthy soil loaded with good microbes also helps break down nasty chemicals. This means that keeping your plant’s soil in good condition can make a real difference in how effective your indoor garden becomes for air cleaning.

Modern Expert Perspectives on Real-World Effectiveness

While the NASA Clean Air Study is often cited as proof that houseplants can scrub toxins from indoor air, experts today point out that its results came from sealed chambers—conditions very different from the average home with open windows, doors, and air circulation. More recent research suggests that while plants do contribute to cleaner air, the effect is modest compared to mechanical air purifiers or good ventilation. That said, plants still play an important role in improving indoor environments by boosting humidity, reducing mould in damp spaces, and enhancing mental well-being. In other words, while you shouldn’t rely on houseplants alone for air quality, they remain a valuable and natural complement to other healthy home practices. (Drexel University had two experts perform a study & they recorded their results.)

Top 15 Air Purifying Indoor Plants (with Real Benefits)

So, which indoor plant purifies the air the most? According to the NASA study and more recent indoor air research, the peace lily and snake plant stand out for grabbing a range of airborne toxins. Spider plant is another favourite because it’s really easy to care for and pulls chemicals like formaldehyde and xylene out of the air. But there are plenty of other plants you can choose based on your space, style, and whether you have pets.

Peace Lily – Best Overall for Multiple Toxins & Mould (Spathiphyllum)

• Filters formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia. The peace lily is notable for reducing mould spores, which is awesome for bathrooms or humid rooms.

Snake Plant – Best Low-Light Plant for Bedrooms (Sansevieria trifasciata)

• Fights formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides. It keeps working even at night to release oxygen, making it super useful in bedrooms for better sleep quality.

Spider Plant – Best Beginner-Friendly & Pet-Safe Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Easy to keep alive and removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. This resilient plant bounces back from neglect and adapts to most rooms.

Aloe Vera – Best Dual-Purpose Plant (Air + Skin Care) (Aloe barbadensis miller)

• Cleans up formaldehyde and benzene while being great for your skin if you get a scratch or burn. Just give it bright, indirect light and minimal watering, and it thrives on its own.

Boston Fern – Best for Bathrooms & Humid Rooms (Nephrolepis exaltata)

• Removes formaldehyde and xylene. This plant prefers a humid environment and works best in a bathroom or kitchen where the air is a bit wetter.

English Ivy – Best Trailing Plant for Shelves & Baskets (Hedera helix)

• Targets formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene. Great for hanging baskets or letting trail down bookshelves. Keep in mind this plant is toxic to pets.

Rubber Plant – Best Glossy Foliage for Living Rooms (Ficus elastica)

• Famous for removing formaldehyde. The rubber plant looks super glossy all year and thrives in bright, indirect light.

Golden Pothos – Best Fast-Growing Low-Maintenance Plant (Epipremnum aureum)

• Works on formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene. This fast-growing houseplant forgives missed waterings, perfect for new plant parents.

Bamboo Palm – Best Natural Humidifier for Living Spaces (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

• Filters formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene. It also helps with room humidity.

Dracaena – Best Stylish Option for Offices (Dracaena spp.)

• Cleans out formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. Likes bright, indirect light and weekly watering.

Areca Palm – Best Pet-Safe Palm for Bedrooms & Living Rooms (Dypsis lutescens)

• Removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Acts like a natural humidifier and is non-toxic for pets.

Gerbera Daisy – Best Bright Blooming Air Purifier (Gerbera jamesonii)

• Known for removing benzene and trichloroethylene. The cheerful blooms like bright, sunny spots.

Philodendron – Best Easy-Care Foliage Plant (Philodendron spp.)

• Handles formaldehyde and looks great with minimal care in indirect light.

Weeping Fig – Best Statement Tree for Corners (Ficus benjamina)

• Filters out formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Can fill a living room corner with its elegant leaves.

Chinese Evergreen – Best Low-Light Plant for Beginners (Aglaonema)

• Gets rid of formaldehyde and benzene. This low-maintenance plant thrives in lower-light areas.

Pet-Safe vs. Toxic Air-Purifying Plants

Common Toxic Plants to Avoid If You Have Cats or Dogs

If you have pets, it’s important to watch which plants you bring home. Many top air purifying plants are toxic to cats or dogs if they are chewers or nibblers. Peace lily, English ivy, and aloe vera are all toxic to pets.

Quick Pet-Safe Plant List

Safer options include the areca palm and spider plant. Always double-check before adding a new plant to your collection.

• Pet Safe Tag: On your plant list, add a “pet safe” tag or note for easy reference when shopping or rearranging your green space.
• Check my table below to see which plants are safe for pets & which are toxic. Also have a look at ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List

Pet Safety of Popular Air-Purifying Indoor Plants

Plant	Safe for Pets?	Notes
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)	Toxic	Can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting if chewed
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)	Toxic	Contains saponins; may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)	Safe	Non-toxic, but cats may chew leaves (mild stomach upset possible)
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)	Toxic	Contains compounds that cause vomiting, lethargy in pets
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)	Safe	Completely safe for cats and dogs; prefers humidity
English Ivy (Hedera helix)	Toxic	Can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and drooling
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)	Toxic	Can cause mouth irritation and digestive upset
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)	Toxic	Can irritate mouth/tongue and cause vomiting
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)	Safe	Non-toxic and pet-friendly
Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)	Toxic	Causes vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)	Safe	Non-toxic; also acts as a natural humidifier
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)	Safe	Non-toxic, cheerful blooms safe for pets
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)	Toxic	Contains calcium oxalates; causes mouth irritation, swelling
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)	Toxic	Causes vomiting, drooling, skin irritation
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)	Toxic	Contains oxalates; causes irritation and vomiting

Best Indoor Plants by Room

Best Air-Purifying Plants for Bedrooms

• Snake plant (for cleaner nighttime air), areca palm (for humidity), and peace lily (covers a range of airborne pollutants).

Best Plants for Bathrooms & Damp Spaces

• Boston fern (thrives in humidity), peace lily (great for reducing mould).

Best Plants for Home Offices

• Rubber plant, golden pothos, or dracaena (all are easygoing, low-fuss, and can handle various light conditions).

Best Plants for Living Rooms

• Areca palm and weeping fig—these larger plants add statement greenery and fresh air to family spaces.

How a Peace Lily Helped Reduce Bathroom Mould Naturally

We’ve always battled mould on our bathroom ceiling, especially around the shower. Even with an extractor fan running, the moisture was hard to control. After some research, I discovered that peace lilies are not only affordable and beautiful, but they’re also known for reducing mould spores in the air.

So, I brought one home and placed it in the bathroom. To my surprise, within just a few weeks the mould on our ceiling noticeably decreased. It was such a simple solution that made a huge difference!

Now, I’m planning to add another peace lily to our bedroom — perfect for the winter months when opening a window for ventilation isn’t an option.

How Plants Actually Purify Air

Plants use tiny openings in their leaves to take in air. The toxins go inside and get broken down through natural plant processes. Soil bacteria and helpful microbes also work beneath the surface, breaking down pollutants that drift down to the potting mix.

More Benefits of Indoor Plants Beyond Air Purification

Mental Health & Stress Reduction

Even if they filter air gradually, the mental health and mood benefits of being surrounded by living plants show up right away. Studies show indoor greenery is linked to lower stress, faster recovery from sickness, sharper focus, and increased productivity.

Home Beauty & Interior Style

Plants can bring movement and colour into dull rooms, quickly transforming them into calming retreats where it’s easier to relax or work.

Essential Care Tips for Air-Purifying Plants

Light & Placement Tips

• Keep plants healthy; unhealthy or yellowing plants won’t do much for your air.
• Light: Match plant type to the natural light in your space (low-light plants burn in direct sun, and sun lovers struggle in dark corners).

Watering & Soil Care

• Water only as much as needed to prevent root rot and avoid ramping up mould.
• Use natural potting blends to keep the helpful soil microbes thriving.

Cleaning Leaves for Maximum Effect

• Wipe plant leaves gently now and then, improving their breathing while keeping them looking sharp.

FAQs About Air-Purifying Indoor Plants

Which indoor plant purifies the air the most?
Peace lily is usually recognised as a top option for overall toxin removal, plus it’s great for tackling mould spores. Snake plant is also a high scorer, especially in bedrooms because of its nighttime oxygen power.

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What plant removes airborne mould?
Potted peace lily. If you place a peace lily where mould is an issue, such as a damp bathroom, it can collect and tone down airborne mould spores.

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What is the healthiest plant to have indoors?
For fuss-free, strong air cleaning, a spider plant and a snake plant are awesome. Without pets, peace lily holds the crown thanks to its multitasking air-cleaning skills and mould-fighting, too. For mental well-being, any kind of greenery adds more happiness and calm to your home.

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 Air-Purifying Indoor Plants Comparison Table

Plant Name	Removes Toxins	Light Needs	Care Level	Pet Safe?	Best Room Use
Peace Lily	Formaldehyde, Benzene, Mould, Xylene	Low to medium	Moderate	No	Bathroom, Bedroom
Snake Plant	Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene, NOx	Low to bright	Easy	No	Bedroom, Living Room
Spider Plant	Formaldehyde, Xylene, Toluene	Bright indirect	Very easy	Yes	Office, Kitchen
Aloe Vera	Formaldehyde, Benzene	Bright indirect	Easy	No	Bathroom, Window Sill
Boston Fern	Formaldehyde, Xylene	Indirect + humidity	Moderate	Yes	Bathroom, Kitchen
English Ivy	Benzene, Formaldehyde, Xylene	Bright indirect	Moderate	No	Shelves, Hanging
Rubber Plant	Formaldehyde	Bright indirect	Easy	No	Living Room
Golden Pothos	Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene, Toluene	Low to medium	Very easy	No	Entryway, Bedroom
Bamboo Palm	Benzene, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene	Medium, indirect	Moderate	Yes	Living Room
Dracaena	Benzene, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Xylene	Bright indirect	Easy	No	Office, Bedroom
Areca Palm	Formaldehyde, Xylene, Toluene	Bright indirect	Easy	Yes	Living Room, Bedroom
Gerbera Daisy	Benzene, Trichloroethylene	Bright direct	Moderate	Yes	Window Sills
Philodendron	Formaldehyde	Medium indirect	Easy	No	Bedroom, Living Room
Weeping Fig	Formaldehyde, Xylene, Toluene	Bright indirect	Moderate	No	Living Room Corner
Chinese Evergreen	Benzene, Formaldehyde	Low to medium	Very easy	No	Hallway, Office

Quick Takeaway: Best Air-Purifying Plants by Need

Category	Plant	Why It’s Best	Extra Perk
Best for Beginners	Spider Plant(Chlorophytum comosum)	Nearly indestructible, adapts to most rooms, forgives missed waterings.	Non-toxic, safe for curious kids.
Best for Low-Light Spaces	Snake Plant(Sansevieria trifasciata)	Thrives in dim corners, removes multiple toxins, and survives neglect.	Releases oxygen at night → better sleep.
Best for Pet-Friendly Homes	Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)	Safe for cats and dogs, adds lush greenery without risk.	Acts as a natural humidifier.

 Choose the plant that fits your lifestyle — whether you’re new to houseplants, dealing with darker rooms, or keeping pets safe, there’s a perfect option for you.

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Final Thoughts: Are Air Purifying Plants Worth It?

Absolutely—air-purifying plants are a fantastic addition to any indoor space. I learned this firsthand when my indoor plant journey began with a single orchid. As my collection slowly grew, I started to notice not just the visual beauty they brought to each room, but also how the atmosphere in our home began to shift—feeling fresher, calmer, and more inviting.

Many indoor plants do more than just look good—they naturally help improve air quality, increase humidity, and create a sense of tranquillity. Whether you’re trying to reduce airborne toxins, lift your mood, or simply add a bit of colour and life to a space, plants offer a simple, affordable way to make a lasting impact. You might be surprised how quickly your home transforms—just like mine did.

Author Bio: Growing a Love for Indoor Plants

My passion for gardening doesn’t stop at the back door—it also extends indoors. About ten years ago, my husband gave me a stunning orchid for our anniversary, and that single gift sparked a whole new interest: indoor plants.

I quickly became fascinated with the idea of bringing greenery and nature indoors, and I began researching everything I could about indoor plant care tips and how to create the right conditions for houseplants to thrive. Once again, the Royal Horticultural Society became an invaluable source of guidance, teaching me how to care for a wide variety of houseplants.

What started as a single orchid soon grew into a collection. Along the way, I learned everything from how to grow orchids at home to choosing the best low-maintenance houseplants for busy lifestyles. I soon realised I wasn’t alone—many people share the same desire to create lush, green indoor spaces.

This inspired me to share my houseplant advice so others can enjoy the benefits of indoor plants too. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simple tips or someone hoping to expand your collection, my goal is to help you build confidence and create a home filled with greenery.

Our bathroom with a peace lily for air purification & artificial plants for decoration.