Best Air Filter Plants: Top Choices to Clean Your Indoor Air Naturally
The best air filter plants for purifying your home's air are those scientifically proven to remove common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, while being relatively easy to care for. Leading the list are the Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Boston Fern, Spider Plant, and English Ivy. These plants, among others highlighted in foundational research like NASA's Clean Air Study, actively absorb pollutants through their leaves and roots, with soil microorganisms playing a key supporting role. Integrating a variety of these plants into your living spaces, with a general guideline of one medium-to-large plant per 100 square feet, can significantly contribute to a healthier indoor environment. This article provides a detailed, practical guide to the most effective species, their specific air-filtering capabilities, and exactly how to care for them to maximize their benefits for your home and office.
The Science of How Plants Filter Air
Indoor air pollution is a well-documented concern, with sources including furniture, cleaning products, paints, and synthetic building materials emitting VOCs. These pollutants can contribute to a range of short and long-term health issues. Plants improve air quality through a process called phytoremediation. Their leaves absorb gaseous pollutants through tiny pores called stomata. Once inside the plant, these compounds can be broken down and utilized or stored. Furthermore, the plant’s roots and the microorganisms living in the soil also play a critical role. The root zone acts as a vast biological air filter, where microbes break down and metabolize harmful chemicals, converting them into a food source for the plant. This synergistic process means that a healthy, well-watered plant in adequate light is actively working to clean the surrounding air. It is important to note that while plants are effective at reducing pollutant concentrations, they are one part of a holistic strategy that should also include source control and adequate ventilation.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is arguably the most recommended beginner-friendly air-filtering plant. It is renowned for its exceptional resilience and unique biological process. Unlike most plants, it performs a form of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), which allows it to open its stomata at night to take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This makes it an ideal plant for the bedroom, as it can provide a slight boost in oxygen levels during sleep. In terms of filtration, the Snake Plant is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides. Care is straightforward: it thrives in indirect to low light and requires infrequent watering, only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is its primary enemy. Its upright, architectural leaves fit well in modern interiors.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a popular flowering plant that consistently ranks high in air purification studies. It is highly effective at removing multiple pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, ammonia, xylene, and toluene. Its broad, dark green leaves provide a large surface area for gas exchange, and its elegant white blooms add aesthetic value. The Peace Lily is also a helpful indicator of when it needs water, as it will dramatically droop when thirsty and typically recovers quickly after watering. It prefers medium to low indirect light; direct sun can scorch its leaves. It enjoys consistently moist (but not soggy) soil and appreciates higher humidity, which can be provided by occasional misting or placing it on a pebble tray with water. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth removes dust and helps maintain its photosynthetic efficiency.
3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Boston Fern is a classic houseplant celebrated for its lush, feathery fronds and exceptional humidifying properties. It acts as a natural humidifier, releasing moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. In terms of air purification, it is a powerhouse for removing formaldehyde and xylene. Its dense foliage is highly effective at absorbing these pollutants. However, the Boston Fern requires more attentive care than some other plants on this list. It thrives in high humidity and consistently moist soil. It prefers bright, indirect light and will suffer in dry, dark conditions. Placing it in a bathroom with a window or frequently misting it can help meet its humidity needs. Regular watering is essential to prevent the fronds from turning brown and crispy.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is one of the most adaptable and easy-to-grow air-purifying plants. It is non-toxic, making it safe for homes with pets and children. Studies show it is excellent at fighting pollutants including formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide. Its grass-like leaves grow in a fountain shape, and it produces long stems with “spiderettes” or plantlets, which can be easily propagated to create more plants. The Spider Plant is remarkably forgiving, thriving in a wide range of conditions. It prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light levels. It likes its soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Brown leaf tips can indicate fluoride in tap water, so using distilled or rainwater can prevent this. Its rapid growth and prolific reproduction make it a very satisfying plant for beginners.
5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a versatile trailing plant that has been shown to be particularly effective at reducing airborne fecal-matter particles and filtering out formaldehyde. Its dense growth habit allows it to process a significant volume of air. It is an excellent choice for a hanging basket where its vines can cascade, or it can be trained to climb a support. English Ivy prefers cool to average room temperatures and consistently moist soil. It thrives in bright, indirect light but will also tolerate lower light conditions. It is important to note that English Ivy is toxic if ingested, so it should be placed out of reach of pets and small children. Providing adequate humidity will help keep spider mites, a common pest for ivy, at bay.
6. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm, or Reed Palm, is a graceful, clustering palm that adds a tropical feel to any space. It is especially good at filtering out benzene and trichloroethylene, and it is also a good humidifier. Its size makes it a great choice for a floor plant in a living room or office corner. The Bamboo Palm thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light levels. It prefers its soil to be kept evenly moist in the growing season, with reduced watering in winter. It benefits from regular misting to increase humidity, especially in dry, heated rooms during winter, which helps prevent spider mite infestations. Wiping the leaves clean enhances its appearance and function.
7. Devil’s Ivy or Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Devil’s Ivy, commonly known as Pothos or Golden Pothos, is a nearly indestructible vining plant. It is a champion at removing common VOCs like formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene. Its heart-shaped, marbled leaves grow quickly and can trail several feet. Its hardiness makes it perfect for offices, bathrooms, or rooms with lower light. Pothos thrives in a variety of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light (though variegation is more pronounced with more light). It prefers to have its soil dry out completely between waterings; yellow leaves often indicate overwatering. It is easy to propagate from cuttings placed in water. Like English Ivy, it is toxic if ingested.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens are celebrated for their beautiful, patterned leaves and incredible tolerance for low-light conditions. They are effective at removing a variety of air pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde. They are slow-growing and can thrive for years with minimal care. Chinese Evergreens prefer low to medium, indirect light. Direct sun will scorch their leaves. They like their soil to dry out partially between waterings. They enjoy warm temperatures and high humidity, so they are well-suited to a steamy bathroom or a kitchen. The brighter the variegation on the leaves, the more light the plant generally needs to maintain its patterns.
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is a sturdy, upright plant with large, glossy leaves that are highly effective at removing formaldehyde from the air. Its bold structure makes it a striking focal point. The Rubber Plant prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate lower light, but growth will slow significantly. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure it has good drainage. Overwatering will cause leaf drop. Wiping the large leaves regularly not only keeps the plant looking its best but also unclogs its stomata, allowing for maximum air-cleaning efficiency. It can grow quite tall over time, but its growth can be controlled by pruning.
10. Dracaena Varieties (Dracaena spp.)
The Dracaena family includes many excellent air purifiers, such as the Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans), Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata), and Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis). These plants are particularly proficient at removing trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. They feature attractive, often striped leaves and a tree-like form. Dracaenas are generally low-maintenance. They thrive in moderate to bright indirect light but can survive in lower light. They prefer to dry out between waterings and are sensitive to fluoride, which can cause leaf tip burn, so using filtered or distilled water is beneficial. They are toxic to cats and dogs, so pet owners should choose a different plant or place it securely out of reach.
Maximizing the Air-Filtering Benefits in Your Home
Simply owning a few plants is a good start, but to truly leverage their air-purifying potential, a strategic approach is needed. The number of plants matters. While there is no universal formula, a common recommendation from researchers is to have at least one good-sized plant (in a 10-12 inch pot) per 100 square feet of living space. More plants, and a greater variety of plants, will have a more significant cumulative effect. Placement is also crucial. Position plants in the rooms where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom, living room, and home office. Consider placing them near known pollutant sources, like a new bookshelf (formaldehyde) or a home printer (benzene, xylene), provided the plant’s light needs are met. To keep your plants functioning optimally, maintain their health. This means providing the correct light, water, and humidity. Crucially, keep the leaves clean. A layer of dust acts as a barrier, drastically reducing the plant’s ability to absorb gases. Gently wipe smooth leaves with a damp cloth and rinse fuzzy-leaved plants under a soft shower of lukewarm water every few months.
Common Questions and Considerations
A frequent question is whether air-filtering plants are safe for pets. Several top performers, including Peace Lilies, Pothos, English Ivy, and Dracaenas, are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It is essential to cross-reference any plant choice with a reliable database from an organization like the ASPCA and place toxic plants in completely inaccessible locations. For pet-friendly homes, excellent non-toxic alternatives include the Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Bamboo Palm, and certain Calathea and Parlor Palm varieties. Another consideration is mold. Overwatered plants sitting in soggy soil can develop mold on the soil surface, which can aggravate allergies. Using well-draining pots, avoiding overwatering, and optionally topping the soil with a layer of sand or fine gravel can prevent this issue. The goal is healthy soil biology, not mold growth.
In conclusion, incorporating the best air filter plants into your indoor environment is a practical, natural, and aesthetically pleasing strategy to improve air quality. By selecting a combination of resilient plants like the Snake Plant and Spider Plant, along with heavier lifters like the Peace Lily and Boston Fern, you can target a wide spectrum of common household pollutants. Success hinges on matching plants to your specific home conditions—light levels, humidity, and your ability to care for them—and placing them strategically throughout your living spaces. Consistent, basic care to keep the plants healthy directly translates to more effective, ongoing air purification, contributing to a fresher, cleaner, and greener home.