We’ll take any reason to add another houseplant to our home, and you’ve probably heard that plants can improve indoor air quality. Before you stock up, though, let’s take a grounded look at what plants really do for the air in your home, which species are worth considering, and what other practical steps actually make the biggest difference.
Plants are often described as natural air filters, and there’s truth to that—but the full picture is more nuanced. Below we explain the science, list practical air-improving actions, and recommend reliable, low-maintenance houseplants that bring both style and well-being to your home.
7 Air Purifying Plants
If you want a quick shopping list, here are seven attractive, low-maintenance houseplants that are frequently cited for indoor air benefits and are widely recommended by plant enthusiasts and experts:
- Dracaena (including the popular Corn Plant)
- Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
- Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
- English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea species)
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
These choices balance appearance, ease of care, and the ability to tolerate a range of indoor light conditions.
Do Plants Really Purify The Air?
Yes—plants perform natural processes that convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and can remove certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in controlled settings. The well-known 1989 NASA study demonstrated that several indoor plants can reduce specific pollutants in sealed chambers. However, homes are not sealed laboratory chambers. Normal ventilation, door and window use, and HVAC systems move and replace air far more effectively than a handful of houseplants.
Recent assessments suggest you’d need many, many plants—possibly hundreds or more—to match the particulate and VOC removal achieved by mechanical ventilation or high-quality air purifiers. That said, plants can make a modest contribution to indoor air under the right conditions, and their other benefits make them worthwhile additions.
What Benefits Do Houseplants Have?
Even if plants aren’t a substitute for ventilation or filtration, they deliver measurable psychological and environmental advantages. Here are the main benefits people typically experience:
Improved mood
Spending time around plants has been linked to faster improvements in mood and reduced negative feelings. Short exposure—often within 20 minutes—can increase well-being and satisfaction with indoor spaces.
Stress reduction
Caring for plants or simply viewing greenery has been associated with lower stress levels in multiple studies. Even images of plants can have calming effects, and introducing plants to workplaces or healthcare settings can help people feel more relaxed.
Better focus and productivity
Research suggests that plants may reduce attention fatigue and make it easier to concentrate during demanding tasks. In classrooms and offices, adding greenery has been linked to small but meaningful improvements in attentiveness and perceived comfort.
All these benefits—mood, stress, and focus—make a compelling case for adding houseplants for reasons beyond air chemistry alone.
How To Purify Indoor Air
If your goal is meaningfully cleaner indoor air, prioritize the most effective measures recommended by public health experts: reduce pollutant sources, ventilate, filter, and maintain your home properly.
Reduce pollutant sources
Avoid introducing pollutants when possible. Limit indoor smoking, minimize use of appliances that release combustion byproducts, and be cautious with products that off-gas VOCs—new furniture, paints, and some cleaners can release chemicals when first unpacked. Let new items air out before bringing them inside if they have a strong “new” smell.
Ventilate regularly
Opening windows or doors for even 10 minutes a day brings in fresh outdoor air and dilutes indoor pollutants. Mechanical ventilation systems and range hoods also help remove contaminants at the source.
Use an effective air purifier
HEPA and activated-carbon air purifiers remove particulate matter, allergens, and many VOCs far more effectively than houseplants. Choosing a purifier sized for your room and running it regularly is one of the most reliable ways to improve indoor air quality.
Keep living spaces clean
Regular dusting, vacuuming, and washing bedding reduce allergens. Address moisture-prone areas to prevent mold, and wipe down surfaces where dust and pet dander collect.
Maintain HVAC systems
Replace filters on schedule—typically every three months, or more often if you have pets or high occupancy. A well-maintained HVAC system circulates and filters air efficiently.
Test for hidden hazards
Test homes for radon and install carbon monoxide detectors. Radon exposure and CO leaks are serious health risks that require detection and mitigation when present.
Manage your plant collection
Plants can contribute positively only when cared for properly. Overwatering leads to mold in soil, leaves trap dust, and some blooms can trigger allergies. Keep a manageable number of plants and maintain healthy soil, pruning, and cleanliness.
Plants For A Healthier Home
Now for the fun part: plant picks that brighten rooms and are easy to live with. They tolerate lower light and minimal fuss, and they bring the mental and aesthetic benefits discussed above.
Dracaena
Dracaena varieties—such as the corn plant and dragon tree—are resilient, attractive, and commonly recommended for indoor planting. They have bold foliage and adapt well to moderate light.
Snake Plant
Snake plants are nearly indestructible and tolerate low light and irregular watering. They are often chosen for bedrooms because they continue to exchange gases overnight.
Aglaonema
Aglaonema, also called Chinese Evergreen, offers colorful foliage and thrives in low light. It’s forgiving of inconsistent care and brightens interiors with bold leaf patterns.
English Ivy
English ivy is a versatile vining plant that works well in hanging baskets or trained along shelves. It tolerates low light and can offer a lush, trailing look.
Pothos
Pothos is one of the most popular houseplants for a reason: it’s tolerant, easy to propagate, and looks great trailing from a shelf or container.
Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palms bring a tropical feel and can reach several feet tall indoors. They add vertical interest and are well-suited to larger rooms or corners.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are compact, easy to care for, and produce attractive arching leaves and plantlets. They’re great for shelves, tabletops, or hanging baskets.
More Plant Guides
If you want more plant care tips, propagation guides, or detailed profiles for specific species, there are many resources and care guides available that cover low-light plants, pothos varieties, snake plant care, and how to set up a simple plant shelf.
*Some links and product mentions in the original article may be affiliate partners; this does not affect our editorial recommendations.