Houseplants That Clean the Air and How to Care for Them
Bringing plants indoors isn’t just about adding greenery to a room—it’s about creating a healthier, happier space. Many houseplants act like little air filters, helping remove pollutants and toxins while releasing oxygen. In other words, they’re natural purifiers with leaves. If you’ve ever wondered how plants can actually “clean” the air, the science is pretty simple: through photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. But some plants go a step further, absorbing harmful chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, which can drift into our homes from cleaning supplies, furniture, and even carpets. NASA famously studied this in the 1980s, and the results still guide plant lovers today.
So, which plants are the best air cleaners? Let’s meet a few favorites and cover how to keep them thriving.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant, sometimes called “mother-in-law’s tongue,” is one of the toughest houseplants around. Its sword-like leaves don’t just look striking—they work hard at filtering toxins, especially formaldehyde. Snake plants are particularly valuable because they release oxygen at night, making them perfect for bedrooms. Care tip: Snake plants thrive on neglect. Water them only when the soil feels dry, and don’t worry about bright light—they’ll tolerate low-light corners beautifully.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The cheerful, arching leaves of a spider plant are more than just decorative—they’re great at removing carbon monoxide and xylene. Plus, they send out baby “spiderettes,” which can be repotted to multiply your collection. Care tip: Spider plants like indirect sunlight and evenly moist soil.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Few houseplants are as graceful as the peace lily, with its glossy leaves and elegant white blooms. Beyond beauty, peace lilies excel at filtering mold spores and several airborne toxins. Care tip: Peace lilies prefer shady spots and consistently damp soil. They’ll even tell you when they’re thirsty by drooping—just give them a drink, and they perk right back up.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
This plant earns its spot on the list not only for its shiny, dramatic leaves but also for its ability to eliminate formaldehyde. As a bonus, it’s relatively low-maintenance. Care tip: Rubber plants like bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Wipe the leaves now and then to keep them dust-free and working at full capacity.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, often called “devil’s ivy,” is one of the easiest plants to grow—and one of the best at scrubbing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. Its trailing vines look wonderful cascading from shelves or hanging baskets. Care tip: Pothos tolerate a wide range of conditions, from low light to bright indirect light, and they don’t mind the occasional missed watering. Just trim the vines when they get too long, and you’ll have a tidy, air-cleansing beauty.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe is best known for soothing sunburns, but its spiky, sculptural leaves also help filter chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. Care tip: Aloe thrives in bright, sunny spots and prefers sandy, well-draining soil. Like other succulents, it’s happiest with infrequent watering—about every two to three weeks—so it’s perfect for forgetful plant parents.
A Breath of Fresh Air
While one plant won’t magically clean all the air in your home, filling your space with several of these green companions can make a noticeable difference. Alongside their purifying abilities, plants boost mood, lower stress, and bring a sense of calm.
Visit any Cactus & Tropicals location to find the perfect plant that fits your space. By tending to these leafy friends, you’re not only nurturing them—you’re giving yourself a healthier, fresher home.