8 Air-Purifying Plants That Do More Than Just Sit Pretty

Let’s be honest: the phrase “air-purifying plant” sounds like something from a wellness catalog—pleasant, but maybe more aesthetic than functional. But as it turns out, there’s real science (thanks, NASA) backing up the idea that some houseplants can do more than just look pretty on your windowsill.

And I’m not talking about a vague “good vibes” improvement. I’m talking about actual air purification—the ability to remove harmful indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) show up in everything from cleaning products to upholstery, and yes, even that new furniture smell we’ve all secretly liked (but probably shouldn’t inhale too much of).

NASA’s famous Clean Air Study, first published in 1989, was designed to find natural ways to purify air in sealed environments like space stations. The result? A list of plants that didn’t just survive indoors—they actively improved the quality of the air around them.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Also known as: Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

Snake plants have earned a reputation as the ultimate beginner-friendly houseplant—and not without reason. They’re virtually indestructible, tolerating low light, missed waterings, and a wide range of temperatures. But beyond the hardy exterior, they’re quietly doing something powerful: cleaning your air while you sleep.

What it purifies:

• Formaldehyde
• Benzene
• Trichloroethylene
• Xylene

Why it matters:

Formaldehyde is commonly found in cleaning supplies, paper products, and pressed-wood furniture. If your apartment smells like “new stuff,” odds are this compound is lingering. Snake plants absorb these chemicals through their leaves and convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, which is rare among houseplants.

Care tips:

• Water sparingly (every 2–3 weeks)
• Thrives in indirect light but can survive low-light corners
• Avoid overwatering—it’s the easiest way to kill it

The Snake Plant is ideal for bedrooms or offices where you want low-effort care and clean air while you rest or work.

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Don’t be fooled by the delicate name

Peace lilies are often recommended for their elegant white blooms, but they also offer robust air-cleaning abilities. They’re particularly adept at absorbing pollutants from paints, adhesives, and household cleaners, making them an excellent choice for bathrooms or kitchens.

What it purifies:

• Ammonia
• Benzene
• Formaldehyde
• Trichloroethylene

Why it matters:

Ammonia is a sneaky irritant found in many glass cleaners, floor waxes, and pet care products. Peace lilies pull it right from the air, which may help reduce the risk of headaches or respiratory irritation over time.

Care tips:

• Prefers low to medium light (direct sunlight can scorch leaves)
• Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy
• Wipe leaves occasionally to help with gas absorption
• Toxic to pets—keep out of reach

Peace lilies can also signal their needs; they’ll droop when thirsty, but perk right back up after watering—perfect for visual learners.

3. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Large leaves, major benefits

A design-forward favorite, the Rubber Plant isn’t just a bold visual statement—it’s a quiet achiever in air detoxification. Its broad, waxy leaves provide a large surface area to trap pollutants, especially formaldehyde.

What it purifies:

• Formaldehyde
• Carbon monoxide

Why it matters:

If you live in a city or high-traffic area, carbon monoxide may be present indoors more than you think. Ficus species absorb this gas along with other household toxins and emit clean oxygen in return.

Care tips:

• Bright, indirect light is ideal
• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
• Prune regularly to maintain size and encourage bushiness

Rubber Plants are perfect for corners that need a big-leafed presence and a heavy-lifting plant partner.

4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

A green humidifier with heart

Boston Ferns are one of the few houseplants that naturally increase humidity, which not only improves comfort but can ease dry skin, coughs, and respiratory issues, especially in winter.

What it purifies:

• Formaldehyde
• Xylene

Why it matters:

Xylene is found in many synthetic fragrances, cleaning supplies, and paints. When absorbed, it may reduce risks of eye, nose, and throat irritation. And the humidity boost is an underrated perk—especially in climates where indoor air gets dry fast.

Care tips:

• Prefers high humidity and indirect light
• Water regularly and mist if your home is dry
• Keep soil moist, not soggy

If your bathroom gets decent light, a Boston Fern can thrive there naturally thanks to the humidity.

5. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Soothes the skin, calms the air

You probably already know Aloe Vera as your go-to sunburn savior. But its air-cleaning capabilities are also impressive, especially in smaller rooms or windowsills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air you breathe indoors can sometimes be more polluted than outdoor air in the most industrialized cities.

What it purifies:

• Formaldehyde
• Benzene

Why it matters:

Benzene is commonly found in detergents, plastics, and dyes. Aloe filters it out gently over time, making this succulent a quiet overachiever in homes with synthetic materials.

Care tips:

• Needs bright, direct sunlight
• Water every 2–3 weeks; allow soil to dry completely
• Trim older leaves to stimulate growth

Bonus: crack open a leaf for the cooling gel anytime you need a quick skin fix.

6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The friendly overachiever

This was one of the first plants I ever kept alive, and it quickly became a favorite. Spider Plants grow fast, adapt to almost any lighting conditions, and reproduce with adorable baby offshoots that you can propagate (or give away, if you’re feeling generous).

What it purifies:

• Carbon monoxide
• Formaldehyde
• Xylene

Why it matters:

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless—but harmful in high amounts. While plants won’t replace a detector, Spider Plants offer a natural layer of protection by pulling CO out of your home’s air.

Care tips:

• Thrives in indirect light
• Water once a week; more in hot months
• Trim brown tips as needed

Spider Plants are great in hanging baskets or on shelves where their cascading leaves can shine.

7. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Big tropical energy + practical air-cleaning

This feathery palm adds a soft, beachy aesthetic while pulling double-duty as a humidifier and toxin remover. It’s especially good at filtering benzene and toluene—both common in household solvents and polishes.

What it purifies:

• Toluene
• Xylene

Why it matters:

Toluene exposure is linked to dizziness and headaches. Having an Areca Palm indoors, especially near areas with lots of products or polishes, can offer a layer of passive detox support.

Care tips:

• Loves bright, filtered light
• Keep soil moist but not soggy
• Dust leaves regularly

This is a great statement plant for living rooms or well-lit entryways that need a little tropical flair.

8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)

Surprisingly resilient—and beautiful, too

The Chinese Evergreen is an underrated gem in the indoor plant world. With striking patterned leaves and ultra-low maintenance needs, it’s perfect for adding color and cleansing power without extra effort.

What it purifies:

• Benzene
• Formaldehyde

Why it matters:

Its ability to absorb benzene and formaldehyde is especially useful in spaces with synthetic flooring or older furniture—two common emitters of VOCs.

Care tips:

• Thrives in low to medium light
• Water when the top layer of soil is dry
• Tolerates dry indoor air well

It’s one of the few air-purifying plants that truly thrives in low-light spaces—think offices or hallways.

Answer Hub!

• Best for low-light homes: Snake Plant, Chinese Evergreen
• Most beginner-friendly: Spider Plant, Aloe Vera
• Adds humidity: Boston Fern, Areca Palm
• Best for toxins from cleaners/solvents: Peace Lily, Rubber Plant
• Pet-safe picks: Spider Plant, Areca Palm (still double-check depending on the pet)
• Visual statement makers: Areca Palm, Rubber Plant, Boston Fern

A Breath of Fresh Air You Can Actually See

The best part of bringing air-purifying plants into your home isn’t just the cleaner air—it’s the sense of groundedness that comes with it. These plants aren’t just décor. They’re quiet companions that work with you to create a healthier, more balanced space.

So start with one—or three. Pay attention to how your space feels. Watch your plants grow as you water, prune, and care for them. Because the most powerful changes often start small, green, and quietly at work in the background.