12 Home Plants That Are Better Than Air Purifiers

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Living in a home that feels fresh and healthy can be a bit of a juggling act when the air starts to feel heavy. Air purifiers are popular, but they can also make your wallet wince. Let’s be real, there’s just something about filling your space with greenery that feels alive. While plants look good, they’re nature’s air purifiers, silently cleaning toxins while bringing a little bit of personality into your living room.

If you’ve ever felt like your home needed a little extra love in the air quality department, these plants could be just what your home has been lacking. Now, let’s look at some greenery that could outshine the fanciest air purifiers we can find on the market.

Snake Plant

Sansevieria, commonly called snake plant, is a hard to kill hero in any home. It’s a famous plant for turning carbon dioxide to oxygen at night and that’s why it makes a good companion for your bedroom. This one’s for you, if you’re one of those people who forgets to water plants because it thrives on neglect. Moreover, the modern shape of its upright leaves would blend into any decor.

Peace Lily

The peace lily is the plant that takes the cake as a natural detoxifier. Beautiful white flowers and ability to filter out toxic chemicals, such as ammonia and benzene, are what it’s known for. According to one study from NASA, peace lilies are especially good at removing indoor air pollutants. It’s toxic if ingested, just keep it out of reach of curious pets.

Spider Plant

Spider plants are the overachievers of the plant world. They absorb pollutants like carbon monoxide and xylene, and produce nothing more than ‘baby’ plants that you can propagate. They are easy going and resilient, which makes them perfect for those who want low effort, high reward greenery. Bonus: Fido and Whiskers are safe — they’re pet friendly.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is more than just a plant to soothe sunburns, it is a natural air cleanser. Formaldehyde and benzene (found in paints and cleaning products) are absorbed by Aloe vera. And its gel makes for a great emergency fix for minor cuts and burns, so it’s practically a mini first aid kit for your windowsill.

Boston Fern

Boston ferns are known for their lush, feathery fronds and their ability to act as natural humidifiers, while removing pollutants such as formaldehyde. These beauties love bathrooms or kitchens where the levels of moisture are higher. They’re not big fans of dry soil, so just don’t forget to water them regularly.

Areca Palm

The Areca palm is the one to look for if you are after a tropical vibe. It’s so pretty, but it’s also a powerhouse for removing toxins and adding moisture to the air. If you live in a dry climate or have a cold winter that makes your sinuses scream for mercy, this is ideal for your home.

Rubber Plant

The rubber plant has glossy, oversized leaves that make a great visual, but it’s really working hard in the background. It can thrive in low light and absorbs airborne toxins making it a perfect addition to your living room or office.

English Ivy

English ivy might be your best friend if you’ve got pets or kids who are stirring up allergens. It also known to filter airborne molds and allergens and make the place cleaner. In research, English ivy has been praised for its efficiency in improving air quality.

Bamboo Palm

Benzene and trichloroethylene are harmful chemicals that the bamboo palm can help you fight. NASA’s Clean Air Study also ranks it as one of the top plants for air purification. Just make sure that it gets adequate indirect light to keep growing.

Golden Pothos

Golden pothos is almost indestructible and a great plant for beginners, also known as devil’s ivy. It’s a pro at eliminating toxins such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. It has trailing vines that add a cozy, boho vibe to any room. Fair warning: It’s not pet-safe, so keep it away from your furry friends.

Dracaena

Dracaena plants are the cool kids on the block, available in tons of different colors and shapes. It removes benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, and asks very little from you. All you need to do is give them indirect light and a little bit of water and they will be happy.

Philodendron

As pretty as it is, this is a classic houseplant that’s also practical. They are excellent at sucking up the bad stuff, such as formaldehyde. Their trailing vines and heart shaped leaves make them a favourite plant for lovers of the plant everywhere. But heads up: Keep them safely elevated: they’re toxic to pets.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.