8 Houseplants that Filter the Air

Let’s talk about the air we’re breathing in our homes. We do so much to create a safe, healthy environment for our families – choosing natural cleaners, skipping artificial fragrances, and making sure we’re feeding our little ones wholesome foods.

But did you know that your furniture, carpets, and even paint can release sneaky toxins into the air? Yep, indoor air pollution is a real thing, and it’s something we can take simple steps to improve.

Enter: Houseplants.

These green beauties do more than just brighten up a room. They are natural air purifiers, quietly working to filter out toxins, boost oxygen levels, and even increase humidity (hello, winter dryness!).

If you’ve been looking for an easy, low-maintenance way to freshen up your indoor space, here are eight powerhouse plants that clean the air and make your home a little more like a cozy jungle!

8 Houseplants that Filter the Air

Adding a few of these green friends to your home isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s a simple, natural way to create a cleaner, healthier space for your family. Indoor air pollution might be invisible, but it’s real.

Houseplants are an easy, effective way to fight back. Plus, there’s something so grounding about taking care of plants. It’s a little self-care moment for us, too.

Before we start the list, here are some examples of what the plants may filter:

• Xylene: Paints, varnishes, adhesives, permanent markers, cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust
• Formaldehyde: Pressed-wood products (MDF, plywood), insulation, furniture, carpet backing, cleaning agents
• Benzene: Paints, glues, waxes, cigarette smoke, detergents, gasoline fumes
• Trichloroethylene: Dry cleaning products, degreasers, paint removers, adhesives
• Ammonia: Window cleaners, floor waxes, fertilizers, pet/human urine
• Carbon Monoxide: Gas stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, cigarette smoke, car exhaust
• Carbon Dioxide: Human and pet respiration, cooking, heating, poor ventilation
• Toluene: Paints, nail polish, adhesives, cleaning products, leather conditioners, cigarette smoke

This filtering data is based on NASA’s Clean Air Study.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – The Tough One

Filters out: Benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and carbon dioxide

Care: Snake plants thrive on neglect – great for brown and green thumbs! They love low light, don’t need much water (once every couple weeks is fine!), and they are pretty much indestructible. Perfect for busy homes that want this magic of air purification without the fuss!

Bonus: More research is needed, but it’s being said that these actually help reduce the effects of EMF’s! Maybe put one by your router for good measure?!

2. Peace Lily – The Toxin Fighter

Filters out: Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, and toluene

Care: These elegant plants like indirect light and weekly watering. They’ll even give you a little bloom as a thank-you for your TLC.

Bonus: They help maintain humidity levels, which is great for dry winter air.

3. Spider Plant – The Easygoing One

Filters out: Carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene.

Care: This plant is basically a houseplant MVP. It thrives in indirect light and likes to be watered about once a week.

Bonus: It grows little baby spider plants that you can repot and share with friends. Win-win!

4. Aloe Vera – The Multi-tasker

Filters out: Formaldehyde and benzene.

Care: Aloe loves bright, indirect light and a good soak every couple of weeks.

Bonus: Not only does it clean the air, but you can also break off a leaf and use the gel inside for burns, cuts, and dry skin.

5. Boston Fern- The Regal Filter Plant

Filters out: Carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and xylene.

Care: They like indirect light and moist soil (think of them like a rainforest plant).

Bonus: Have a humidifier running? They will help you soak up the humidity while giving that majestic vibe!

6. Rubber Plant – The Stylish One

Filters out: Formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.

Care: These beauties love bright, indirect light and only need watering when the top inch of soil is dry.

Bonus: They’re perfect for those who want an air-purifying plant that doubles as home decor.

7. Areca Palm – The Oxygen Booster

Filters out: Toluene, xylene, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde.

Care: This plant is a little more maintenance, loving bright, indirect light and consistent watering to keep the soil moist. But it’s worth it- it’s one of the best plants for increasing oxygen levels in your home.

Bonus: They actually produce more oxygen at night, so great for bedrooms!

8. Pothos – The Unstoppable One

Filters out: Benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

Care: If you’re a “sometimes I forget to water” kind of plant parent, pothos is your best bet. It’s nearly impossible to kill, grows in almost any light condition, and even thrives on occasional neglect. Just water when the soil feels dry!

Bonus: Beyond their easy care and air-filtering abilities is their ability to visibly indicate when they need water by slightly drooping, then quickly perking back up once hydrated. This is great for forgetful plant owners or beginners. It's like having a low-maintenance plant that teaches you how to care for it in real-time.