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Air Purifying Plants: Can plants really improve air quality?
In the age of wellness, it's no secret that plants are good for us, but when it comes to air purification there's a lot of misleading information out there. Can houseplants really clean the air in your home, and if so, which ones work best? In this guide, we'll explain how air-purifying plants work, share the best air-purifying indoor plants according to research, and set realistic expectations for what a few plants can actually do for your air quality.
At Léon & George, our master gardeners have spent nearly a decade growing premium plants and helping thousands of plant parents nationwide, so the guidance here comes straight from hands-on experience.
How Do Plants Clean the Air?
Plants purify the air through photosynthesis, the process by which they convert light and carbon dioxide into energy, releasing oxygen along the way. Beyond removing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, many plants also absorb volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, such as benzene and formaldehyde. These compounds are found in many common household goods and have been linked to respiratory issues, which is what makes air-purifying plants such a popular addition to homes and offices.
The Best Air-Purifying Plants
Some plants are far better at cleaning the air than others. According to the well-known NASA Clean Air Study, some of the most powerful air-purifying indoor plants include:
- Snake Plant, particularly the Laurentii variety
- Palms such as the Kentia Palm or Parlor Palm
- Silver Evergreen (Aglaonema)
- Devil's Ivy, like the Cascading Pothos or Jade Pothos
- Ferns, such as the Boston Fern or Bird's Nest Fern
- Spider Plant
- Ficus trees, like the Weeping Ficus or Rubber Tree
Many of these are also low-light tolerant, which makes them easy to place throughout your home.
Do Plants Actually Remove Toxins From Indoor Air?
While plants do clean the air, it's important to be realistic: a single plant won't dramatically change your home's air quality. Studies showing significant improvements typically use a high concentration of plants in an enclosed space. That said, even if one desk plant won't transform your air, it certainly won't hurt, and grouping several plants together both boosts the effect and creates a lush, calming environment. The greatest benefits come from filling your space with greenery rather than relying on a single plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do air-purifying plants really work?
Yes, plants filter carbon dioxide and absorb certain VOCs, but the effect from one or two plants is modest. To meaningfully improve air quality you need a higher concentration of plants in a space.
What is the best air-purifying plant for low light?
The Snake Plant and Aglaonema (Silver Evergreen) are among the best air purifiers that also tolerate low light, making them ideal for bedrooms, offices, and dim corners.
How many plants do you need to purify a room?
Research suggests you need a relatively high density of plants, often cited as one larger plant per 100 square feet or more, to notice a real difference. Grouping several plants together is the most effective approach.
Which plant produces the most oxygen?
Snake Plants are notable because they continue releasing oxygen at night, unlike most plants. Large-leafed plants like pothos, palms, and ficus also contribute significant oxygen during the day.
Are air-purifying plants safe for pets?
Some are and some aren't. The Spider Plant, Parlor Palm, and Boston Fern are pet-safe, while Snake Plants, pothos, and ficus are mildly toxic. Always check a plant's toxicity before bringing it into a home with pets.