In our quest for cleaner air and a healthier living environment, plants have emerged as powerful allies. Not only do they beautify our homes, but they also have the capability to purify the air by absorbing toxins, releasing oxygen, and increasing humidity. The following is a curated list of the top 100 air purifying plants that can help you breathe easier while enhancing your home’s aesthetic appeal.
Understanding Air Purifying Plants
Air purifying plants work through various mechanisms. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis, and many specifically have the ability to filter out harmful chemicals from the air. Common indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene can be significantly reduced with the right selection of plants.
How to Choose Air Purifying Plants
When selecting plants for air purification, consider the following factors:
- Size and Space: Determine how much space you have available for plants. Some air purifying plants can grow quite large, while others are ideal for small spaces.
- Light Requirements: Different plants have varying light needs. Ensure you understand the light conditions of your home and select plants accordingly.
- Maintenance: Some plants require more care than others. If you prefer low-maintenance options, look for hardy varieties.
With these considerations in mind, let’s explore the top 100 air purifying plants.
The Top 50 Air Purifying Plants
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Great for beginners, effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Thrives in low light, converts CO2 to oxygen at night.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Fast-growing vine, excellent at removing indoor toxins.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
- Beautiful white blooms, effective against multiple pollutants.
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Versatile and hardy, known for its large, glossy leaves.
- Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
- Comes in various species with stunning foliage.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- An excellent humidifier, helps remove formaldehyde.
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Popular for its feathery fronds, great for humidifying air.
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- A graceful plant that filters out toxins and increases humidity.
- Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
- Resilient and effective in filtering indoor air pollutants.
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
- An easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in low light.
- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
- Known for its healing properties, also purifies air.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Ideal for high places, reduces airborne mold and allergens.
- Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
- Low maintenance and effective at purifying indoor air.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Hardy plant that survives in low light and neglect.
- Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- A classic houseplant, effective at improving indoor air quality.
- Ficus Benjamina (Weeping Fig)
- A lovely tree that appreciates bright, indirect light.
- Palm Tree (Various species)
- Helps with air humidity and filtration.
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Remarkably resilient, thrives in a variety of conditions.
- Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia)
- Striking foliage, also effective at improving air quality.
- Money Plant (Pachira aquatica)
- Not just lucky, but also purifies the air.
- Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
- A beautiful flower that provides fresh oxygen at night.
- Spiderwort (Tradescantia spp.)
- Variegated foliage, an excellent air filter.
- Sweetheart Plant (Philodendron hederaceum)
- Heart-shaped leaves, great for removing toxins.
- Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
- Colorful leaves that thrive in humidity.
- Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
- Unique appearance and adaptable growth.
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Tolerates neglect with ease, good for low-light areas.
- Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
- Cute and easy to care for, it freshens up the air.
- Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
- Low-maintenance and effective at filtering toxins.
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Culinary herb that also detoxifies the air.
- Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
- Beautiful white flowers and effective air purifiers.
- Beaucarnea (Ponytail Palm)
- Unique appearance and air purification benefits.
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Durable and effective at removing toxins.
- Hoya (Hoya spp.)
- Wax plant that adds beauty and cleans the air.
- Dracaena Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis)
- Robust and effective for indoor air purification.
- Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- A symbol of prosperity, also cleanses the air.
- Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.)
- Succulent plant that adds color and purifies air.
- Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
- Adds tropical flair, purifies air.
- African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
- Lovely flowers and air purifying qualities.
- Red Aglaonema (Aglaonema spp.)
- A colorful member of the Aglaonema family.
- Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
- Uniquely beautiful and purifying.
- Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)
- Adds vibrant color and improves air quality.
- Clivia (Clivia miniata)
- A beautiful flowering plant with air purifying abilities.
- Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae family)
- Unique shapes and effective at filtering air.
- Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
- A stunning flowering plant, great for outdoors and terraces.
- Lake Orchid (Dendrobium spp.)
- Adds color and cleans the air effectively.
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Great for cooking and purifying air.
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
- Aroma and air-cleansing properties.
- Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
- Refreshing scent and purifying abilities.
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
- Calming fragrance, also cleans the air.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Culinary herb known for its purification properties.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Aromatic herb with excellent air-cleansing properties.