Are you concerned about indoor air pollution? The good news is there are many air purifying houseplants that can clean indoor air and remove toxins. These houseplants are beneficial in alleviating “sick building syndrome” by absorbing air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, acetone, and trichloroethylene (TCE). My list of NASA air purifying plants is based on a NASA research study. With these houseplants, you will have a healthier indoor environment. Below you will find a list of indoor plants that clean the air.
16 Air Purifying Indoor Plants for Clean Air
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) is a very effective air purifying houseplant. Peace lilies are known to absorb harmful acetone, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. It is one of the most effective air purifying plants. In a NASA study, Peace Lily was 79.5% effective in removing benzene from the air and 23% effective in removing trichloroethylene (TCE) from the air.
Peace lilies are easy-to-grow houseplants that can tolerate some neglect and low light conditions. So easy that even if you forget to water your Peace Lily and it begins to wilt, you can revive it the next time you water it! Be aware that your Peace Lily is toxic to pets and humans so keep it out of reach.
| Name | Peace Lily |
| Botanical Name | Spathiphyllum spp. |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Medium Light. Can tolerate low light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a great houseplant to remove indoor air pollution. It is an air purifying houseplant that removes airborne pollutants such as formaldehyde. Spider Plants are also extremely easy to grow. It is a hard-to-kill houseplant, that does well in low light conditions– perfect for beginners. Spider plants are versatile houseplants that do well as hanging houseplants with their cascading foliage or perched on a desk or bookshelf.
| Name | Spider Plant |
| Botanical Name | Chlorophytum comosum |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Medium Light |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Moderate Humidity |
3. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata previously known as Dracaena reflexa)
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata previously known as Dracaena reflexa) is effective in absorbing toxic pollutants in homes and offices. According to a NASA research study, it is particularly effective in removing harmful benzene, removing 79% of benzene in the air! Dragon tree also removes trichloroethylene (TCE) and formaldehyde from indoor air. Dragon Tree is an easy-to-grow large houseplant that can tolerate low light conditions. It is also a houseplant that is believed to bring good luck.
| Name | Dragon Tree |
| Botanical Name | Dracaena marginata previously known as Dracaena reflexa |
| Daytime Temperature | 65 to 75F (18-24C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 55-65F (13-18C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light. Can Tolerate Low Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Moderate Humidity |
4. Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)
Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina) is an air purifying houseplant that is great for removing indoor pollutants. Weeping Fig can effectively remove harmful formaldehyde from indoor air. It can also clean the air by removing harmful trichloroethylene (TCE) and Benzene from the air. It is a very popular houseplant beloved for its beautiful arching branches and elegant leaves. It is a fast-growing plant and can grow to 8 feet tall.
| Name | Weeping Fig |
| Botanical Name | Ficus Benjamina |
| Daytime Temperature | 65 to 75 F (18-24C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 65 to 75 F (18-24C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light |
| Water | Light Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
5. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) is an air purifying plant that can improve indoor air. Rubber Trees are effective in absorbing formaldehyde from the air. Known for its bold, glossy leaves, your Rubber Tree will make a statement in any indoor space. Rubber Tree is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
| Name | Rubber Tree |
| Botanical Name | Ficus elastica |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
6. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is an air purifying plant that can improve indoor air by absorbing harmful pollutants. According to a NASA study, Pothos can purify the air by removing trichloroethylene (TCE), Formaldehyde, and Benzene. It is a very popular houseplant that is low-maintenance and impossible to kill, which is great for beginners. Your Pothos glossy, heart-shaped leaves will look beautiful perched on a high bookshelf or dangling from a hanging basket. It will thrive in low-light conditions.
| Name | Pothos |
| Botanical Name | Epipremnum aureum |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright, Filtered Light or Artificial Light. Can Tolerate Medium Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
7. Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata)
Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata) is an air purifying houseplant that can help reduce “sick building syndrome” by absorbing indoor air pollutants It is a popular houseplant known for its beautiful, graceful fern leaves that look great in any container or hanging basket. Boston Ferns are humid-loving houseplants and will do well in bathrooms.
| Name | Boston Fern |
| Botanical Name | Nephrolepsis exaltata |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Medium Humidity |
8. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a great houseplant that cleans the air. According to a NASA research study, Snake plants are effective in removing trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and formaldehyde from indoor air. Snake Plant effectively removed 13.4% of trichloroethylene (TCE) and 52.6% of benzene. It is also an easy-to-grow, almost indestructible houseplant known for its pointy, sword-like leaves. It can tolerate low light conditions. Snake Plants are believed to bring good luck in Feng shui.
| Name | Snake Plant |
| Botanical Name | Sansevieria trifasciata |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright, filtered Light but can tolerate low light |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Tolerates dry air well |
9. Banana Plant (Musa spp)
Banana Plant (Musa spp) or Plantain Plants is a great houseplant if you are looking for an indoor air cleaner. According to a NASA research study, Banana plants are effective in removing formaldehyde from the air. Its large, attractive leaves will instantly give a tropical vibe to any indoor space.
| Name | Banana Plant |
| Botanical Name | Musa spp |
| Daytime Temperature | 75 to 85 F (24-30C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 65 to 75F (18-24C) |
| Light | High Light |
| Water | High Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
10. Philodendron Selloum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum formerly called Philodendron bipinnatifidum)
Philodendron Selloum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum formerly called Philodendron bipinnatifidum) is an air purifying houseplant that does a good job of removing indoor air pollutants. According to a NASA research study, Philodendron Selloum is effective in removing formaldehyde from the air. It is a large houseplant with beautiful bold, jungle-like foliage.
| Name | Philodendron Selloum |
| Botanical Name | Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum formerly called Philodendron bipinnatifidum |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright, Filtered Light |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
11. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is a purifying plant that will give you healthy indoor air by effectively absorbing indoor air pollutants. Heartleaf Phildodendron is effective in removing formaldehyde from the air. It is one of the most popular houseplants because it is low-maintenance, and an easy houseplant to grow indoors. It can tolerate a wide range of conditions and will thrive almost anywhere indoors. Be aware that your Heartleaf Philodendron is toxic to pets and humans so keep it out of reach.
| Name | Heartleaf Philodendron |
| Botanical Name | Philodendron hederaceum |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright, Filtered Light. Can Tolerate Low Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
12. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is an air purifying that is effective in removing benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. In fact, during a NASA research study, Parlor Palm effectively removed formaldehyde and Benzene.
Parlor Palm is a very popular indoor palm- popular since the Victoria era. It is a beautiful palm that can tolerate low light conditions. It is a slow-growing indoor palm that can grow to 4 feet tall.
| Name | Parlor Palm |
| Botanical Name | Chamaedorea seifrizii |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light. Can Tolerate Low Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Moderate Humidity |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Non-Toxic |
| Air Purifying Plant | Removes Formaldehyde, and Benzene. |
13. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans “Massangeana”)
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans “Massangeana”) is an air purifying houseplant that effectively removes trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. In fact, the NASA research study showed that Corn Plant effectively removed 70% of formaldehyde in the air, 21.4% of benzene in the air and 12.5% of trichloroethylene in the air.
Corn Plant is an easy to grow houseplant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. It will live in low light or full sun conditions. Corn Plant is a very popular houseplant with attractive glossy leaves reminiscence of corn leaves.
| Name | Corn Plant |
| Botanical Name | Dracaena fragrans “Massangeana” |
| Daytime Temperature | 65 to 75F (18-24C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 55-65F (13-18C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light. Can Tolerate Low Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Moderate Humidity |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Toxic |
| Air Purifying Plant | Removes trichloroethylene (TCE), Formaldehyde, and Benzene. |
14. Dracaena ‘Warneckei’ (Dracaena deremensis “Warneckei”)
Dracaena ‘Warneckei’ (Dracaena deremensis “Warneckei”) is an air purifying houseplant that is effective in removing air toxins such as trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and formaldehyde. In fact, the NASA research study showed that Dracaena ‘Warneckei’ effectively removed 50% of formaldehyde in the air, 52% of benzene in the air, and 10% of trichloroethylene in the air.
Dracaena ‘Warneckei’ is an easy to grow houseplant that can tolerate low light conditions. It is an attractive houseplant with glossy, graceful leaves.
| Name | Dracaena ‘Warneckei’ |
| Botanical Name | Dracaena deremensis “Warneckei” |
| Daytime Temperature | 65 to 75F (18-24C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 55-65F (13-18C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light. Can Tolerate Low Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Moderate Humidity |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Toxic |
| Air Purifying Plant | Removes trichloroethylene (TCE), Formaldehyde, and Benzene. |
15. Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ (Dracaena deremensis “Janet Craig”)
Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ (Dracaena deremensis “Janet Craig”) is an air purifying houseplant that can remove toxins that cause sick building syndromes. It can effectively remove trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and formaldehyde. In fact, a NASA study showed that Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ effectively removed 77.6% of benzene in the air and 17.5% of trichloroethylene in the air.
Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ is an easy to grow houseplant that can tolerate low light conditions.
| Name | Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ |
| Botanical Name | Dracaena deremensis “Janet Craig” |
| Daytime Temperature | 65 to 75F (18-24C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 55-65F (13-18C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light. Can Tolerate Low Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Moderate Humidity |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Toxic |
| Air Purifying Plant | Removes trichloroethylene (TCE), Formaldehyde, and Benzene. |
16. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema species)
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema species) is an air purifying houseplant that effective cleans the air by removing benzene, and formaldehyde. In fact, a NASA study showed that Chinese Evergreen effectively removed 47.6% of benzene from the air.
Chinese Evergreen are easy to grow houseplants. It is tolerant of low light conditions and can take some neglect. Do know that Chinese Evergreen is toxic to pets and humans so you need to keep it out of reach.
| Name | Chinese Evergreen |
| Botanical Name | Aglaonema species |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Medium Light. Can tolerate low light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Medium Humidity |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Toxic |
| Air Purifying Plant | Removes benzene, and formaldehyde |
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11 Best Air Purifying Houseplants
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