Indoor plants not only decorate and bring life to spaces, but they also serve a fundamental function: purify the air from our homes. Thanks to studies like NASA's Clean Air Study, we know that certain species are capable of eliminating toxic compounds present in paints, varnishes, furniture, synthetic textiles, and cleaning products, such as formaldehyde, the benzene, the xylene, the ammonia and the trichloroethylene. In addition, they improve air quality by regulating humidity and increasing available oxygen.
Want to discover the best indoor plants that purify the air, how they work, their benefits, how many you should have, and how to care for them to get the most out of them? Here's a complete and detailed guide, with photos, benefits, and practical tips that will help you transform your home into a true green space.
Why is it important to purify the air at home?
The air in homes and enclosed spaces may be more polluted than we imagine. We use products every day that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances found in plastics, synthetic fibers, furniture made from treated wood, paints, cleaning products, varnishes, solvents, gas stoves, printers, air fresheners, and fabrics. In the long term, breathing these pollutants can cause irritation, allergies, insomnia, respiratory problems, fatigue, headaches, and, in extreme cases, serious illnesses.
La presence of purifying indoor plants It is a natural and effective solution that complements regular ventilation and helps maintain a healthier environment. These plants capture and eliminate numerous toxins, transforming the CO2 into oxygen, regulate humidity and, in some cases, absorb fine dust and mold spores.
How air-purifying plants work: Proven benefits
Most plants clean the air by photosynthesis, but some species stand out for their efficiency in absorbing toxins and transforming them into harmless compounds. According to NASA studies and subsequent research, the best indoor plants for air purification achieve:
- Eliminate formaldehyde (present in plastics, synthetic fabrics and chipboard).
- Absorb benzene and xylene (tobacco derivatives, paints, detergents and solvents).
- Capture trichloroethylene and toluene (found in lacquers, varnishes and glues).
- Neutralize ammonia and acetone (from cleaning products and cosmetics).
- Increase oxygen levels and reduce carbon dioxide, improving breathing and sleep quality.
- Regulate environmental humidity, avoiding dryness or excess that favor mold and pathogens.
- Reduce fine dust and spores in suspension.
Additionally, some houseplants, such as sansevieria (mother-in-law's tongue), aloe vera, and peace lily, release oxygen even at night, making them suitable for bedrooms. Others, such as ficus and areca, humidify the environment, which is especially useful in homes with heating or air conditioning.
The best air-purifying plants to have at home
The list below includes the most effective species for improving indoor air, based on NASA studies, scientific publications, and recommendations from interior design and wellness experts. Each species includes information on its benefits, the substances it eliminates, its characteristics, placement, and care tips. This way, you can choose the best ones for your needs and each room.
Ivy (Hedera helix)
Also known as ivy, ivy is a highly appreciated climber both indoors and outdoors. If you keep it in a hanging pot indoors, you'll create a spectacular "green waterfall" effect. It blooms with small green-yellow flowers and helps eliminate formaldehyde, benzene and mold sporesIt is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms thanks to its great adaptability and durability.
Main care: It prefers bright, indirect light, cool temperatures (15-20°C), and moderate watering, avoiding waterlogging. You can train its stems to cover walls or shelves.
Areca (Dypsis lutescens)
The areca, also called bamboo palm tree, Is one of the more efficient plants to purify indoor air. According to NASA, it stands out for eliminating formaldehyde, xylene and toluene. Its feathery green leaves add an exotic and elegant touch to the living room. It is also excellent for humidify dry environments and keep the air fresh.
Main care: It requires good indirect light, ample space, and frequent watering to keep the substrate moist (not waterlogged). Mist the leaves regularly to prevent dryness.
Ficus (especially Ficus benjamina and Ficus robusta)
The ficus is one of the most resistant and versatile indoor plants. It stands out for its capacity to remove formaldehyde, xylene and ammonia, increasing humidity and providing oxygen. It comes in numerous formats, including bonsai, and can thrive for years with minimal care.
Main care: It prefers abundant light (but not direct sunlight), moderate watering, and a stable environment (it doesn't tolerate sudden changes in temperature or drafts). Let the top layer of the substrate dry between waterings.
Pothos or Potus (Epipremnum aureum)
The potos is one of the most popular plants in homes and offices, and not just for its decorative appearance. It is extremely easy to care for and very effective for absorb formaldehyde, xylene and benzene, found in varnishes, paints and cleaning products. It also adapts to any space and helps reduce the mental fatigue and improve concentration.
Main care: It thrives in both indirect light and partial shade. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering. It's perfect for shelves, hanging pots, and bright corners.
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
The chrysanthemum is famous for its colorful and resistant, and is among the best plants to eliminate ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and xyleneAlthough in some countries they are associated with mourning, their flowers are highly valued in decoration. Placing chrysanthemums in your living room or bedroom will provide fresh air and a touch of color.
Main care: It requires plenty of light, frequent watering, and avoidance of direct sunlight. Flowers can last up to two months if properly maintained.
Spathiphyllum (Spathiphyllum spp.)
The peace lily, also known as peace lily, is an all-terrain plant: it eliminates formaldehyde, benzene, acetone and trichloroethylene, regulates environmental humidity and helps prevent mold. In addition, blooms all year round, filling the room with elegant white flowers. It's perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Main care: It requires bright, indirect light, moderate watering, and avoidance of drafts. Mist the leaves to simulate its natural environment and keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged.
Azalea (Rhododendron simssii)
The azalea is an exceptional choice if you are looking for a plant that Eliminate benzene and decorate with eye-catching flowersAlthough it prefers the outdoors, it can adapt to indoor conditions provided it has good natural light and a stable temperature. To learn more about its care, visit indoor and outdoor plants.
Main care: Place it in bright areas, water it regularly to keep the substrate moist (never waterlogged), and avoid exposure to drafts or sudden temperature changes.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a must on any list of the best air-purifying plants. It is famous for its ability to remove benzene and formaldehyde, present in detergents, varnishes and cleaning products. In addition, its leaves have medicinal and cosmetic uses To treat skin problems and burns. It releases oxygen during the night, making it ideal for bedrooms. For more details, see plants that produce oxygen at night.
Main care: It needs plenty of natural light, sparing watering (wait until the substrate dries completely) and avoid excess moisture to prevent root rot.
Ribbons (Chlorophytum comosum)
The tapes, also known as bad mother or bond of love, are the easiest to care for and very effective against carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xyleneIn just 24 hours they can eliminate up to 96% of carbon monoxide of a small room. If you would like more information about its benefits, check out air plants.
Main care: They adapt to different light conditions, are drought-resistant, and only require occasional leaf spraying in very dry environments.
Sansevieria (Sansevieria trifasciata – mother-in-law's tongue)
The sansevieria, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is one of the hardiest and easiest plants to maintain. It purifies the air by remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene. In addition, it releases oxygen during the night, making it suitable for rooms and bedrooms. To learn more about your care, you can consult Philodendron care, which shares characteristics with this species.
Main care: It tolerates low-light environments, very spaced watering (wait until the substrate is completely dry) and withstands high temperatures.
Dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelenii and Chamaedorea elegans)
Among the indoor palm trees, the dwarf palm and the bamboo palm tree They stand out for their ability to eliminate ammonia, xylene and formaldehyde from the air. They require humid environments, making them suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. For more details, visit small plants with showy leaves.
Main care: They prefer filtered light or partial shade, regular watering, and a humid environment. Mist the leaves if the environment is dry.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender, recognized for its relaxing aroma and stress-reducing properties, also helps purify the air in your home, although less efficiently than other plants mentioned. For more decorative ideas, see ideas to decorate with indoor plants.
Main care: It needs direct sunlight, moderate watering and good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Other purifying plants recommended by scientific studies
- Dracaena marginata (Brazilian Trunk): Eliminates xylene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Requires diffused light, moderate watering, and warm temperatures. Avoid cold drafts.
- Monstera deliciosa (Adam's Rib): In addition to its spectacular appearance, it reduces contaminants and requires medium light and watering when the substrate is dry.
- Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Excellent for removing formaldehyde and humidifying the environment. It prefers semi-shade and abundant watering.
- Philodendron Birkin: It is notable for eliminating formaldehyde. It requires moist substrate and leaf spraying.
- Anthurium (Anthurium): It absorbs toxic organic chemicals and tobacco smoke. It requires indirect light and humidity.
- Money plant (Plectranthus verticillatus): It eliminates benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, although it is toxic if ingested, so it should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
- Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii): It produces a lot of oxygen and eliminates benzene and trichloroethylene, ideal for bedrooms for people with apnea or respiratory problems.
- Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana): It eliminates several toxins and is very easy to care for.
Tips for placing and decorating with purifying plants
To achieve the maximum purifying and aesthetic effect, follow these recommendations:
- Ideal amount per room: It is recommended to place between 3 and 5 plants in each room for proper oxygenation, humidity regulation and elimination of toxins.
- Distribution: Group plants of different sizes and characteristics in corners of the room, as centerpieces, or on high shelves. Combine two or three large plants, four or six medium-sized ones, or several small ones for a more attractive visual effect.
- In bedrooms: Don't be afraid to place plants such as sansevieria, aloe vera, spathiphyllum or pothos: they do not steal oxygen, but they produce it and purify the air, even at night in some cases.
- In kitchens and bathrooms: Prefer plants that are resistant to humidity and capable of eliminating volatile compounds, such as ferns, ribbons, ivy and spathiphyllum.
- Avoid direct heat sources (radiators, heaters) that can dry out or burn plants.
- Place plants away from drafts and air conditioning units. that can alter their temperature and humidity.
General care for indoor plants that purify the air
- Light: Most purifying species prefer bright, indirect light. Be sure to read the specific needs of each. Some, like sansevieria and ribbon plants, tolerate low-light conditions.
- Irrigation: It's essential not to overwater. Let the top layer of the substrate dry between waterings and always use pots with good drainage.
- Humidity: In very dry environments, spray leaves regularly, especially on tropical plants such as areca, peace lily, and Boston fern.
- Fertilization: Apply a fertilizer specifically for green plants every two to three weeks in spring and summer, and reduce the dose in autumn and winter.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use artificial polishes on the leaves or products not indicated for each species.
- Pruning and cleaning: Remove dry leaves and wipe off dust with a damp cloth to optimize photosynthesis and pollutant uptake.
Extra benefits of having purifying plants at home
- Stress reduction and improved mood: The presence of plants reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation. Some aromatic herbs, such as lavender and mint, also contribute to better rest.
- Increased concentration and productivity: Plants such as pothos and ivy have been shown to improve attention and performance at work or school.
- Improved sleep quality: Sansevieria, aloe vera, and gerbera produce oxygen during the night, facilitating deep and restorative rest.
- Reducing ambient noise: Large-leaved plants, such as ferns or rubber trees, absorb some of the sound and reduce reverberation in noisy environments.
- Decoration and natural setting: The variety of colors, shapes, and sizes allows you to create vibrant and welcoming spaces that suit any style.
To incorporate purifying indoor plants It's a decision that will transform your home: you'll get cleaner air, reduce invisible toxins, improve your sleep, and add well-being to your daily life. Remember, choose the species that best suit your space, needs, and available time to care for them, and enjoy all the benefits of nature at home.
