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Types of Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air - Sustainable Baby Steps

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What Is Green Living? Green vs. Sustainable Why Go Green? Step-by-Step Guides FREE Ebook More FREEBIES Why invest in expensive electrical air purifiers when you could purchase a few types of houseplants to clean and filter the air naturally and inexpensively?

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Types of Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air

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Much of the research on these beneficial houseplants has been done by NASA scientists researching ways to create suitable space station habitats. All indoors plants (flowering or not) are able to purify indoor air to some degree through their normal photosynthesis processes. But some were found to be more beneficial than others in removing harmful household toxins, even removing 90% of chemicals in the air in only twenty-four hours! The three main household toxins of concern are: benzene formaldahyde trichloroethylene These carcinogenic chemicals are used in the manufacturing of synthetic substances and materials and are off-gased from new materials for some time (up to several years, depending on the material of product in question). Benzene can also be emitted from gas ranges during use, making some types of houseplants below great for use in the kitchen. This means these types of houseplants may just decrease your risk of cancers, asthma, allergies, auto-immune disorders and other diseases.

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Tips for Choosing and Caring for Your Plants


Below you'll find the common name and botanical name of each plant, its benefit to you and your home and a few ideas of the type of care it needs.

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Earth Day Fun Submit Your Article! More Green Tips Share a Badge Along with a corresponding photo and the following tips, you can decide which plant is best for your home. Choose one 10- to 12-inch potted plant per 100 square foot of your home for the most effective air purification. Cross-reference several care guides to check for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Because common names can very, be sure to cross-reference the botanical name of any plant you get to ensure it will do the job you need it to do.

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Types of Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air - Sustainable Baby Steps

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Consider where you might place your plants and the amount of sun they will receive to ensure your plant will thrive in that area. Make note of the water needed and write it on a calendar so that you can keep the watering schedules balanced. Periodically dust the leaves of each plant with a damp cloth to ensure proper absorption of air particles and toxins. Keep their soil replenished with rich compost or compost tea. Avoid non-organic or synthetic fertilizers. Whenever possible, capture rainwater for your plants. All types of houseplants thrive best with natural sources of water. IMPORTANT: Please note that these houseplants are good for purifying air, but that doesn't mean they are safe for pets or kids who like to put things in their mouth. Check out this list for more details, read the descriptions of each plant and do some research on any plant you bring into your home.

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Nineteen Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air


The following list of beneficial types of houseplants should get you started in finding the right plants for your home. Common Name: Aloe Vera Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis

Photo Credit Benefits: Not only can it be used for burns on the skin, it is also known to remove formaldahyde from the air. Notes: Needs well-drained soil with slight drying between waterings, full sun is best with protection from high heats. Although largely known for its healing properties, it is considered to be an irritant to some. Common Name: Areca Palm Botanical Name: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens

Photo Credit Benefits: General air purifier, especially as it grows larger. It's known for being one of the better performers in purifying the air. Notes: Moderately drought tolerant and prefers partial sun and well-drained soil. Common Name: Baby Rubber Plant Botanical Name: Peperomia obtusifolia or Ficus robusta

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Types of Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air - Sustainable Baby Steps

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Photo Credit Benefits: These houseplants clean the air by emitting high oxygen content, and purifies indoor air by removing chemicals, such as formaldahyde or other toxins. Notes: Likes filtered light, infrequent watering and rich soil. I've found conflicting information as to whether or not this plant contains any poisonous parts. Common Name: Bamboo Palm or Reed Palm Botanical Name: Chamaedorea seifrizii

*Any health-related topics shared on this site are solely the opinion of the author or guest author. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products or statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Sustainable Baby Steps is not a replacement for your own best judgment or a medical professional where indicated. Always consult your own opinion and/or your health care provider when making important health care choices. Read our entire disclaimer here.

Source: Bamboo Palm Tree Benefits: According to NASA, it removes formaldahyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier. Notes: Likes bright, indirect light and prefers to remain moist but not too much and doesn't like sitting in water. Common Name: Boston Fern Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata Bostoniensis

Photo Credit Benefits: Said to act as a natural air humidifier, removes formaldahyde and is a general air purifier. Said to be among the best in air purifying houseplants. Notes: Likes bright light and damp soil but can be tolerant of drought or partial light. Common Name: Chinese Evergreen Botanical Name: Aglaonema sp.

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Photo Credit Benefits: Emits high oxygen content, and purifies indoor air by removing chemicals, such as formaldahyde, benzene or other toxins. Notes: Does well with full shade and good draining; variegated plants need more sunlight. The sap of this plant is considered poisonous and is an irritant. Common Name: Corn Cane or Mass Cane Botanical Name: Dracaena massangeana or dracaena fragrans Massangeana

Photo Credit Benefits: Known for removing formaldahyde and known generally as one of the houseplants that clean the air. Notes: Does great with low light and low water. Common Name: Dwarf/Pygmy Date Palm Botanical Name: Phoenix roebelenii

Source: Pygmy Date Palm Tree Benefits: Said to remove formaldehyde and xylene (a chemical found in plastics and solvents) from the air. Notes: Loves lots of sun, moist soil and warm water. Common Name: English Ivy Botanical Name: Hedera helix

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Photo Credit Benefits: It's known for removing the chemical benzene, a known carcinogen found in cigarette smoke, detergents, pesticides, and the off-gasing of other synthetic materials, is said to be fantastic for asthma and allergies and also removes formaldehyde. Notes: Can be invasive, making it great for a potted plant. Common Name: Ficus alii Botanical Name: Ficus maeleilandii alii

Source: www.O2foryou.org Benefits: Said to be a great overall air purifier. Notes: These types of houseplants love indirect sunlight; be careful not to overwater. Those with allergies to latex may react to this plant! Common Name: Gerbera Daisy Botanical Name: Gerbera sp. or Gerbera jamesonii

Photo Credit Benefits: NASA says this plant is fantastic at removing benzene, a known cancercausing chemical. It also absorbs carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen overnight, which is said to improve your sleep! Notes: Likes bright light Common Name: Golden Pothos Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum syn. Scindapsus aureus

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Photo Credit Benefits: NASA places this plant among the top 3 types of houseplants great for removing formaldhyde. Also known for removing carbon monoxide and increasing general indoor air quality. Notes: Needs less water in colder temps and partial sun. Common Name: Janet Craig Botanical Name: Draecana deremensis

Photo Credit Benefits: Lady Palm is said to be a good overall air purifier, removing most air pollutants. Notes: Prefers indirect sunlight, and watering without fertilizers. Common Name: Kimberly Queen Fern Botanical Name: Nephrolepis obliterata

Source: plant-care.com Benefits: These types of houseplants clean formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene out of your home. Notes: Prefers bright but indirect sunlight, with dry soil between waterings (but not dry for too long). Common Name: Lady Palm (plus 10+ varieties) Botanical Name: Rhapis Excelsa

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Types of Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air - Sustainable Baby Steps

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Photo Credit Benefits: These types of houseplants are said to be a good overall air purifier, removing most air pollutants. Notes: Prefers partial sun all day and shade in the winter, with more frequent water in hotter months, but never allow to sit in water or be overwatered. Common Name: Marginata or Dragon tree Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata

Photo Credit Benefits: Known for purifying the air of the carcinogen, benzene, commonly found in the off-gasing of synthetic materials, ciagerette smoke and other household chemicals. Also known for removing formaldahyde, xylene (found in varnishes, paints and paint thinners) and trichloroethylene (found in solvents) from the air. Notes: It requires little attention, tolerates dry soil and irregular watering and prefers no direct sunlight. It is, however, susceptible to fluoride toxicity (so fluoridated water sources may need to be avoided). Common Name: Moth Orchid Botanical Name: Phalaenopsis

Photo Credit Benefits: Said to remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and formaldahyde commonly off-gased from paints, solvents and other synthetic materials. Notes: Thrives in high humidity, lots of light (but not hot, mid-day sun) and thorough waterings with, unlike many types of houseplants, almost complete drying out between. Common Name: Mums Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum sp. or Chrysanthemum morifolium

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Types of Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air - Sustainable Baby Steps

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Photo Credit Benefits: Very effective at removing benzene, a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) associated with most chemicals, plastics, cigarettes and off-gasing. Also removes trichloroethylene (found in solvets and cleaners), formaldehyde and ammonia. Notes: Likes partial sun, and lots of water. Although they're among the houseplants that clean the air, they only flower once and are generally annual plants, especially when planted outdoors. Common Name: Peace Lily Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum sp.

Photo Credit Benefits: Known for removing benzene, a common household chemical and known carcinogen. It's also said to remove mold spores in the air, making it great for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms; purifying the air of trichloroethylene, a chemical found in cleaners and solvents; and removing alcohols, acetone, and formaldehyde. Notes: Easy to care for, it prefers lots of water, less often and bright, indirect light. Common Name: Philodendron Botanical Name: P. cordatum, P.scandens or P. selloum

Photo Credit Benefits: Also noted by NASA among the best tyoes of houseplants for removing formaldahyde, especially higher concentrations. Notes: Philodendrons are considered poisonous, so keep out of the reach of children and pets. Common Name: Snake Plant Botanical Name: Sansevieria trifasciata

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Types of Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air - Sustainable Baby Steps

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Photo Credit Benefits: Found by NASA to absorb toxins, such as nitrogen oxides and formaldahyde. Notes: It tolerates low light levels and irregular watering (and needs only a few waterings throughout winter). Common Name: Schefflera, or Umbrella Tree Botanical Name: Brassaia actinophylla

Photo Credit Benefits: Said to remove benzene (a carcinogenic substance) from the air. Notes: Can be toxic to pets and children. Prfers bright but indirect sun and lots of water and humidity. Common Name: Spider Plant Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum

Photo Credit Benefits: NASA places this plant among the top 3 types of houseplants that are great at removing formaldahyde. Also removes carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities. Notes: Likes bright, indirect light and lots of water while growing. Common Name: Warneckii or Dracanaena warneckei Botanical Name: Dracaena deremeusis or Dracanea deremensis warneckei

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Photo Credit Benefits: Known for removing trichloroethylene, a chemical found in many solvents, dry cleaning solutions and refrigerants. Also said to remove benzene, a carcinogene. Notes: Moderate sun and water needs, but, like most types of houseplants, dislikes sitting in water. Avoid fluoridated water sources. Common Name: Weeping Fig or Ficus Tree Botanical Name: Ficus benjamina

Photo Credit Benefits: Known to remove common airborn toxins and increase oxygen levels. Notes: Prefers bright light and sun, but is also shade-tolerant. Moderate water needs for these types of houseplants.

Reader Questions
I live in an apartment on the 2nd floor. The people below me smoke. It comes through the air vents (I think) in the bedroom and bedroom bathroom. The bathroom gets absolutely no light. The bedroom has a large window facing southeast but also gets late afternoon sun. What kind of plants might survive in the dark shower/toilet area? What plants for very indirect lighting in the sink and dressing area? What plants for the bedroom? (For the moment I have open baking soda containers in each area.) Thank you so very much. Susan S. Hi Susan! I'm so sorry to hear about this. What a yucky situation. All plants need at least some light, but from my own personal experience the plant that has been the best for us has been Philodendron (a pic of which can be found above). We've had it in some really low light situations and it still lived (although didn't thrive until it gone a little more light). What you might find necessary though is to take your plants and outdoors for a few hours or place it in a full sun window, doing either 1-2x a week. If that doesn't work it may well be worth it in this scenario to invest in an air purifier (or even a grow light for hydroponic plants that you can use a coupe hours a day, perhaps on a timer). I'd also highly recommend looking into local laws as I do believe that the apartment management may be liable by law to better seal the vents or air exchange between apartments for this reason. I hope this helps! Good luck!

Looking for more ways to purify the air?


Sometimes we need a little boost in the air. Maybe the flu is going around, or you've recently painted and you want to purify the air.

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Types of Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air - Sustainable Baby Steps

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Purify essential oil is made up of six high-quality essential oils that have been shown to remove odors from the air, and disinfectant and remove harmful airborne micro-organisms. It includes lemon (antiseptic and antiviral), lime (antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic), pine (antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-infectious), citronella (antiseptic, deodorizing, sanitizing and purifying), melaleuca (antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic and antiviral) and cilantro (uplifting and refreshing). This oil blend can be easily diffused or added to a pan of hot water to make airborne. You can also add it to cleaning products, washing machines, or create a room spray with distilled water. To learn more about Purify Essential Oil click here.

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Bringing in many types of houseplants that clean the air can create good health and a beautiful environment. But there is more you can do for your health as well! When you're ready for a few more steps: You might like:

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#1-174 For references on this or other pages, please visit environmental articles. *Please read our disclaimer regarding all health opinions shared on this site, as well as our advertising and affiliate disclosure.

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Cindy Roberts National Personal Training Institute this listing should include the toxicity for domestic pets, there are some here that are very toxic. great list, though Reply 8 Like Follow Post December 26, 2013 at 5:15am Kathryn Roux Dickerson Self-Employed Yes! I love the ivy, but i know it is toxic and i keep it high in hangers that the cats can't reach. Another thing - which of these are okay with indirect or minimal light? We are limited on windows in our home. Reply Like January 16 at 5:04am Hasnah Abu Bakar Follow ITM Shah Alam. Top Commenter Massage Therapist at

Fantastic info! Natural way to clean/purify air..thnx for the great info. Reply 1 Like Follow Post December 25, 2013 at 6:26pm

MaryBelle Schinnerer Head of Household at Home Going out to buy more plants...keeping in mind my pets as well! People with lung desease - house plants are super great to have! Reply 3 Like Follow Post August 23, 2013 at 9:08pm

Steph Patton McMaster Awesome! Reply 2 Like Follow Post August 29, 2013 at 7:14am Follow Works at Milan, Italy

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I love this page, bringing informations and resourceful , thanks. Reply 2 Like Follow Post July 15, 2013 at 4:11am View 129 more
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