Check Out These Plants Instead of Expensive Equipment if You Want Better Indoor Air Quality
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Check Out These Plants Instead of Expensive Equipment if You Want Better Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is crucial, sometimes even more so than outdoor air—for those with allergies or sensitivities

July 31, 2025

Indoor air can become stale or contaminated quickly, especially when windows stay shut for weeks at a time. Instead of immediately buying pricey air purifiers, consider adding houseplants that naturally filter toxins and help balance humidity, an affordable, low-tech way to breathe easier at home.

Types of Indoor Air Contaminants

Even if your home looks clean, it likely contains microscopic irritants and chemicals such as:

  • Allergens: mold spores, dust mites and pet dander
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene released from paints, furniture, carpet and cleaning products
  • Household chemicals: solvents, aerosol sprays and off-gassing from plastics

These pollutants can worsen allergies, trigger headaches or even affect long-term health.

How Plants Improve Air Quality

Plants absorb CO₂ and release oxygen, but certain species also capture VOCs in their leaves and soil. Research since NASA’s 1980s Clean Air Study confirms that spider plants, peace lilies and other houseplants can remove up to 87% of VOCs in 24 hours under ideal conditions. Additionally, their transpiration adds moisture to dry indoor air, reducing static and respiratory irritation.

Tips for Maximum Benefit

  • Quantity: Aim for at least one medium-sized plant per 100 square feet of living space.
  • Placement: Distribute plants throughout high-traffic areas, living room, home office or kitchen.
  • Care: Keep leaves dust-free (wipe monthly), water according to each plant’s needs, and provide appropriate light (bright indirect for most).
  • Safety: Many air-purifying plants are toxic if ingested. Place poisonous varieties out of pets’ and children’s reach or choose pet-safe options.

Best Plants for Indoor Air Quality

Here are top picks, based on their proven ability to absorb VOCs and thrive indoors:

  • Aloe Vera – Filters formaldehyde; also useful for minor burns
  • Bamboo Palm – Excellent at removing benzene and trichloroethylene
  • Chinese Evergreen – Tolerates low light, removes benzene and formaldehyde
  • Elephant Ear (Calathea) – Cleanses air and adds high humidity
  • Red-Edged Dracaena – Effective against xylene and trichloroethylene
  • Peace Lily – Removes ammonia, benzene and formaldehyde; watch its pet toxicity
  • Gerbera Daisy – Brightens rooms and filters trichloroethylene
  • English Ivy – Tackles mold spores and benzene; keep out of pets’ reach
  • Golden Pothos – Tough grower that absorbs formaldehyde and benzene
  • Heart-Leaf Philodendron – Low-light filtering of formaldehyde
  • Janet Craig Dracaena – Excellent for dust reduction and formaldehyde removal
  • Mass Cane (Dracaena Massangeana) – Filters xylene and toluene
  • Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Snake Plant) – Releases oxygen at night; removes benzene
  • Spider Plant – One of the best at removing carbon monoxide and xylene
  • Warneckei (Dracaena Warneckii) – Robust filter for trichloroethylene and benzene

By combining several of these plants, you can create a living air-purifying network that looks attractive and helps protect your family’s health, sans expensive electronics. Just remember to choose the right species for your light conditions, water them properly and keep them clean for optimal performance.