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Houseplants bring a natural touch indoors, but many also help with indoor air quality. A NASA study in 1989 found that certain plants can reduce common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene by absorbing and filtering them through their leaves and roots. Along with cleaner air, many of these plants also help reduce unwanted indoor odors, making rooms feel fresher and more comfortable.
Here are 12 houseplants known for their air-cleaning qualities and ability to help keep indoor spaces smelling fresher.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a hardy plant with thick, fleshy leaves that store water well. It grows best in bright, indirect light and only needs watering once the soil dries out fully.
Beyond its well-known gel used for minor skin irritation, Aloe Vera also helps filter indoor air by removing certain airborne pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene. It fits well in kitchens, windowsills, and sunny indoor spots.
Peace Lily
Peace Lily stands out with its deep green leaves and white blooms. It grows well in low to medium light and signals when it needs water by drooping slightly.
This plant is known for filtering indoor air pollutants while also adding a clean, calming look to living spaces, bedrooms, and offices.
Spider Plant
Spider plants adjust easily to different lighting conditions, from low light to bright rooms. They are low maintenance and recover quickly if watering is missed.
They help reduce indoor pollutants and work well in hanging baskets, shelves, or bathrooms where air circulation is limited.
Snake Plant
Snake Plant, also called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is one of the most resilient indoor plants. It grows well in low light and needs very little watering.
It was included in NASA’s Clean Air Study for its ability to filter airborne toxins. It is often placed in bedrooms because it continues to release oxygen at night.
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant has thick, glossy leaves that store water, allowing it to survive long periods without care. It thrives in low light and dry soil conditions.
It works well in offices and shaded corners while helping filter indoor air pollutants over time.
Pothos
Pothos is a trailing plant that grows well in a range of lighting conditions. It tolerates irregular watering and is easy to maintain.
It helps improve indoor air quality and is often placed on shelves or in hanging planters for a natural cascading effect.
Calathea
Calathea is known for its patterned leaves in shades of green, purple, and cream. It grows best in low to medium light with steady moisture.
It adds visual interest to darker rooms while also supporting cleaner indoor air conditions.
Parlor Palm
Parlor Palm is a compact indoor palm that grows well in indirect light. It adapts easily to indoor environments and needs minimal care.
It brings a soft tropical feel to spaces while helping filter indoor air, making it a good fit for living rooms or entryways.
Rubber Plant
Rubber Plant features large, glossy leaves and grows well in bright, indirect light. It prefers its soil to dry slightly between waterings.
It is known for helping remove airborne toxins like formaldehyde and works well as a statement plant in larger rooms.
English Ivy
English Ivy grows as a trailing vine and adapts to a variety of indoor conditions. It works well in hanging pots or shelves where its vines can spill over the edge.
It is commonly used for air filtration and adds a classic green accent to indoor spaces.
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen grows well in low to medium light and only needs watering when the top layer of soil dries out.
Its patterned leaves add visual variety while also contributing to improved indoor air quality.
Monstera
Monstera is known for its large split leaves and tropical appearance. It adapts to different light levels and grows steadily indoors.
It is often used as a focal plant in living spaces and also contributes to fresher indoor air over time.
