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Houseplants do more than brighten up a room. Many are also known for helping improve indoor air quality and reducing some of the everyday odors that build up inside a home. A well-known NASA study from 1989 found that several common houseplants can absorb certain airborne pollutants, including chemicals such as formaldehyde.
While plants won’t replace good ventilation or regular cleaning, they can make your home feel fresher while adding color and life to your space. Here are 12 houseplants that are often recommended for cleaner-smelling indoor spaces.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is best known for the soothing gel inside its thick leaves, but it’s also one of the easiest houseplants to grow. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and only needs watering after the soil has dried out completely.
Many people also keep aloe vera indoors because it has been linked to removing small amounts of pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
Related: 10 Bold Neon Houseplants That Stun
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are popular because they grow well in lower light and don’t require much attention. Their glossy leaves and white flowers make them a favorite for bedrooms, offices, and living rooms.
One helpful feature is that the leaves droop when the plant needs water, making it easy to tell when it’s time to give it a drink. Peace lilies are also often included on lists of plants that help improve indoor air quality.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are one of the easiest houseplants for beginners. They grow well in bright or low light and can handle the occasional missed watering without much trouble.
They’re also known for helping remove certain indoor pollutants, making them a practical choice for kitchens, home offices, or anywhere you want a little extra greenery.
Related: 18 Beautiful Houseplants That Can Live For Decades
Snake Plant
Snake plants are famous for surviving almost anything. They tolerate low light, don’t need frequent watering, and can thrive even if you’re away from home for several days.
They were also included in NASA’s Clean Air Study, which is one reason they’ve remained a popular indoor plant for decades.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant stores water in its thick stems and glossy leaves, allowing it to go for long periods without watering. It also grows well in rooms that don’t receive much natural light.
Its easy-going nature and reputation for helping improve indoor air quality make it a favorite for busy households.
Pothos
Pothos is one of the most forgiving houseplants you can own. It grows in a wide range of lighting conditions and doesn’t mind if you occasionally forget to water it.
Its trailing vines make it attractive on shelves or in hanging baskets, and it’s often recommended for helping reduce certain airborne pollutants.
Related: Houseplants That Thrive in the Humidity of Your Bathroom
Calathea
Calatheas stand out because of their beautifully patterned leaves. They prefer medium to low light and soil that stays lightly moist.
They’re a nice choice for adding color to darker corners of your home while also contributing to a fresher indoor environment.
Parlor Palm
Parlor palms have been popular indoor plants for generations. They grow well in indirect light and don’t require much care, making them suitable for beginners.
Their soft, tropical appearance works well in almost any room, and they’re frequently mentioned among plants that help improve indoor air quality.
Rubber Plant
Rubber plants make a bold statement with their large, glossy leaves. They prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered after the soil begins to dry out.
Besides being an attractive focal point, they’re also known for helping filter pollutants such as formaldehyde from indoor air.
Related: These Large Leaf Houseplants Make Quite the Statement Indoors
English Ivy
English ivy is loved for its trailing vines that look great in hanging baskets or on shelves. It adapts well to most indoor conditions and doesn’t require much maintenance.
Many people choose it because it’s been associated with improving indoor air quality while adding a classic look to their home.
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreens are among the easiest decorative plants to grow indoors. They do well in low to medium light and only need watering once the top layer of soil feels dry.
Their colorful leaves brighten up almost any room, and they’re often recommended for helping freshen indoor air.
Monstera
Monstera plants are easy to recognize thanks to their large leaves with natural openings. They create a bold tropical look and grow well in bright, indirect light, though they can adapt to lower light levels too.
Along with making a striking addition to your home, monsteras are often included on lists of houseplants that can help improve indoor air quality.
