Lately I’ve become a bit interested (totally an understatement) in houseplants. When I was younger, I thought they were just something grandparents had around their home. But now after seeing them (literally everyone online) in cool looking DIY crafted hanging pots I could never make, I’m beginning to think otherwise.
And instead of just creating a curated list of indoor plants to dress up your home, I decided I’d also pick ones that improved your indoor air quality. Also, some of these were all listed by NASA as air purifying plants which means you know it’s legit.
So if you’re thinking about adding some air cleaning plants to your home, then scroll, check out the list below, and grab a few this weekend.
1. Money Bonsai
I’m pretty sure this one is my favorite out of all the other air purifying house plants. The hanging Devil’s Ivy and Heartleaf look pretty cool, but that braided trunk has me. So if you’re looking for ornamental plants that clean the air, then this is a great option to consider for your home.
2. Snake Plant
If you want something that’s low maintenance, and especially if you’re not home a lot, then try this chic indoor plant out. Definitely a great way to make your space look great and clean your indoor air, but nothing that requires too much of your attention.
Important Note: The snake plant, when consumed, has a low toxicity. So it’s definitely not lethal, but definitely make sure it’s away from your pets and small children.
3. Devil’s Ivy
Use a hanging basket for this one since its leaves can grow pretty long. And to be honest, I’m a sucker for hanging plants since they look so cool, so definitely give it a try so you can add a bit of green and health to your home.
Important Note: Toxic to pets and humans when consumed.
4. Weeping Fig
Needing just a sunny spot to hang out, this one’s super easy to take care of. Also, it’s so nice for getting rid of contaminants in the air. So you might wanna put this on your list if you want another plant for indoor air purification.
Important Note: Leaves are toxic, so keep away from pets and small kids.
5. Peace Lily
If you love flowering plants, then definitely get this one for your living room. It’ll help filter the air while you’re hanging out with a friend or watching a movie. Honestly, it’s a bit of a life hack.
Important Note: Toxic to pets and humans when consumed.
6. Cornstalk Dracaena
Being a tall plant that also acts as natural air purification, it’s a cool looking way to dress up any room in your home. Just make sure to keep it away from pets and small children since the leaves are toxic.
7. Heartleaf Philodendron
This plant with air-purifying abilities is super simple to care for and looks so pretty with its heart-shaped leaves. It might be a good option if you love hanging plants and you don’t have a lot of space.
Important Note: Toxic to animals and humans if eaten.
8. Dumb Cane
With multicolored leaves, this is a fun way to add some color to your living room or bedroom. And as far as air purifiers go, this plant is giving strong tropical vibes which really is a great way to make your home feel lush and refreshing.
Important Note: This plant is called Dumb Cane due to its slurred speech affect when eaten (and in larger quantities, it can be fatal). So make sure it’s kept away from any animal or curious children.
9. Aglaonema
With many different shades of pink or green to choose from (I personally love the super vibrant pink leaves), this is a pretty low-maintenance plant for your home.
Important Note: Toxic for animals and humans when consumed.
Update: The website no longer exists.
10. Spider Plant
Without spending very much money at all, you can easily rid toxins from the air with this beautiful plant. Just place it in the bathroom (like in the photo above), living room, or even by the window in your room. It really is a statement piece.
Important Note: Toxic to animals and humans if ingested in high quantities.
11. English Ivy
This plant may not be great for your home on the outside, but it does take toxins like benzene out of the air. Also, it can be a nice hanging plant since you can control how long it grows.
Important Note: Toxic for both animals and humans when consumed.
12. Boston Fern
This plant does three cool things. First, it removes formaldehyde better than any other plant. Second, it acts as a humidifier for your home. And Third, it dresses up your space nicely. That’s pretty important right?
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.
I think the plant identified as a heart leaf philodendron is a syngonium podiphyllum. Not sure but I think so.
This looks really interesting!
How do you keep a houseplant away from a cat? Only so much room on the top of the fridge. Guess hanging baskets it is. I’m told the breathable kind let the roots exchange VO’s for oxygen too.
I’d say go for plants that are hung up. Best to keep away from animals. 🙂
Instead of putting a Boston fern in your home I would like to recommend the Lemon Button Fern. It is so pretty and as far as I know not toxic to anything. It is also very forgiving if you forget to water for awhile. It will bounce back over and over.
Thanks for letting us know Linda!
Great info! Thank you! I’d love to find that whit pot with the wooden stand.
I’m glad you liked it Lynne!
Hi! I have a Boston fern I got this winter, and I’ve heard that they kind of “die” in the winter and come back in spring, and though I’m good at taking care of a variety of plants, mine is definitely crunchy and looks to be losing life. Is this normal? Since it’s an easy to take care of plant, I’m worried I’m doing something wrong.
Let me know, and thank you!!
Eleanor
Hey Eleanor! What kind of climate/temperature is your Boston fern living in? 🙂
They are wonderful plants and I have it in my collection. I only wonder why that hanging plant is called devil’s ivy when its beautiful.
Thanks for identifying plants that are toxic to animals.
Totally! 🙂