Air-Purifying Houseplants: Best Plants for Cleaner Indoor Air

NASA research confirms houseplants remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during photosynthesis. Pollutants absorbed by leaves are broken down by soil microbes. Some plants excel at specific toxins.

Top Air Purifiers by Target Pollutant

• Formaldehyde (particle board, smoke, nail polish, carpet): Golden pothos, philodendron
• Multiple pollutants (formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, carbon monoxide): Spider plants—place near fireplaces/gas stoves
• Tetrachloroethylene/PCE (paint remover, dry cleaning): Peace lilies, chrysanthemums
• General air cleaning: Lady palm, bamboo palm, dwarf date palm, areca palm (adds humidity)

Additional Effective Plants

Boston fern, queen fern, rubber plant, dieffenbachia, Chinese evergreen, bamboo, schefflera, English ivy, most dracaena and ficus, aloe vera, snake plant.

Placement Strategy

15-18 vigorous plants in medium pots improve average home air quality. Most effective in rooms with new furniture, paint, carpet, or paneling.