Are you curious to find out what are the best indoor plants for clean air?

How indoor plants can purify the air is the hype this season, especially after the global pandemic that hit more than 80 countries around the world.

However...

Despite the need for these incredible machines, with the world economy sleepwalking into a new financial crisis and no one is being spared the brunt of the debacle.

More than 40% of consumers are looking to invest in cheaper ways to ensure that their environment is purified.

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Luckily, NASA, through the Clean Air Study¹, has proven that there are several plants that you can use today to help detoxify your home from the airborne toxins, dust, and germs that you can find in household materials, products, and furniture.

So, one might ask, which are some of these plants? Well, you'll learn about all this and more.

But where to start?

The Best Indoor Plants for Your Air Quality Issues

You don't need the hard sell when it comes to house plants: They add some vibrant color to your home and a breath of fresh air to your space, no matter the size of the plant.

Well, as it turns out, these leafy plants also breathe a little life into you.

Isn't that incredible?

That said, here are the ten most effective plants when it comes to dealing with air contaminants².

Therefore, if you want to breathe comfortably and you don't want to worry that your brown thumb will come to light, try giving these air-cleaning plants a try.

#1. Purple Waffle Plant

The Hemigraphis alternata, the purple waffle plant, is very useful when it comes to dealing with volatile organic compounds (VOCs^³ ) like benzene, toluene, and octane, which come from everyday household items like hair spray, paint, cleaners, and even dry-cleaned clothes. 

The purple waffle plant has deeply puckered foliage, which provides it with an extra-large leaf surface area that makes it excellent for cleaning the air in your living room and other large-sized rooms.

That said...

It's also one of the most beautiful plants since the reverse side of its leaves is purple, which contrasts handsomely with the deep green leaves, thus giving your home that extra pop of color.

To get the most out of this plant, be sure to keep the waffle moist and place it in a brightly lit room to maintain the vibrant purple color. 

#2. English Ivy

Hedera Helix, the graceful ground cover and easy-growing perennial vine, is effective at reducing airborne fecal particulates, which makes it the best air purification agent for your en suite.

It also tolerates most light and soil conditions, but its ability to get rid of VOCs from the air in your home makes this houseplant extra special.

No wonder...

Horticulturists^³  have even gone ahead to exploit the robust nature of this incredible plant by developing various fancy cultivars.

Some of these cultivars include 'Fluffy Ruffles' with ruffled leaves and 'Gold Baby' with golden variegation.

So, to take advantage of the plant's beauty, scientists and interior designers recommend you grow 2 assortments in a large hanging basket for stunning contrast and twice the air purifying properties. 

To add to that:

You should also remember to give your English ivy generous watering and at least five hours of direct sunlight every day, and it will, in turn, reward you with clean, detoxified air.

#3. Wax Plant

Brighten up your balcony, kitchen, or living room with the forgiving and perfect-looking Hoya Carnosa.

The wax plant helps in filtering out toxins like ammonia and benzene, which you can often find in plastics, detergents, and glue. It tolerates lower light levels, but its flowering is most prolific in high light conditions.

No wonder...

According to several home design experts, the trailing stems of wax plants are eye-catching in hanging baskets or, if you use them in conjunction with plant stands^⁴.

To get the best service from this plant, be sure to place it in a spot near a sunbathed window since it's drought-tolerant and prefers life on the dry side to avert root rot. 

#4. Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law's Tongue

With this plant in play, you're in for the best home experience and some great night's sleep.

The yellow-tipped succulent is one of the best air-cleansing plants since it's a low-maintenance plant, and it releases oxygen at night, thus helping you breathe better.

It's also one of the best plants for filtering the air of formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene.

Now...

For the best outcome, place the snake plant near a window for proper sunbathing, but be wary not to over-water it, as its roots are prone to rot in moist soil.

#5. Asparagus Fern

The leaves of Asparagus Densiflorus are incredible for adding texture to mixed houseplant pots.

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Its delicate leaves on the upright stems contrast beautifully with trailing plants that love the same high moisture and low-light environments of the fern.

What makes it a great air-purifying agent is that it's one of the few plants that help in reducing the levels of ammonia that you can find in a range of cleaning products.

For the best outcome, be sure to try asparagus fern with ivy, coleus, or philodendron plants in any room, and you will enjoy the air-purifying properties of this low-budget and low-care houseplant. 

#6. Purple Spiderwort

If you're a houseplant newbie, the resilient purple spiderwort, Tradescantia pallida, is a perfect choice.

The beautiful plant, also known as the wandering Jew or the Purple Heart, is incredible for both indoors and outdoors.

It quietly battles toxins like carbon monoxide and xylene, giving you fresh and clean air all day long.

Think about it:

Even though the purple spiderwort is an annual and a tropical houseplant, it can effortlessly survive temperatures down to 25 degrees and is a thriving plant for colder rooms in the house. 

To get the most out of this plant, you can try to repot the tiny Spiderworts and grow a whole family of plants that'll take care of themselves... and you.

#7. Aloe Vera

The healing and beauty regiment is a lovely addition to your windowsill, as it loves a sunny spot.

While being on hand to soothe your kitchen burns and deal with the unwanted scars.

This succulent is incredible when it comes to ridding the air of formaldehyde and benzene, found in varnishes, floor finishes, and detergents.

#8. Nerve Plant

The Fittonia Argyroneura doesn't produce any noticeable flowers, but its vibrant pink, red, or white veining of its leaves contributes to the ornamental value of this houseplant.

It's true...

Unlike most houseplants, the nerve plant doesn't require a bright spot to thrive, but consistent moisture is vital for its health. Check this article about Holmes air purifiers.

With more than 10 varieties in cultivation, you can choose to grow a grouping of several colors to achieve maximum air-purifying results from the nerve plant.

#9. Weeping Fig

The Ficus Benjamina, or weeping fig, is a beautiful plant to grow as a small indoor tree as long as you provide the perfect environment to prevent it from shedding leaves.

The Weeping Fig loves bright light and consistent moisture but hates soggy water dumps.

It also doesn't fair well near air registers, where dry conditions and temperature changes can stress the plants.

To add to that:

Unlike other household plants, the Weeping Fig needs a bit more love, and thus you have to pamper it with a shovelful of compost, as you would an outdoor garden plant.

Also, for it to be your trusted purifier for years to come, you should remember to place it in a bright spot, the humid area of your house, like the kitchen or lavatory, and let its leaves work their air-scrubbing magic. 

#10. Dragon Tree

The Dracaena or Dragon Tree is another household plant that's perfect for a beginner.

It's a slow-growing plant and requires bright indirect light. Since it's also drought-tolerant, it can go for an extended period with no water.

Nonetheless...

The plant can be sensitive to fluoride^⁵ that you can generally find in tap water. So be sure to use distilled water if you notice the leaves are getting discolored.

The average household humidity should be excellent unless you have an arid-like atmosphere.

If you want it to grow to its potential height of about 8ft, you also need to remember to place it in a room with high ceilings and reasonable sunlight. Read about air purifiers for commercial use.

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According to home design experts, Dracaena is one of the best plants when it comes to getting rid of trichloroethylene, xylene, and formaldehyde from your home's air^⁶. It also gives your home the splash of color it needs with its bright red trim.

You don't always have to break the bank when it comes to dealing with air pollutants.

By getting yourself a stress-free and reliable houseplant, you can kick out all the allergens and toxins invading your home daily. Discover how to select the right room air purifier.

Simply put...

Try some of the mentioned plants, and you'll be sure to enjoy your stay at home while reducing your hospital bills due to constant cases of flu and irritating allergies.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

Cleaning your air can also happen without using electricity, like with the Best Indoor Plants for Clean Air. But if you are looking for an air purifier, read our reviews!

You can add a lovely plant to your home and get clean fresh air all day, every day.

Isn't it wonderful?

And there are so many magnificent indoor plants for clean air to choose from, so you're sure to be happy with your pick.

See how to remove dust from air.