Indoor plants do more than sit in the background. They clean the air you breathe. That’s right, some plants and flowers naturally remove toxins and improve oxygen levels, making your home feel fresher and healthier. At Dragonetti Florist, we’ve spent decades connecting people with plants that brighten their spaces and their lives. Let’s talk about a few air-purifying plants that work double duty: they look great and help you breathe a little easier.
How Do Air Purifying Plants Work?
Plants naturally filter the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Certain types also pull harmful pollutants from the environment, like formaldehyde and benzene, which can come from furniture, paints, and some certain cleaning products. These plants act like a natural air filter, quietly working 24/7 without batteries or apps. Some of them even increase humidity, which can be a lifesaver during dry New York winters.
But this isn’t just plant-lover talk. NASA’s Clean Air Study documented the science behind this, pinpointing specific plants that remove toxins and improve indoor air. So, if you’re choosing some plants for your home, why not pick ones that benefit your health?
The Best Air Purifying Plants
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are a classic choice and probably one of the more known air-purifying plants. They’re known for their amazing white blooms and their ability to reduce toxins in the air. You can put one in your living room, office, or even the bathroom, it doesn’t need much sunlight to thrive. The leaves also absorb moisture, which can help reduce mildew. Plus, it’s forgiving if you forget to water it now and then.
Snake Plant
The snake plant has a very bold look with tall, upright leaves. It’s one of the best plants for air purification, removing toxins like trichloroethylene and formaldehyde! Unlike many plants, the snake plant releases oxygen at night, so it’s a great pick for bedrooms. It’s also nearly impossible to kill, making it perfect for anyone who’s not exactly a plant expert.
Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera daisies are great at reducing benzene and trichloroethylene levels. These flowers love sunlight, so keep them in a sunny spot, and they’ll reward you with blooms and cleaner air. They’re a little more care-intensive than some houseplants, but the payoff is worth it.
Chrysanthemums
This may come as a surprise, but chrysanthemums, or mums, are one of the top air-purifying plants. They remove all sorts of toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene. Mums love bright light, so they’re happiest near a window. While they don’t last year-round, they’re stunning when they do. Plus, you can always add fresh ones to your collection from our local flower shop to keep the air clean and colorful.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are so, so resilient. They grow quickly, adapt to different conditions, and are fantastic at removing carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from the air. Their long, arching leaves are great as shelf plants or statement plants. But, they are best left hanging freely and, so they are not ideal as centerpieces. Spider plants are also pet-friendly, so they’re a safe choice if you’ve got cats, dogs, lizards, you name it.
How to Incorporate Air Purifying Plants
A peace lily on a side table or a snake plant in the corner can make such a big difference. Grouping a few smaller plants together creates a really nice look and creates a sort of air-cleaning powerhouse. If you’re short on floor space, hanging baskets with spider plants or trailing pothos work beautifully.
Caring for your plants doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Most of the varieties we listed here are low-maintenance and thrive in typical indoor conditions. A weekly check-in for water and occasional dusting of leaves is usually all they need. If you’re not sure where to start, stop by our shop. We’re happy to help you pick the perfect plants for your home or office.