6 Houseplants to Improve Air Quality

Spider plants against a wood background.

You may not give much thought to the air quality of your home on a daily basis, but it’s definitely something to think about. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has consistently ranked indoor air pollution as a top five environmental danger. This is due to the fact that there are countless sources of pollution located in our home such as combustion sources, building materials, chemical products, and organic matter.

One easy way to combat this domestic issue is to take advantage of houseplants that naturally improve air quality. Not only are these good for your home’s air, but they’re also aesthetically pleasing. Read below to learn about the best houseplants to improve air quality that you’re sure to enjoy having around your home.

1. Spider Plants

Spider plants are easy to grow and propagate, which makes them perfect for even those who don’t have a particularly green thumb. These plants are resilient, providing a rich foliage with tiny white flowers. Spider plants filter out toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene from your home. These plants are also safe to have in the home along with pets, which is an added bonus. Spider plants thrive in cool-to-average home temperatures and prefer dry soil. Bright indirect sunlight is the best for growing these plants.

2. English Ivy

A hanging English ivy plant in a window.

English ivy plants are a classic choice that look elegant in any home. These plants are known for their ability to remove harmful chemicals from the air while looking great. English ivy plants are easy to maintain as they can grow in both full shade or full sun and can exist in any size area. They are easy to keep alive for long periods of time, even for someone that doesn’t have a green thumb.

3. Chinese Evergreen

A Chinese evergreen plant.

A Chinese evergreen is a great plant to help clean the air within your home. These are also easy to care for, requiring low to medium light and growing up to two feet. Although these plants are great for the air within your home, note that they contain an irritant that can be harmful to pets, so they aren’t great for homes with dogs or cats.

4. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

A mother-in-law tongue plant.

This succulent, also known as a snake plant, is great at ridding your home’s air of harmful toxins—without much work on your end! This plant can survive in some of the toughest conditions, including a wide variety of both temperatures and light conditions. Mother-in-law's tongue requires minimal watering, so be careful not to hydrate it too much.

5. Peace Lily

A peace lily plant in a home.

A peace lily is a delightful plant that will make a lovely addition to your home. Its ability to fight against toxic gases such as both formaldehyde and carbon monoxide makes it a great choice to contribute to the health of your home. These plants are also easy to care for. They show signs of drooping as an indication of needing water, making it easy to understand when they require attention. However, keep in mind that peace lily's plants can be mildly toxic to pets and humans, so wash your hands after touching them.

6. Bamboo Plant

A small bamboo plant on a table.

Bamboo is great at filtering formaldehyde from any home. These plants do well in full sun or bright light. Let your bamboo plant grow as tall and large as it wants to, allowing it to filter the air more effectively the bigger it gets. Just know that bamboo plants can grow to be up to 12 feet high, making them great if you live in a loft or have tall ceilings.

Houseplants that provide a breath of fresh air are the best for not only adding to the aesthetic of your home, but also for making your house healthier overall. Many of these plants are easy to maintain, making them a no brainer for a healthy and happy home!