Air-purifying indoor plants
This edit includes our favourite air-purifying indoor plants, from Snake plants and Spider plants to Peace Lilies and Boston ferns. While all plants improve air quality to some degree (as they all absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen), these heroes are known to be particularly good at it. You will need a lot of plants to have a big enough impact in your home, however. Consider that your perfect excuse…
Air-purifying houseplants for every home
In our edit above, you’ll find our top picks for air-purifying plants, which help to clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide (and other toxins), and releasing oxygen. While all plants do this, the likes of Snake plants, Spider plants, Peace Lilies and English Ivy are thought to be the MVPs of clean air. This is thanks to a 1989 study by NASA, which found that certain houseplants helped to improve the quality of air in a space capsule, removing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution. The impact of this in our homes is a little murkier, however. To produce the same results in a larger space, where air is flowing in and out all of the time, you’d really need hundreds of houseplants to keep up with the changes in quality. But that doesn’t mean they’re not doing their bit to make our homes better – houseplants help to increase humidity levels, which is good for our lungs and our skin, and boost our overall wellbeing and productivity. Plus, the more you have, the better the impact will be. Indoor jungle, incoming…
Air-purifying plants for the bedroom
With the power to reduce stress and make us feel calmer, a little greenery can go a long way to turning your bedroom into a restful, serene space. Good air quality can also help to promote a better sleep, so it’s little wonder people love to opt for air-cleaning plants in their bedrooms. When making your choice, think about light conditions and care levels to ensure you find the right one for you. If you want an easy option that will survive in any condition, we’d recommend seeking a Snake plant, Curly Spider plant or English Ivy, as these are virtually unkillable and will be happy in any space. If you’re up to the challenge, however, why not try a Ficus benjamina, or weeping fig? They love bright light and are a little fussier, but their elegant foliage makes them perfect for serene spaces.
Air-purifying plants for the office
If your WFH set-up needs a refresh, plants are an easy way to bring instant impact. Not only do they look great, but they also help to reduce stress, create a sense of calm and boost productivity. If you’re seeking air-purifying office plants, we’d recommend opting for a low-maintenance clean queen like Susie the Snake plant, Chris the Curly Spider plant or one of our Dracaena plants. Bringing greenery without the hassle, they’re the ideal options for improving your workspace without adding to your workload.
Air-purifying plants for dark rooms
If you have a north-facing home or a room with limited windows, don’t rule out an indoor jungle just yet. While all plants need some light to survive, there are a hardy few that can live with very little. When it comes to air-purifying plants for dark rooms, we’d recommend opting for a Snake plant or English Ivy. These tough cookies are seriously easy to look after, and are quite happy living in any light condition. We’d advise steering clear of weeping figs or aloe veras, however – though they’re believed to be good air purifiers, they love a bright, sunny spot and won’t be happy in a shadier space.
Air-purifying plants for hanging and climbing
Taking a love of plants to new heights, hanging and climbing plants are a great way to bring greenery to forgotten spaces. Whether trailing from a shelf, hung from a side table or trained to twine around a moss pole, they’re big on impact without maximising on space. The classic English Ivy is a commonly cited air purifier, and happily works just as well as a houseplant as it does an outdoor climber. Likewise, the Goldon Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy, is known for its air-cleaning qualities, and is a popular trailing plant. Both options are extremely low maintenance, making them a perfect choice for any home.
Air-purifying plants for pets
If one of your housemates has four paws and a naturally curious disposition, you may be on the hunt for pet-friendly air-purifying plants. Our pet-safe range includes completely non-toxic houseplants, which means you can rest easy that they won’t bring any harm to your four-legged friends. Among our edit of houseplants to clean air, we have a few options that are friends to creatures great, small and fluffy – try Bertie the Boston fern and Chris the Curly Spider plant for clean greens without the worry.
