Many people want cleaner air inside their homes. One simple and natural way is to use air purifying indoor plants. These plants can remove some common toxins found in the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. They also make your home look fresh and green while helping you feel more relaxed. But are they really worth it? Let’s look at how these plants work and whether you should add them to your home.
How Air Purifying Plants Work
Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis. Some indoor plants can also absorb harmful chemicals through their leaves and roots. These toxins are then broken down by soil microbes. As a result, the air inside your home becomes cleaner and fresher.
NASA’s Clean Air Study first showed that some plants can filter out indoor pollutants. However, the study was done in sealed rooms, not open living spaces. So while the effect in a real home might be smaller, it still adds a positive touch when combined with good ventilation.
Best Air Purifying Plants to Try
There are many indoor plants known for cleaning the air. Here are some popular choices:
- Peace Lily: Known for removing mold spores and absorbing harmful gases. It has beautiful white flowers and grows well in shade.
- Spider Plant: One of the easiest to care for. It helps remove carbon monoxide and xylene from the air.
- Aloe Vera: Besides air cleaning, its gel can soothe burns and dry skin.
- Boston Fern: Great for adding humidity to dry rooms and cleaning air pollutants.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Excellent for bedrooms because it produces oxygen at night.
Why the Sansevieria Plant Is a Popular Choice
The Sansevieria Plant, also called the Snake Plant or Mother-in-law’s Tongue, is famous for being tough and low-maintenance. It grows upright with long, green leaves that have yellow or white edges. You don’t need to water it often, and it can survive in low light.
What makes it special is that it continues to release oxygen even at night, unlike most plants that stop after sunset. This makes it perfect for your bedroom, helping you breathe better while you sleep. It also removes toxins such as formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide, improving air quality.
Do Air Purifying Plants Really Work?
This is a common question. In small, sealed test rooms, air purifying plants can clean the air very effectively. But in a real home with open windows and airflow, the result is not as strong. You would need many plants to see a big difference.
However, that does not mean they are useless. Even if the air-cleaning effect is limited, these plants still improve your environment in other ways. They add natural moisture to dry air, reduce stress, and make your space more welcoming. Simply having greenery around can make you feel calmer and more connected to nature.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
If you decide to add air purifying plants to your home, here are a few simple tips:
- Place them wisely: Keep one or two plants in each room. Corners, windowsills, and desks are great spots.
- Avoid overwatering: Most indoor plants die from too much water rather than too little. Make sure the soil dries slightly between watering.
- Give them light: Even low-light plants need some sunlight. Place them near windows but out of direct harsh rays.
- Clean the leaves: Dust blocks their pores, reducing their ability to absorb toxins. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth.
- Mix plant types: Combine tall and small plants for both air cleaning and decoration.
Are They Worth Adding to Your Home?
Yes — but with the right expectations. Air purifying indoor plants will not replace an air purifier or fix serious air pollution, but they do help a little while offering many other benefits. They bring life to dull rooms, lift your mood, and may even help you sleep better.
If you want a healthy, calm, and beautiful home, adding a few plants is a simple and affordable step. Start with easy ones like the Snake Plant, Spider Plant, or Peace Lily. With just a bit of care, you can enjoy cleaner air and a fresher space every day.