1. Golden Pothos
A very common houseplant, pothos are known for being exceptionally hardy, and are difficult to kill. While pothos isn’t the most powerful air-purifying plant, its ease of care means that you can grow this one in your house even if you lack a green thumb. Like other plants, pothos has air-purifying qualities as well, so if you’re looking to get the benefits of houseplants but aren’t so good at keeping them alive, this one is a great start!
2. English Ivy
You might think of ivy as an outdoor plant that adds rustic charm to old buildings. But when you keep ivy indoors, it can help purify the air in your home. English ivy is especially good for absorbing mold in the air, according to Allergy and Air. A study authored by Hilary Spyers-Duran found that English ivy was able to absorb a large portion of airborne mold when placed in a container with moldy bread. This plant loves bright light and slightly dry soil, so put it somewhere sunny!
3. Boston Fern
Boston ferns are known for being easy to care for, and they’re also a powerhouse for purifying the air in your home. Boston ferns ranked in NASA’s list of air-purifying plants for their ability to remove compounds like formaldehyde, plastics, or cigarette smoke from the air, according to SF Gate. These compounds are absorbed by the fern’s leaves and turned into materials that the plant can use.
4. Peace Lily
Peace lily is another plant that NASA found to be great for absorbing compounds in the air. It’s renowned for its ability to break down compounds like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene.
Peace lilies, sometimes called “closet plants,” don’t thrive in direct sunlight. Put your peace lily somewhere where it can get indirect light and give you all the benefits of clean air. This is a great apartment plant for anyone who doesn’t get a lot of natural light.
5. Aloe Vera
You might already know about the health benefits of aloe vera for skin, but the plant itself is also great for purifying air. It works to absorb airborne compounds from paint or cleaning agents, and you can also have it handy for treating your sunburn!
You can even use aloe vera in food and drinks.
