12 Powerful Plants That Purify the Air in Your Home, Backed by NASA

What it removes: Formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, and xylene
Care level: Super easy; low light tolerant, water once a week
Pet warning: Non-toxic to pets
Best room: Anywhere, especially near furniture or synthetic flooring

2. Peace Lily
This one’s beautiful, and deadly… to VOCs. Peace lilies don’t just look calming; they actually work to remove benzene, acetone, and trichloroethylene, all commonly found in polishes, paints, electronics, and dry-cleaned clothes. Bonus: they can also help reduce mold spores in the air.

What it removes: Benzene, trichloroethylene, acetone, ammonia
Care level: Moderate; prefers indirect light, keep soil moist
Pet warning: Toxic to pets
Best room: Bathrooms, bedrooms, laundry areas

3. Snake Plant
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant is practically indestructible and works hard around the clock. Unlike most plants that rest at night, snake plants actually convert carbon dioxide into oxygen while you sleep (2✓), making them ideal for the bedroom. They also help remove a wide range of harmful VOCs from the air, including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.

What it removes: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene
Care level: Very easy; tolerates low light and infrequent watering
Pet warning: Toxic if ingested
Best room: Bedroom, office, or any low-light corner

4. Elephant Ears
With its large, lush leaves, elephant ear acts like a natural air filter, pulling toxins out of the air while giving your space a tropical feel. It’s been shown to remove a variety of VOCs and contributes to fresher, more breathable air. That said, its beauty comes with a caveat: it’s toxic to pets and small children if ingested.

What it removes: Multiple VOCs including formaldehyde and benzene
Care level: Moderate; loves humidity and indirect light
Pet warning: Toxic to pets and kids
Best room: Living room, sunroom, or bathroom with good light

5. Weeping Fig
This sculptural plant isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a quiet powerhouse when it comes to cleaning up indoor air. Weeping figs help remove formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia, which are commonly released by furniture, flooring, and cleaning products. It needs a bit more care than others, but the air-cleansing payoff is worth it.

What it removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, ammonia
Care level: Moderate; needs consistent light and dislikes being moved
Pet warning: Toxic to pets
Best room: Office, living room, or anywhere with stable light

6. Rubber Plant
Bold and dramatic, the rubber plant is a detox workhorse. Native to India, it removes airborne chemicals like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It’s also known for its ability to increase overall air humidity, which helps ease dry skin, allergies, and respiratory irritation.

What it removes: Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, trichloroethylene
Care level: Easy; likes bright, indirect light and weekly watering
Pet warning: Toxic to pets
Best room: Entryway, living room, or anywhere it can stand tall

7. Rubber Plant (Reed Palm)
Bold and dramatic, the rubber plant isn’t just a visual statement; it’s a detox workhorse. Native to India, it pulls formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and trichloroethylene out of the air while boosting humidity levels indoors. That extra moisture can be a game-changer for easing dry skin, sinus irritation, and allergy flare-ups.

What it removes: Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, trichloroethylene
Care level: Easy; prefers bright, indirect light and weekly watering
Pet warning: Toxic to pets
Best room: Living room, home office, or entryway

8. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is famous for its healing gel, but it also helps clean the air by removing formaldehyde and benzene, common off-gassed chemicals from flooring, furniture, and synthetic textiles. This succulent thrives on neglect, making it a perfect choice for forgetful plant parents.

What it removes: Formaldehyde, benzene
Care level: Very easy; needs bright light and infrequent watering
Pet warning: Toxic to pets
Best room: Home office or sunny kitchen windowsill.

9. Gerber Daisy
This gorgeous flower does more than just look pretty. It releases oxygen during the day, and continues doing so at night, helping you to breathe and sleep better. This makes them great for individuals suffering from breathing disorders or sleep apnea. They are also useful for getting rid of trichloroethylene (which can enter your home if you’ve ever had dry-cleaning done) and benzene that comes from inks.

What it removes: Benzene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, toluene
Care level: Moderate; needs bright, indirect sunlight and consistently moist, well-draining soil; sensitive to overwatering
Pet warning: Toxic to pets
Best room: Bedroom, living room, or any well-lit space where you want both air purification and a splash of color

10. Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a standout performer when it comes to purifying indoor air. In NASA’s famous clean air study, it removed over 73% of benzene and 9.2% of trichloroethylene from sealed environments; two of the most common and harmful VOCs found in household products like paints, adhesives, and cleaning agents. Beyond the lab, this resilient vine has earned recognition in a TED talk by Karmal Meattle, highlighting it as one of the top three plants for improving air quality.

What it removes: Benzene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, toluene
Care level: Very easy; tolerates low light, irregular watering, and diverse indoor environments
Pet warning: Toxic to pets
Best room: Living room, bathroom, office, or any indoor space needing air purification with low light

11. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums have been scientifically shown to filter out a broad range of common indoor toxins, including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia. These chemicals are frequently found in household cleaning products, wall paints, and personal care items, making chrysanthemums a practical and beautiful ally in creating a healthier home environment.

What it removes: Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia
Care level: Moderate; needs bright, indirect light and regular watering
Pet warning: Toxic to pets
Best room: Living room, kitchen, or any space with good light

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