Did you know that even the sight of something green growing in the middle of winter can immediately lift spirits? Studies show that tropical and flowering houseplants are powerful purifiers with the ability to filter common toxins from the air, which supports healthier living and overall well-being. So give your home, office, or dorm room a boost of fresh, clean air with the help of these top 10 air purifying indoor plants. All listed are plants that clean the air inside your home. They are proven to increase oxygen, filter pollutants, raise humidity, reduce stress, and improve test scores!
breathe greener
10 fabulous air purifying indoor plants
Guzmania spp. and Tillandsia spp.
#1 Bromeliads and Air Plants
The Guzman Bromeliads pictured here are fantastic tabletop plants that make for incredibly long-lasting, cheerful, air-purifying color indoors (pet friendly dogs & cats per ASPCA.com ).
Shop these varieties now: Assorted Bromeliad 5″ – Red, Orange, Or Yellow, Air Plant – Medium
Dracaena spp.
#2 Corn Plant
Also known as Dragon Tree and Spike, these plants offer lots of variety from floor plant to tabletop sizes, colorful striped foliage, and easy care. The thick, lance leafed ‘Lemon Lime’ variety is a head turner (prefers moderate to low soil moisture).
Shop these varieties now: Dragon Tree ‘Lemon Lime’ 6″ , Dragon Tree 6″, Dragon Tree ‘Magenta’ 10″, Dragon Tree ‘Kiwi’ 10″
Hedera spp.
#3 English Ivy
A classic, vining indoor plant that produces heart to shield shaped, dark green leaves, this plant is also offered in variegated varieties. (prefers moderate to low soil moisture).
Shop these varieties now: English Ivy ‘Green’ 4”, English Ivy 6″, English Ivy ‘Variegated’ 4″, English Ivy ‘Variegated’ 6″
Phalaenopsis spp., Dendrobium spp.
#4 Phalaenopsis Orchids
Also known as Moth orchids, these plants are great for beginners. Dendrobium orchids are a good next step for intermediate growers. These plants are also “pet friendly” (pet friendly dogs & cats per ASPCA.com), and they prefer moderate to low soil moisture.
Shop these varieties now: Assorted Phalaenopsis Orchid 4″ – Pink, Purple, Or Yellow, Phalaenopsis Orchid White 5″, Assorted Phalaenopsis Orchid 5″
Spathiphyllum spp.
#5 Peace Lily
This air purifier is also great for low-light environments. It’s actually one of the few low-light plants that will bloom, producing a white spathe flower over a bushy mound of glossy, green foliage.
Shop these varieties now: Peace Lily 4″, Peace Lily 6″, Peace Lily ‘Domino’ 6″
Philodendron spp.
#6 Philodendron Heartleaf, Selloum
The ‘Selloum’ variety is always a favorite that is derived from South America and makes an amazing statement indoors.
Shop these varieties now: Philodendron 4″, Philodendron ‘Birkin’ 6″, Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ 10″, Philodendron ‘Selloum’ 10″
Epipremnum spp.
#7 Pothos, Devil’s Ivy
Nearly impossible to kill, this plant’s medium green, heart-shaped leaves are streaked with gold or white variegation, and they’re virtually fuss-free (prefers moderate to low soil moisture).
Shop these varieties now: Golden Pothos 6″ Hanging Basket, Golden Pothos 8″ Hanging Basket, Pothos ‘Marble Queen’ 6″, Pothos ‘N Joy’ 4″
Sansevieria spp.
#8 Snake Plant
Very easy to grow, these semi-succulent plants grow as long, lance-shaped leaves that are stiffly upright. Their foliage is mottled with shades of green, and some varieties have yellow margins, cylindrical foliage and small, bird nest habits (these prefer moderate to low soil moisture).
Shop these varieties now: Snake Plant ‘Birds Nest’ 6″, Snake Plant ‘Moonshine’ 4″, Snake Plant 4″, Snake Plant 8″, Snake Plant 10″
Chlorophytum spp.
#9 Spider Plant
This classic houseplant checks a lot of boxes. It cleans the air, it’s people & pet friendly, it’s easy to grow, and it’s easy to propagate for sharing with friends (pet friendly dogs & cats per ASPCA.com).
Shop these varieties now: Spider Plant 6″ Hanging Basket, Spider Plant 8″ Hanging Basket
Schefflera spp.
#10 Umbrella Plant
Also known as Arboricola or Parasol Plant, this dwarf type of Schefflera is native to Taiwan and enjoys bright, warm spaces.
Shop these varieties now: Umbrella Plant 10″, Umbrella Plant 10″ Braid
plants that clean the air indoors
Studies by NASA in partnership with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) have shown that tropical and flowering houseplants filter common toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. This video explains how certain plants work to freshen indoor air and add humidity during the dry winter months. Plus, you’ll meet 5 air-purifying plant families and learn the basic care tips for each.
NEED MORE HELP DECIDING?
At Petitti’s, you’ll find everything from low light, Air Purifying, Pet & People Friendly, Bathroom Beauties and Thirsty Much houseplants to fit your unique environment or interest.
Browse our ever-growing selection of indoor plants offered at our 10 locations. Shopping is easy, given all plants have been organized by lighting requirement or purpose. And, our expert staff is always on hand to help answer your questions.