10 easy-care air-purifying houseplants that look good and absorb toxins — even beginners will succeed
Decorating with nature has become a very popular trend. Plants don't just look good and feel calming — they also do a remarkable job of trapping dust and absorbing pollutants in the air inside your home. If you'd like to add some greenery but worry it will be hard to look after, this article brings together 10 easy-care air-purifying houseplants that are tough and ideal for beginners.
10 popular air-purifying plants — tough, easy to grow, and right for any corner of the house
- Snake plant: hardy and resilient, releases oxygen at night — ideal for the bedroom
- ZZ plant: doesn't like much water, tolerates drought well, traps dust and is said to bring good fortune
- Golden pothos: easy to grow in water or soil, absorbs formaldehyde and other volatile compounds
- Rubber plant: thick, glossy leaves, very good at absorbing pollutants — suits minimalist homes
- Peace lily: filters chemical vapours and produces lovely white flowers on tall stems
- Dracaena (lucky bamboo family): easy to propagate, absorbs airborne pollutants and is safe for pets
- Chinese evergreen: likes dappled light, tough, does very well indoors
- Bamboo palm: absorbs benzene, adds humidity to the air — good for air-conditioned rooms
- String of hearts / money plant: cute heart-shaped leaves, easy to grow, good at absorbing pollutants
- Philodendron: grows easily, striking leaf shapes, filters the air and freshens the room
Checklist for keeping indoor plants healthy for years
Caring for air-purifying plants at home isn't hard — just follow this basic checklist:
- Place them in the right light: put them where they get dappled sunlight, such as near a window or in a bright room
- Water just enough: water when the topsoil starts to dry (about every 2-3 days), and don't let water stand in the saucer as it can rot the roots
- Choose the right soil and pot: pick a pot with good drainage holes and use loose, airy potting soil so moisture can drain
- Wipe the leaves regularly: use a damp cloth to wipe dust off the leaves so the pores stay open and the plant can purify the air and photosynthesise fully
Precautions and safe placement tips
Planting and caring for plants is something you can do yourself, but if you want to install wall-mounted plant shelves that need drilling, hang large pots from the ceiling, or install grow lights that need new wiring, consult or hire a qualified structural or electrical tradesperson for safety. Also, the sap of some plants can be mildly toxic to pets, so always place them out of reach of children and animals.