The Best Plants for Purifying the Air: Natural Ways to Breathe Cleaner Indoors

So, after carefully exploring the benefits of real plants over their artificial counterparts (even though you’ll admit that good replica plants really can be pretty good…) you have decided that you really crave the air-purifying power of lush, live plants.

Then you pause. More choices lie ahead… If plants clean the air, which ones are the best at it?

That’s exactly what we’re here to answer!

In our daily life, we are regularly exposed to Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs). These are carbon containing compounds that are found in a range of products and materials present in our homes and workplaces (not ideal…). They evaporate at room temperature and so are easily breathed in by people in typical working environments. VOCs are released from a wide range of everyday sources, including paint, cleaning products, and even air fresheners, and can have significant health effects on those who are exposed to them.

There have been several studies that have explored how indoor plants remove harmful toxins in the air. Both plant leaves and roots have an impact in reducing the concentration of powerful, harmful gasses from an indoor environment. This happens in two different ways.

Through their leaves

Tiny pores in the plants leaves called ‘stomata’ take in the gasses straight out of the air, through a process called transpiration.

Through their roots

VOCs are absorbed onto the surface of soil particles, as well as dissolved in the water held in the soil. Through root uptake, plants can absorb VOCs.

The more plants breathe and absorb VOCs, the more they help circulate the air. This increased circulation allows even more of these harmful compounds to be taken in by the plant and broken down for energy, creating a positive feedback loop.

There are many incredible plants that naturally purify and refresh the air in your space. But some truly rise above the rest – this is our ultimate “best of” list. Alongside their top-notch air-cleansing abilities, we’ve chosen five standouts that also boast other remarkable qualities.

Known for its striking upright leaves and resilience, Snake Plant thrives on minimal care and tolerates low light. It’s highly effective at filtering indoor air, making it ideal for offices, bedrooms, and other busy spaces.

With silver-speckled leaves and elegant trailing vines, Satin Pothos is both beautiful and effective at absorbing VOCs. Adaptable to various light levels and easy to care for, it’s perfect for offices, living rooms, or high shelves where it can cascade naturally. They also just so happen to be one of Amy's favourite plants.

Ideal for low-light spaces like offices and hallways, Chinese Evergreen combines lush, patterned foliage with strong air-purifying abilities. Hardy, attractive, and easy to maintain, it keeps indoor air fresh while adding vibrant greenery.

Famous for its arching green-and-white leaves, the Spider Plant thrives in most conditions and is one of the easiest houseplants to care for. It’s highly effective at removing toxins and freshening the air, making it ideal for desks, shelves, and hanging baskets.

With its slender trunk and spiky, red-edged leaves, the Dragon Tree adds bold, architectural flair to any space. It’s low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and effective at removing indoor air pollutants, making it both a design feature and a functional air purifier.

The truth is, when it comes to adding greenery to your office, there’s really no wrong choice. Every plant we’ve mentioned will do a wonderful job of purifying the air, and they’re just a small sample of the many plants that can freshen your environment. 

Whether you’re aiming for a more productive office or a soothing home sanctuary, choosing the right plants is about more than just aesthetics. Choosing office plants is about creating a healthier, fresher space to live and work in. From the hardy Snake Plant to the elegant hanging spider plant, any plant you welcome into your space will bring with it peace, purity, and joy!