7 Houseplants That Purify Air Naturally (+ Which Ones Absorb CO₂ at Night!)

Looking to clean up your indoor air naturally? These powerhouse plants don’t just look pretty—they can help remove harmful pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and even carbon monoxide from your home. Many of them are backed by the famous NASA Clean Air Study, which tested indoor plants for their air-purifying capabilities.

Here are 7 of the best air-purifying plants to keep in your home:

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1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene
Care: Thrives in high humidity and indirect light

Boston Ferns are lush and vibrant but can be a bit needy. They love moisture and humidity—making them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Just keep the soil consistently damp (not soggy).

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 2. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Removes: Benzene, formaldehyde
Care: Needs bright, direct sunlight

More than just a natural remedy for sunburns, Aloe Vera also helps remove chemical byproducts found in cleaning agents. Just be sure to give it plenty of light—this desert plant loves the sun.

Bonus: Aloe Vera is one of the few plants that absorbs CO₂ at night, making it great for bedrooms.

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3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Removes: Toluene, xylene
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture

Also known as the Butterfly Palm, the Areca Palm is both an air purifier and a natural humidifier. It’s non-toxic to pets and adds a lovely tropical vibe to your space.

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4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Removes: Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, xylene
Care: Super low maintenance; does well in indirect light

A popular pick for beginners, the Spider Plant is tough, fast-growing, and safe for kids and pets. It’s also known to produce “babies” or plantlets, making it easy to propagate.

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5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Removes: Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia
Care: Prefers moderate light and weekly watering

Peace Lilies are beautiful and functional. But beware: they’re toxic to pets if ingested. Keep them up high or out of reach of furry friends.

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6. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria)

Removes: Benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene
Care: Extremely hardy—tolerates low light and little water

A fan favorite for bedrooms, the Snake Plant is one of the few plants that releases oxygen at night (thanks to CAM photosynthesis). It’s almost impossible to kill, making it perfect for beginners or forgetful plant parents.

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7. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene
Care: Needs bright, indirect light; sensitive to environmental changes

This elegant plant can grow into a full indoor tree, but it’s not the most forgiving. Sudden changes in light or water can lead to leaf drop. Still, it’s effective at trapping airborne particles on its waxy leaves.

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 Plants That Absorb CO₂ at Night

Most plants take in carbon dioxide during the day. But a few special varieties use CAM photosynthesis, absorbing CO₂ at night and releasing oxygen—ideal for bedrooms:

• Snake Plant

• Aloe Vera

• Orchids

• Bromeliads

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Final Thoughts:
Adding houseplants to your space won’t replace proper ventilation, but they can be a beautiful and beneficial way to support cleaner indoor air. Start with one or two low-maintenance varieties (like the Snake Plant or Spider Plant) and grow your indoor jungle from there.