Indoor Plants

All indoor plants act as natural air purifiers by taking up carbon dioxide in the air and releasing fresh oxygen. However, some plants are very good at absorbing and removing gaseous chemicals also known as air toxics from the air like formaldehyde from furniture or cleaning products.

To be effective you should have at least 2-3 plants per 100 square feet, focusing on rooms with newer furniture, fresh paint, or electronic equipment. Plants should ideally be located within your personal breathing zone, so put them near where you sit or sleep.

Benefits of plants:

• naturally filter the air through their biological processes, removing pollutants in the air and releasing fresh oxygen
• reduce stress levels, lowers blood pressure and heart rate
• improve mood – can trigger release of endorphins or feel-good chemicals when plants are within a direct line of sight
• boost attention spans, memory retention, and productivity – remove excess carbon dioxide caused by stale, unventilated air where people hang out, which can impact human cognitive functions
• increase humidity in a dry environment, which can be good for dry skin, sore throats, and dry coughs
• environmentally friendly, require no electricity
• after initial purchase, plants have minimal ongoing costs

Some limitations of plants:

• not as effective as air cleaners in removing high concentrations of pollutants
• generally better at removing certain gaseous chemicals and may not address inhalable particles or microorganisms effectively
• need regular watering, pruning, and care to thrive and continue cleaning the air

For optimal indoor air quality improvements, a combined approach using both plants and air cleaners can be effective. Plants will naturally improve indoor air and add humidity. Air cleaners will be fast acting and efficiently remove a wide range of pollutants.

Air Filtering Plants

The photo tiles below direct you to some of the plants that help clean the air you breath by removing air toxics. Be aware, however, some houseplants can be toxic if consumed by pets or children.  Please check toxicity before purchasing.  

Need help with your new plants? Reach out the CSU Extension Master Gardener Program or your local plant nursery or plant shop! A great resource for information on these plants is the book My Houseplant Changed My Life: Green Well-Being for the Great Indoors by David Domoney. Check it out at your local public library!

• Signs you’re overwatering: yellowing leaves, wilting despite wet soil.
• Signs you’re underwatering: crispy, brown leaf edges, dry and lightweight soil, curling leaves.