Air-Purifying Houseplants
30Plants below are known for filtering indoor air pollutants, as identified by the NASA Clean Air Study. Each card shows whether the plant is also safe for pets.
Note: Real-world air purification effects require many plants. Benefits extend beyond air quality — plants reduce stress and improve indoor aesthetics.
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
✓ Air purifying
✓ Pet safe
Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
✓ Air purifying
✓ Pet safe
Corn Plant
Dracaena fragrans
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
English Ivy
Hedera helix
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Areca Palm
Dypsis lutescens
✓ Air purifying
✓ Pet safe
Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegans
✓ Air purifying
✓ Pet safe
Dragon Tree
Dracaena marginata
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Weeping Fig
Ficus benjamina
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Golden Pothos
Epipremnum aureum 'Golden'
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Bamboo Palm
Chamaedorea seifrizii
✓ Air purifying
✓ Pet safe
Giant Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum 'Sensation'
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Lady Palm
Rhapis excelsa
✓ Air purifying
✓ Pet safe
Striped Dracaena
Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii'
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Janet Craig Dracaena
Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig'
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Kimberly Queen Fern
Nephrolepis obliterata
✓ Air purifying
✓ Pet safe
Epipremnum Pinnatum
Epipremnum pinnatum
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Scindapsus Argyraeus
Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus'
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegans
✓ Air purifying
✓ Pet safe
Bamboo Palm
Chamaedorea seifrizii
✓ Air purifying
✓ Pet safe
Areca Palm
Dypsis lutescens
✓ Air purifying
✓ Pet safe
Ficus Audrey
Ficus benghalensis 'Audrey'
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Star Sansevieria
Dracaena kirkii
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Peace Lily Wallisii
Spathiphyllum wallisii
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Jade Pothos
Epipremnum aureum 'Jade'
✓ Air purifying
✗ Toxic to pets
Check toxicity for any plant
Use the Pet Toxicity Lookup →Frequently Asked Questions
Which houseplants purify indoor air?↓
The NASA Clean Air Study identified several houseplants that filter common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. Top performers include Spider Plant, Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Pothos, and Boston Fern.
Do air-purifying plants actually work?↓
The NASA Clean Air Study showed that houseplants can filter certain VOCs and pollutants from the air in controlled conditions. While real-world results are less dramatic, plants do contribute to better indoor air quality and well-being. You would need a significant number of plants to have a measurable effect in a typical room.
Are air-purifying plants safe for pets?↓
Not all air-purifying plants are pet-safe. Pothos, Peace Lily, and Snake Plant are toxic to cats and dogs despite their air-filtering properties. Spider Plant and Boston Fern are air-purifying plants that are also safe for pets.