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Clean, Green, and Breath-Easy: How Houseplants Can Purify Your Home Air
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Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 14:33 GMT by CNET- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Clean, Green, and Breath‑Easy: How Houseplants Can Purify Your Home Air
In a world where indoor environments can be just as polluted as outdoor ones—thanks to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paint, carpeting, furniture, and even cleaning products—many homeowners are turning to a natural, low‑maintenance solution: houseplants. The CNET article “These houseplants can clean up the air in your home” (originally published on March 15, 2023) reviews the science behind indoor air‑purifying plants, ranks the most effective species, and offers practical care tips to keep your green friends thriving—and your lungs happy.
The Science Behind the Leaves
At the heart of the article is a 1989 NASA Clean Air Study that identified over 70 species capable of removing common indoor pollutants. The study showed that plants such as the spider plant, snake plant, and peace lily can reduce levels of benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene by up to 40 % in a typical apartment setting.
The article also references a 2013 follow‑up from Cornell University that confirmed many of NASA’s findings and added that the combination of photosynthesis, soil microbes, and the plants’ surface area work synergistically to trap and transform toxins. This research, which CNET links to directly, provides a solid scientific backdrop for the “green air filter” myth—now a documented fact.
The Top 10 Indoor Air‑Purifying Plants
Below is a condensed list of the plants highlighted by the article, along with key details that help you decide which ones fit your home.
| # | Plant | Best For | Light Requirements | Watering Tips | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | Low‑maintenance, excellent for beginners | Bright, indirect light | Allow soil to dry between waterings | Thrives in humid conditions; can be potted in hanging baskets. |
| 2 | Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) | Air purifying, low light | Low to medium, indirect | Very drought tolerant; overwatering can kill roots | Converts CO₂ to O₂ at night—great for bedrooms. |
| 3 | Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) | Removes formaldehyde, benzene | Medium, indirect | Keep soil moist; avoid over‑watering | Produces white blooms; be cautious—tasty leaves can be toxic to pets. |
| 4 | Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) | Adds humidity, removes formaldehyde | Bright, indirect | Keep soil consistently moist; mist regularly | Prefers cooler rooms; perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. |
| 5 | Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) | Natural humidifier, aesthetic | Bright, indirect | Water when the top inch of soil is dry | Can grow over 6 ft; needs a larger pot for long‑term growth. |
| 6 | Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) | Skin‑soothing, removes formaldehyde | Bright, indirect | Water deeply but infrequently; let soil dry out | Its gel is handy for sunburns; also a popular succulent. |
| 7 | Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) | Low‑light resilience, air purifier | Low to bright indirect | Water when the top inch of soil is dry | Can be trained in a trailing basket or trained up a trellis. |
| 8 | Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) | Adds oxygen, removes benzene | Low to medium indirect | Keep soil moist but not soggy | Many varieties; some are pet‑toxic, so choose wisely. |
| 9 | English Ivy (Hedera helix) | Excellent mold and mildew remover | Bright, indirect | Keep soil moist; can be a trailing or climbing plant | Sensitive to cold; avoid winter drafts. |
| 10 | Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) | Brightens rooms, removes formaldehyde | Bright, direct or indirect | Water regularly; allow surface to dry | Requires bright light; good for the kitchen or dining room. |
The article explains that while all of these plants contribute to cleaner air, a combination of species typically yields the best results. For example, a snake plant in the bedroom, a peace lily in the living room, and a spider plant on the kitchen counter create a diversified “clean‑air ecosystem.”
Care Tips that Keep the Air Clean
- Avoid Over‑Watering – Many plants (especially the snake plant) are prone to root rot. Stick your finger into the soil; if it’s dry to an inch below the surface, it’s time to water.
- Use Good Soil – A well‑draining potting mix with organic matter supports beneficial microbes that help break down VOCs.
- Light is Key – Most indoor air‑purifiers do best in bright, indirect light. If your apartment is low on natural light, consider supplementing with a grow light.
- Dust the Leaves – Clean dust from leaf surfaces with a damp cloth; this allows the plant to photosynthesize more efficiently and prevents fungal buildup.
- Rotate Regularly – Turning the pot every 2–3 weeks ensures even growth and light exposure.
The article links to CNET’s own “How to Care for Indoor Plants” guide, which offers a deeper dive into species‑specific watering schedules and troubleshooting tips.
Practical Ways to Incorporate Clean‑Air Plants Into Your Home
- Bedroom Air Quality – Place a snake plant or peace lily near the bed; their nighttime oxygen production can improve sleep quality.
- Kitchen & Bathroom – Boston ferns and areca palms thrive in high‑humidity environments and help reduce mold spores.
- Living Room Accents – Pothos and philodendrons add tropical vibes without requiring intense sunlight.
- Office Spaces – Spider plants and gerbera daisies brighten cubicles and reduce office‑related pollutants.
The CNET article also notes that adding a small “plant tower” or a hanging basket not only saves floor space but creates a visual focal point that invites you to check on your plants more often, thereby reinforcing the habit of maintaining indoor air quality.
The Bottom Line
Indoor air pollution is an invisible threat that can affect everything from headaches to asthma symptoms. The CNET piece demonstrates that a handful of hardy houseplants—spider plants, snake plants, peace lilies, Boston ferns, and others—offer a simple, cost‑effective way to counteract those toxins. By following the science-backed care instructions, homeowners can transform their living spaces into healthier, greener, and more inviting environments.
If you’re looking to take the next step, CNET’s linked “Plant Care Checklist” and a few product reviews for self‑watering planters make it easy to choose the right plants and tools for your lifestyle. So, pick a pot, grab a little soil, and start breathing cleaner, fresher air today.
Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/these-houseplants-can-clean-up-the-air-in-your-home/ ]
