14 House Plants that are Great for Aesthetics and Air Quality

If you want to add a touch of nature to your space and improve air quality at the same time, house plants are a perfect choice! Not only do they look beautiful, but they also help purify the air, making your home feel fresher and healthier. Here are 14 house plants to make your indoor space beautiful.

1. Spider Plant

The spider plant is an easy-to-care-for favorite. Its long, arching leaves add a fresh, green touch to any room. Plus, it’s great at removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Water them when the soil feels dry to the touch, and don’t overwater—spider plants prefer to dry out a bit between waterings.

2. Snake Plant

Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is practically bulletproof. It can survive with little sunlight and water, and it’s a natural air purifier. This plant is excellent for improving oxygen levels, especially at night, making it perfect for your bedroom.
Snake plants are low-maintenance and only need to be watered when the soil is completely dry. They thrive in indirect light, but they can also tolerate low light conditions, making them perfect for darker rooms.

3. Peace Lily

Peace lilies are beautiful, low-maintenance plants with glossy green leaves and white blooms. They’re not only aesthetically pleasing but also super effective at removing indoor pollutants like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde.
Peace lilies prefer moderate to low light and should be watered when the soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot. Keep them away from direct sunlight to avoid scorched leaves.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing gel, but it’s also an amazing air purifier. It removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air and adds a sleek, minimalist look to your home. Plus, you can use the gel for skin care!
Aloe vera plants thrive in bright, indirect light. They’re drought-tolerant, so only water them when the soil is completely dry. Avoid watering too often, as they don’t like being too wet.

5. Areca Palm

If you’re looking for something more tropical, the areca palm is perfect. Its feathery fronds bring a touch of paradise to your home while removing toxins like xylene and toluene from the air. It’s a great plant for larger spaces.
Areca palms need bright, indirect light and should be watered regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. They prefer humidity, so misting the leaves or placing them in a humid area will help them thrive.

6. Bamboo Palm

Bamboo palms are not only stylish but also great for cleaning the air. They thrive in lower light conditions and remove common pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. They’ll add a calm vibe to your space while improving air quality.
Bamboo palms prefer moderate to low light and should be watered when the soil feels dry. They thrive in higher humidity, so consider misting them occasionally or placing them near a humidifier.

7. Boston Fern

With its lush, delicate fronds, the Boston fern is an elegant addition to any room. It thrives in humid environments, making it perfect for bathrooms, and it’s excellent at removing pollutants like formaldehyde from the air.
Boston ferns prefer bright, indirect light and moist, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular misting will help maintain the humidity levels the fern loves.

8. Philodendron

Philodendrons are popular for their heart-shaped leaves and easy care. They can tolerate a variety of conditions, making them a great plant for beginners. Besides their beauty, they’re fantastic at filtering out toxins like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
Philodendrons prefer indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, and let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

9. Rubber Plant

The rubber plant’s thick, glossy leaves give it a striking look, and it’s also a great air purifier. It’s particularly effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde. Place it in a bright spot, and it will thrive, adding a touch of elegance to your home.
Rubber plants love bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top of the soil feels dry. Be sure to clean the leaves occasionally to keep them shiny and dust-free, as this will help them absorb more sunlight.

10. Pothos

Pothos plants are incredibly easy to grow and can thrive in low light, making them perfect for nearly any room in your house. Their cascading vines look gorgeous hanging from shelves or in a decorative pot. Pothos also help purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
Pothos thrive in low to moderate light and prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Water them when the soil feels dry to the touch, and be sure to cut back any long vines to maintain their shape.

11. English Ivy

English ivy is a versatile plant that can be used as a hanging plant or draped over a shelf. It’s great at removing airborne mold spores and other toxins, helping to improve air quality in your home. Plus, it looks great as a natural piece of decor.
English ivy prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. It also benefits from occasional pruning to keep it from growing too long or out of control.

12. Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera daisies are known for their vibrant, cheerful flowers that come in a variety of colors. They’re also excellent at removing trichloroethylene and benzene from the air. A pop of color and a cleaner environment? Yes, please!
Gerbera daisies thrive in bright, indirect light and need to be watered regularly, but make sure the soil has good drainage. These plants like their soil to be slightly moist but never soggy.

13. ZZ Plant

ZZ plants are perfect for beginners. They can thrive in almost any condition, from low light to neglectful watering schedules. Plus, they have a beautiful waxy sheen that adds a modern look to your space while also purifying the air.
ZZ plants are incredibly low-maintenance. They can survive with minimal watering and do well in low light. Water them only when the soil is completely dry, and avoid letting the plant sit in water to prevent root rot.

14. Dracaena

Dracaena plants are not only beautiful but are also great for improving indoor air quality. They come in many varieties, with different leaf shapes and colors, adding interest to your home. They help remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Dracaenas prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top of the soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, and let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

Time to be a Plant Parent?

House plants are a simple way to elevate your space while also making it healthier. Not only do these plants look great, but they’ll also help purify your air, leaving you with a fresher, cleaner space to enjoy.