10 Air-Purifying Indoor Plants That Are Hard to Kill

Bringing plants into your home is one of the simplest ways to make a space feel healthier and happier. Beyond their decorative value, many common houseplants have been shown to have the ability to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and certain pollutants in controlled studies. Some of the best performers are also the easiest to keep alive. Below, I’ve rounded up ten resilient, widely available, air-purifying indoor plants that offer specific health benefits and survive forgiving conditions, such as low light, irregular watering, and busy lifestyles. I’ll also elaborate on what the science actually says about air purification so you can set realistic expectations.

A quick reality check: Can plants really clean indoor air?

In short, yes, but with conditions. The classic NASA Clean Air Study (1989) identified several houseplants that can absorb specific VOCs such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene under laboratory conditions. More recent reviews and field studies suggest that plants can help reduce certain pollutants and improve humidity levels. Still, the scale matters as a few pots won’t substitute for ventilation or filtration in a sealed, polluted room. Use plants as a complementary, low-tech strategy for fresher indoor air, and pair them with source control measures, such as reducing VOC-emitting products and ensuring good ventilation.

The shortlist: 10 hardy, air-friendly houseplants in NASA’s compiled list

Below are ten plants that combine resilience with documented air-purifying potential. For each, I provide a brief care guide, the pollutants they’re known to remove, where data is available, and photos to make it convenient for you to recognize them.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria/Dracaena trifasciata)

Snake plants are highly tolerant of low light, drought, and temperature fluctuations. It’s often cited in VOC studies, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.

They require bright to low indirect light, water every two to six weeks, depending on the season, and use well-draining soil.

Pothos/Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos are fast-growing plants that tolerate low light conditions and irregular watering schedules. They are commonly recommended for beginners and are often featured in air-quality lists.

They require low to bright indirect light, keep the soil slightly moist, but are tolerant of drying out.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ plants withstand neglect and low light better than most. Their glossy leaves add a modern look, and they are increasingly popular worldwide.

They require low to medium light, water sparingly, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are fast reproducers, easy to propagate, and have been included in classic air-cleaning studies, such as those involving formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Safe for many households, but check pets.

They require bright, indirect light, and like slightly moist soil.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Why it’s excellent: Flowers indoors, thrives in low light, and shows firm VOC removal profiles such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.

They require low to medium light and keep the soil evenly moist; wilting is a clear signal to water.

Note: Toxic if ingested by pets/children.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe vera plants are multi-purpose; for example, they can be used for skin remedies and offer various health benefits. Shown to absorb formaldehyde and benzene in lab studies. Loves bright light and sparse watering.

They require bright light, water deeply but infrequently, and allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

The large, glossy leaves of the rubber plant trap dust and are reported to reduce formaldehyde; they are robust and forgiving when exposed to moderate light.

They require bright, indirect light, which is preferred, and moderate watering is recommended. Wipe leaves occasionally to keep pores clear and prevent clogging.

Dracaena (several species)

They are tough, structural plants that tolerate indoor conditions; several Dracaena species are included on air-quality lists and gardening roundups.

They require bright to medium indirect light, moderate watering, and allow topsoil to dry slightly.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns thrive in humid environments, help increase indoor moisture, and are beneficial in dry climates; they have been associated with reducing formaldehyde levels. Needs a little more attention and is hardy in the right spot.

They need to provide indirect light, high humidity, and keep the soil consistently moist.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

They are legendary for their tolerance, thrive in low light, fluctuating temperatures, and neglect. Not in every air study, but valuable when durability is the priority.

They require low light and water when the top of the soil is partly dry.

Comparison table

Plant	Light Tolerance	Watering	Lab Observed VOCs	Difficulty
Snake Plant	Low–bright	Low	Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene.	Very easy
Pothos	Low–bright	Low–moderate	Commonly listed for VOC removal.	Very easy
ZZ Plant	Very Low–bright	Very low	Durable; limited direct VOC lab data.	Very easy
Spider Plant	Low–bright	Moderate	Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene.	Easy
Peace Lily	Low–medium	Moderate	Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene.	Easy
Aloe Vera	Bright	Low	Formaldehyde, benzene.	Easy
Rubber Plant	Medium–bright	Moderate	Formaldehyde.	Easy
Dracaena	Low–bright	Moderate	Listed in air-quality lists.	Easy
Boston Fern	Indirect	High	Formaldehyde, xylene	Moderate
Cast Iron Plant	Very low	Low–moderate	Durable; limited direct VOC lab data.	Easy

Practical tips for success

Start with light. Matching the plant to the room’s light level reduces the likelihood of failure. Snake plants and ZZ plants tolerate low light, while aloe and most succulents require bright light.

Drainage matters. Most “hardy” plants hate sitting in water. Use well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes to ensure optimal growth.

Don’t overwater. The single biggest reason people lose plants is overwatering. When in doubt, wait; many of these species store water or tolerate drought.

Rotate and clean leaves. Dust blocks pores. Wiping large leaves of the rubber plant and the snake plant helps photosynthesis and keeps them functioning well.

Scale expectations for air cleaning. If your goal is to significantly reduce indoor VOCs in a closed space, consider pairing plants with ventilation or an air purifier, as research shows that plants can help, but they are not a magic substitute for proper airflow and source control.

Where to buy and international availability

These species are widely available across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia through garden centers, large retailers, and online nurseries. Varieties and cultivar names may differ regionally; for example, “Sansevieria” is often sold as “snake plant” or “mother-in-law’s tongue”. Still, the ten plants above are staples in the global houseplant trade. If you live in a very humid or arid region, choose species adapted to those conditions, such as ferns for humid climates, and succulents for dry climates.

Final verdict: which one should you pick?

For absolute beginners / minimal care, consider the ZZ plant, Snake plant, or Pothos. If you want flowers indoors, consider the Peace Lily, but be aware that it may be toxic to pets. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose option for both first aid and plants, consider Aloe vera. If you desire humidity and a lush appearance, consider the Boston fern, which requires more care.

Final notes on health claims and science

The original NASA experiments helped raise awareness about plants’ potential to remove VOCs. More recent, larger-scale reviews and fieldwork have both supported and questioned the extent to which a realistic number of houseplants has on overall indoor air quality. The consensus in recent literature is that plants are beneficial for well-being and can remove certain pollutants. However, for meaningful pollutant control in modern homes, it is recommended to combine plants with ventilation and source removal. In other words, they’re a beautiful, helpful part of the solution, not the whole solution.

Your feedback on future articles related to this subject would be greatly appreciated.

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