2021 Best Indoor Plants For Your Home — Air-Purifying Plants

Monstera Deliciosa

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These trendy plants are one of Horton's faves not just because their eye-catching look is oh-so-'grammable, but because "once you get them going, they're easy growing." Especially during the warmer season, expect to see a new leaf weekly. Plus, you can easily propagate them (a.k.a. split off a leaf with a node and give it to a friend to grow their own).

You only need to water a monstera deliciosa every one to two weeks, letting the soil dry out between waterings, per The Sill. Plus, it's perfect if your place doesn't get direct sunlight—all it needs is a spot that receives bright to medium indirect light.

In general, large-leafed philodendron plants, including the monstera deliciosa, were shown to be one of the most effective at reducing air pollutants, like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde, according to a NASA study. 

Pet friendly? No. 

Pothos

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"Sometimes referred to as the 'cubicle plant,' the pothos is a great pick if you're a self-proclaimed 'black thumb,' says Marino. (Just so you know, a 'black thumb' is the total opposite of a 'green thumb.') And while this plant starts out small, its trailing vines can grow to over 10 feet long (WOW), even indoors where lower light and dry air make conditions less than ideal. 

As an added bonus, this plant is super easy to grow, adds Marino, and propagates (translation: breeds more pothos) in water. While you'll need to learn how to propagate a Pothos plant, you can basically get as many plants as you want for the price of one. And like the snake plant, the pothos filters benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

Pet friendly? No. 

ZZ Plant

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If you live in a lower light environment, Marino and Horton suggest getting a ZZ Plant because they're drought tolerant and incredibly low maintenance. You might notice the ZZ has large potato-like rhizomes (a.k.a. horizontal stems that continuously grow) under the surface of its surrounding potting mix.

These rhizomes, Horton explains, are "hearty," storing water that helps the plant survive drought in its natural environment. She recommends watering it once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every two months when it goes dormant in the fall. "It's a great plant to have if you're somebody who happens to travel a lot," Horton adds. 

 Oh, and Marino notes that many cultures believe a ZZ Plant "symbolizes prosperity and friendship," making it a great housewarming gift. 

Pet friendly? No. 

Spider Plant

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$13.99

Plants that give off "instant jungle vibes," like the spider plant, are having a serious moment right now, according to Marino. And they're super easy to care for, says Vassilkioti. These plants need bright light, but no direct sun, so they're perfect to put in a room with big windows. Just keep it away from the windowsill.  

Vassilkioti adds that this plant is fun to have around because it grows "baby spiders" (spiderettes), which can be easily propagated. It's also a strong air purifier, removing both formaldehyde and xylene.

Pet friendly? YES!

Bird’s Nest Fern

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Having a bird’s nest fern in your home is an instant conversation starter, thanks to its bright green, ripple-edged fronds. You'll score major cool points with this signature-looking plant, especially if you put it in a hanging planter, as Marino recommends. 

Because the bird's nest fern thrives in medium indirect light and a humid environment, Marino says, "it would do great in a bathroom with a shower, as long as there are windows that receive natural light." 

Ferns have been shown to filter formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, so it's not a bad idea to put one in your bathroom. After all, that's where you're likely to use household toxins, like harsh cleaners, hairspray, and nail polish remover that often contain these chemicals.

Pet friendly? YES!

Peace Lily

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$24.00

If you already have experience keeping an indoor plant alive (congrats), then it might be time to add a peace lily into the mix.  Vassilkioti says this one requires more attention compared to other indoor plants. That means keeping it moist without over-watering and placing it in a bright but shady spot, she explains. 

One thing to note: "The peace lily's flowers have pollen, so this plant might not be the best choice for people who struggle with allergies," says Vassilkioti. 

If that's not a problem for you, she recommends putting a peace lily in your bedroom since it produces oxygen at night, while most other plants do that during the day. Besides producing oxygen, this plant also removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. 

Pet friendly? No. 

Philodendron Green

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"In the right indoor conditions, the philodendron’s heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines can grow to over 10 feet long, like the pothos," says Marino. This makes it a great plant if you've got high shelves, or want to add a hanging planter to your home decor.

Also, like the pothos, it's "incredibly easy to prune and propagate, if you prefer a more compact shape," she adds. It's also one of the easiest houseplants to grow. 

Though it's not the most air-purifying plant out there, philodendrons do filter formaldehyde. Not too shabby for a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for newbies. 

Pet friendly? No. 

Aloe Vera

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"This plant isn't just easy to care for, it's also known as a healer," says Vassilkioti. "Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties." So not only can you use this plant to brighten up your home, but you can also use it to heal wounds and different skin conditions.

Put your aloe vera plant in a bright, sunny spot and don't worry about keeping it alive. "This guy likes to get its soil very, very dry before watering," she adds. And even if you don't use aloe vera for its healing properties, you can still reap all its air-purification benefits as it removes formaldehyde. 

Pet friendly? No.