8 Houseplants That Look Amazing and Clean Your Air: Freshen Up Your Space Naturally

Looking to shake things up in your living space and breathe a little easier? You’re not alone. Adding houseplants to your home can help clean the air and boost the look of any room at the same time.

If you want something that looks great without a lot of fuss, this list of houseplants is a solid place to start. You’ll discover plants that bring style and freshen up your environment—no dramatic changes needed.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Ready for a touch of the dramatic? Fiddle leaf fig trees bring a bold, broad-leafed vibe to any room, instantly transforming your space. Those huge green leaves aren’t just eye-catching—they’re also quietly working in the background to freshen up the air.

If you’re thinking about air-cleaning power, here’s a little tip: NASA recommends having 2-3 fiddle leaf figs (in 8-inch pots) for every 100 square feet. That way, you’re not just styling your home—you’re helping your indoor air quality.

Caring for this plant? Place your fiddle leaf fig where it gets plenty of bright, indirect light. The more sunlight it soaks up, the faster it grows, and the lusher it’ll look.

Check out some fast facts below:

Feature	Details
Light Needed	Bright, indirect
Watering	Keep soil lightly moist
Air Cleaning	Effective with multiple plants
Pot Size Recommendation	8-inch pots or larger

Fiddle leaf figs can get a bit picky. Make sure their pots have good drainage and the roots have room to breathe—they need air around their roots to thrive. Give yours a little TLC, and it’ll be one of the highlights of your home, both visually and for the air you breathe.

Golden Pothos Plant

If you want a houseplant that’s easy to love and doesn’t ask for much, the Golden Pothos could be your new favorite. This plant goes by another nickname—Devil’s Ivy—thanks to its reputation for being practically impossible to kill.

Not only does the Golden Pothos look sharp with its heart-shaped leaves and streaks of gold, but you’ll also find it’s pretty handy at making your air fresher. Studies and sources point out that it’s able to help cut down on household pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.

You don’t need a green thumb to keep this plant happy. The Golden Pothos thrives in low or bright light and doesn’t mind if you forget to water it every now and then.

Let’s check out a quick snapshot of what you’ll get with this plant:

Feature	Why It’s Great
Air Purifying	Removes common indoor VOCs
Maintenance	Very low—tolerates some neglect
Light Requirements	Adapts to low or bright spots
Looks	Heart-shaped leaves, golden streaks

Hang your Golden Pothos in a basket or let it trail from a shelf. Either way, you’re bringing in a plant that works as hard as it looks good!

Ruby Rubber Tree Plant

If you’re after a houseplant with a pop of color, the Ruby Rubber Tree Plant (Ficus elastica ‘Ruby’) is a top pick. This plant stands out with its striking variegated leaves, featuring shades of pink, green, and creamy white—all in one leaf.

Not only is it a showstopper, but it also earns points for improving the air in your home. Like other rubber plants, the Ruby variety helps filter toxins from the air, making your living space fresher.

You don’t need to be a gardening pro to keep this plant happy. The Ruby Rubber Tree is pretty forgiving—just give it bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Check out this quick fact table:

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Ficus elastica ‘Ruby’
Light Needs	Bright, indirect sunlight
Air Purifying	Yes
Leaf Colors	Pink, green, cream
Typical Height Indoors	2–6 feet

Place your Ruby Rubber Tree near a sunny window, but keep it out of direct, harsh rays. With a little attention, you’ll enjoy its vibrant colors—and a bit fresher air—every day.

Monstera Deliciosa

If you’re hunting for a houseplant that brings that tropical wow factor and takes up air cleaning duties, Monstera Deliciosa is a top pick. Those big, split leaves aren’t just there for looks—they actually help the plant filter the air in your space.

You’ll want to place your Monstera in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch those awesome leaves, but not enough light will stunt its growth.

Watering is a breeze. Let the top inch or two of soil dry out before you grab your watering can again. Monsteras don’t like sitting in soggy soil, so make sure your pot has good drainage.

Check out this quick care guide:

Feature	Details
Light	Bright, indirect sunlight
Water	When top 1-2 inches dry
Air Purification?	Yes, especially for large leaves
Growth Pattern	Upright, climbing, dramatic foliage

Another cool tip: if your Monstera looks a little dull, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. This helps the plant breathe better and keeps it looking sharp in your space.

You might even spot a few aerial roots popping out as the plant matures. That’s totally normal—Monsteras use these to anchor themselves in nature.

When you care for your Monstera, you’re not just getting a bold, designer look. You’re also inviting a plant into your home that helps reduce air pollution—it’s beauty and function in one leafy package.

Peace Lily

Say hello to the peace lily—a super popular plant that looks great and does more than just sit pretty in your living room.

You’ll love how those sleek, dark green leaves give off a rich, tropical vibe. And when it blooms, those crisp white flowers are sure to catch your eye.

If you love low-maintenance plants, this one’s a winner. Peace lilies handle partial shade like a champ and don’t need much direct sunlight. That means you can place yours just about anywhere, including rooms that don’t get a ton of light.

Keeping a peace lily healthy is easy—just give it a little water when the soil feels dry. Too much water? Not a problem if you forget once in a while; it actually bounces back well after a dry spell.

Check out what sets it apart:

Feature	Peace Lily
Light Needs	Partial shade, indirect
Watering	When soil is dry
Air Purification	Yes, improves indoor air
Pet Safe?	Toxic if eaten by pets

Now, here’s a little bonus: peace lilies don’t just look cool—they help filter indoor air. According to some studies (including NASA’s clean air study), these plants can help reduce certain toxins found in homes.

Keep in mind though, if you have pets, it’s good to know that peace lilies are toxic if eaten by cats or dogs. So keep yours out of paw’s reach.

Snake Plant

If you want a plant that’s nearly impossible to mess up and packs a punch for air quality, the Snake Plant (also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue) is calling your name. You can spot this plant by its sturdy, upright leaves with green banding that sometimes have yellow edges. It has a modern vibe that fits right in with nearly any space.

Snake plants are known for their ability to filter indoor air. Research has found they can help remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene—a big win for allergy relief and fresh breathing at home. They even work their air-purifying magic at night, which makes them excellent company in bedrooms.

Don’t worry about giving it too much attention. This plant actually prefers neglect to overwatering. If your home tends to be a little on the dry side or you forget to water your plants, the snake plant is a survivor.

Here’s a quick look at what makes the snake plant stand out:

Feature	Benefit
Air purification	Removes benzene, formaldehyde, and more
Low maintenance	Needs minimal watering
Great for bedrooms	Filters air even at night
Modern décor look	Sleek, upright leaves fit any style

If you’re looking for something that looks sharp and works hard, the snake plant won’t let you down.

Boston Fern

If you’re looking for a houseplant that pulls its weight, Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) could be your new leafy hero. Not only does it have graceful, feathery fronds that look amazing in a hanging basket or planter, but it also helps improve the air in your home.

The Boston Fern is especially good at removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, which are common indoor toxins. These pollutants can sneak in from products like paints, cleaners, and furniture. Having a Boston Fern around helps minimize their presence.

This plant prefers a cool, humid spot with indirect light. If you have a bathroom with a window or a shaded corner in your living room, it’ll feel right at home. Don’t forget to mist it occasionally or keep it near other plants for that extra humidity boost.

Here’s a quick look at what Boston Fern needs to stay happy:

Care Aspect	What It Likes
Light	Indirect or filtered
Water	Keep soil consistently moist
Humidity	High (mist often or use a tray)
Temperature	Cool (60–75°F or 16–24°C)

Boston Ferns are relatively easy to care for, as long as you keep the soil from drying out. They’re also pet-friendly, making them a safe choice if you’ve got curious cats or dogs roaming around. With a Boston Fern, you’ll get both looks and clean air—what’s not to love?

Spider Plant

Ready for a plant that’s both low-maintenance and a superstar at freshening up your space? Meet the Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum). It doesn’t just look cool with its long arched leaves—it’s known for being one of the best air-purifying houseplants you can add to your home.

You don’t have to be an expert gardener to keep this one happy. Spider plants like indirect light and don’t need much attention. Forget to water it now and then? No problem. It’s pretty forgiving.

Here’s why you’ll love having a spider plant around:

Air-Cleaning Skills	What Spider Plant Can Help With
Removes formaldehyde	Found in furniture and cleaners
Reduces carbon monoxide	From gas stoves or heaters
Removes other toxins	Cleans up indoor air pollutants

Your spider plant will even send out baby plants called “spiderettes” that dangle down like decorations—so you get a living air filter and some natural style in one neat package.

Place yours on a shelf or let it hang where the leaves can show off. It’s a simple touch that makes your home feel brighter and fresher.

How Houseplants Improve Indoor Air Quality

Houseplants don’t just look good—they can actually help refresh your space, too. These green buddies work in a few ways to create a cleaner, healthier place for you to relax and recharge.

The Science Behind Air-Purifying Plants

Plants use a process called photosynthesis to absorb carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen. But here’s the cool part: certain houseplants also help remove airborne toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, turning your space into a fresher environment.

Some plants, like the Spider Plant and Peace Lily, are stars at filtering out common household pollutants. They absorb these chemicals through their leaves and roots, helping you avoid breathing them in. Plus, as plants “sweat” through transpiration, they add moisture to the air, which can help prevent dry air problems indoors.

NASA even studied how houseplants clean indoor air. Their findings showed that adding a few well-chosen plants can improve your home’s atmosphere—especially in rooms where you spend the most time.

Best Practices for Cleaner Indoor Air

To get the most out of your houseplants, variety and placement matter. Place different species in key areas—think the living room, bedroom, or near a workspace—since each plant targets different pollutants. For example, try keeping a Rubber Plant or English Ivy near busy areas.

Here are some quick tips for success:

Tip	Why It Matters
Rotate plants regularly	Ensures even growth and light exposure
Dust leaves occasionally	Keeps pores open for better air filtration
Avoid overwatering	Prevents mold and root rot (no extra issues)

Combine your plant selection with good airflow and sunlight when possible. And don’t forget—while plants help, keeping your space tidy and ventilated is just as essential for truly clean indoor air.

Tips for Thriving Houseplants

Getting your indoor plants to look their best (while cleaning your air) doesn’t have to be intimidating. Paying attention to where you place them and how you care for them makes a bigger difference than most folks realize.

Optimal Light and Watering Advice

Proper light can be the deciding factor in whether your houseplants flourish or just survive. Most air-purifying favorites, like pothos, snake plants, and peace lilies, do well in bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little causes weak, leggy growth. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light with a timer.

What about watering? Overwatering is the number-one killer of indoor plants. Use the “finger test”: Stick a finger about an inch into the soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Most air-cleaning plants prefer evenly moist soil, but not soggy roots. Check out this quick guide:

Plant	Light Needs	Watering Frequency
Spider Plant	Indirect, bright	Weekly
Snake Plant	Low to bright	Bi-weekly
Peace Lily	Indirect, bright	Weekly
Boston Fern	Indirect, cool	Keep moist

Safe Placement Around the Home

Location matters, both for your plants’ health and your own. Keep plants like peace lilies and pothos out of reach of children and pets, as some can be mildly toxic if ingested. High humidity plants (like ferns) love bathrooms or kitchens where moisture is in the air.

Place your plants away from heat vents, drafty windows, or air conditioners, since sudden temperature swings can stress them out. Use decorative shelves or plant stands to elevate them closer to light sources without cluttering walkways. If you like moving plants around, rotate them weekly for even growth—no more lopsided leaves. Proper placement keeps your green buddies looking sharp and makes your home even healthier.