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Landscaping

20 Plants That Purify the Air to Have at Home

The plants that purify the air are much more than a trend: they are allies of health, aesthetics, and well-being

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Jun 6, 2025, 4:41 PM

10 min de leitura
Trace 8 Architecture - Dreamy Trail. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

Trace 8 Architecture - Dreamy Trail. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Israel Gollino)

The use of air-purifying plants stands out for uniting beauty, health, and well-being. More than just for decoration, they improve air quality, reduce stress, and bring balance to indoor projects — a necessary breath in the midst of urban routine. Studies by NASA in the 1980s indicated that certain plant species have the power to remove toxins present in the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia, directly contributing to a healthier home. And the best part: many of these plants are low-maintenance and adapt well to the indoor project. Next, we've selected 20 species of air-purifying plants that can be easily integrated into residential projects, bringing benefits for both the body and the mind.

1. Snake Plant


Sword of Saint George, also known as Sansevieria or snake plant, is a popular houseplant with various meanings. In many cultures, it is regarded as a symbol of protection and is believed to ward off negative energies. Additionally, it is seen as a sign of resilience, as it can thrive in various conditions without requiring much care. To cultivate a Sword of Saint George, ensure it has well-draining soil and water it sparingly, letting the soil dry out between waterings. It prefers indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light conditions. This hardy plant does well in minimal projects and can be propagated through leaf cuttings or by dividing the roots.

Espada-de-São-Jorge (Sansevieria trifasciata) (Unsplash/Divulgação)

Resistant and low-maintenance, it is perfect for indoor projects. It filters substances like formaldehyde and benzene, making it ideal for bedrooms and living rooms. Learn how to cultivate this species by clicking here!

2. Devil's Ivy


Jiboia Plant

Jiboia. (Unsplash/CASACOR)

Very popular indoors, this plant is great for hanging or placing in tall pots. It helps to remove carbon monoxide and other pollutants. Check care tips by clicking here!

3. Peace Lily


Lily

Lírio-da-paz (Spathiphyllum wallisii) (Divulgação/Divulgação)

In addition to its elegant flowers, this plant eliminates ammonia and other toxic compounds. It also helps to increase humidity in the air, which favors the respiratory system. Check care tips by clicking here!

4. Areca Palm


With a tropical and lush appearance, Areca is excellent for purifying the air and humidifying it — ideal for dry projects with air conditioning.

5. Chlorophytum


Known as spider plant, it is effective in removing carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Easy to care for and great for small spaces.

6. Ficus Benjamina


The ficus helps to filter pollutants like formaldehyde and toluene. It should be placed in areas with good indirect lighting and moderate watering.

7. Aloe Vera


Aloe Vera - With its sculptural appearance and low maintenance, Aloe vera is a perfect ally in the landscaping of balconies, dry gardens, and well-lit interiors.

(Divulgação/CASACOR)

Besides its medicinal properties, aloe vera is effective in purifying the air, removing chemical compounds released by cleaning products. Check the care tips by clicking here!

8. Anthurium


Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum): perfect for projects indoors, as it adapts to indirect light and likes the soil always a little moist, flowering regularly throughout the year.

Antúrio (Anthurium andraeanum): perfeita para ambientes internos, já que se adapta a luz indireta e gosta de solo sempre um pouco úmido, florescendo regularmente ao longo do ano. (Flickr/Divulgação)

A striking plant, anthurium is effective in removing ammonia and formaldehyde. It prefers projects with partial shade and high humidity.

9. Zamioculcas


Zamioculca in decoration

(Pinterest/Divulgação)

Widely used in interior projects for its resistance and sophisticated aesthetic, zamioculcas also contributes to air purification. Check the care tips by clicking here!

10. Fern


American fern.

Samambaia-americana. (Jardineiro.net/Divulgação)

Classic in Brazilian homes, the fern is great for filtering formaldehyde and increasing humidity in the project.

11. Dracaena


This elegant plant acts against pollutants like xylene and benzene. It prefers indirect light and slightly moist soil.

12. Cacti


Palm Cactus

Cacto Palma. (Guia das suculentas/Divulgação)

Although they are not great purifiers compared to other species on the list, cacti indirectly contribute to the health of the project by absorbing electromagnetic radiation.

13. Pothos


CASACOR Brasília 2016. Varanda Kashmir - Valéria Leão e Marina Pimentel.

(Disclosure/CASACOR)

Very similar to devil's ivy, pothos is resilient and has a proven action in cleaning the air of toxic compounds, such as formaldehyde.

14. Maranta


maranta charuto (Calathea lutea)

(BePage/Divulgação)

Known as the "praying plant", its leaves move throughout the day. In addition to being charming, it helps remove pollutants from the air.

15. Aglaonema


Aglaonema Maria plant

Pinterest (Pinterest/Divulgação)

One of the darlings of decoration, this plant is effective against benzene and formaldehyde. It withstands low-light projects well. Check the care tips for this species by clicking here!

16. Calathea


Its leaves with vibrant patterns charm visually and also help purify the air. It likes humid projects with partial shade.

17. Philodendron


Yellow philodendron or lime philodendron

(Pixabay/CASACOR)

An ornamental plant that grows well in indoor projects, it is excellent in removing compounds such as formaldehyde and other VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

18. English Ivy


Hera Inglesa

Hera. (Pixabay/CASACOR)

Effective in absorbing benzene and reducing fecal particles in the air, it is indicated even for those with pets at home.

19. Peperomia


peperomia

Peperômia melancia (Peperomia argyreia). (Pinterest/CASACOR)

Compact and with a modern look, peperomia helps purify the air and is excellent for offices, shelves, and niches. Check the care tips by clicking here!

20. Rhapis Palm


Rhapidophyllum excelsum (Rhapis excelsa)

Palmeira-ráfis (Rhapis excelsa) (Emod/Unsplash/Divulgação)

Another palm option for indoor projects, the rhapis is resistant, elegant, and acts to remove pollutants such as ammonia and formaldehyde. CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base from casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.[intext5]