Healthy Indoor Air: Plants That Improve Your Home Climate

Your home breathes with you. Every room contains invisible pollutants from furniture, cleaning products and building materials. The solution often grows in a pot on your windowsill. Certain plants actively filter these substances from the air, increase humidity and produce oxygen. They create a healthier indoor climate without using electricity.

NASA's "Clean Air Study" identified the air-purifying effects of numerous houseplants as early as the 1980s. The findings still apply today. We show you which plants are suitable for which task and how to care for them properly.

How do plants filter pollutants from the air?

Plants do more than just photosynthesise. Through tiny openings in their leaves, known as stomata, they absorb gaseous pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene. Inside the plant, enzymes convert these substances into harmless compounds or incorporate them into the plant tissue.

The roots and microorganisms in the growing medium also contribute to air purification. They break down pollutants that have attached themselves to dust particles and settled on the soil. Healthy, well-rooted soil is therefore an active filter.

Plants are biological air filters. They do not merely absorb volatile organic compounds passively; they actively metabolise them. The leaf surface also acts as an absorption surface for particulate matter.

The most important indoor air pollutants

Formaldehyde is released from chipboard, furniture, carpets and cleaning products. Benzene and trichloroethylene are found in varnishes, paints, plastics and adhesives. Tobacco smoke, printer emissions and fumes from electronic devices also pollute the air.

Plants can significantly reduce these concentrations. They do not replace regular ventilation, but they are an ideal complement. They are especially valuable in winter, when rooms are ventilated less often.

The top 5 plants for clean indoor air

These varieties have proved particularly effective and robust in studies and everyday use. They suit different light conditions and are easy to care for.

1. Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is a powerful pollutant filter. It is particularly effective at filtering formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and xylene. Its special feature: it releases oxygen at night, making it ideal for the bedroom.

This plant needs little water and copes well with dry air. Place it in a bright to partially shaded spot. It can also tolerate direct sunlight.

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is a fast-growing climbing plant with excellent filtering performance. It removes carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Its trailing or climbing stems make it ideal for hanging baskets or shelves.

It prefers partially shaded locations without intense midday sun. The soil should be slightly moist but never wet. Too much water causes the leaves to turn yellow.

3. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is an all-rounder. It filters formaldehyde, xylene and carbon monoxide. At the same time, it noticeably increases humidity, which helps in winter when indoor heating makes the air dry.

It quickly produces plantlets and propagates by itself. The spider plant prefers a bright to partially shaded position and needs regular watering. However, it also forgives short periods of drought.

4. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)

The peace lily, also known as the peace plant, filters acetone, alcohols, ammonia, benzene and formaldehyde. Its white flowers are a beautiful bonus. It likes higher humidity, such as that found in bathrooms or kitchens.

Partial shade to shade is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight. Water as soon as the top layer of soil is dry. The peace lily shows that it is thirsty through drooping leaves.

5. Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata)

The dragon tree mainly removes trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde. With its slender, upright growth, it is well suited to corners or as a specimen plant. There are several varieties with red or green-edged leaves.

It needs a bright spot but cannot tolerate direct midday sun. Water moderately and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Proper care: How to keep your air filters active

A diseased or neglected plant will barely purify the air. The foundation is the right soil and proper care. Use high-quality potting compost and ensure good drainage, for example by adding a layer of expanded clay to the bottom of the pot.

Dust on the leaves blocks the pores and reduces photosynthesis and filtering performance. Wipe large leaves with a damp cloth every two weeks. Occasionally mist fine-leaved plants with low-lime water or place them in the shower to rinse them.

Proper watering is crucial. Waterlogging causes root rot, while too little water stresses the plant. The finger test helps: push your finger two centimetres into the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water.

A plant's effectiveness as an air filter is directly related to its health and leaf surface area. More healthy leaf mass means more metabolic activity and therefore greater purification capacity.

Fertilising for optimum performance

Plants need nutrients to grow and break down pollutants. A balanced plant fertiliser supplies nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Fertilise every four to six weeks during the growing season from March to September.

In winter, largely stop fertilising. Too much does more harm than too little. Brown leaf tips can indicate over-fertilisation.

Where is the best place to put air-purifying plants?

Place plants where sources of pollutants are found. A snake plant or dragon tree next to a new bookcase or sofa can combat formaldehyde fumes. A pothos plant near the printer or computer can also help.

In the bedroom, plants that produce oxygen at night, such as snake plants or aloe vera, improve the air. In the bathroom, humidity-loving varieties such as peace lilies or ferns thrive and reduce mould spores in the air.

Do not forget work areas such as the kitchen. Here, plants trap cooking fumes and increase your sense of wellbeing. Herbs such as basil or mint also purify the air and can be used.

Plants for specific problems and rooms

For dry central-heated air

Room lime (Sparrmannia), umbrella papyrus (Cyperus) and spider plants release particularly large amounts of water through their leaves, thereby increasing humidity. This helps relieve dry skin and irritated mucous membranes.

For low light

In hallways or bathrooms with small windows, snake plants, peace lilies and pothos also thrive in the shade. The Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) is another easy-care option for low-light corners.

For the home office

Plants have been shown to reduce stress and improve concentration. Combine an air-purifying species such as the dragon tree with a humidity-boosting plant such as the room lime. This creates a more productive environment.

What else you can do besides plants

Plants are only part of the solution. Air your rooms regularly by opening the windows wide, at least three times a day for five to ten minutes. This replaces stale, pollutant-laden air with fresh air.

Use natural cleaning products and reduce your use of chemical air fresheners or scented candles. These often release additional volatile organic compounds.

When buying new furniture or renovating, look for low-emission materials and paints. Let new carpets air out for a few days before fitting them.

Accessories for plant care

The right equipment makes plant care easier. Watering cans with long spouts help you water precisely without splashing. A spray bottle is useful for misting the leaves.

Find everything you need for plant care in our Garden + Plant Accessories category. From suitable pots to practical tools.

Conclusion: Breathe better, naturally

Healthy indoor air does not happen by chance. By choosing air-purifying plants carefully, you can create a natural, living filtration system in your home. Start with one or two hardy species such as a spider plant or snake plant.

Observe how the indoor climate changes. You will sleep better, feel more focused and suffer less often from dry air. Plants are more than decoration – they are active housemates that support your health.

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Frequently asked questions

Which plant purifies indoor air best?

There is no single "best" plant, as different species filter different pollutants. A combination of snake plant (for formaldehyde and benzene), pothos (for carbon monoxide and formaldehyde) and peace lily (for acetone and alcohols) covers a broad spectrum. Effectiveness depends on the size, health and number of plants.

How many plants do I need to noticeably improve the air?

As a general guide, allow one large plant (pot size 20 cm+) per 10 square metres of living space. For a noticeable effect on air quality and humidity, combine several species. In a 30 m² room, three to five different plants in various locations are recommended.

Can plants also cause mould in indoor air?

Yes, if they are cared for incorrectly. Water collecting in outer pots can encourage mould growth in the soil, releasing spores into the air. Water moderately, provide a drainage layer in the pot and remove dead leaves immediately. Good room ventilation also helps prevent this.

Are air-purifying plants also suitable for bedrooms?

Absolutely. Plants such as snake plants and aloe vera release oxygen at night, helping to improve air quality in the bedroom. They also filter pollutants from furniture and textiles. Make sure the plants receive enough (indirect) light and do not overwater them.

Do I need to fertilise my air-purifying plants specially?

No, over-fertilising can even cause harm. During the growing season (spring to summer), use a balanced plant fertiliser every four to six weeks. In autumn and winter, one application every two to three months is often enough. Healthy plants with a good basic supply of nutrients filter most effectively.