Best air-purifying indoor plants: Choose these low-maintenance plants for health and happiness

ZZ Plant: Known for its glossy green leaves and ability to thrive in low-light conditions, it requires watering only 2-3 times a week (Image: Canva)

The quality of your indoor environment can have a profound effect on your health and well-being. Air quality, humidity levels, and even the presence of natural greenery can all impact how you feel and function on a daily basis.

The solution? Bring in some low-maintenance indoor plants. Plants not only enhance your living space aesthetically but also act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels. According to studies conducted by NASA, certain plants are especially effective in filtering out harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene; commonly found in household products. By choosing the right plants, you can easily enhance your environment while requiring minimal effort.

Here are 5 plants that are ideal for improving your indoor environment and require little care:

ZZ plant: It is one of the most popular low-maintenance indoor plants. Known for its glossy green leaves and ability to thrive in low-light conditions, it requires watering only 2-3 times a week. Even if you're prone to neglect, this plant bounces back easily. Its air-purifying qualities are well-documented, as it removes toxins like xylene and toluene from the air. The ZZ plant contributes to creating a more breathable, toxin-free environment. Cleaner air means reduced exposure to indoor pollutants that can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and allergies.

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Snake plant: It is known for its striking upright leaves, and it’s virtually impossible to kill. It tolerates low light and only needs watering every 2-3 weeks. What makes it unique is that it continues to produce oxygen even at night, making it an excellent plant to keep in your bedroom for improved air quality and better sleep. The additional oxygen during sleep can help improve respiratory health, reducing the likelihood of night-time breathing problems. Studies have shown that better air quality can also enhance sleep quality and well-being.

Spider plant: Known for its fast growth and cascading leaves, the Spider plant is easy to care for and helps to increase humidity levels. It needs moderate indirect sunlight and light watering 1-2 times a week. This plant is also one of the best for removing carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from the air, according to NASA research. Increased humidity levels can help reduce dry skin, respiratory irritation, and prevent symptoms of dry eye syndrome, particularly during winter months when indoor heating is prevalent.

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Peace lily: It is not only an elegant plant with its dark green leaves and white blooms, but it's also a powerhouse when it comes to removing pollutants. It thrives in low light and only needs watering once a week. The Peace lily is particularly effective at removing mold spores and harmful chemicals like ammonia and benzene from indoor air. By reducing the presence of mold spores and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the Peace Lily can help remove symptoms of asthma and prevent the onset of allergies or respiratory illnesses.

Pothos: Also known as Devil’s Ivy, Pothos is a trailing vine that grows well in low-light conditions. It is extremely forgiving when it comes to watering, needing a drink just once every 1-2 weeks. This hardy plant is known for its ability to remove common toxins like formaldehyde, making it a fantastic addition to any room. Studies have shown that having greenery in indoor spaces can reduce stress levels, promote a sense of calm, and even increase productivity.