5 Indoor Plants That Will Purify Your Air (Perfect for Apartment Living!)

Worried about your indoor air quality in your apartment? Indoor air quality can make a big difference in your health, well-being, and comfort—especially in an apartment where ventilation may be limited. We're going to dive into what indoor plants can help purify the air in your apartment. At CleanAir HVAC Care, we specialize in helping people improve their home environments by offering expert HVAC advice and services that keep your indoor air fresh and healthy. One great way to enhance air quality? Indoor plants! These natural purifiers can help filter pollutants, boost humidity, and give your apartment a fresh, vibrant feel.

Let's dive in.

Air Purification Rating: 4/5

Why it’s Great for Air Quality:  

Spider plants are known for their ability to absorb carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene. They’re particularly effective at removing harmful chemicals from the air, making them a strong ally in reducing indoor air pollutants.

Care Tips:  

Spider plants are hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in indirect sunlight with minimal water. A weekly watering is usually enough, and they prefer slightly cooler indoor temperatures, around 60-75°F (16-24°C).

Ideal Climates/Situations:  

They do well in most indoor settings, especially bathrooms and kitchens where toxins from cleaning products are often present. Their long, arching leaves make them a striking addition to small spaces.

 2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Air Purification Rating: 5/5

Why it’s Great for Air Quality:  

The Snake Plant is a powerhouse when it comes to air purification. Your home's indoor air quality matters for everyone who lives in it, people and pets included! The Snake Plant can remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, and it’s one of the few plants that can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night—perfect for bedrooms!

Care Tips:  

This plant thrives on neglect, making it ideal for busy people. Place it in indirect sunlight and water only when the soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so a light hand with watering is key.

Ideal Climates/Situations:  

Snake Plants are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in low-light apartments, making them a great choice for renters in urban settings.

 3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Air Purification Rating: 5/5

Why it’s Great for Air Quality:  

Peace Lilies not only add beauty but are effective at removing indoor pollutants like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. They’re also natural humidifiers, which can help alleviate respiratory issues, especially during winter.

Care Tips:  

Peace Lilies prefer medium to low light and thrive with a little water once a week, making them ideal for most apartments. Avoid direct sunlight, which can damage the leaves.

Ideal Climates/Situations: 

They do best in spaces that need a humidity boost, like bedrooms and offices. Their beautiful white blooms also brighten up any room, even in lower light conditions.

 4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Air Purification Rating: 4/5

Why it’s Great for Air Quality:  

Boston Ferns are particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, which is commonly found in apartment furniture and carpeting. We talk about how to reduce off-gassing as much as possible can help improve your indoor air quality and health. The Boston Fern is great, and also acts as a natural humidifier, which is excellent for dry environments.

Care Tips:  

These ferns love a humid, cool spot with indirect sunlight. They need to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, especially in drier indoor climates. Mist the leaves every few days for added humidity.

Ideal Climates/Situations:  

Boston Ferns are perfect for bathrooms or spaces with indirect sunlight. Their frilly leaves add a touch of elegance, and they thrive in apartments with higher humidity.

 5. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Air Purification Rating: 3/5

Why it’s Great for Air Quality: 

Aloe Vera is a dual-purpose plant—it purifies air and serves as a natural healing aid for burns and cuts. Aloe can help reduce benzene and formaldehyde, commonly found in paint and cleaning products.

Care Tips:  

Aloe is low-maintenance and thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It requires minimal water, so let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can harm it, so it’s well-suited to renters looking for a low-commitment plant.

Ideal Climates/Situations:  

This plant works well in kitchens, where it can purify air and be used as a go-to healing aid. It does best in sunny spots, so keep it near a window if possible.

Conclusion

Improving your indoor air quality with these natural purifiers is an easy, effective way to breathe easier in your apartment. Grouping plants together when possible can boost their effect in purifying your air. For added protection, regular HVAC maintenance and air filter replacements are crucial. At CleanAir HVAC Care, we’re here to help you with expert HVAC inspections and cleanings to keep your apartment air as fresh as possible.

Need More Tips?  

Check out our blog for additional articles on air quality, or reach out to our team for a chat or to schedule an inspection