These air-purifying indoor plants are extremely easy to care for – impossible to kill really. They are small to medium in size, so can be grown in small spaces. They can also remove harmful toxic elements from the air and improve our indoor environments, based on many studies including NASA’s.
When I saw NASA’s list, I happily realized that many of these indoor plants are actually thriving in our homes.
1. Sansevieria javanica / Snake Plant
Sansevieria javanica / Snake Plant comes from Africa, Madagascar, India and Indonesia. This is one of the smallest indoor plants, growing to only 6″-8″ tall. It is very easy to care for Sansevieria plants and to propagate them in water or in soil. The thick leaves store water, which means if you forget, it is quite forgiving.
2. Epipremnum aureum / Pathos
Epipremnum aureum / Pathos are great for hanging plants indoors. Picture the jungles of Jurassic Park where vines come down from the sky, they are most likely Epipremnums! The foliage has many color variations from bright green to silvery green.
3. Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a super popular houseplant, and some of the easiest and most beautiful indoor plants to grow. Give it plenty of room because the plant can get quite big.
4. JADE PLANT
Jade Plants, also known as Good Luck Plants, are a favorite houseplant thanks to their adaptability and attractive, gem-like green leaves. With a bonsai tree-like growth habit, these charming and easy-to-propagate plants can grow well in any area of your home with bright, indirect light. Jade plants can beautify your space for years with the right conditions and a little routine care.
5. Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum / Peace Lily
The Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum / Peace Lily, a very popular indoor plant that has such a beautiful name and never-ending flowers, it is also the most effective air purification plant on NASA’s list! This little plant from Southern Mexico does require more frequent watering than everything else here.
6. Ficus lyrata / Fiddle Leaf Fig
Ficus lyrata / Fiddle Leaf Fig is one of the most popular indoor plants. It’s very easy to care for Fiddle Leaf Fig, and to propagate it is water or in soil. This lush tree is perfect for any interior style from modern to bohemian jungle.
7. Chlorophytum comosum / Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum / Spider Plant is an easy to grow house plant great for brightening up our homes with the beautiful variegated foliage, like the Coleus plants. Such a delicate looking plant is surprisingly kill-proof. It carries tiny plants on the arching flower stems, which can be planted to create a new plant!
8. Maranta leuconeura / Prayer Plant
Maranta leuconeura / Prayer Plant brings a little piece of Brazil rainforest into your home! This plant is magical: due to light-sensitive pigments on each leaf, it curls together at night like hands closed in prayer, thus the name “Prayer Plant”. Inventors out there, must have.