Discover 10 Indoor Plants That Purify Your Air Day and Night

Indoor Plants
By Ella Brown

Indoor plants not only beautify our spaces but also contribute to a healthier living environment. Some plants stand out for their ability to release oxygen round the clock, enhancing indoor air quality even when the lights are off.

This blog post explores ten such remarkable plants, each unique in its benefits and characteristics. From succulents to tropical palms, discover how these green companions can improve your home’s atmosphere and your well-being.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

© IKEA

The Snake Plant, also known as Sansevieria trifasciata, is a top choice for bedrooms due to its oxygen-releasing properties. It utilizes CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) photosynthesis, producing oxygen even at night.

This makes it ideal for improving air quality while you sleep. Its tall, sword-like leaves are not only striking but also low-maintenance, requiring minimal attention. Simply place it in indirect sunlight and water sparingly.

This plant is also known for its resilience, surviving in various indoor conditions, making it perfect for busy individuals. Embrace cleaner air with this elegant and practical choice.

2. Aloe Vera

© Rooted

Aloe Vera is renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly in soothing burns and skin irritations. Beyond its therapeutic uses, it enhances oxygen levels in your home through CAM metabolism, producing oxygen 24/7.

This succulent thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires minimal watering, making it suitable for those with busy schedules. Aloe Vera’s fleshy leaves store water efficiently, allowing it to survive in dry conditions.

With its ability to purify the air and its myriad of health benefits, Aloe Vera is an excellent addition to any indoor space, offering beauty and functionality.

3. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgessii)

© Ed’s Plant Shop

The Christmas Cactus, or Schlumbergera bridgessii, is a festive favorite known for its vibrant blooms. As a CAM plant, it continues to produce oxygen after dark, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Its unique, segmented leaves and colorful flowers add a touch of elegance to any room. To keep it thriving, place it in a bright spot, away from direct sunlight, and water when the topsoil feels dry.

Its low-maintenance nature makes it a great choice for both plant enthusiasts and novices. Enjoy its beauty and air-purifying benefits throughout the holiday season and beyond.

4. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

© The Spruce

The Gerbera Daisy, scientifically known as Gerbera jamesonii, is celebrated for its bright, cheerful blooms. Beyond aesthetics, studies suggest these daisies help increase oxygen levels, even when the lights go out.

Position them in bright, indirect light for optimal growth and water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. With their vibrant colors and air-purifying qualities, Gerbera Daisies are perfect for livening up any indoor space.

Their contribution to cleaner air makes them a delightful and practical addition to your home, infusing it with color and life year-round.

5. Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)

© Planet Natural

Orchids, particularly Phalaenopsis spp., are prized for their elegance and air-purifying qualities. Many orchids utilize photosynthesis to contribute to a steady release of oxygen, enhancing your indoor air quality.

With their exquisite flowers and ability to thrive in low light, orchids are a sophisticated addition to any room. Place them in a location with indirect sunlight and high humidity for best results.

Their minimal care requirements are suitable for those who desire beauty without extensive upkeep. Transform your living space with these stunning plants, enjoying both their visual appeal and health benefits.

6. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

© The Plant Company

The Areca Palm, or Dypsis lutescens, is a tropical palm renowned for its decorative appeal and ability to enhance indoor oxygen levels around the clock. Its feathery, arching fronds create a lush, calming atmosphere.

This palm thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture. Known for its air-purifying qualities, the Areca Palm can remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

Its elegant appearance and health benefits make it a popular choice for indoor gardens, adding a touch of the tropics to your home while promoting cleaner air.

7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

© Promise Supply

The Bamboo Palm, scientifically named Chamaedorea seifrizii, is appreciated for its lush, tropical look. This plant continuously contributes to a fresher indoor atmosphere by releasing oxygen day and night.

Easy to care for, it prefers shaded or low-light areas and needs moderate watering. Its ability to filter indoor pollutants such as benzene and trichloroethylene further enhances its appeal.

Whether in a home or office setting, the Bamboo Palm brings a touch of nature indoors, creating a serene and healthy environment. Its graceful presence complements various interior styles, offering both beauty and function.

8. Bromeliads (e.g., Guzmania spp.)

© Gardener’s Path

Bromeliads, such as Guzmania spp., are exotic plants known for their striking appearance and low-maintenance nature. Their unique physiology allows them to support oxygenation all day and night, contributing to a healthy indoor environment.

These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require minimal watering, making them ideal for those with busy lifestyles.

Bromeliads’ vibrant colors and distinctive shapes add a touch of the tropics to any space. Their air-purifying capabilities further enhance their value, making them a delightful addition to your home, bringing beauty, freshness, and a hint of the exotic.

9. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

© Little Prince of Oregon

The Jade Plant, or Crassula ovata, is a popular succulent known for its thick, glossy leaves and ease of care. As a CAM plant, it helps maintain indoor oxygen levels even during nighttime, enhancing your living environment.

This plant thrives in bright light and requires infrequent watering, making it suitable for those with a busy schedule. Its compact size and attractive appearance make it a versatile addition to any room.

The Jade Plant is also considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity, offering both visual and spiritual benefits to your home.

10. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)

© Better Homes & Gardens

Air Plants, belonging to the Tillandsia genus, are unique epiphytes that naturally contribute to your home’s oxygen levels through efficient photosynthesis. These plants are effortless to care for and require no soil to thrive.

Simply mist them regularly and ensure they receive bright, indirect light. Their versatile nature allows for creative displays, adding an artistic touch to any space.

Air Plants’ ability to purify the air while requiring minimal maintenance makes them perfect for modern living. Enjoy their quirky charm and health benefits, making your home a fresher, more inviting place to be.