breathe easy with these 17 stunning Indoor plants that produce more oxygen
Explore our curated list of Indoor plants that produce more oxygen grown in our Brooklyn community home. Discover the care and maintenance tips we have learnt from growing them over the years.
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Air purification, getting more oxygen inside the closed doors of your home, tends to be one of the primary reasons we buy and keep houseplants. And why wouldn’t that be? Who wouldn’t want to step into their home where the air feels fresher and the energy more vibrant? Studies by NASA have shown that certain houseplants can significantly reduce indoor pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. But in truth, they don’t clean the air in the way most people think – they are much slower – and some plants are more efficient in cleaning air than others. Over the years, we have grown an array of these indoor plants that produce more oxygen in our Brooklyn community household. Each of our rooms host its own collection, and this experience has taught us the nuances of how to make them thrive: from the thirsty peace lily to the resilient snake plant, that we would love to share.. In this article we will explore:
Let’s dive in.
Summary
- Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis — absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen, while also removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
- Take into account effectiveness, room size, pet and child safety, light and water requirements, and aesthetics when choosing air-purifying houseplants. (Refer to indoor plants safe for pets, and indoor plants that thrive in low light for more information)
- Place plants in entrance areas, high traffic zones, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and near windows to enhance air purification.
- Use air purifiers for more effective air cleaning along with houseplants.
Snapshot of our Top 5 picks
1. Philodendron
2. Cast iron plant
3. Rubber plant
4. Bamboo palm
5. Snake Plant
How do Indoor plants produce oxygen?
Plants purify air primarily through a process called photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Inside the leaves CO2 is combined with water using energy from sunlight captured by chlorophyll which is the pigment that gives plants their green color.
This process converts the CO2 and water into glucose which is a type of sugar that plants use for food and growth and oxygen which is released back into the air.But there’s more—they can also remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Also, research from the Journal of American Society for Horticultural Science and the University of Technology, Sydney confirm that indoor plants reduce ozone levels and other VOCs in indoor environments.
How to choose indoor plants that produce more oxygen for your needs?
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
1. Effectiveness In Air Purification
Some plants are better at removing toxins than others. Good options include spider plants – which are particularly good at removing formaldehyde and xylene – and snake plant – excelling at filtering out trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde.
But remember, if air purification is your number one and most important need, we recommend buying air purifiers. With plants, air purification is slow and should be be considered an added bonus along with an array of other benefits they provide.
2. Matching the size of the room:
Larger plants like the Areca Palm are suitable for bigger spaces such as the living room, or an open kitchen layout, and not just larger plants, but the ones with larger leaves are more effective in such spaces. While smaller plants like the Lemon Button Fern are perfect for smaller, compact spaces such as your office desk, or kitchen counters, or could even be best for your bedroom that gets some light.
3. Pet and Child Safety:
Houseplants are meant to provide you with a sense of safety and seclusion – including to your toddlers and furry animals. In the list below we have provided the toxicity levels of each plant as referred from the ASPCA, and also from our experience from having two cats roaming around our brownstone.
There are ways to include mildly toxic plants by keeping them out of reach and safely stowed. We also explore some ways to do so below. We also have a separate article for pet safe houseplants if you want to only consider them.
4. Light and Water Requirements:
Some plants need more water and other can go on for weeks without watering. Some plants need direct bright light, and other need indirect, and some can even thrive with a few hours of grow lights. It is important to decide where you want to place the plants based on their light requirements. Below in the list, we tell you not just the requirements, but also where in our house we have placed, including the direction it faces in relation to the sun.
5. Aesthetics and Well-being:
Plants like the variegated spider plant and the Hawaiian Sunshine Dragon Tree not only clean the air but also add a touch of beauty and vitality to your living spaces. You can consider hanging plants, colorful plants, flowering plants, plants with large leaves before you make a purchase, to best suit your requirements.
While large plants help provide a sense of enclosure around where you sit, small plants breathe life into lifeless objects. In the list below we cover all the above attributes to help you decide what to get.
Here are our 17 Top Indoor plants that produce more oxygen
1. Spider plant
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 2 feet
North/west/east facing windows
pet safe
low light
grows to 2 feet
North/west/east facing windows
The Spider Plant (aka Chlorophytum comosum): This indoor plant is a member of the Asparagaceae family, known for its ability to produce more oxygen. It is super slender, has arching leaves, and boasts a bursting green with a distinctive creamy white stripe running down the center. This plant doesn’t just sit pretty—its cascading foliage can look stunning in hanging baskets or even in high shelves where you don’t get much sunlight.
We have placed our Spider Plant in the east-facing reading room, where it benefits from a lot of indirect light. This spot makes its bushy, grass-like leaves a cozy focal point in the room. It’s extremely easy to care for, btw. They love to be neglected, and they are also non-toxic to pets and humans.
Occasionally, the Spider Plant produces small white flowers and spawns mini “spiderettes” that can be propagated easily. At its full length it comes upto about 2 feet which is a great balance between small and large plants. Personally, we’ve styled it in a maroon ceramic pot that complements both the plant and the decor of our rustic reading room.
Care tip: Water weekly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Place in bright, indirect light and avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Browning leaf tips can indicate fluoride sensitivity – try using distilled or rainwater.
Propagation tip: Place a spiderette in a glass jar filled with room temperature distilled water. Only roots are submerged, not the leaves. Place the jar in bright, indirect light and change the water every week or so to prevent stagnation. Roots should start to appear within a week or two. Once they are 2-3 inches long, transfer to soil.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Spider Plant symbolizes abundance, and purity, and good luck because of its prolific nature in producing offshoots. Perfectly suited for Virgo’s who are known for their attention to health and cleanliness, and are most apt to care for this plant.
Pros and cons
($43)
($69)
($37)
$15
“This plant is very forgiving and easy to propagate. Great for plant beginners”
2. Snake plant
Mildly toxic
Low light
Grows 2-4 feet
Any window direction
Mildly toxic
low light
grows to 2 -4 feet
any window direction
The The snake plant (aka Sansevieria trifasciata): This indoor plant, from the Asparagaceae family, is a stunning and sturdy addition to any home. It has long, upright leaves with yellow edges and green banding, that help produce more oxygen into the spaces they are placed. Ours in one of the east-facing bedrooms on the top floor where it enjoys bright, indirect light.
These plants are also a breeze to care for – but they are mildly toxic to pets in that they can cause irritation and digestive issues, so it’s best to keep them out of reach of cats and dogs. We don’t allow our furry animals to the top floor at all. These plants thrive on infrequent watering and low attention. We have styled this plant in a sleek, white ceramic pot that has lines and is matte finish and is positioned near the window.
When fully grown, it can reach up to four feet tall, and though it rarely flowers, when it does, it produces small but fragrant greenish-white blooms that are a an absolute treasure to watch.
Care tip: Water every 2-3 weeks, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions. Watch for drooping or yellowing leaves, which can indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip: Cut a leaf into sections about 3-4 inches long, making sure each piece has at least one horizontal stripe – the node. Place the cut ends into a container filled with about an inch of water. No leaves should be submerged. Change the water weekly and roots will appear in about 3-4 weeks. When they are a few inches long plant in well-draining potting soil.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes good luck, purity, and positivity. It’s often associated with the zodiac sign Taurus, reflecting their steadfast and resilient nature.
Pros and cons
($43)
($58))
($28)
$17
“This plant is almost indestructible! Perfect for beginners and looks great”
3. Peace Lily
Toxic
Low/medium light
Grows upto 3 feet
west/north Window
Toxic
Low/medium
grows to 3 feet
North/west facing windows
The Peace Lily (aka Spathiphyllum): this indoor plant, from the Araceae family, has glossy, deep green leaves and beautiful white spathes that bloom around the spadix. This one thrives in medium to low light, so it fits perfectly in our the west-facing room on the top floor. Peace Lilies are also easy to care for – moderate watering when the soil feels dry. This is one of the highest oxygen producing indoor plants!
They are toxic to pets, however, your pets could literally die when ingesting any part of this plant, so keep them out of reach of cats and dogs.
Their highlight is the beautiful white flowers they produce, with a gentle, refreshing fragrance that lasts for weeks. These blooms typically appear in spring and can reappear throughout the year with proper care. We have styled ours in a black ceramic pot to complement its lush foliage and clean lines. They will grow up to 3 feet tall
Care tip: Water about once a week. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. It enjoys higher humidity, and will droop to signal it’s thirsty but perks up quickly after watering. Watch for yellow leaves – they indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip: They are best propagated through division rather than in water. Remove the plant from its pot, and separate the root clumps into sections with at least 3 leaves each. Plant these sections in well-draining potting soil in bright, indirect light. Maintain moist soil. Wait 4-6 weeks for the roots to flourish!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes purity, tranquility, and rebirth. Ideal for Libras, who are known for their love of harmony and balance
Pros and cons
($43)
($98)
($71)
$31
“Love the white blooms. It’s been doing great in my living room”
4. Bamboo palm
Safe
medium light
Grows 4-12 feet
East/West Window
Safe
medium
grows 4-1 2 feet
East/west facing windows
The Bamboo Palm (aka Chamaedorea seifrizii): This indoor plant, from the Arecaceae family, has graceful, arching fronds and feathery green leaves that produce more oxygen than most plants. Our living room at once feels tropical with this large plant in it! It is currently placed ours in the west-facing living room in second floor where pets are welcome to roam around.
Bamboo Palms are also easy to care for. They don’t really have a notable fragrance, but they do occasionally produce small, yellow flowers. We have styled the Bamboo Palm in a tall, cream pot that complements its height. This one is a big plant – it can reach up to 12 feet tall – making it a stunning focal point.
Care tip: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 1-2 weeks. Soil should drain well to prevent root rot. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip: Remove a clump with 2-3 stems and roots. Plant it in well-draining soil mixed with (ideally) perlite. Keep the soil moist, and place it in bright, indirect light. Roots come in 4-6 weeks!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and resilience. Ideal for Capricorns who appreciate its hardworking and enduring nature
Pros and cons
($43)
($38)
($35
$28
“This plant is a bit finicky but looks stunning when healthy. It’s definitely a statement piece”
5. Boston fern
Safe
Low light
North Window
Safe
Low
grows upto 5 feet
North facing windows
The Boston Fern (aka Nephrolepis exaltata): This indoor plant, part of the Nephrolepidaceae family, has lush, arching fronds with feather-like leaflets. We have placed ours in one of our North-facing room. This one thrive in low to medium light and prefer high humidity – so a bit more demanding, but worth it for their aesthetic appeal. These could also work great in bathroom as hanging plants!
They are non-toxic to pets, and their vibrant green foliage can grow up to 2-3 feet long. Keep the soil consistently moist and mist regularly to maintain its lush appearance. We recommend styling them in hanging baskets.
Care tip: Place it in indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, watering when the top inch feels dry. Mist regularly to maintain high humidity. When fronds turning yellow, it indicates low humidity or under-watering.
Propagation tip: Divide a healthy plant into sections which has fronds and roots. Plant them in well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place in bright, indirect light. Roots should establish in 4-6 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes sincerity and shelter. Ideal for Pisces known for their nurturing and empathetic nature
Pros and cons
($58)
($50)
($31)
$24
“Beautiful, lush plant that adds a lot of greenery to my home. Needs regular watering”
6. Aloe Vera
Toxic
Bright light
Grows upto 3 feet
South Window
Toxic
Bright
grows upto 3 feet
South facing windows
Aloe Vera (aka Aloe barbadensis miller): This air purifying indoor plant, from the Asphodelaceae family, has thick, fleshy, green leaves edged with small teeth. This hardy one thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering.
We have placed ours in the top floor south-facing room windowsill to soak up plenty of sunlight. Aloe Vera is great for treating minor burns and skin irritations – but consult your doctor before using it. It’s toxic to pets, ingesting in large quantities can cause stomach upset.
Ours is styled in a small terracotta pot, as it can grow only upto 20-24 inches tall. Expect tubular yellow flowers in the summer!
Care tip: Needs water every 3 weeks or when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Avoid overwatering—look for soft, mushy leaves as a sign of excess moisture. It prefers well-draining soil and can handle low humidity.
Propagation tip: Cut a healthy aloe vera leaf, let it dry for 1-2 days until the cut end calluses, then place it in well-draining soil with the cut end buried 1-2 inches deep. Water lightly every few days. Roots should form in 3-4 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes healing and protection, and it’s well-suited for Virgo, known for their nurturing and practical nature
Pros and cons
($43)
($19)
($33)
$34
“This plant is perfect for dry conditions. It’s doing great in my sunny window”
6. English Ivy
Toxic
medium light
Grows upto 8 feet
East/west Window
Toxic
Medium
grows upto 8 feet
East/west facing windows
The English Ivy (aka Hedera helix): This air purifying indoor plant belongs to the Araliaceae family. It has charming lobed leaves and variegated patterns of green and white. It thrives in medium light so we have place it in our east-facing room on the top floor.
We’ve styled it cascading from a hanging planter, which drapes around a chair by the window under which one of our roommates loves to read! This one is one of the easy to maintain plants— only needing moderate watering and occasional trimming. It’s toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
When mature, it can trail up to 8-10 feet long, creating a lush, indoor vine effect.
Care tip: Thrives in bright, indirect light — needs watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Mist regularly to maintain humidity and watch for yellow leaves which is a sign of overwatering. No direct sunlight for this one — its leaves scorch..
Propagation tip: Cut a 4-6 inch stem with at least three leaves, place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long (about 4-6 weeks), then transplant into well-draining soil..
Symbolism and zodiac signs: English Ivy symbolizes fidelity and eternal life — well-suited for Capricorns for their dedication and perseverance
Pros and cons
($58)
($33)
($19)
$24
“Great plant for beginners. It’s hardy and does well in indirect light”
7. Rubber plant
mildly toxic
Bright light
Grows upto 6-10 feet
South Window
mildly Toxic
Bright
grows upto 6-10 feet
South facing windows
The Rubber Plant (aka Ficus elastica): This indoor plant, a member of the Moraceae family, has glossy, broad leaves that can range from deep green to burgundy that help produce more oxygen than a lot of other indoor plants. We’ve placed ours in the south-facing room on the top floor, where it gets medium bright, indirect light.
This plant needs only moderate watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Definitely keep this one out of the reach of your pets. When mature, the Rubber Plant can grow up to 8-10 feet tall indoors, adds stunning height and drama to your space especially if you have tall ceilings.
We’ve styled ours in a minimalist black ceramic pot to complement its bold foliage that in turn enhances its modern look.
Care tip: The Rubber Plant thrives in indirect light. Needs watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Mist occasionally to keep its bold foliage glossy!.
Propagation tip: Cut a 6-inch stem with at least two leaves, place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long (about 4-6 weeks), then transplant into well-draining soil
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes abundance and good fortune — perfect for Taurus, known for their patience and love for nurturing greenery
Pros and cons
($43)
($48)
($19)
$43
“The Ficus is a statement piece in my living room. The variegated leaves are stunning and it’s very easy to care for”
8. Dracaena
Toxic
low/medium light
Grows upto 10 feet
Any Window
Toxic
low/medium
grows upto 10 feet
Any window
The Dracaena (aka Dracaena spp.): This indoor plant, a member of the Asparagaceae family, has sword-like leaves that come in various shades of green, and often accented with red or yellow edges. This plant brings a touch of the tropics to our home! We have placed it in the east-facing room in top floor, where it gets bright, indirect light.
Dracaena is easy to care for — needs moderate watering and low humidity. Just be cautious if you have pets, it is toxic to cats and dogs. When mature, Dracaena can reach up to 10 feet tall indoors. We’ve styled ours in a big, gray pot that complements and enhances its modern, dramatic aesthetic.
Care tip: thrives in bright, indirect light — water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn and watch for brown tips – a sign of overwatering or fluoride sensitivity. Prefers low humidity — not good for bathroom.
Propagation tip: Cut a 6-inch stem with a few leaves, place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long (about 4-6 weeks), then transplant into well-draining soil.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Dracaena is generally associated with resilience and adaptability — perfect for Capricorn!
Pros and cons
($43)
($140)
($35)
$43
“I love how the Dracaena Golden Heart brightens up my living room with all of its pointy foliage”
9. Philodendron
Mildly Toxic
Low light
Grows upto 4 feet
Any window
Mildly Toxic
low light
grows upto 4 feet
Any window
The Philodendron (aka Philodendron spp.): This air purifying indoor plant, a member of the Araceae family, has heart-shaped, glossy green leaves. This plant is both stylish and functional. We have placed ours in the east-facing reading room, where it thrives in bright, indirect light. Philodendrons are easy to care for, needing watering when the top inch of soil is dry, and their vining leaves are set up perfectly for producing more oxygen into your home
They are toxic to cats so we have actually hung them high in a basket and are very careful to not let the leaves drop. Its vines cascade around the top of the window frames that add a super inviting dynamic element to the room. When mature, the Philodendron can trail or climb, growing up to 10 feet long indoors!
While Philodendrons rarely flower indoors, when they do, they produce small, white, or greenish flowers 🙂
Care tip: Thrive in bright, indirect light — need watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn . They’re low-maintenance — don’t let the furry animals ingest the leaves.
Propagation tip: Cut a 6-inch stem with at least one node, place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long (about 4-6 weeks), then transplant into well-draining soil
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Often associated with health and growth — it is well-suited for Pisces for their nurturing and caring nature
Pros and cons
($43)
($48)
($17)
($22)
“Philodendron Brasil is stunning and easy to care for. It’s growing beautifully and quickly!”
10. ZZ plant
Toxic
low to Bright light
Grows upto 3 feet
Any Window
Toxic
low to Bright
grows upto 3 feet
Any window
The ZZ plant (aka Zamioculcas zamiifolia): This indoor plant, a member of the Araceae family, has waxy, lush leaves that cascade elegantly. Known for its resilience, this one thrives in low to medium light conditions.
We’ve found the perfect spot for ours in the north-facing bedrooms on the top floor, where the light is low but sufficient for this plant. The sleek, matte black planter we have styled it in complements its lush waxy leaves. Care for the ZZ plant is super easy —water sparingly and watch it thrive — best for those who forget to water plants.
At its tallest it is about 3 feet high. Note, however, that it is toxic to pets, so it’s best kept out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
Care tip: Prefers low to medium indirect light. Water it every 2-3 weeks. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Watch for yellowing leaves that indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip: Cut a healthy leaf with an inch of stem . Place it in a glass of water with only the stem submerged, not the leaf. Place the glass in bright, indirect light and change the water every week. Roots will develop in 3-4 weeks, then plant the cutting in well-draining potting soil
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Often seen as a symbol of prosperity and endurance, this plant is best suited for taurus and capricorn!
Pros and cons
($43)
($41)
($18)
$24
“ZZ is a favorite in your house.. it sits in our bedroom next to lamp. We haven’t killed it in 3 years!”
11. Areca palm
Pet safe
Bright light
Grows upto 10 feet
South Window
pet safe
Bright
grows upto 10 feet
South facing windows
The Areca Palm (aka Dypsis lutescens): This indoor plant, part of the Arecaceae family, has arching fronds that whisper of tropical climates, and are known for producing more oxygen than a lot of other plants. Their lush, light green leaves bring a soft, airy feel to your space.
We’ve placed our Areca Palm in the west-facing living room on the first floor where the bright, indirect light bathes its fronds, and where our furry animals roam around as this plant is not toxic. At the moment, it is styled in a large, white ceramic planter to go with its lush fronds. This tree is moderately easy to care for — needs regular watering to keep the soil lightly moist . But also needs occasional misting to replicate its native humid environment. it’s worth watching for spider mites or mealybugs.
When it matures, this palm can reach up to 6-7 feet, making a bold and dramatic vertical statement.
Care tip: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry — usually every 1-2 weeks. Drooping leaves signal overwatering or insufficient light. Consider misting it occasionally or placing a humidifier nearby to mimic its tropical origins.
Propagation tip: Separate one of the offshoots with its own roots and plant into potting soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and place it in bright, indirect light. Root development for the new plant can take several weeks, unfortunately.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Areca Palm symbolizes peace and prosperity – apt for Libra’s appreciation for harmony and beauty in their environment.
Pros and cons
($43)
($98)
($49)
$41
“Easy to care for and looks tropical and fantastic. It’s a great addition to my home office”
12. Orchids
Pet safe
medium light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/west Window
pet safe
Medium
grows upto 3 feet
East/west facing windows
The Orchid (aka Orchidaceae): This air purifying indoor plant is a stunning member of one of the largest flowering plant families, and has blooms that range from vibrant pinks to mysterious deep purples emitting a curious but delicate fragrance that vary across species.
We’ve placed our orchids in one of our east-facing room where they receive the bright, indirect sunlight. Here, they’re styled in sleek glass pots that not only complement the delicate beauty of the orchids but also allow us to monitor the moisture levels of the roots easily.
Orchids are more manageable than many believe — they require watering every week or so. They are non-toxic (makes for a great cute pictures with cats :)) Their vertical growth can be quite elegant, often reaching up to two feet.
Care tip:Water them once a week. Keep an eye for limp leaves, a sign of too much water or insufficient light. Orchids enjoy humidity, so a bathroom with a window can be ideal spots.
Propagation tip: Remove a keiki (baby plant) with roots, ensuring roots are at least 2 inches long. Plant it in a well-draining orchid mix (ideally), and keep it in bright, indirect light. Roots should establish in a few weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Orchid symbolizes beauty, love, and strength, — apt for Virgos who appreciate detail and elegance in their surroundings.
Pros and cons
($66)
($88)
($49)
$24
“I love the elegant blooms of this orchid. It’s very easy to care for and adds a touch of elegance to my home”
13. Cast iron plant
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 2 feet
North facing Window
Pet safe
Low
grows upto 2 feet
North facing windows
The Cast Iron Plant (aka Aspidistra elatior): This indoor plant, from the Asparagaceae family has long, glossy, dark green leaves. This plant is incredibly tolerant and thrives in low light, surviving infrequent watering.
We’ve placed ours in the dining room on the first floor where it handles the low light beautifully. Styled in a classic terracotta pot, it brings a warm and rustic feel to our eating nook. The Best thing is that this beautiful plant is non-toxic to pets!
When it grows, it can reach up to 2-3 feet tall and wide — a perfect hardy and attractive plant that creates a sense of sanctuary with little to no effort.
Care tip: Thrives in low to medium light and needs watering only when the top inch of soil is dry — about every 2-3 weeks. Watch for yellowing leaves that can indicate overwatering. This is a hardy plant 🙂
Propagation tip: Divide the root clump with at least 2-3 leaves and healthy roots, and then plant divisions in well-draining potting soil. Keep in low to medium light. Watering only when the top inch of soil is dry. New growth will appear in a few weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Cast Iron Plant symbolizes endurance and resilience — it ideal for Capricorns who value perseverance and stability
Pros and cons
($49)
($78)
($90)
$44
“The Cast Iron Plant is perfect for anyone who wants a hardy, low-maintenance plant. Mine arrived in perfect condition and looks great” – thesill.com customer
14. pothos
mildly Toxic
Low to Bright light
Grows upto 10 feet
Any Window
Mildly Toxic
Low to bright
grows upto 10 feet
Any window
The Pothos (aka Epipremnum aureum): This air purifying indoor plant, a member of the Araceae family, has stunning heart-shaped leaves, often variegated with beautiful shades of green, white, or yellow.
We have placed our Pothos in one of our east-facing rooms where it thrives in bright, indirect light. Styled in a hanging planter, its trailing vines cascade beautifully. This one is incredibly low-maintenance, needing only occasional watering when the soil feels dry — ideal for less sunny spots as well. However, be aware that Pothos is toxic to pets if ingested — so keep it out of reach of curious animals — we recommend putting it high above and tying the vines to the walls where cats can’t reach.
When mature, its vines can reach lengths of up to 10 feet, bringing a jungle into your cozy space! (Also — this may look like philodendron, but the main difference is the leaves texture — this one has thicker waxier leaves that come in many colors, while philodendrons come in shades of green and are smooth and thin!)
Care tip: Water it every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Watch for yellowing leaves — a sign of overwatering, or brown tips that indicate too much direct sunlight
Propagation tip: Cut a 4-6 inch stem just below a node with 4-5 leaves. Place it in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged, and then place in bright, indirect light. Roots will develop in 2-4 weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Pothos plant symbolizes perseverance and prosperity — ideal for Scorpios!
Pros and cons
($43)
($48)
($35)
$44
“My Golden Pothos has grown so quickly! It’s perfect for hanging baskets and requires minimal maintenance”
15. Monstera
MildlyToxic
Low to Bright light
Grows upto 8 feet
East/west Window
mildyToxic
Low to bright
grows upto 8 feet
East/west window
The Monstera (aka Monstera deliciosa): This indoor plant, part of the Araceae family, has fenestrated leaves that develop splits and holes as they mature — giving the plant a distinctive and elegant appearance, other than, ofcourse, enabling it to produce more oxygen into your home space.
We have placed ours in the west-facing rooms in the top floor where it thrives in bright, indirect light and styled it in a black ceramic pot to add to the contrast and its bold and dramatic vertical height. Monstera is moderately easy to care for—water it when the top inch of soil is dry and it will flourish.
Do note, however, that the Monstera is toxic to pets, so it’s best to keep it out of reach of curious animals. While it can produce flowers and fruit, this is rare indoors. When it grows big, it will reach up to 8-10 feet tall, and its broad and glossy leaves will span up to 2 feet! No wonder it is one of the most purchased plant.
Care tip: Thrives in bright, indirect light — water when the top inch of soil is dry, roughly every 1-2 weeks. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering. Its aerial roots can be trained to climb a moss pole for added support and growth
Propagation tip: Cut a stem just below a node with at least one leaf and aerial root. Place the cutting in water with the node submerged, keep it in bright, indirect light. Roots should develop in 2-4 weeks before you transfer it to soil!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Monstera plant symbolizes profound growth and ambition — ideal for Leos who appreciate bold, dramatic aesthetics!
Pros and cons
($58)
($48)
($27)
$32
“I love the dramatic look of the Monstera leaves. It’s been growing beautifully with minimal care.”
16. Chinese evergreen
mildlyToxic
Low to Bright light
Grows upto 3 feet
Any Window
Mildly Toxic
Low to bright
grows upto 3 feet
Any window
The Chinese Evergreen (aka Aglaonema): This high oxygen producing indoor plant, part of the Araceae family has vibrant leaves variegated with shades of green, silver, or red, and are broad and glossy.
We have placed our Chinese Evergreen in the top floor north facing room, where it thrives in low light and adds a pop of color. Styled in a contemporary ceramic pot, it enhances the room’s modern look. This plant is incredibly low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering—just once every two weeks or when the soil feels dry. Chinese Evergreen is toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it out of reach.
When mature, it can reach up to 2-3 feet tall and wide. Also note that the varieties with darker green leaves can tolerate dimmer conditions but those with light or colorful variegation require brighter light to retain their colors and patterns. Ours is dark green, and hence our decision to place it in the top floor north facing room.
Care tip: Thrives in low to medium. Water every 1-2 weeks. Watch for yellowing leaves that can indicate overwatering. If the leaves are silver or white, put it in a brighter spot.
Propagation tip:Cut a healthy stem with at least 5-6 inches and a few leaves. Place the cutting in water with the cut end submerged. Keep in bright, indirect light. Roots will develop in 2-3 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Chinese Evergreen symbolizes longevity and good fortune — ideal for Pisces who appreciate its calming presence and easy care.
Pros and cons
($58)
($48)
($30)
$27
“Love the colorful leaves! This plant is very hardy and doesn’t require much maintenance”
How to Maximize the oxygen producing benefits of Indoor plants?
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
1. Entrance Areas:
We always start by placing air-purifying plants like spider plants and rubber plants near the entrance: living room entrance in the first floor, or just as you enter rooms. These plants are great at capturing pollutants that might come in from outside. It’s like having a natural air filter right at the door! But make sure to choose the right planter so they are secured. Ideally pet safe ones if you are putting right by your door where you guests with pets may enter.
2. High Traffic Areas:
In areas like the living room or hallways where family members or guests frequently pass, we place plants such as Boston ferns and fiddle leaf fig. These areas benefit from plants that can handle more air movement because they aid in dispersing the clean air more effectively.
You could also consider some of the best trailing indoor plants for the walls in the hallways – we have pothos up there that not only purify air, but provide an inviting setting for guests that enter.
3. Bedrooms:
We populate most of our bedrooms with snake plants and aloe vera because they are excellent for cleaning the air and adding a touch of tranquility. These plants are particularly effective in bedrooms also because they continue to produce oxygen at night and promoting better sleep. Who wouldn’t want that?
4. Kitchen and Bathroom:
These areas tend to have higher levels of humidity and potential pollutants from cleaning agents. Also you don’t want any plants here that are toxic and your toddlers may accidently eat. We use English ivy and bamboo palms here as they thrive in humid conditions and are effective at removing airborne chemicals. In the list below, we provide recommendations on placements as well.
5. Windows and Light Sources:
Placement of air-purifying plants near windows can enhance their effectiveness by helping with photosynthesis that is needed for air purification. For example, we have tried placing plants that thrive in moderate light like orchids and African violets near east-facing windows so they take the morning light to boost their photosynthesis without the harsh midday sun.
Conversely – plants that can handle more direct sunlight like herbs and citrus trees are ideal for south facing windows.
FAQ
- Which houseplants are best for more oxygen?
- Spider plants, snake plants, Boston ferns, and aloe vera are the best for purifying air. They also remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor environments.
- How many houseplants do I need to improve air quality?
- NASA recommends at least one air-purifying plant per 100 square feet of space. And please remember, if air purification is your sole intention, buy an air purifier.
- Can high oxygen producing indoor plants replace air purifiers?
- They work best when used alongside traditional air purifiers. Plants alone are not sufficient for removing all pollutants from indoor air.
- Are there any high oxygen producing indoor plants safe for pets?
- Yes: spider plants, Boston ferns, and areca palms are pet safe, to name a few.
- Where should I place these high oxygen producing plants for maximum effectiveness?
- Place air-purifying plants in high-traffic areas, near entrances, in bedrooms, and in bathrooms. These locations enhance photosynthesis, and which in turn helps with better purification of air as they absorb CO2 more effectively.
Conclusion
Choosing the right air-cleaning houseplants can tremendously enhance the air quality in your home. Consider plants above based on all the information we have provided and what suits your needs. Like we have said before, they don’t purify air dramatically, using air purifiers is best if that is your sole intention. But plants are amazing and we hope this article has pointed you in the right direction. Please write to us below if you have found it useful, or if you have any experience growing these so we can help the community!
