10 Easy to Care Indoor Plants That Help Purify the Air

If you live in a Canadian city like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, chances are you spend most of your winter indoors. That’s why many people turn to low-maintenance indoor plants -like Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Pothos - not just for greenery, but to help clean the air.

These plants absorb airborne toxins and add a fresh touch to even the most lived-in spaces. In this post, we’ll introduce 10 types of air-purifying plants that are easy to care for and effective at improving indoor air quality. You'll also learn how they work and why they’re especially useful in Canadian homes.

10 Types of Air-Purifying Plants That Are Easy to Care for Indoors

Here are the 10 types of air-purifying plants that you can easily place in your indoor homes:

1. Snake Plant

Also called Sansevieria or “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” this plant features tall, stiff, upright leaves with green-gray banding. It’s one of the most durable air-purifying houseplants and is known for tolerating poor conditions, neglect, and low-light interiors.

Care Guide

• Light: Grows best in indirect sunlight but can tolerate very low light areas without losing its strength or color.
• Water: Water sparingly every 2–3 weeks; always allow the soil to dry completely between waterings to avoid root rot.
• Pet safety: Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested; keep this plant out of reach in pet-friendly households.
• Best for: Perfect for bedrooms and offices where low light and irregular care are common.

Discover how to turn your Snake Plant into a design hero with our comprehensive Snake Plant Styling & Care Guide.

2. Aloe Vera

A rosette-shaped succulent with thick, fleshy leaves edged with soft spines. Known for its healing gel, Aloe Vera stores water in its leaves and prefers bright light, making it both a functional remedy and a decorative houseplant.

Care Guide

• Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but can handle direct sun for short periods in cooler climates.
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; overwatering is the most common reason Aloe plants fail.
• Pet safety: Toxic if ingested by pets; the gel is beneficial for humans but not safe for animals.
• Best for: Great for kitchen windows or sunlit shelves with good airflow and minimal humidity.

Learn everything you need to know about nurturing Aloe Vera in kitchens and bathrooms with our Aloe Vera Care guide.

3. Spider Plant

Also known as Chlorophytum comosum, this plant has arching green-and-white striped leaves that shoot out baby plantlets. Its graceful, fountain-like shape and air-purifying qualities make it a staple in homes and offices alike.

Care Guide

• Light: Tolerates a range of light levels, including artificial lighting and low-light rooms like bathrooms or hallways.
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry; they’re forgiving if you forget occasionally.
• Pet safety: Non-toxic to pets; safe around cats and dogs, even if they nibble occasionally.
• Best for: Ideal for hanging baskets in kitchens, living rooms, or low-sunlight offices.

4. English Ivy

Hedera helix is a trailing vine plant with lobed, pointed leaves that climb or cascade beautifully. Its timeless look adds a classic, cozy feel to indoor spaces while helping trap dust, mold spores, and airborne particles.

Care Guide

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but will tolerate low light; avoid prolonged direct sun, which can scorch leaves.
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy; reduce watering slightly in winter to prevent root rot.
• Pet safety: Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested; best placed in hanging pots or on high shelves.
• Best for: Hanging baskets, bookshelves, or bathroom corners needing visual softness and vertical greenery.

Explore our hanging baskets collection for the perfect setup to display your English Ivy with ease and style.

5. Golden Pothos

With heart-shaped leaves in variegated shades of green and yellow, Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a trailing vine that adapts well to different indoor conditions. It's often used in hanging pots or trained up poles and trellises.

Care Guide

• Light: Grows well in medium to low light; variegation fades in deep shade, so provide filtered sunlight when possible.
• Water: Water when the top few inches of soil are dry; very forgiving if slightly neglected.
• Pet safety: Toxic if ingested by pets or children; keep vines trimmed and out of reach in busy homes.
• Best for: Living rooms, bathrooms, or offices that need greenery without direct sun exposure.

Learn more from these indoor pothos care tips if you’re dealing with trailing plants in low-light spaces.

6. Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata has feathery, delicate fronds that arch gracefully from central stems. Boston Ferns are among the best natural humidifiers, often used in hanging baskets to freshen up dry, stagnant indoor air.

Care Guide

• Light: Prefers indirect, filtered light; too much direct sun can dry out or bleach the delicate fronds.
• Water: Requires consistent moisture and high humidity; mist regularly and keep soil evenly moist.
• Pet safety: Non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for homes with curious cats or dogs.
• Best for: Bathrooms or laundry rooms with naturally higher humidity levels and soft morning light.

Explore pet-safe air-purifying options like Spider Plant and Boston Fern, and check out Toxic-Free Indoor Plant Picks for Pet Lovers

7. Areca Palm

Also called the Butterfly Palm (Dypsis lutescens), this plant features long, arching fronds with soft leaflets that give a tropical touch. It not only removes airborne toxins but also adds moisture to dry rooms.

Care Guide

• Light: Thrives in bright, filtered light; avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaf tips.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; reduce frequency slightly in winter months.
• Pet safety: Non-toxic to pets and safe to display in high-traffic areas.
• Best for: Open-plan rooms, entryways, or bright corners that need height and humidity.

8. Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema species feature lush, broad leaves in shades of green, silver, or even pink. These plants are prized for their bold foliage, air-purifying properties, and ability to thrive in low-light, low-care conditions.

Care Guide

• Light: Does well in low to medium indirect light; too much sun may cause leaf burn or fading.
• Water: Water moderately and allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings; avoid letting it sit in water.
• Pet safety: Toxic to pets if chewed or ingested; use tall pots or place out of reach in pet households.
• Best for: Hallways, shaded living rooms, or offices with artificial lighting and minimal airflow.

9. Rubber Plant

With large, glossy, oval leaves in deep green or burgundy, Ficus elastica adds bold structure to any space. It’s especially good at trapping airborne toxins on its wide leaf surfaces and subtly raising indoor humidity.

Care Guide

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight; tolerates some shade but may grow leggy without enough light.
• Water: Water when the top two inches of soil are dry; wipe leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free.
• Pet safety: Toxic to pets if ingested; place away from floors or areas frequented by cats and dogs.
• Best for: Corners of well-lit rooms or home offices where a sculptural plant can double as décor.

10. Dracaena

The Dracaena family includes upright plants like Dracaena fragrans (corn plant) and slender, spiky Dracaena marginata. These tropical plants are loved for their air-purifying traits and tall, space-efficient structure.

Care Guide

• Light: Enjoys filtered light but adapts to lower conditions; direct sun can cause leaf browning.
• Water: Water moderately and let the top inch dry between sessions; they’re sensitive to fluoride and overwatering.
• Pet safety: Toxic to pets and may cause vomiting or drooling if chewed.
• Best for: Corners, hallways, or entryways that need height without taking up too much floor space.

How Many Plants Do You Need to Purify a Room?

Most sources, including NASA’s original study, suggest using 1–2 medium-sized plants per 100 square feet for noticeable results. 

For a standard Canadian bedroom or living room, that often means 4–5 plants total, ideally placed in different parts of the space for better coverage. Pairing plants with open windows or air circulation can improve effectiveness.

Which one of these indoor plants are good for purifying air and beginner friendly?
byu/TurkyySandwitch ingardening

Pet Safety Warning

While many air-purifying plants offer excellent indoor benefits, several, like Snake Plants, Aloe Vera, Pothos, and Dracaena, are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Always check the ASPCA’s Toxic Plant List or consult your vet before choosing plants for pet-friendly homes. Safer options include Spider Plant, Areca Palm, and Boston Fern.

Winter Care Tips for Indoor Plants in Canadian Homes

Here are the winter care tips for Canadian households for indoor plants:

• Humidity drops indoors during Canadian winters; group plants together and mist them lightly to prevent drying out.
• Light levels fall in winter months, so move plants closer to windows or consider full-spectrum grow lights.
• Avoid drafts and heaters, keep plants away from radiators and cold window sills.
• Reduce watering frequency, as soil stays wet longer in cooler temperatures. Always check moisture before watering.

Conclusion

Indoor air can be refreshed and made healthier with the right set of easy-care houseplants. 

Some of the most common and effective air purifying plants, like Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Rubber Plant, and Aloe Vera, not only filter harmful toxins but also improve humidity and enhance indoor comfort during dry seasons. 

While these plants contribute to cleaner air, it's a myth that one or two alone can purify an entire room; for best results, pair them with proper ventilation. And always remember, plants like Pothos or Dracaena may look inviting but aren’t safe for pets, so placement matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which indoor plant is best for air purification?

All indoor plants work efficiently for air purification; however, Snake Plants, Spider Plants, and ZZ Plants are known best in order to serve the purpose.

Which indoor plant is the most suitable for a new caretaker?

Snake Plant is the most common and well known indoor plant for its low maintenance.

Is it okay to put my indoor plant outside in summer?

It is okay to put your indoor plants outside in the summer, but do not put them directly into sunlight. Make them immune to sunlight by placing them in shady areas first, then slowly moving them towards the sunlight over several days.