Skip to content
Airleaf
Shop

Clean-air shop · 5 picks

Easy indoor plants

We love plants, but no houseplant measurably cleans a room's air.

A 2020 review of the research found it would take 10 to 1,000 plants per square meter to match what ordinary ventilation already does (Cummings & Waring). Grow them for the green; use a purifier for the air.

5 plants at a glance

Our picks

We earn a small commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what's listed. As an Amazon Associate, Airleaf earns from qualifying purchases.

Costa Farms Snake plantHard to kill

Costa Farms

Snake plant

Stiff, upright leaves that put up with low light and missed waterings: the easiest houseplant there is.

  • Tolerates low light
  • Water every few weeks

Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed (ASPCA).

$35.00at costafarms.com · small size

View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)
Costa Farms Golden pothos (money plant)Trailing

Costa Farms

Golden pothos (money plant)

Fast trailing vines with gold-splashed leaves for shelves and window ledges. A cutting roots in a glass of water.

  • Fast-growing trailing vine
  • Easy to propagate

Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed (ASPCA).

$34.00at costafarms.com · small size

View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)
Costa Farms ZZ plantLow light

Costa Farms

ZZ plant

Glossy, dark leaves that look polished and need almost nothing: water every couple of weeks and keep it out of hot sun.

  • Copes with low light
  • Drought-tolerant

Contains calcium oxalate crystals, which irritate the mouth if chewed. Keep away from pets and small children.

$39.00at costafarms.com · medium size

View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)
Costa Farms Peace lilyFlowers indoors

Costa Farms

Peace lily

Glossy leaves and white flowers indoors, and it tells you when it's thirsty by drooping.

  • White blooms indoors
  • Droops when it needs water

Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed (ASPCA).

$39.00at costafarms.com · medium size

View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)
Costa Farms Monstera deliciosaStatement plant

Costa Farms

Monstera deliciosa

Big split leaves that make a room feel like a greenhouse. Give it bright, indirect light and space to grow.

  • Iconic split leaves
  • Grows large

Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed (ASPCA).

$68.00at costafarms.com · large size

View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)

Buying guide

What to look for

01

Light first

Put a plant where it gets the light it wants. Bright but indirect suits nearly everything here; harsh afternoon sun scorches leaves.

02

Water less than you think

More houseplants drown than dry out. Water when the top of the soil is dry, and make sure the pot drains.

03

Mind the pets

The ASPCA lists snake plants and pothos as toxic to cats and dogs; spider plants are safe. Check its list before you buy anything new.

The research: Cummings & Waring, “Potted plants do not improve indoor air quality”, Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 2020.

Buying guides

Questions

Do houseplants purify indoor air?
Not measurably. A 2020 review found you'd need 10–1,000 plants per square meter to match ordinary ventilation. Use a purifier or ventilation for clean air, and plants for a greener room.
Which houseplants are safe for cats and dogs?
Of the plants here, the spider plant is on the ASPCA's non-toxic list. Snake plants, pothos, peace lilies and monstera are toxic if chewed.
What's the easiest houseplant to keep alive?
The snake plant or ZZ plant: both store water and forgive low light and missed waterings.

More from the shop