By Andrew Bunting, PHS VP of Horticulture 

Creating a healthy and beautiful environment is easy with indoor, low light houseplants that also act as air purifying houseplants. Many of these easy-care houseplants help remove common indoor pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde, improving overall air quality. 

The larger the plant, the greater its impact on air purification. Popular houseplants that clean the air include the peace lily, snake plant, Chinese evergreen, spider plant, pothos, rubber tree, jade plant, fiddle leaf fig, and Swiss cheese plant. These low maintenance indoor plants are ideal for homes, offices, and even malls due to their adaptability to low light conditions. 

Top Indoor Plants That Thrive in Low Light and Purify the Air 
 

1. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) 

Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is one of the best houseplants for low light and one of the most durable air purifying houseplants. It can tolerate weeks of neglect, requires only occasional watering, and thrives in most lighting conditions from bright sun to indirect light. 

Bonus Tip: The snake plant adds a strong vertical element to your décor. Choose from many cultivars such as: 

• ‘Laurentii’, ‘Golden Hahnii’, and ‘Yellowstone’ (green and yellow variegation) 
• ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ (green and white stripes) 
• Dracaena cylindrica (unique tubular foliage) 

Propagation is simple by division or leaf cuttings. 

2. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) 

Golden pothos is a tough, trailing vine that grows well in nearly any light condition, making it a great low maintenance indoor plant. It’s perfect for bookshelves or hanging planters and thrives even if watered infrequently. 

Bonus Tip: Try these attractive cultivars: 

• ‘Marble Queen’ (white and green flecks) 
• ‘Neon’ (bright chartreuse leaves) 
• ‘N’Joy’ (white-edged foliage) 

Pothos is also easy to propagate—just root a cutting in water. 

3. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum) 

The Chinese evergreen is a staple among easy-care houseplants and a favorite for offices and public spaces. It tolerates very low light and has stunning variegated leaves. 

• ‘Silver Queen’ (silver leaves with green splotches) — awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit 
• ‘Wishes’ (splashes of green, white, and pink) 

This is one of the best houseplants for low light areas where other plants may struggle. 

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) 

The peace lily is a classic air purifying houseplant that produces elegant white blooms and thrives in partial shade or indirect light. It needs minimal watering and care, making it ideal for beginners. 

• ‘Sensation’ (large, ribbed leaves) 
• ‘Domino’ (white and green variegation for extra brightness) 

5. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) 

The fiddle leaf fig is a dramatic, tree-like indoor low light houseplant with large, glossy leaves. It’s durable, adaptable to varying light conditions, and makes a statement in any room. 

Bonus Tip: Start with a small plant or go big with a mature specimen for instant impact. Related species like Ficus benjamina and Ficus elastica (rubber tree) are also great air purifying houseplants. 

6. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa) 

Known for its iconic split leaves, the Swiss cheese plant is both stylish and functional. It prefers indirect light or dappled sunlight and appreciates humidity and consistent watering. 

Bonus Tip: Variegated types, such as ‘Albo Variegata’ with white and green marbled leaves, are highly sought after. 

7. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) 

The spider plant is a beginner-friendly low maintenance indoor plant that produces baby “spiders” along arching stems. It thrives in indirect sunlight and is non-toxic to pets. 

Bonus Tip: Simply pot up the baby plants for easy propagation. Both solid green and variegated forms add fresh energy to any room. 

Simple Tips for Keeping Indoor Low Light Houseplants Healthy 

Keep your easy-care houseplants thriving with these quick tips: 

• Avoid overwatering; most prefer to dry out between waterings. 
• Rotate plants every few weeks for balanced growth. 
• Wipe leaves regularly to remove dust and boost their air-cleaning power. 
• Group plants together to create a humid mini-ecosystem. 

Designing a Healthier Home with Air Purifying Houseplants 

Use these houseplants that clean the air in spaces such as bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways, or offices with limited sunlight. Not only do they improve indoor air quality, but they also reduce stress and create a calming atmosphere. 

Easy-Care Plants for Cleaner Air and Greener Spaces 

These indoor low light houseplants are the perfect blend of beauty, health, and simplicity. With minimal care, they enhance your décor while improving your air quality. 

Add one or two air purifying houseplants to your space and enjoy the difference they make in your home or office. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they freshen the air, lift your mood, and bring a little more green into your everyday life.