We’re lucky to live in South Florida, where tropical plants thrive year-round and lush greenery is part of the everyday landscape. But while we enjoy our palm trees and bougainvillea outside, more and more people are bringing plants indoors—not just for their beauty, but for the hopes of cleaner air.
The idea that houseplants can help clean indoor air has been around for a while. It started with a NASA study in the late 1980s, which looked into how plants might filter air in space. Since then, there’s been ongoing curiosity about whether common houseplants can make a difference in our homes.
As it turns out, indoor air can be more polluted than we think, thanks to chemicals found in cleaning supplies, paints, furniture finishes, and even synthetic fabrics. For some, those pollutants can trigger headaches or even allergies. That’s where houseplants come in. While they’re not a magic fix, certain plants may help absorb some of those toxins—and they happen to make a room feel warmer, cozier, and more alive.
Lucky for us, you don’t have to travel far to find them. Many popular indoor plants are available at places like our local Fresh Market, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Home Depot, and even Publix.
Here are a few popular indoor plants that thrive in South Florida homes and are often praised for their air-cleaning potential.
Areca Palm
A soft, full plant that fits right into our tropical climate. It’s also said to help add moisture to the air.
Snake Plant
Very low-maintenance and tough to kill. It can handle low light and is often mentioned as a plant that helps clean the air.
Peace Lily
Easy to grow with elegant white flowers. It’s known for filtering indoor air, but it’s not safe for pets.
Pothos
Also known as devil’s ivy, this is a popular choice for beginners. It grows quickly and looks great trailing from shelves or hanging pots.
Spider Plant
A classic option that’s easy to care for and grows little baby plants that you can repot or share. It’s also believed to help with carbon monoxide and other indoor toxins.
To really feel a difference, some recommendations suggest having at least one medium-sized plant for every 100 square feet of space—but even just a couple can bring some life and freshness into a room. Experts suggest keeping leaves free of dust so the plants can “breathe,” and be sure to pay attention to their lighting and watering needs.
Whether or not they completely purify your space, houseplants have a way of making homes feel more grounded. In a world full of screens and synthetic everything, bringing in a few living, growing things might be one of the simplest ways to breathe a little easier—literally and figuratively.
NASA’s 1989 Clean Air Study is available online.