Best Air-Purifying Indoor Plants That Require Less Water

Not all indoor air-purifying plants need to be watered frequently. In fact, some of the best apartment, office, and low-maintenance plants- even for people on the go -- are ones that naturally store water or are able to withstand decent periods of time with dry soil.

Air-purifying abilities for many houseplants are primarily from controlled studies. Like many controlled studies, the snapshots of the results that have been reported are taken from a much larger whole. NASA's research found certain plants could remove certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in closed systems; however, there are other factors like light, air circulation, and the general conditions of the room. After NASA's study was completed, research showed that VOC removal from plants in closed systems was not as efficient as previously thought.

1. Snake Plant

Snake plant, or Dracaena trifasciata, a plant with thick, upright leaves, is one of the most famous drought-tolerant houseplants. Snake plants are ideal for people who like low-effort houseplants.

• Watering: Allow soil to dry between waterings.
• Best for: Bedrooms, offices, and rooms with inconsistent care.

Because of this, RHS has ranked snake plants among the best low-maintenance houseplants.

2. ZZ Plant

ZZ plant, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is also an easy plant for people who forget to water due to its large underground rhizome, which stores water, allowing ZZ plants to withstand very dry soil.

• Watering: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
• Best for: Low-light offices, bedrooms, and other rarely used spaces.

Too much water becomes a concern, as it causes root issues for the houseplant.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera leaves are thick and store water. This makes it an effective houseplant. Aloe vera requires little water due to its storage system and makes it suitable for less frequent, deeper watering.

• Watering: Water a little less frequently to allow the soil to completely dry between waterings.
• Best for: Bright windowsills

Additionally, NASA suggests that aloe vera has the ability to help remove formaldehyde from the air.

4. Pothos

Pothos is another low-maintenance indoor plant and is in the same family as aloe. NASA research showed that golden pothos was effective at removing formaldehyde.

• Watering: Wait to water until the top layer of soil is dry.
• Best for: Bright indirect light, shelves, hanging plants.

How to Choose the Right Plant

Contrary to the 'never water' myth, do not overwater. Moisture needs are based on temperature, humidity, light, soil, and pot size. A plant in direct, intense light will dry out quicker than in low light.

For air-purifying plants, the best way to remain on the safe side is to check the soil instead of watering once a week. You should also not treat plants as substitutes for real ventilation and filtration systems.

Pothos and ZZ are excellent vegging plants. Aloe vera would be an excellent choice for a bright window.