By Kiera Olivas
The top five indoor plants proven to naturally filter indoor air, boost mood, and thrive in low-light winter conditions.
I have the worst green thumb. I constantly forget about the plants I have, or I simply lack the time to maintain them properly, so they die almost every time I get one. The only plants I can successfully grow are those that require very little maintenance.
For a science fair project a few years ago, I cared for four different plants. Keeping them alive and healthy surprised me, considering I was 15 and hardly ever home. After completing the project, I became interested in plants but still didn’t have time to care for them properly. That led me to research some of the best low-maintenance houseplants and the benefits they may provide. Here is what I found:
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a low-maintenance houseplant commonly found in homes because it does not need much sunlight and can survive in a wide range of temperatures. Its name comes from its long, flowing leaves and the small plantlets that hang from the parent plant like tiny spiders.
Studies suggest spider plants may help absorb small amounts of common indoor pollutants, including formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Their resilience and attractive appearance make them an excellent choice for beginners.
2. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
The snake plant is similar to the spider plant because it requires very little maintenance. It thrives in low light and doesn’t need frequent watering. Its name comes from its tall, patterned leaves, which resemble snakes.
Snake plants may help absorb small amounts of indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene. They are especially popular among busy people because they can tolerate periods of neglect.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that also produces a beautiful bloom, the peace lily may be the perfect solution. It has dark green, oval-shaped leaves and distinctive white blooms.
Peace lilies don’t need much light, but they should be watered consistently enough to keep the soil slightly moist. They may help absorb small amounts of indoor pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The rubber plant is a popular houseplant belonging to the fig family. It features thick, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are usually dark green. It is perfect for a sunroom or an area with bright, indirect light. It also does not require frequent watering, making it relatively easy to maintain.
Rubber plants may help absorb small amounts of formaldehyde and other indoor air pollutants. Their large, glossy leaves also make them an attractive addition to almost any room.
5. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The golden pothos is a gorgeous, ivy-like plant with heart-shaped leaves and vines that can grow quite long with proper care. It is very easy to care for because it does not require much light or frequent watering. For people with extremely busy lives—like me—it may be the perfect plant.
Golden pothos may also help absorb small amounts of pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene.
Although I struggle to maintain certain plants, these are some of the easiest ones I have cared for. I used golden pothos plants for my science fair project, and even though I was rarely home and watered them only once a week, they remained healthy and beautiful.
Houseplants are a wonderful way to decorate a room, bring a little nature indoors, and possibly improve air quality. However, they should not replace proper ventilation or air filtration. For me, any additional benefit they provide is simply a bonus.
