Looking to freshen up the air in your home while adding a touch of greenery? The right indoor plants can do more than just brighten a space—they can help purify the air too. If you live in the UK, where windows stay shut for months and heating dries the air, you're in the right place. We've rounded up 10 air purifying indoor plants that are perfect for UK homes, and yes, they're backed by science.
Why Air Purifying Plants Matter in UK Homes
Indoor air quality is often worse than we think. Common household items—like cleaning products, synthetic furniture, and even carpets—can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia. Poor ventilation during cold UK winters can trap these toxins indoors.
NASA's famous Clean Air Study found that certain houseplants can reduce the levels of these harmful substances. While some scientists debate the real-world impact, there's enough evidence to say plants do contribute positively to your indoor air.
10 Best Air Purifying Indoor Plants for the UK
Each of these plants not only helps clean the air but is also well-suited to the UK climate and typical indoor conditions.
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
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Purifies: Benzene, formaldehyde, ammonia
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Best For: Bathrooms, bedrooms
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Care Level: Easy (moderate light, weekly water)
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Peace Lily Indoor Plant - Air-Purifying Houseplant
Create a calming atmosphere in your home while improving air quality with this beautiful and low-maintenance plant
Product information
£9.99
Product Review Score
4.42 out of 5 stars
54 reviewsProduct links
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
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Purifies: Toluene, xylene, formaldehyde
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Best For: Low-light corners, home offices
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Care Level: Very low
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Variegated Mother-in-Law's Tongue - 30cm Tall Snake Plant
Add a touch of greenery to your home with this stunning (Snake Plant) Mother-in-Law's Tongue, perfect for beginners and seasoned plant lovers alike
Product information
£11.79
Product Review Score
4.91 out of 5 stars
12 reviewsProduct links
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
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Purifies: Carbon monoxide, formaldehyde
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Best For: Hanging baskets, kids' rooms
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Pet Friendly: ✅
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Variegated Spider Plant - Low Maintenance Indoor Houseplant
Brighten up your space with this beautiful and easy-to-care-for addition to your home
Product information
£13.99
Product Review Score
4.44 out of 5 stars
82 reviewsProduct links
4. Areca Palm
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Purifies: Toluene, xylene
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Best For: Living rooms with indirect light
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Bonus: Adds humidity to dry air
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Large Areca Palm - Lush Indoor House Plant
Bring a touch of tropical paradise into your home with this vibrant and easy-to-care-for indoor plant
Product information
£13.99
Product Review Score
4.93 out of 5 stars
220 reviewsProduct links
5. Boston Fern
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Purifies: Formaldehyde, xylene
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Best For: Cool, humid rooms
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Care Level: Medium (moist soil, indirect light)
Beautiful Boston Fern - Indoor Plant 25-35cm
Bring a touch of lush green elegance indoors with this vibrant and easy-care Boston Fern perfect for any space
Product information
£15.99
Product Review Score
4.12 out of 5 stars
92 reviewsProduct links
6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
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Purifies: Formaldehyde
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Best For: Bright, indirect light areas
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Care Level: Moderate
Ficus Robusta - Stylish Rubber Plant for Indoors
Bring a touch of greenery to your space with this easy-care plant that thrives in low light and adds a modern vibe to any room
Product information
£13.99
Product Review Score
4.2 out of 5 stars
228 reviewsProduct links
7. Aloe Vera
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Purifies: Formaldehyde, benzene
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Best For: Sunny windowsills
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Bonus: Gel can be used for minor burns
Aloe Vera: Healing Indoor Plant in Pot
Discover the natural benefits of this low-maintenance plant that thrives in any home
Product information
£14.99
Product Review Score
4.54 out of 5 stars
109 reviewsProduct links
8. English Ivy
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Purifies: Mould spores, benzene
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Best For: Shelves, hanging pots
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Care Level: Easy
Large Yellow Variegated English Ivy in Pot
Bring a splash of sunshine to your home with this vibrant and easy-care English Ivy
Product information
£12.99
Product Review Score
4.74 out of 5 stars
212 reviewsProduct links
9. Bamboo Palm
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Purifies: Benzene, formaldehyde
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Best For: Large spaces, bright corners
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Care Level: Moderate
10. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
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Purifies: Benzene, formaldehyde
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Best For: Low light areas
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Care Level: Very easy
Aglaonema Maria Christina | Chinese Evergreen Plant
A beautiful and low-maintenance houseplant that adds a touch of elegance to any space
Product information
£16.99
Product Review Score
4.18 out of 5 stars
22 reviewsProduct links
Do Indoor Plants Really Clean the Air?
The NASA Clean Air Study was conducted in a controlled, sealed environment—not exactly like your living room. Still, recent research supports the idea that a good number of plants can make a meaningful impact, especially when combined with good airflow.
Even if plants don't replace your air purifier, they do improve mental health, boost humidity, and reduce dust levels.
Where to Buy Air Purifying Plants in the UK
https://www.petalsandplants.co.uk/categories/house-plants
These retailers offer healthy plants delivered to your door, often with pots included. Always check for UK-grown or acclimatised stock to ensure your plant thrives.
Tips to Maximise the Benefits
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Group plants together to create a mini clean-air zone
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Wipe leaves weekly to remove dust and keep pores open
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Use terracotta pots to help regulate soil moisture
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Pair with natural ventilation for best results
Final Thoughts
Air purifying plants aren't a miracle cure, but they are a smart, beautiful, and scientifically supported way to improve your home environment. From peace lilies to spider plants, there's an option for every light level and room size.
Ready to breathe better? Start with one or two of the plants above and see how quickly your space (and mood) transforms.
related searches: m&s house plants, tesco indoor house plants, waitrose house plants
