Air-Purifying Plants

What air purifying really means

The claim traces back to a 1989 NASA experiment in small sealed chambers. Research in real homes later found the effect tiny at normal plant densities; an open window does more for air quality than a shelf of pots. What healthy plants genuinely deliver is higher humidity, less echo and a space people consistently rate as calmer. Buy them for that, and treat cleaner air as a bonus.

How to choose: light first, then size, then pets

Light is the constraint most people ignore. In a bright room away from direct glass, the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) makes a 3m indoor tree, and Monstera deliciosa fills a corner as quickly. For dim rooms, the Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) holds glossy 70cm foliage in deep shade and the Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) reaches 2.5m in the same low light; our low light indoor plants collection gathers the rest. If you forget to water, start with the Snake Plant, a 1m upright grower that tolerates drought, heat and neglect.

If cats or dogs chew foliage, choose plants carrying our Pet Friendly flag: Kentia Palm, Bamboo Palm, Lady Palm, Cast Iron Plant and Baby Rubber Plant. Peace lilies, pothos, philodendrons and figs do not, so start at the pet friendly indoor plants collection if that matters in your house.

Pots, position and repotting

A 200mm to 250mm pot suits benchtop plants; floor plants like palms and figs want 300mm to 400mm. Every pot needs a drainage hole and a saucer, no exceptions. Repot in spring every two to three years into a pot about 50mm wider, using a quality indoor mix. Keep plants clear of heaters and air conditioning vents and out of hot afternoon sun through glass, and give each a quarter turn every few weeks so growth stays even.

Care that keeps them alive

Overwatering kills more indoor plants than everything else combined. Push a finger into the mix and water only when the top 2cm to 3cm is dry, then water thoroughly and let the excess drain. Feed half strength liquid fertiliser monthly from spring to autumn, none in winter. Wipe dust off the leaves every month or two, since a dusty leaf catches noticeably less light. Everything in the wider indoor plant range follows the same basic rhythm.

Common questions

Which air purifying plant is best?

Snake plants and peace lilies top the famous lists, and both are genuinely hard to kill. In practice the best choice is whichever plant suits your light and your watering habits, because a thriving plant beats a struggling one from a list.

How many plants do I need to clean a room?

Honestly, more than any home could hold: researchers estimate dozens per square metre to shift measured air quality. Three to five well grown plants will change how a room feels, which is the outcome most people actually want.

Which indoor plants are safe for pets?

The Kentia Palm, Bamboo Palm, Lady Palm, Cast Iron Plant and Baby Rubber Plant are all listed as non toxic to cats and dogs. Our guide to pet safe indoor plants covers more options.

Why are the leaves turning yellow?

Usually overwatering, occasionally a dark corner the plant cannot tolerate. Check the mix first: if it is wet a week after watering, let it dry right out and water less often.

How does delivery work?

Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and no minimum order. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.