Why Plants Are More Than Just Pretty
Let’s be honest. City air isn’t always the freshest. From sealed windows and synthetic furniture to cleaning sprays and busy roads outside, our homes can trap pollutants we barely notice, but our bodies feel.
The good news? A few carefully chosen indoor plants can make a surprising difference. Not only do they help lift the mood and brighten your space, but some varieties are known to reduce common indoor air pollutants.
Studies like the NASA Clean Air Study and UTS research show that indoor greenery can support cleaner air, less stress, and a greater sense of wellbeing, especially when you add several plants in one room.
So, How Do Plants Help Clean the Air?
In simple terms, some plants absorb small amounts of airborne toxins, like formaldehyde and benzene, through their leaves and roots. These come from everyday items like carpets, paints, glues, and electronics. While plants aren’t miracle workers (and won’t replace your need for ventilation), they are a lovely, natural boost to your indoor air quality, and they come with mental health perks, too.
Our Top 6 Air-Purifying Indoor Plants
Stylish. Space-saving. Hard to kill. These plants do double duty as décor and wellness tools.
1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, humid corners
This rainforest-like beauty adds texture to your home while helping to absorb airborne nasties like formaldehyde. Plus, it naturally increases humidity, great for skin and sinuses.
💧 Care tip: Loves moist soil, regular misting, and filtered light.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Best for: Kitchens, shelves, kids’ rooms
A cheerful, easy-care option that filters carbon monoxide and xylene, common in household materials. Plus, it's non-toxic to pets.
💧 Care tip: Water when dry. Happy in bright or low light.
3. Devil’s Ivy (Pothos) (Epipremnum aureum)
Best for: Hanging baskets, bookshelves, trailing accents
This lush, trailing vine is practically indestructible and brilliant at filtering multiple indoor pollutants. A great choice for beginners.
💧 Care tip: Let soil dry out slightly between waters.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Best for: Bedrooms, bathrooms, quiet corners
Elegant and calming, the Peace Lily is one of the best plants for tackling VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like benzene and trichloroethylene.
💧 Care tip: Keep soil lightly moist and avoid harsh sunlight.
⚠️ Note: Toxic to pets if ingested.
5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Best for: Living rooms, entryways, statement pots
This big-leaf beauty adds style and is known to help reduce formaldehyde levels. Its broad leaves also make it effective at absorbing airborne dust.
💧 Care tip: Loves indirect sunlight and light weekly watering.
6. Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) (Dracaena trifasciata)
Best for: Bedrooms and low-light spots
This upright plant is a quiet overachiever. It releases oxygen at night, making it ideal for bedrooms — and it filters formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, too.
💧 Care tip: Let the soil dry completely between waters.
Quick Tip: How Many Plants Do You Really Need?
Research suggests around one medium-to-large plant per 10 square metres to notice a difference in air quality. So in a standard living room, aim for 3–6 plants placed thoughtfully around the space. Even if you start with one or two, you’re already making progress.
“When outdoor nature is limited, bringing green indoors becomes essential – not just for style, but for wellness.” – Journal of Physiological Anthropology
Make It Easy With Natural Plant Care
To get the best out of your leafy companions, a little care goes a long way. Our We the Wild range of plant care products is designed to nourish indoor plants naturally, using live beneficial bacteria and enzymes to strengthen roots, boost leaf growth, and protect against common pests, without harsh chemicals.
We’re proud to stock the We the Wild range, a beautifully designed, Aussie-made collection that helps your plants thrive naturally:
- Plant Care Kit with natural nutrients
- Grow Lights for dark nooks
- Self-Watering Tools to avoid overwatering
- Gnat Traps to keep things pest-free
Final Thought: Your Home. Your Haven.
Urban gardening isn’t about having a green thumb. It’s about creating a space that feels good. With just a few leafy allies, you can create a fresher, calmer home that supports your body and mind.
