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best indoor plants for clean air

Searching for the best indoor plants for clean air? Whether you’re trying to freshen up your living space, home office, or any indoor environment, certain houseplants have proven air-purifying abilities that make them excellent choices for cleaner, healthier air. Many research studies (including NASA’s famous Clean Air Study) show that specific plant species can help filter pollutants and improve air quality while also adding beauty and vibrancy to your surroundings. At our New Zealand nursery, we’re passionate about recommending the best indoor plants for clean air that thrive locally and are easy to care for—even if you’re new to indoor gardening.

Dracaena marginata 'Bicolor' plants with colourful foliage.

Dracaena marginata 'Bicolor'

Dracaena marginata ‘Bicolor’ is a graceful indoor plant with slender, upright canes topped by narrow green leaves edged in cream and pink. Its colourful, variegated foliage adds texture and vibrancy to modern interiors while requiring minimal care. Thriving in bright, indirect light, this variety is drought-tolerant once established and helps improve indoor air quality. Perfect for homes and offices in New Zealand, it delivers both style and low-maintenance living.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 50 cm
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Dracaena 'Warneckii' plant.

Dracaena 'Warneckii'

Dracaena ‘Warneckii’ is a bold and attractive indoor plant featuring long, arching green leaves striped with clean white or cream. Its upright canes and striking foliage bring structure and elegance to homes and offices. Thriving in bright, indirect light, it’s low maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. This variety also helps improve indoor air quality, making it a perfect combination of style and function for modern New Zealand interiors.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
Dracaena Anita plant in a pot.
Dracaena 'Anita'

Dracaena ‘Anita’ is an elegant indoor plant with fine, arching, deep green leaves that create a soft, fountain-like effect. Its slim canes and lush...

From$50.99
Ficus Black Knight growing in a pot with lush, dark foliage.
Ficus Black Knight

Ficus ‘Black Knight’ is a striking indoor plant characterised by its large, glossy leaves, which range from deep green to nearly black tones. This...

From$37.19
Dracaena 'Amigo' plant with lush green foliage being grown as an indoor plant.
Dracaena 'Amigo'

Dracaena ‘Amigo’ is a stylish, low-maintenance indoor plant loved for its lush, tropical foliage and easy-care nature. Its glossy green leaves and...

From$64.79
A stunning Dracaena marginata 'Sunray' with fine, green and yellow foliage growing in a pot.
Dracaena marginata 'Sunray'

Dracaena marginata ‘Sunray’ is a striking indoor plant with slender, arching green leaves edged in bright Sunray-yellow. Its tall, elegant canes and...

From$50.99
Ficus benjamina plant in black pot with lush green leaves
Ficus benjamina

Ficus benjamina, known as the Weeping Fig, is a popular indoor plant in New Zealand, prized for its elegant, arching branches and glossy green...

From$30.29
Hoya 'Splash' variegated foliage.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Splash'

Hoya 'Splash' is a popular variety that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated leaves that are dark green and splashed with...

From$27.53
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
Begonia erythrophylla (Beefsteak Begonia) plant in a pot with lush, purple and green foliage.
Begonia erythrophylla

Begonia erythrophylla (Beefsteak Begonia) is a striking foliage plant valued for its glossy rounded green leaves with rich red undersides. This...

From$24.77
Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' flower cluster.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'

Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' is a popular variety that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated, dark green leaves held on...

From$27.53
Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' variegated foliage.
Ficus benjamina 'Starlight'

Ficus benjamina ‘Starlight’ is a striking indoor plant admired for its glossy green leaves edged in creamy white. This variegated form of the popular...

From$30.29
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
sansevieria-hahnii-
Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$38.57
Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii' growing in a pot.
Sansevieria 'Laurentii' (Mother In Laws Tongue)

The Sansevieria Laurentii plant, commonly known as the Mother in Law Tongue, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$38.57
Hypoestes 'Splash White' plant in a pot with lush, white and dark green spotted foliage.
Hypoestes 'Splash White'

Hypoestes 'Splash White' is a fresh and decorative foliage plant valued for its green leaves splashed with crisp white markings. This compact variety...

From$26.15
Ficus benjamina 'variegata' foliage.
Ficus benjamina variegata

Ficus benjamina 'Variegata' is a popular indoor plant owing to its colourful foliage. It has a short trunk that supports a dense canopy of dark green...

From$30.29
chlorophytum-curly--2
Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$22.01
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$20.01
rhaphidophora-decursiva-
Rhaphidophora decursiva

Rhaphidophora decursiva (Dragon Tail Plant) is a striking tropical climber known for its large, deeply split leaves that become more dramatic as the...

From$53.75
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.
Orange 'Best Seedless'

The ‘Best Seedless’ Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$50.99
helichrysum-petiolare--3
Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its soft silver foliage and trailing growth habit. The attractive...

From$24.77
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red' red flowers amidst dark purple foliage.
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Best Red’ is a standout crepe myrtle prized for its intense red summer flowers and strong upright tree form. Flowering through the...

From$323.65
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$23.04
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$79.20
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$37.44
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$27.36
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$26.91
Dracaena marginata 'Bicolor'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Begonia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Dracaena, Ficus, Helichrysum, Hoya, Hypoestes, Lagerstroemia, Mint, Monstera, Orange, Rhaphidophora, Sansevieria, Sedum Strelitzia and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Plant pots, Orange Trees, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials Succulents and Deciduous Trees.

Search best indoor plants for clean air

Why Choose Indoor Plants for Clean Air?

Indoor plants are more than just decorative accents. The best indoor plants for clean air actively remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from your home’s atmosphere. By naturally filtering the air, these plants support respiratory health, reduce allergies, and may even boost your mood. Plus, they provide humidity and create a calm, inviting ambience indoors.

Best Indoor Plants for Clean Air in New Zealand

Here’s a selection of top air-cleaning houseplants recommended for New Zealand homes:

Dracaena Varieties

Dracaenas are renowned for their resilience and outstanding air-purifying properties. Their attractive foliage and compact growth habit make them ideal for any indoor spot. Consider these popular choices: - Dracaena marginata 'Bicolor': With striking red-edged green leaves, this variety is not only stylish but a proven air purifier—for formaldehyde and other common household toxins. - Dracaena 'Warneckii': This Dracaena has creamy-striped, sword-shaped leaves and thrives in low light. It’s excellent for offices, bedrooms, or anywhere you need a clean-air solution. - Dracaena 'Green Stripe': Its lush green stripes brighten up interiors while quietly improving air quality. - Dracaena 'Anita': With its elegant, arching leaves, Anita is a beautiful addition to your clean-air plant collection and is easy to maintain.

Air Plants

Air plants are unique, low-maintenance, and don’t require soil—making them perfect for small spaces or creative displays. Tillandsia oaxacana (Air Plant) absorbs moisture and pollutants directly from the air, actively contributing to fresher indoor environments.

Tips for Growing Clean-Air Indoor Plants

To maximise their air-purifying abilities, place your plants throughout the home where airflow is good and light is abundant. Remember, healthy plants are more effective; keep their leaves clean of dust and water them as per their needs. Combining several varieties, such as multiple Dracaenas and an Air Plant, will amplify your clean-air benefits.

Create a Healthy, Beautiful Space

Choosing the best indoor plants for clean air offers countless advantages. With Dracaena varieties and air plants, you can enhance your home’s air quality and style. Browse our plant range to discover the perfect clean-air plants for your NZ home—your lungs and living space will thank you!


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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