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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 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 foliage make it a stylish choice for adding greenery to modern interiors without overpowering the space. Thriving in bright, indirect light, it’s easy to maintain and drought-tolerant once established.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 50 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, 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.

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
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$99.52
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
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar

Stromanthe 'Triostar' is a striking tropical foliage plant prized for its colourful leaves patterned in green, cream, and pink with rich burgundy...

From$33.05
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
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
Philodendron 'Atom' growing as an indoor plant and featuring lush, dark green foliage.
Philodendron 'Atom'

Philodendron 'Atom' is a compact, tropical plant known for its glossy, dark green leaves with deep lobes and softly ruffled edges. This dwarf variety...

From$37.19
A Radermachera sinica (Canton Lace) plant with lush and glossy, dark green foliage.
Radermachera sinica

Radermachera sinica, commonly known as the China Doll Plant or Canton Lace, is an evergreen shrub grown for its impressive foliage. This subtropical...

From$515.35
Syngonium White Butterfly plants with elegant green foliage.
Syngonium 'White Butterfly'

Syngonium 'White Butterfly' is a beautiful indoor plant admired for its creamy white leaves edged with soft green. It is a vigorous grower and brings...

From$38.57
Philodendron 'Xanadu' with lush green foliage growing indoors in a pot.
Philodendron 'Xanadu'

Philodendron 'Xanadu' is a lush, tropical plant prized for its dense clumps of deeply lobed, glossy green leaves. It forms a tidy, fountain-like...

From$24.95
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
Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' plants in a tropical garden.
Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'

Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' is a popular indoor plant owing to its rich and colourful foliage. The large and glossy leaves are burgundy-red and held...

From$33.05
Ficus elastica 'Ruby' plants with colourful foliage.
Ficus 'Ruby'

Ficus 'Ruby' is a popular indoor plant owing to its amazing, tri-coloured foliage. The large, glossy leaves are variegated with dark red, pink, and...

From$37.19
A Dracaena 'Massangeana' (Happy plant) with colourful foliage growing in a pot.
Dracaena massangeana

Dracaena 'Massangeana', commonly known as the Happy Plant, is a stunning indoor plant grown for its lovely form and variegated foliage. The yellow...

From$82.73
Lucky Bamboo plants with lush, green foliage.
Dracaena sanderiana

Dracaena sanderiana, commonly known as Lucky Bamboo, is a stunning indoor plant grown for its lovely form and lush foliage. The fresh green leaves...

From$50.99
sansevieria-green-1
Sansevieria Green

Sansevieria Green (Serpent Plant) is a striking evergreen houseplant valued for its tall, upright green leaves and strong architectural form. The...

From$32.95
Ficus elastica 'Melany' plant in a pot.
Ficus elastica 'Melany'

Ficus Melany is a compact glossy leaved rubber plant known for its deep green foliage and upright form. Ideal for NZ homes and offices it adds...

From$33.05
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$71.69
callisia-bubbles--3
Callisia repens

Callisia repens goes by several common names such as the Bubbles Plant, Turtle Vine, and Pin Panther Plant. The Turtle Vine is a very popular indoor...

From$24.95
Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' flower cluster.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'

Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' is a stunning evergreen climber prized for its thick glossy foliage and clusters of richly coloured star shaped flowers...

From$20.63
Hoya 'Teddy' flowers.
Hoya 'Teddy Bear'

Hoya 'Teddy Bear' is a popular variety that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated, dark green leaves held on trailing stems...

From$27.53
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'

Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum' (Spider Plant) is a popular evergreen perennial valued for its arching green and white striped foliage and easy...

From$39.95
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$44.09
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
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$34.95
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
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Dracaena 'Anita'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dracaena, Ficus, and Philodendron, or related Categories - Indoor Plants.

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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