Winter in Cleveland brings cold temperatures, closed windows, and dry indoor air, which can affect air quality inside your home. Fortunately, certain indoor plants help purify the air, increase humidity, and add natural beauty to your space. Here’s a list of the best indoor plants to keep your air fresh and clean throughout the winter months.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant is one of the best low-maintenance air-purifying plants. It absorbs toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, which are commonly found in household cleaners and furniture.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
- Thrives in low light and dry air.
- Releases oxygen at night, improving indoor air while you sleep.
- Requires minimal watering, making it perfect for busy homeowners.
Care Tips:
- Water only when the soil is completely dry.
- Keep in indirect light, though it can tolerate low light conditions.
- Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are excellent at removing airborne toxins while adding a touch of elegance to your home.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
- Boosts humidity, which helps combat dry indoor air from heaters.
- Filters pollutants like ammonia, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide.
- Thrives in low to medium light, making it ideal for winter.
Care Tips:
- Keep soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Place in a shady or indirect light area.
- Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and improve air-purifying effects.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are hardy, easy to care for, and one of the best natural air purifiers.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
- Removes indoor pollutants like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.
- Improves humidity levels in dry indoor spaces.
- Pet-friendly and safe for homes with cats or dogs.
Care Tips:
- Water once a week, allowing soil to dry between watering.
- Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light.
- Trim brown leaf tips to keep the plant healthy.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is more than just a soothing plant for skin care—it’s also a powerful air purifier.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
- Absorbs toxins from paint, furniture, and household chemicals.
- Stores water in its leaves, making it extremely drought-tolerant.
- Adds a touch of greenery without needing much care.
Care Tips:
- Place in a sunny window (south or west-facing).
- Water sparingly—about once every two to three weeks.
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to grow and is known for filtering indoor air toxins.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
- Thrives in low light and fluctuating indoor temperatures.
- Reduces common indoor toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.
- Grows quickly, adding lush greenery even in the coldest months.
Care Tips:
- Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Can tolerate low to bright indirect light.
- Trim vines occasionally to encourage fuller growth.
6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The rubber plant is a striking addition to any indoor space, offering air-purifying properties and high oxygen production.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
- Removes mold spores and airborne toxins.
- Adds moisture to dry indoor air, improving humidity levels.
- Can tolerate low light and temperature fluctuations.
Care Tips:
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Prefers medium to bright indirect light.
- Keep leaves dust-free by wiping with a damp cloth.
7. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Areca palms are fantastic for humidifying indoor air while making a statement in any room.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
- One of the best natural humidifiers, helping relieve dry skin and allergies.
- Filters toxins like xylene and toluene.
- Adds a tropical feel to your space, even in winter.
Care Tips:
- Needs bright, indirect light to thrive.
- Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
- Mist leaves occasionally to maintain humidity.
8. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are excellent for increasing humidity and removing pollutants from the air.
Why It’s Great for Winter:
- Helps combat dry winter air by adding moisture to your home.
- Filters formaldehyde and xylene from indoor spaces.
- Thrives in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity levels are higher.
Care Tips:
- Keep soil consistently damp, but not soggy.
- Prefers indirect light and cooler temperatures.
- Mist leaves frequently to maintain moisture.
Colin’s Key Points
- Snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies are among the best air-purifying plants for winter.
- Aloe vera and rubber plants help remove toxins while requiring minimal maintenance.
- Spider plants and Boston ferns increase humidity, helping combat dry indoor air.
- Areca palms and peace lilies naturally humidify the air, making them ideal for heated homes in winter.
- Keeping indoor plants during winter improves air quality, reduces allergens, and adds fresh greenery to your home.
