4 Air-Purifying Plants You’ll Want for Fall

I always want my home to feel fresh, especially once the weather cools down. Air-purifying plants are a simple way to keep things clean and cozy during fall.

These plants don’t just look good—they actually help clean the air. I’ve found they’re pretty easy to care for, and they add a bit of warmth as the season changes.

1) Snake Plant

I really enjoy having a Snake Plant around. It’s honestly one of the easiest plants to care for, which is perfect for anyone with a busy schedule (like me).

Its tall, stiff leaves have these cool yellow stripes that make them pop in any space. I think they look a bit dramatic, in a good way.

Snake Plants do a solid job cleaning the air. They can help remove things like formaldehyde and benzene, which can sneak in from carpets or cleaners.

They don’t need much sunlight at all. I usually tuck mine in a low-light corner and just water it every couple of weeks.

Honestly, they’re hard to mess up. If I forget to water it for a while, it still hangs in there. That’s a relief if you’re not exactly a plant expert.

Snake Plants grow tall but don’t sprawl out everywhere, so they fit well in small apartments or even on a shelf.

If you have pets, just a heads up—Snake Plants can be toxic if eaten. I keep mine up high, out of reach from curious paws.

Another thing I’ve noticed: pests don’t seem to bother them much. Mine’s stayed healthy with barely any effort.

For me, the Snake Plant is a top pick—it’s good-looking, useful, and so low-maintenance. It’s a nice way to bring a bit of green indoors when it’s chilly outside.

2) Spider Plant

I’m a big fan of the Spider Plant, especially in fall. It’s easy to care for and those long, green-and-white leaves spill out in every direction, which always makes the plant look lively.

Spider Plants are great for cleaning the air. There are studies showing they remove some common toxins, like formaldehyde and xylene. It’s comforting to know the air might be a bit fresher with one around.

They don’t need much fussing over. I just water mine about once a week when the soil feels dry. They’re happy with indirect light, so I keep mine near a window but out of the harsh sun.

One thing I think is fun—they grow little “babies” on long stems. You can snip these off and start new plants, or give them away. It’s a nice way to share some green with friends.

You can put Spider Plants almost anywhere—on a shelf, in a hanging basket, wherever you like. Plus, they’re safe for pets, which is a relief if you’ve got a cat that likes to nibble.

I like Spider Plants because they look cheerful and don’t need a lot of attention. For fall, they keep my space feeling bright and a little more breathable.

3) Peace Lily

I really enjoy having a Peace Lily in my space. Its dark green leaves and those simple white flowers just make everything feel a bit more peaceful.

Peace Lilies can help remove toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air. That’s a bonus when I’m indoors more during fall.

One reason I picked a Peace Lily is it’s super easy to care for. Just filtered light and water once a week does the trick. I try not to let the soil get soggy, since they’re not big fans of wet feet.

If it needs water, the leaves droop a little—which is actually helpful! Once I see that, I give it a drink, and it perks right up.

Peace Lilies don’t take up much space. I can put one on a table, a shelf, or even the floor in a small pot. The flowers last for weeks, and seeing them always lifts my mood.

Just keep in mind, Peace Lilies aren’t safe for pets if eaten. I keep mine out of reach, so my cat stays safe and I still get the air-cleaning perks.

Having a Peace Lily around just makes my home feel fresher and more inviting. It’s a simple way to add some life indoors as the weather cools.

4) Boston Fern

Boston ferns are honestly one of my favorite fall plants. Their bright green, feathery leaves bring a splash of color to any room. I think they look especially nice in hanging baskets or perched on shelves.

Boston ferns help clean the air, which I appreciate when windows stay closed during chilly weather. They absorb everyday toxins, like those from cleaners or smoke. It’s a small thing, but it makes my space feel fresher.

Boston ferns love humidity. I try to mist mine often so the leaves don’t dry out. If the air’s really dry, I’ll set the pot on a tray with water and pebbles.

I make sure my Boston fern gets indirect sunlight. Too much sun can burn the leaves, so I stick it near a window with filtered light. If any fronds turn brown, I just snip them off to keep it looking healthy.

Watering is pretty simple. I check the soil every few days, and if it’s dry about an inch down, I go ahead and water.

Sometimes Boston ferns drop leaves, but I don’t stress about it. Usually, it just means it needs a bit more humidity. A quick mist usually helps.

Boston ferns are pet-safe, too. If you have dogs or cats, you don’t have to worry about them munching on the leaves.

For me, Boston ferns bring a touch of nature indoors as it gets cooler. Their soft leaves and air-cleansing powers make them perfect for fall.

Why Air-Purifying Plants Are Perfect for Fall

I spend more time inside as the weather cools down. Adding air-purifying plants just makes my home feel healthier and cozier.

Benefits for Indoor Air Quality

Air quality tends to drop inside during fall because I keep the windows closed to stay warm. That traps dust, pet dander, and even chemicals from cleaning products. Plants help by soaking up some of those pollutants.

Snake plant and peace lily are two I rely on. They take in toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. More plants usually means the air feels less stuffy.

Here’s a quick look at what some plants can help remove:

Plant Name	Removes
Snake Plant	Formaldehyde, Nitrogen Oxides
Spider Plant	Carbon Monoxide, Xylene
Peace Lily	Benzene, Ammonia

I also get the bonus of higher humidity, which helps with dry skin and scratchy throats.

Creating a Cozy Home Environment

Plants aren’t just for air—they make things feel homier, too. When trees outside lose their leaves, having something green indoors is a real mood booster.

I notice my place feels a lot more welcoming with plants around. Soft leaves, gentle colors, even just a few pots make things feel more comfortable.

When I decorate with plants, sometimes I group them by size or type for a simple, stylish look.

I also like that caring for my plants gives me a little daily routine. Watering and checking on them helps me slow down and enjoy the moment. All these little touches make my home warm and inviting for fall.

Caring for Indoor Plants in the Cooler Months

When the temperature drops, I notice my indoor plants need a bit more attention. Less light and cooler air change how I water and where I put my plants.

Adjusting Watering Schedules

I always check the soil before I water anything. Cooler weather means less evaporation, so the soil stays wet longer.

I just stick my finger about an inch into the dirt. If it’s dry, I water; if it’s damp, I wait. Overwatering can cause root rot in the fall and winter, since plants slow down and don’t drink as much.

Most of mine need watering every 10–14 days when it’s cold, but some (like snake plants) can go even longer. I keep a simple chart on my phone to remember when I last watered:

Plant Name	Last Watered	Next Check
Peace Lily	July 5	July 15
Snake Plant	July 1	July 18

I always use room-temperature water so the roots don’t get shocked.

Maximizing Light During Shorter Days

Daylight gets shorter in fall, so I move my plants closer to the sunniest windows. South-facing windows usually get the best light.

If a plant starts looking leggy or pale, I’ll add a grow light. I use a basic LED grow lamp on a timer for about 6-8 hours a day.

I also wipe dust off the leaves every couple of weeks. Clean leaves soak up more sunlight.

Rotating my plants every week helps them grow evenly and not lean toward the window.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get that picking and caring for air-purifying plants in fall can feel a little overwhelming. Here are some answers about which plants to choose, where to put them, and easy ways to keep your space fresh.

What are the best low-maintenance air-purifying plants for indoor spaces?

Snake Plant is my go-to—it barely needs any care and survives in low light. Spider Plant is another solid pick since it forgives missed waterings and grows quickly.

Both are tough and improve air quality without much work.

Can you recommend some plants that are effective at purifying air for the bedroom?

I use a Peace Lily in my bedroom because it filters toxins and has a calming vibe. Snake Plant is great too since it releases oxygen at night, which is supposed to help with sleep.

Both fit nicely on a shelf or nightstand.

Which plants from the NASA air purifying list are ideal for autumn?

NASA’s top picks for fall are the Snake Plant, Spider Plant, and Boston Fern. I like them because they handle indoor heating and dry air, which is pretty common in autumn.

They all help clean the air by removing things like formaldehyde and benzene.

Are there any air-purifying plants particularly good for bathrooms?

The Boston Fern is awesome for bathrooms since it loves humidity and likes to stay moist. I’ve found that Spider Plant works well too, as long as there’s a bit of natural light.

Both help keep the air fresher and can even cut down on mold.

How can I care for air-purifying plants during the fall season?

I usually water my plants less in the fall since the cooler air means the soil doesn’t dry out as fast. Sometimes I notice dry leaves because of indoor heating, so I’ll mist them when they look a little sad.

Honestly, just moving plants closer to windows helps a lot—they need all the sunlight they can get with these shorter days.

What are the top air-purifying plants according to NASA for home use?

NASA’s favorites? That’d be the Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Peace Lily, and Boston Fern.

Honestly, I’ve got these scattered around the house since they’re not fussy and you can pick them up pretty much anywhere.

They all pitch in to clear out some of those nasty chemicals floating around indoors.

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