AQI hits 400: 10 Indoor plants to Improve Air Quality In Polluted Indian Cities

Struggling With Delhi-Level Smog? These Indian Plants Purify Indoor Air Naturally

India’s urban gardeners aren’t just growing leafy greens for fun – they’re battling smog. In November 2025, several areas in Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 400, a level considered “severe”.

Such extreme pollution drives health problems like asthma and makes breathing feel heavy.

Adding indoor plants won’t solve Delhi’s smog crisis, but research shows they can slightly improve indoor air quality and our sense of well‑being.

Do plants really purify indoor air?

Best Plants To Improve Air Quality In Polluted Indian Cities

The famous NASA Clean Air study evaluated the leaves, roots, soil, and microorganisms of common houseplants to see how well they remove airborne chemicals.

The study found that plants combined with an activated carbon filter can reduce pollutants like cigarette smoke, organic solvents, and even radon.

The system works by pulling contaminated air through a carbon bed; pollutants are absorbed and then broken down by plant roots and microbes.

A more recent Indian study by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) placed plants such as syngonium, money plant, and areca palm around different rooms.

The research revealed that indoor air can be up to 12 times more polluted than outdoor air, yet strategically placed plants improved humidity, kept temperatures comfortable, and reduced CO₂ and CO levels within safe ranges.

Another 2025 ICAR‑DFR study tested 30 ornamental species and found that Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens), Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum), and Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) were particularly effective at absorbing carbon dioxide and increasing oxygen in a 250 cubic‑foot room.

So while houseplants are not a substitute for air purifiers or ventilation, they’re a low‑cost way to complement other measures and bring nature indoors.

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Delhi AQI Hits 400: Top houseplants to help you breathe better

AQI hits 400: 10 Indoor plants to Improve Air Quality In Polluted Indian Cities

Indoor greenery can’t filter an entire city’s air, but certain species act like tiny living filters.

They absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs), produce oxygen, and even humidify the air.

Here are some of the best air‑purifying plants suited for Indian homes – many of which thrive in low light and tolerate irregular care.

1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Why it’s great: Identified by ICAR‑DFR as one of the top indoor plants for air purification, this feathery palm removes toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide and acts as a natural humidifier.
Care tips: Prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Discover product: Browse our Areca Palm in Grower Pot – a ready‑to‑display palm perfect for your living room.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Why it’s great: Often called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, this hardy succulent releases oxygen even at night and is known for removing benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
Care tips: Thrives in low light and dry soil. Water only when the top inch dries out.
Product: Bring home our Snake Plant in a Grower Pot for a sculptural, low‑maintenance air purifier.

3. Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum / Pothos)

Why it’s great: A beloved Indian houseplant, pothos removes VOCs like formaldehyde and xylene. PAU researchers found that placing a money plant in living areas improved humidity and maintained comfortable temperatures.
Care tips: Grows in low to medium light. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Prune vines to encourage bushy growth.
Product: Check out our Money Plant – Golden Pothos for a trailing, air‑freshening accent.

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)

Why it’s great: Peace Lily topped NASA’s list of plants that absorb VOCs. It removes benzene and formaldehyde and even neutralises mould spores.

Care tips: Enjoys medium light and consistently moist soil. Its glossy leaves droop when thirsty, so it tells you when to water.

Plant product: Our Peace Lily in a Ceramic Pot brightens shady corners with elegant white blooms.

5. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

Why it’s great: This plant emerged from the ICAR study as a top performer for absorbing carbon dioxide and improving oxygen. It tolerates low light and filters airborne toxins like toluene and xylene.
Care tips: Thrives in diffused light and appreciates moderate watering; allow the soil surface to dry between waterings.
Plant product: Explore our Aglaonema – Chinese Evergreen to add colour and cleaner air.

6. Garden Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

Why it’s great: Known for its multi‑coloured leaves, croton not only decorates but also reduces carbon dioxide and harmful VOCs
Care tips: Needs bright light to maintain its vibrant colours. Keep soil evenly moist and mist regularly to prevent leaf drop.

7. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Why it’s great: An easy plant for beginners, the spider plant absorbs formaldehyde and xylene. It also produces baby “spiderettes”; you can root for more plants.
Care tips: Prefers bright, indirect light and likes to dry out slightly between waterings. Trim brown tips caused by fluoride in tap water.

8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Why it’s great: With broad, waxy leaves, the rubber plant is adept at removing formaldehyde and increasing oxygen. It grows tall and can be a statement piece in living rooms.
Care tips: Enjoys bright, indirect light. Wipe leaves regularly to remove dust and help them “breathe”.
Plant product: Explore the Rubber Plant in a Decorative Pot for an eye‑catching green sculpture.

9. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Why it’s great: Similar to the areca palm, this palm filters benzene and trichloroethylene and adds humidity to dry air.

Care tips: Tolerates lower light but prefers bright, filtered sun. Keep the soil slightly moist and mist occasionally.

Plant product: Our Bamboo Palm brings a tropical vibe indoors.

10. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Why it’s great: Besides its medicinal gel, aloe removes formaldehyde and benzene. It stores water in its leaves and releases oxygen at night.
Care tips: Needs bright light and well‑draining soil. Water deeply but infrequently.

Tips for maximising your plants’ air‑cleaning power

Place one plant every 100 sq ft: Research from NASA and Indian studies suggests multiple plants are needed to notice any measurable difference. Aim for at least one medium‑sized plant per room.
Mix species: Combine palms, foliage plants and succulents to target a variety of pollutants and create visual interest.
Keep leaves clean: Dust blocks leaf pores; wipe leaves weekly so plants can absorb pollutants more efficiently.
Ensure ventilation: Plants complement – not replace – mechanical filters. Open windows when outdoor AQI is moderate and use exhaust fans to maintain airflow
Monitor humidity: Many tropical plants also humidify the air. Use a hygrometer to maintain indoor humidity around 40–60% to deter mould and maximise comfort.

FAQs

Which indoor plants are best for improving air quality in polluted Indian cities?

The best indoor plants for improving air quality in polluted Indian cities are Snake Plant, Areca Palm, Money Plant, Peace Lily, Spider Plant, and Aloe Vera. These plants are proven to remove VOCs, reduce CO₂, and improve humidity — making them ideal for Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and NCR homes.

Do air-purifying indoor plants really help when Delhi’s AQI hits 300–400?

Yes. While plants cannot replace air purifiers, research from NASA and PAU (Punjab Agricultural University) shows that indoor plants like Areca Palm, Snake Plant, and Syngonium help reduce VOCs, CO₂ levels, and dry air. They create cleaner, healthier indoor environments during extreme AQI spikes.

How many indoor plants do I need to improve air quality at home?

For meaningful air-quality improvement, place 1 medium-sized plant per 100 sq. ft., or 3–4 medium plants in a bedroom/living room. Studies suggest that placing multiple plants together — especially Snake Plant, Peace Lily, and Money Plant — increases toxin filtration and boosts oxygen levels indoors.

Which air-purifying plant removes the most toxins?

The Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is one of the most efficient toxin-removers. NASA’s Clean Air Study shows it effectively removes benzene, xylene, formaldehyde, and toluene. It also releases oxygen even at night, making it one of the best all-rounders for Indian bedrooms and polluted metros.

Which low-maintenance plant is best for air purification in Indian homes?

The Money Plant (Pothos) is the best low-maintenance air purifier — ideal for beginners. It grows in low light, filters common indoor toxins, improves humidity, and thrives in all Indian climates. It’s perfect for people living in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

Are air-purifying plants effective against indoor pollution from paints, furniture, and cooking fumes?

Yes. Plants like Peace Lily, Areca Palm, Money Plant, and Spider Plant absorb VOCs released by wall paint, wood polish, plastics, cooking gases, and cleaning chemicals. They help reduce headaches, irritation, and breathing discomfort caused by poor indoor air.

Conclusion: Bring nature home and breathe easier

As Delhi and other Indian metros face recurrent smog alerts, adding air‑purifying plants is a practical way to enhance indoor air quality and emotional well‑being.

Studies by NASA and Indian institutions have shown that species like Areca Palm, Money Plant and Chinese Evergreen absorb pollutants and improve humidity.

While plants alone can’t tackle outdoor pollution, they make your home a healthier, greener sanctuary.

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