Breathe Deep: 11 Beautiful Plants That Clean Your Air (and Your Energy)
There’s an undeniable magic in a home that smells like fresh air and feels like calm. While candles and diffusers can bring the cozy, make sure they’re working with your air, not against it—coconut or beeswax candles are the cleanest burn. (Skip the paraffin; your lungs will thank you.)
But for everyday air purification with a side of soul-soothing beauty? Plants are where it’s at.
At Om Sweet Om, we’re all about clean air, sacred space, and good vibes—and our leafy friends deliver on all three. These 11 powerhouse plants don’t just filter out toxins like mold, dust, and VOCs—they uplift your space and help you breathe a little easier, day and night.
Soil & water pH guide for Air Purifying pla
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Nickname: Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (yep—those sharp leaves had something to say)
Native to: West Africa
Air-Purifying Power: Benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene
Light: Medium to bright, but tolerates low light
Water: Let soil dry completely; every 2–3 weeks
Soil & pH: Sandy loam, pH 5.5–6.5
Zen Tip: Emits oxygen at night—perfect for bedrooms.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Nickname: Airplane Plant (those little baby plants dangle like ready-to-fly choppers)
Native to: Southern Africa
Air-Purifying Power: Carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, xylene
Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Keep soil slightly moist
Soil & pH: Loamy, well-aerated; pH around 6.0
Bonus: Safe for pets and kids!
3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Native to: Europe and Western Asia
Air-Purifying Power: Mold spores, benzene, airborne fecal particles (yep)
Light: Needs bright light to purify well
Water: Let topsoil dry before watering
Soil & pH: Rich loamy soil, pH 6.0
Mood: A natural climber—great for trellises or shelves.
4. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Nickname: Swiss Cheese Plant
Native to: Central America
Air-Purifying Power: General toxin filter and dust reducer
Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Water when top inch of soil is dry
Soil & pH: Peat-based, well-aerated; pH 5.5
Soul Note: Those natural holes? They let light pass through in dense jungle shade. Smart.
5. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Nickname: Named after its violin-shaped leaves
Native to: Western Africa
Air-Purifying Power: Reduces dust, captures toxins
Light: Bright and steady (it’s fussy about change)
Water: Weekly, when top 2 inches dry
Soil & pH: Well-draining loam, pH 6.5
Plant Vibe: Drama queen with major presence. Worth it.
6. Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ (Dracaena fragrans)
Nickname Origin: Named after the breeder’s daughter (aww)
Native to: Tropical Africa
Air-Purifying Power: Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene
Light: Low to medium indirect
Water: Even moisture, don’t overdo it
Soil & pH: Loamy with organic matter; pH 6.0
Aesthetic: Great in corners. Upright growth, tidy vibes.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Nickname: Named for its elegant white blooms that resemble white flags
Native to: Central America, Southeast Asia
Air-Purifying Power: Mold spores, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde
Light: Medium, indirect
Water: Keep moist but not soggy
Soil & pH: Moist, well-draining; pH 5.8
Zen Vibe: Harmonizes your energy and looks graceful doing it.
8. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Native to: Tropical regions, globally
Air-Purifying Power: Formaldehyde, xylene, mold spores
Light: Indirect, high humidity
Water: Moist soil, daily misting
Soil & pH: Rich, moist loam; pH 5.0
Zen Tip: Perfect for bathrooms with soft light.
9. Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)
Nicknames: Devil’s Ivy, Golden Pothos
Nickname Origin: Said to bring wealth and abundance
Native to: Asia and Australia
Air-Purifying Power: Benzene, CO, formaldehyde, xylene
Light: Low to medium light
Water: Water when topsoil is dry
Soil & pH: Peat-based, well-draining; pH 6.0
Bonus: Grows like a dream and requires little fuss.
10. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Nickname: Butterfly Palm (its fronds flutter like wings)
Native to: Madagascar
Air-Purifying Power: Humidifies air, removes toxins and dust
Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Keep soil moist, not soggy
Soil & pH: Peaty, well-draining; pH 6.3
Energy: Invites tropical serenity into your home.
11. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Nickname: The Plant of Immortality (Egyptians knew what was up)
Native to: Arabian Peninsula
Air-Purifying Power: Benzene and formaldehyde
Light: Lots of bright, direct light
Water: Let soil dry 100% between drinks
Soil & pH: Sandy cactus mix, pH 7.0
Healing Bonus: Break open the leaves for burn-soothing gel.
Kangen Water & Plants: Perfect pH, Naturally
Most tap water is too alkaline (think 7.5 to 8.5). Over time, that can mess with soil pH and nutrient absorption.
Kangen Water lets you adjust your water to match your plant’s preferred pH:
5.5–6.5: Great for tropicals, ferns, and most leafy greens
6.5–7.0: Neutral zone for figs and palms
7.0+: Save it for succulents like aloe vera
A simple change in your watering routine = thriving plants and even purer indoor air.
Final Breath: Plants Are the Healers
They sit quietly in corners, soaking up dust, mold spores, and your stressed-out energy—and they give back clean, oxygen-rich air.
With the right soil, water pH (thanks, Kangen!), and a little love, these plants won’t just survive—they’ll bless your space.
Because your home isn’t just a place—it’s a vibe. Let’s make it a clean one.