Beat Indoor Pollution with Power Plants: Best Home-Friendly Greens for Delhi’s Air Crisis

Delhi’s pollution levels swing from unhealthy to hazardous — and during such times, even staying indoors isn’t fully safe. Indoor air often contains PM2.5, toxins, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from furniture, paint, cleaning agents, and stale indoor air.

But there is a natural way to improve your indoor air quality…
Indoor plants that purify, detoxify, humidify, and support respiratory wellness.

Plants may not “solve” pollution entirely, but research shows they absorb harmful chemicals, release oxygen, and improve overall air freshness and psychological well-being.

Here’s your guide to the best indoor plants to fight pollution, especially for Delhi residents.

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Best for: Removing carbon monoxide (CO), benzene, and formaldehyde.
Ideal placement:

Bedroom, living room, office desk.
Why it works:

• Extremely hardy and grows quickly

• Non-toxic to pets

• Produces oxygen even in low light

Bonus: Great for people with dust allergies

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Best for: VOC removal — benzene, acetone, trichloroethylene.
Ideal placement: Living room or work-from-home setup.

Why it works:

• One of NASA’s top-rated air purifiers

• Adds humidity to the air — helpful for dry polluted

  winters

Note: Slightly toxic to pets if consumed.

3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Best for: Night-time oxygen production + removing formaldehyde & toluene.
Ideal placement: Bedroom (unique night-time oxygen release).
Why it works:

• Survives with minimal care

• Filters indoor smoke and stale air

Perfect for: People with busy schedules.

4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Best for: Humidifying + removing airborne toxins.
Ideal placement: Living room corners, hallways.
Why it works:

• Acts as a natural humidifier, balancing Delhi’s

  winter dryness

• Excellent at absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen

Health Benefit: Eases dry skin, throat irritation & sinus

issues in polluted seasons.

5. Aloe Vera

Best for: Formaldehyde, benzene, VOCs, and mold spores.
Ideal placement: sunny window areas.
Why it works:

• Releases oxygen at night

• Also doubles as a medicinal plant

Cleaner air + skincare in one plant.

6. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Best for: Filtering benzene and trichloroethylene from air.
Ideal placement: Large indoor spaces.
Why it works:

• NASA-approved purifier

• Aesthetic addition to home décor

• Natural humidifier

7. Boston Fern

Best for: Removing formaldehyde and indoor dust.
Ideal placement: Bathrooms (likes moisture).

Why it works:

• Highly effective at absorbing toxins

• Creates a fresh, lush indoor vibe

How Many Plants Do You Need for Cleaner Air?

According to NASA guidelines:
1 plant per 80–100 sq. ft is ideal for noticeable air quality improvement.
For a 2BHK home → 8–12 indoor plants.

Health Benefits of Indoor Plants in Pollution Season

Indoor plants can help you with:

• Reduced irritation in eyes, nose, and throat

• Fewer headaches due to fewer VOCs

• Better sleep due to oxygen-rich air

• Moisture balance → reduced dry skin & sinus irritation

• Improved mental well-being and reduced stress

How to Maintain Indoor Plants During High Pollution Season

• Wipe leaves weekly to keep pores open

• Ensure proper sunlight (indirect or filtered)

• Avoid overwatering — causes root rot

• Use organic manure every 25–30 days

• Rotate plants every 10–15 days for uniform growth

Final Words

Indoor plants are not a replacement for air purifiers, but they are a powerful natural support system that improves your indoor environment, enhances well-being, and brings calmness into your home — especially crucial during Delhi’s severe pollution spikes.

At DeepNutricare & Wellness, we believe in holistic wellness, where nutrition, environment, and lifestyle all work together to support your health.