9 Best Air-Purifying Plants for a Dorm Room

There’s simply nothing more satisfying than entering a room with an inflow of fresh and pure air. But, how does one ensure that naturally in a dorm room? Well, it can easily be taken care of with the right plants which can provide consistent air purification.

Wondering which plants would be the right choice for natural air purification in a dorm room? Here’s a peek into the 9 best air-purifying plants suitable for a dorm room.

Tulsi

Source: mou_is_here

The Tulsi plant, also known as Holy Basil, is renowned for its air-purifying abilities. By absorbing pollutants, this plant ensures breathable air for the occupants. It effectively removes traces of carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide from the air while keeping insects and mosquitoes at bay.

Moreover, its antimicrobial properties make it an apt choice for a dorm room.

Areca Palm

Source: blossoms.lebanon

The Areca Palm acts as a natural air purifier by decreasing the level of air toxins. Additionally, it reduces dust in the room, which makes it even more beneficial, especially for those with dust allergies.

It actively converts CO2 to O2 at night and adds moisture to the air. This improves the overall oxygen intake, ensuring healthy lungs.

Mother-in-law’s Tongue

Source: ohiotropics

Okay, so we found a plant named after mother-in-law before GTA6! Well, jokes apart, the mother-in-law’s tongue or snake plant effectively removes airborne organic pollutants. It helps maintain proper focus as good air quality is a determining factor for improved mental health.

It is also known for its stress-relieving properties and can survive even in low-light conditions with occasional watering.

Rubber Plant

Source: claudethecitypoodle

Owing to their broad-leaf structure, rubber plants release comparatively higher amounts of oxygen making them suitable for dorm rooms. The waxy-textured leaves remove bacteria and mold spores, thus cleansing the air, while requiring minimal maintenance. They continuously purify the surrounding air by absorbing it and expelling it at the roots, where the microbes consume the toxins.

Money Plant

Source: lifestyle.3030

As per a study conducted by NASA, the money plant is an amazing natural air purifier with a unique quality. Its roots, along with the microorganisms living in them, convert bacteria, viruses, and organic chemicals from the air into new plant tissue. This ensures great indoor air quality while also supporting the sustainable growth of the plant.

Dracaena Janet Craig

Source: summer_spark

A research conducted at the University of Technology Sydney attested to the Dracaena Janet Craig plant’s air-purifying capacity. It targets toxins like benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene, which are known to affect the nervous system, causing headaches and dizziness. This plant has also been proven to significantly reduce CO2 and CO levels in rooms with or without air-conditioning.

Philodendron Platinum

Source: rootedbynaturee

Ensuring a healthy environment in a dorm room can sometimes be challenging. However, with the Philodendron Platinum plant by one’s side, there’s no worry regarding air quality. It successfully removes formaldehyde emitted into the air from sources like gas stoves, building materials, smoking, etc.

Moreover, it reduces the buildup of stale air and maintains optimum moisture levels in the air.

Bamboo Palm

Source: elsiexie

Cleaner and fresher air becomes easily accessible with the bamboo palm, also known as the lady palm, this plant is listed by NASA among the best air-purifying indoor plants. In dorm rooms without proper ventilation, this plant improves air quality by absorbing harmful toxins.

It ranks among the plants rated for the highest transpiration, which proves its air-filtering capacity.

Cast Iron Plant

Source: moose_plant_shop

When placed indoors in places like a dorm room, a Cast Iron plant effectively removes toxins, thus improving air quality. From benzene and formaldehyde to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, it eliminates various air-borne toxins, besides adding moisture. Resistant to temperature changes, it maintains its functionality throughout the year.


Fresh and pure air can significantly improve one’s overall well-being. Hence, whether it’s a compact or spacious dorm room, these air-purifying plants can instantly make it look aesthetic and breathable.

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