5 Best Allergy Friendly House Plants

Also known as the yellow palm or butterfly palm, the Areca Palm is a stylish and efficient natural humidifier¹ that's perfect for dry winter months. It may help dry sinuses adding moisture to the air.^6,8 This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and can tolerate a range of temperatures, making it a great choice for busy households. Plus, it's low-maintenance and only needs to be watered once a week, making it a great option for forgetful plant parents.

Benefits:

• Natural air humidifier¹

• Removes allergens and toxins from the air

• Low-maintenance and forgiving

Care instructions:

• Lighting: Bright, indirect light

• Watering: Once a week

• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)

This versatile, air-purifying plant is a great choice for anyone who wants a low-maintenance option that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Lady Palms are known for their ability to act as natural air filters, removing pollutants and toxins like formaldehyde from the air, and through transpiration they’re able to naturally increase humidity levels.⁹ As a result, these plants may help reduce allergy symptoms, similar to an air purifier, by reducing the number of airborne allergens and increasing humidity which can help keep nasal passages moist.⁹ Lady Palms can tolerate both dry and humid climates, and are resistant to most types of plant-eating insects.

Benefits:

• Air purifier

• Low maintenance

• Insect-resistant

Care instructions:

• Lighting: Medium to bright, indirect light

• Watering: Every 7-10 days

• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)

If you're willing to give your plant a little more TLC, the Bamboo Palm is a great indoor plant choice for people with allergies. In fact, it’s a popular choice for people looking to improve their indoor air quality as it’s effective in removing allergens and toxins. ^6,7 The Bamboo Palm also acts as a natural humidifier, releasing moisture into the air through transpiration.^6,7 By increasing the humidity in your home, these plants can create a more comfortable living environment.⁷ This plant thrives in moist, indirect sunlight and can grow up to 12 feet tall, making it a great option for statement pieces or corner plants.

Benefits:

• Air purifier

• Natural air freshener

• Low maintenance (once established)

Care instructions:

• Lighting: Bright, indirect light

• Watering: 2-3 times a week

• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)

Also known as the "Janet Craig" or "Dracaena deremensis," this plant is a popular choice for offices and homes due to its versatility and low-maintenance requirements. The Dracaena is a great air purifier that can remove toxins and allergens from the air, and its shiny, deep-green leaves are a stylish addition to any room. The leaves are also known for their unique ability to trap allergens, making it a great choice for people who suffer from allergies.⁴

Benefits:

• Air purifier

• Low maintenance

• Versatile

Care instructions:

• Lighting: Medium to bright, indirect light

• Watering: Once a week

• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)

Last but not least, the Peace Lily is a beautiful and low-maintenance option that's perfect for allergy sufferers. This plant produces white, fragrant blooms in the spring, and can thrive in low-light conditions, making it a great choice for rooms with limited natural light. Plus, it's a great air purifier that can remove toxins and allergens like mold spores from the air.^1,2,4 Take note that this plant is toxic to dogs and may harm children, so it is best to keep it up high and out of reach.¹

Benefits:

• Air purifier

• Low maintenance

• Low-light tolerant

Care instructions:

• Lighting: Low to medium, indirect light

• Watering: Once a week

• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)

If you're looking for more color in your life, don't worry – there are plenty of other allergy-friendly houseplants that can add some vibrancy to your space without making your allergies worse. Some options to consider include:

• Marginata (Dracaena marginata)

  • Also known as Dragon Trees

  • Can remove toxins like formaldehyde from indoor spaces, thus acting as a natural air cleaner¹⁰

• English Ivy (Hedera helix)

  • English ivy is a popular indoor plant that can thrive in hanging baskets and helps to clear the room of airborne irritants¹

  • May improve allergy symptoms by reducing airborne mold spores⁴

  • An effective air purifier that can filter compounds like benzene³

  • Note that English Ivy is toxic to humans and animals, so it’s best to keep this plant out of reach of children & pets⁴

• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

  • Golden pothos plants are known to remove toxins like formaldehyde from the air¹

  • Pothos absorbs airborne toxins through its leaves, then breaks the toxins down to neutralize harmful compounds¹¹

Remember, even if you do have allergies, you don't have to give up on having indoor plants in your home. By choosing low-maintenance, allergy-friendly options and following some simple care instructions, you can enjoy the many benefits that houseplants have to offer.

1. 15 Best Houseplants For People With Allergies. Accessed April 22, 2025.

2. Can Plants Purify Indoor Air? Accessed April 22, 2025.

3. The 10 Best Houseplants for Purifying Indoor Air | Almanac.com. Accessed April 21, 2025.

4. Top 10 Best Houseplants for Allergy Sufferers. Accessed April 21, 2025.

5. Planting Healthier Indoor Air - PMC. Accessed April 22, 2025.

6. Breathe Easier: 25 Houseplants That Fight Allergies (And 5 to Avoid) - Complete Gardening. Accessed April 22, 2025.

7. 19 Amazing Health Benefits Of Bamboo Palms – Cafe Planta. Accessed April 22, 2025.

8. 24 Houseplants That Help with Allergies (And 3 That Could Make It Worse). Accessed April 22, 2025.

9. 19 Amazing Health Benefits Of Lady Palms – Cafe Planta. Accessed April 22, 2025.

10. Do Dracaena Plants Purify Air? Uncovering the Truth - Foliage Friend - Learn About Different Types of Plants. Accessed April 23, 2025.

11. Are Pothos Air Purifiers? Everything You Need to Know. Accessed April 23, 2025.