At Quality Plants & Seedlings, we’re often asked: Do plants really clean indoor air? The answer is yes — and it’s backed by science.
In the late '80s, NASA ran a groundbreaking experiment on indoor air pollution. They found that some common houseplants — including Snake Plants and Spider Plants — are surprisingly effective at filtering airborne toxins. And every time that article does the rounds online again, we see a hilarious spike in orders (you lot don’t miss a thing).
But which plant is best for your space? We’ve put together a detailed guide, including a comparison table full of care tips and purification stats, plus clear winners for bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms. 🌏 This info applies Australia-wide — whether you’re in humid Brisbane, cool Canberra, dry Adelaide, temperate Melbourne, or tropical Darwin.
🧪 What Was the NASA Clean Air Study?
NASA's Clean Air Study (1989) investigated how to naturally clean air in sealed space stations. The study found that certain houseplants can absorb harmful chemicals such as:
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Formaldehyde (from furniture and cleaning products)
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Benzene (in plastics, dyes, and paints)
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Xylene & Toluene (in adhesives and varnishes)
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Carbon Monoxide (from gas appliances and heaters)
These pollutants are also common in Aussie homes — especially in winter when we close windows and rely on heating.
🌿 Snake Plant vs Spider Plant: Comparison Table
| Feature | 🐍 Snake Plant (Sansevieria) | 🕷️ Spider Plant (Chlorophytum) |
|---|---|---|
| 🌬️ Air Purification Strength | High – filters formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene | Moderate – especially good at absorbing carbon monoxide & xylene |
| 🌙 Oxygen Production | Yes – at night (great for bedrooms!) | Yes – during the day |
| 💧 Watering Needs | Very low – allow soil to dry fully | Medium – likes moist soil, don’t overwater |
| ☀️ Light Needs | Low to bright indirect – thrives even in dim corners | Prefers bright indirect light – tolerates some shade |
| 🔄 Maintenance Level | Very low – ideal for beginners | Low – needs occasional trimming of ‘pups’ |
| 🌡️ Climate Adaptability | Suits all Australian climates – drought-hardy | Adapts well across states – thrives in temperate/humid zones |
| 💦 Humidity Preference | Prefers dry air – perfect for heated rooms | Enjoys moderate humidity – perfect for bathrooms & coastal homes |
| 🐾 Pet Safety | ❌ Mildly toxic if chewed (saponins) | ✅ Pet-safe – non-toxic to cats and dogs |
| 🌱 Propagation | Slow – via leaf cuttings or division | Easy – plantlets (‘pups’) can be snipped and potted |
| 🪴 Growth Habit | Upright and sculptural – bold look | Arching and trailing – great for hanging baskets |
🏠 Best Plant by Room (Aussie Edition)
🚿 Best Plant for Bathrooms: Spider Plant 🏆
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Handles moisture and humidity with ease
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Helps filter pollutants from toiletries and cleaners
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Non-toxic for pets who like to explore odd places
🛁 Ideal for: Queensland, Northern NSW, coastal WA & NT – or anywhere with bathroom steam.
🛏️ Best Plant for Bedrooms: Snake Plant 🏆
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One of the few plants that releases oxygen at night
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Tolerates low light and dry air from heaters or air con
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Very low-maintenance (aka, you can forget it exists for weeks)
🛏️ Perfect for: all states, especially Victoria, ACT, SA, and Tasmania during colder months.
🛋️ Best Plant for Living Rooms: Snake Plant (with Spider Plant as runner-up) 🏆
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Stands tall and architectural — a natural design feature
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Filters multiple pollutants from electronics and furnishings
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Requires minimal space and care
Great for open-plan homes in WA, SA, VIC, and NSW where indoor airflow can vary.
🌏 Which Is Better for Aussie Homes Overall?
| Room Type | 🐍 Snake Plant | 🕷️ Spider Plant | Winner 🥇 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | ✅ Suitable | ✅✅ Ideal | Spider Plant |
| Bedroom | ✅✅ Ideal | ✅ Suitable | Snake Plant |
| Living Room | ✅✅ Ideal | ✅ Suitable | Snake Plant |
Both plants are brilliant, adaptable, and effective. Whether you’re up north in Darwin, out west in Perth, or down south in Hobart, these evergreen houseplants will pull their weight — and look good doing it.
🌱 A Note from the QPS Crew
It’s a running joke here — every time the NASA Clean Air Study gets reposted on Facebook or TikTok, we can almost predict the next week's orders. Aussies are increasingly tuned in to the benefits of greenery indoors, and honestly, we love to see it.
These plants aren’t a replacement for ventilation or fresh outdoor air — but they’re a small, natural boost to any home or workspace. And if you’re going to decorate, why not decorate with purpose?
