Bioremediation Plants You Can Use at Home to Fight Pollution

You don’t need to be a scientist or own acres of land to start healing the Earth. With just a backyard, balcony, or a few indoor pots, you can help remove harmful toxins from the environment using nature’s own cleanup crew: plants.

This process is called bioremediation, and many everyday plants have the power to absorb or neutralize dangerous chemicals from soil, water, and even the air inside your home.

Below is a beginner-friendly guide to help you find the right plants for your space based on your local climate (USDA hardiness zones) and the types of pollutants they help remediate.

Outdoor Plants for Soil and Water Pollution

Indoor Plants for Air Pollution

Why It Matters

Even if you don’t live next to a factory or freeway, chances are you’re still being exposed to low-level pollution daily—from cleaning products, car exhaust, and industrial byproducts in the air and water. Over time, these toxins build up in our bodies and our soil.

Planting even a few of these species can:

• Improve your indoor and outdoor air quality

• Absorb heavy metals and toxins from your soil

• Reduce health risks related to long-term pollution exposure

Where to Find These Plants

Many of these are available at local nurseries, native plant sales, or online stores. Always make sure to check your USDA Hardiness Zone to find what will thrive in your area.

You can check your zone here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

Take the First Step

Bioremediation isn’t just for scientists—it’s for everyone who wants cleaner air, safer soil, and a healthier home. Start with one plant. Share with a friend. Watch what happens.

Air-Purifying Plants (Indoor/Outdoor):

Spider Plant – removes formaldehyde and xylene Peace Lily – filters ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene Snake Plant – removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene Aloe Vera – removes formaldehyde and benzene English Ivy – removes airborne fecal particles and formaldehyde Bamboo Palm – removes formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene Boston Fern – removes formaldehyde and xylene Rubber Plant – removes formaldehyde Dracaena – removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene Chrysanthemum – removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene Philodendron – removes formaldehyde Pothos – removes formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene Chinese Evergreen – removes benzene and formaldehyde Weeping Fig – removes formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene

Water-Purifying Plants (Aquatic/Wetland):

Water Hyacinth – removes heavy metals, nitrogen, and phosphorus Water Lettuce – absorbs excess nutrients and heavy metals Cattails – removes nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals Water Lilies – absorbs nutrients and provides oxygen Arrowhead – removes excess nutrients Pickerel Rush – filters nitrogen and phosphorus Sweet Flag – removes heavy metals and excess nutrients Water Canna – absorbs nitrogen and phosphorus Hornwort – removes ammonia and nitrates Vallisneria – absorbs heavy metals and excess nutrients Duckweed – removes nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals Water Mint – filters water naturally Parrot’s Feather – removes excess nutrients Water Cress – natural water filter

Soil-Remediation Plants (Phytoremediation):

Sunflowers – remove lead, arsenic, uranium, and other heavy metals Indian Mustard – removes lead, cadmium, and zinc Willow Trees – remove heavy metals and petroleum products Poplar Trees – remove petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals Alpine Pennycress – hyperaccumulates zinc and cadmium Brake Fern – removes arsenic from soil Alfalfa – removes petroleum hydrocarbons Indian Grass – removes heavy metals Canola – removes lead and other heavy metals Vetiver Grass – stabilizes soil and removes heavy metals Brassica Plants – remove heavy metals Corn – removes lead from soil Poplars – remove trichloroethylene and other solvents Hybrid Poplars – remove petroleum products Switchgrass – removes heavy metals and stabilizes soil

Multi-Purpose Remediation Plants:

Bamboo – purifies air, prevents soil erosion, and filters water Moss – absorbs air pollutants and heavy metals from soil Ferns – remove formaldehyde from air and heavy metals from soil Grasses (various) – prevent erosion and filter runoff water Trees (various) – purify air, prevent erosion, and filter groundwater Wetland Plants – filter water while preventing soil erosion

Healing/Restoration Plants:

Mycorrhizal Fungi – restore soil health and nutrient cycling Legumes – fix nitrogen in soil Comfrey – improves soil structure and adds nutrients Clover – fixes nitrogen and prevents erosion Native Grasses – restore ecosystem balance Pioneer Species – begin natural succession and soil building

These plants work through various mechanisms including absorption, filtration, biological breakdown of toxins, and soil stabilization. Many can be used in constructed wetlands, green infrastructure, and remediation projects to naturally clean contaminated environments.