Outdoor plants are far more likely to set off allergic rhinitis or hay fever, but indoor greenery can still cause reactions for people with allergies or asthma. You can’t control nature, but you can choose which plants to bring into your living space. Pollinators and flowering plants are the worst for those of us with allergies – knowing which species to choose (and those to avoid) will allow you to enjoy your indoor jungle without reaching for the tissues. We’ll take you through the best allergy-friendly houseplants for your home.

How to avoid reactions at home?

Allergy-sensitive people should avoid flowering plants like chrysanthemums, orchids, marigolds, and African violets. Other less obvious culprits include weeping figs, male palms (these release pollen, while female palms bear fruit), bonsai trees, and ferns.

Go for species with smooth leaves that won’t trap dust and particles. If you really want a flowering plant, check that the flowers have short stamens and produce little pollen.

Avoid overwatering your houseplants and check the soil for mold – these spores are irritating for allergy-prone plant parents. Choose these five low-allergy houseplants, to enjoy the benefits of plants sneeze-free.

Golden Pothos

Known as Devil’s Ivy, pothos is an unfussy houseplant that is almost impossible to kill. They can handle neglect and grow with almost no light, but thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. The variegated yellow and bright green leaves of the pothos plant look beautiful in a hanging basket or trailing along a shelf – plus its foliage is easy to wipe clean of dust.

Peace Lily

Peace lilies are the houseplant of choice for people who are sensitive to air pollutants. This plant was the top performer in a NASA study on clean air, removing all of the tested toxins – although you would have to fill your home with these elegant plants to feel their air-purifying benefits. At least these allergy-safe houseplants won’t contaminate your living space with pollen and particulates.

Sansevieria laurentii

Along with pothos and peace lillies, sansevieria are one of the best plants for cleaner air. The wide leaves of snake plants are easy to dust clean, helping to keep air-borne irritants under control. These allergy-free plants are forgiving if you miss a few waterings – great for brown-thumbed houseplant lovers.

Kentia palm

Palms, like the Kentia, are the best choice for people with mold allergies. They prefer sandy soil and don’t need much watering, making it difficult for mold spores to grow. Choose a female plant if you’re prone to hay fever – male palm trees are the ones that produce pollen. These tropical beauties make a great statement piece in any home.

Dracaena marginata

The Dracaena marginata – or dragon tree as it’s commonly known – is one of the most attractive allergy-friendly houseplants. With long spear-shaped leaves that are edged in red, this eye-catching species is sure to attract compliments. As dragon trees are drought-resistant, less is more in terms of watering – perfect for keeping mold at bay.