These 17 plants aren’t just pretty—they might actually help with breathing issues, and they grow well in Colorado too. From fragrant herbs to hardy natives, each one brings something helpful to the table.
It’s a win-win for gardeners who care about their health and their landscape. I’ve picked out options that can handle the Colorado climate without being high-maintenance.
Let’s take a look at what might make a difference in your garden and your lungs.
1. Lavender
The fragrant purple blooms do more than just smell amazing in Colorado gardens. Lavender contains compounds that may help open airways and relieve congestion.
Many Colorado residents plant it along walkways where brushing against it releases those beneficial oils. Its drought tolerance makes it perfect for our drier climate.
2. Aloe Vera
Keep this spiky succulent on your Colorado windowsill for more than just sunburn relief. Aloe helps remove formaldehyde from indoor air while releasing oxygen at night.
Colorado’s abundant sunshine creates perfect growing conditions for this easy-care plant. Just remember to bring it indoors during our harsh winter months.
3. Eucalyptus
Ever breathed easier during a steamy shower with eucalyptus? This plant contains compounds that help loosen chest congestion and calm irritated airways.
Some Colorado gardeners grow dwarf varieties in containers that can be moved indoors during winter. The silvery-blue foliage adds a stunning contrast to garden beds.
4. Snake Plant
This nearly indestructible houseplant thrives even in Colorado’s dry indoor winter air. Snake plants filter toxins like benzene and formaldehyde while releasing oxygen at night.
Many Colorado homeowners place these in bedrooms to improve air quality during sleep. Their striking upright leaves add architectural interest to any space.
5. English Ivy
Research shows this trailing beauty effectively filters airborne mold particles – helpful for Colorado’s seasonal allergies. Its ability to remove benzene makes it perfect for homes with attached garages.
Colorado gardeners often grow ivy in hanging baskets where it cascades beautifully. Just keep it away from children and pets as the leaves can be toxic if ingested.
6. Peace Lily
These elegant flowering plants remove common indoor pollutants like ammonia and formaldehyde. Their glossy leaves add tropical beauty to Colorado homes despite our dry climate.
Many Colorado plant enthusiasts mist peace lilies regularly to increase humidity around them. This not only helps the plant but creates a microclimate that can ease breathing.
7. Spider Plant
Hardy enough to survive Colorado’s dry indoor heating, spider plants remove xylene and carbon monoxide from your air. Their arching leaves with babies dangling from them add visual interest.
Colorado gardeners appreciate how these plants thrive even with minimal attention. They’re perfect for beginners and look stunning in hanging planters near bright windows.
8. Rubber Plant
With large glossy leaves that efficiently filter indoor air, rubber plants thrive in Colorado’s sunny windows. They remove harmful formaldehyde while adding a bold structural element to your decor.
Many Colorado plant lovers appreciate how this tropical beauty adapts to our dry climate. Just wipe those broad leaves occasionally to maximize their air-cleaning abilities.
9. Boston Fern
These lush green beauties act as natural humidifiers – perfect for counteracting Colorado’s dry climate. Boston ferns remove more formaldehyde than any other plant tested by NASA.
Colorado plant enthusiasts place them in bathrooms where they thrive in the extra humidity. Their feathery fronds soften hard edges while quietly cleaning your air.
10. Bamboo Palm
This elegant palm thrives in Colorado’s bright indirect light while removing benzene and trichloroethylene from indoor air. Its tropical feel brings warmth to homes during our snowy winters.
Many Colorado residents place bamboo palms in corners where they create a stunning focal point. The gentle rustling of leaves adds a calming element to any room.
11. Gerbera Daisy
Beyond their cheerful blooms that brighten Colorado homes, these flowers actively remove benzene and trichloroethylene from indoor air. They continue releasing oxygen at night when most plants stop.
Colorado gardeners can grow these outdoors in summer and bring them inside for winter. Their vibrant colors provide a psychological boost during our long winter months.
12. Golden Pothos
Nearly impossible to kill, this vining plant thrives in Colorado’s varied light conditions. Golden pothos effectively filters formaldehyde while requiring minimal care – perfect for busy households.
Many Colorado plant lovers train these vines along bookshelves or around windows. Their heart-shaped leaves with golden variegation brighten even the darkest corner.
13. Chinese Evergreen
With striking patterned leaves, this low-maintenance plant removes benzene and formaldehyde while tolerating Colorado’s dry indoor air. It grows well in low light areas where other plants struggle.
Colorado plant enthusiasts appreciate how this beauty thrives even with neglect. Its tropical appearance adds a lush element to homes during our brown winter landscapes.
14. Dracaena
These striking plants with sword-like leaves remove toxins like xylene and trichloroethylene from Colorado homes. Their upright growth creates dramatic vertical interest in any room.
Many Colorado residents choose dracaenas for their architectural quality and air-cleaning abilities. They thrive in our abundant indoor sunshine while requiring minimal watering.
15. Chrysanthemum
Beyond brightening Colorado gardens, these colorful blooms actively remove ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde from indoor air. They’re NASA’s top-rated air-purifying flowering plant.
Colorado gardeners enjoy mums outdoors in fall, then bring potted varieties inside. Their cheerful blooms last for weeks, providing both visual joy and cleaner air.
16. Areca Palm
This elegant palm acts as a natural humidifier while removing toxins from Colorado’s dry indoor air. Its feathery fronds add a tropical vibe that contrasts beautifully with our mountain aesthetics.
Many Colorado plant lovers place areca palms where they receive bright filtered light. They’re particularly effective at removing carbon monoxide and xylene from indoor environments.
17. Mint
More than just a culinary herb, mint contains compounds that may help open airways and ease breathing. It grows enthusiastically in Colorado gardens, sometimes too enthusiastically!
Colorado herb gardeners often keep mint in containers to prevent spreading. The refreshing scent provides an immediate sense of respiratory relief when crushed or brewed as tea.