Indoor air quality can significantly affect your health and well-being. Everyday household items like cleaning products, paints, and furniture release harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene into the air. Poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues like allergies, headaches, and respiratory problems. Luckily, NASA’s Clean Air Study has identified several houseplants that not only add a touch of green to your home but also help filter out these pollutants and improve air quality.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the best NASA-approved air-purifying plants, providing insights into their benefits, care tips, and how they contribute to a healthier living space.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is a popular choice for improving indoor air quality. Its long, arching leaves and small white flowers add a lively, fresh look to any room. The Spider Plant is especially known for its resilience, making it perfect for beginner plant owners.
Air-Purifying Benefits:
- Removes pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide.
- Effective in combating benzene and other VOCs.
- Safe for pets, making it a great choice for pet-friendly households.
Care Tips:
- Thrives in indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light.
- Water moderately, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Ideal Placement:
- Best placed in bedrooms or living areas where air quality can be most improved.
- Hanging baskets or high shelves allow the long leaves to cascade beautifully.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is one of the easiest plants to care for and is highly effective at filtering indoor air. Its tall, upright leaves with green and yellow variegation bring a modern look to any space.
Air-Purifying Benefits:
- Filters toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene.
- Unlike most plants, it releases oxygen at night, improving bedroom air quality.
Care Tips:
- Requires minimal water—allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Tolerates low light but thrives in indirect sunlight.
- Very forgiving if you miss a watering or two.
Ideal Placement:
- Great for bedrooms and offices.
- Its vertical growth makes it perfect for tight spaces or corners.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is not only a beautiful plant with its dark green leaves and elegant white flowers but also a powerhouse for cleaning indoor air. It thrives in shady spaces, making it an ideal choice for offices and low-light rooms.
Air-Purifying Benefits:
- Known to remove pollutants such as ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
- Helps reduce mold spores, which is great for bathrooms.
Care Tips:
- Prefers indirect sunlight and needs watering about once a week.
- Keep the soil moist but avoid standing water.
- Wipe the leaves occasionally to maintain their ability to absorb pollutants.
Ideal Placement:
- Perfect for bathrooms, living rooms, or kitchens where humidity levels are higher.
- Adds a touch of elegance to any space with its unique white blooms.
4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Boston Fern is known for its feathery, lush green fronds that add a vibrant touch to your home decor. Besides its beauty, this fern is highly efficient at removing indoor air pollutants.
Air-Purifying Benefits:
- Particularly good at removing formaldehyde and xylene.
- Improves humidity by naturally restoring moisture to the air.
Care Tips:
- Needs indirect light and high humidity.
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but ensure proper drainage.
- Mist the leaves frequently to maintain humidity.
Ideal Placement:
- Bathrooms, kitchens, or any humid environment.
- Great for hanging baskets or as a decorative centerpiece.
5. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe Vera is not only a versatile plant with medicinal uses but also an effective air purifier. It is easy to care for and its succulent nature means it can thrive with minimal attention.
Air-Purifying Benefits:
- Filters formaldehyde and benzene, often found in household cleaners and paints.
- The gel inside the leaves has healing properties for skin burns and cuts.
Care Tips:
- Needs bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between watering.
- Use well-draining soil to avoid root rot.
Ideal Placement:
- Ideal for kitchens or bathrooms.
- The plant’s natural medicinal properties make it useful to have on hand.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a versatile and fast-growing plant that works well in hanging baskets or as a climbing vine. It not only enhances indoor decor but also plays a significant role in cleaning indoor air.
Air-Purifying Benefits:
- Removes airborne mold, making it perfect for allergy sufferers.
- Reduces formaldehyde and other common indoor toxins.
Care Tips:
- Prefers indirect light and regular watering.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Prune regularly to control its growth and shape.
Ideal Placement:
- Excellent for bathrooms and damp areas due to its mold-reducing properties.
- Can also be placed in bedrooms and living rooms.
7. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are well-loved for their vibrant blooms and their powerful air-purifying qualities. These plants are a bit more challenging to maintain indoors but well worth the effort.
Air-Purifying Benefits:
- Effectively removes benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia from the air.
- Helps reduce pollutants released by common household items.
Care Tips:
- Requires bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
Ideal Placement:
- Living rooms and kitchens where pollutants from household products are common.
- Adds a splash of color and freshness to any room.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm is a small, tropical plant that thrives indoors and offers excellent air-purifying benefits. It’s perfect for adding a touch of greenery to your home or office.
Air-Purifying Benefits:
- Removes indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
- Naturally humidifies the air, improving indoor comfort.
Care Tips:
- Needs indirect light and moist, well-draining soil.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
Ideal Placement:
- Suitable for living rooms and offices.
- Its air-purifying and humidifying properties are perfect for dry indoor environments.
9. Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis)
Dracaena plants come in a variety of species, all known for their bold, colorful leaves and air-purifying abilities. They are excellent for removing common household toxins.
Air-Purifying Benefits:
- Effective against benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene.
- Helps reduce indoor pollutants from paints, varnishes, and household chemicals.
Care Tips:
- Prefers indirect sunlight and moderate watering.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Prune regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
Ideal Placement:
- Great for living areas and offices.
- Adds a modern touch with its striking foliage.
10. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The Weeping Fig is a popular indoor tree known for its air-purifying qualities and attractive appearance. Its arching branches and glossy leaves make it a beautiful addition to any space.
Air-Purifying Benefits:
- Helps eliminate formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from indoor air.
- Improves air quality, making it ideal for homes and offices.
Care Tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
- Avoid moving it frequently, as it does not like changes in environment.
- Prune regularly to maintain its size and shape.
Ideal Placement:
- Best for living rooms and offices.
- Works well as a statement plant in corners or entryways.
