When you think of NASA, images of rocket launches, astronauts floating in space, and high-tech gadgets probably come to mind. But did you know that NASA has also conducted research on how plants can improve air quality here on Earth? That’s right—NASA’s Clean Air Study identified a variety of houseplants that not only add beauty to your home but also help purify the air. These plants can remove harmful toxins and improve indoor air quality, making your home a healthier place to live.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 of NASA’s top-recommended air-purifying plants. We’ll cover how they work, what toxins they remove, and how to care for them, so you can make the best choices for your living space.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is one of the most popular houseplants for a reason—it’s incredibly easy to care for and highly effective at purifying the air. According to NASA, spider plants are excellent at removing toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. These chemicals are commonly found in household products like paints, varnishes, and adhesives.
Care Tips:
- Light: Indirect sunlight.
- Water: Water once a week, keeping the soil slightly moist.
- Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C).
Spider plants also produce small offshoots or “spiderettes” that you can repot to grow new plants, making them an excellent option if you want to spread their air-purifying benefits throughout your home.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as the “mother-in-law’s tongue,” the snake plant is another fantastic air purifier. It’s particularly effective at filtering out formaldehyde, which is often released by synthetic fabrics and household cleaning products. Additionally, the snake plant is unique because it continues to purify air at night, unlike most plants that rest during this time.
Care Tips:
- Light: Tolerates low light but prefers indirect sunlight.
- Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Temperature: Thrives in a wide range of temperatures, from 60-85°F (16-29°C).
The snake plant’s hardiness and low maintenance needs make it ideal for beginners or anyone looking to add greenery to their home without much fuss.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is not only beautiful with its lush green leaves and white blooms, but it’s also one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality. NASA’s research highlights its ability to remove pollutants like ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene—common chemicals in household products.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers low to medium light.
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Temperature: Does best in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Peace lilies are also great for adding a touch of elegance to your home, thanks to their striking appearance.
4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are known for their feathery fronds and vibrant green color, making them a popular choice for hanging baskets and decorative pots. According to NASA, they are particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist; ferns thrive in humid environments.
- Temperature: Ideal temperatures range from 60-75°F (16-24°C).
To keep your Boston fern healthy, mist it regularly to maintain humidity levels, especially during the drier winter months.
5. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly its soothing gel used to treat burns and skin irritations. But did you know it’s also an excellent air purifier? Aloe vera can effectively remove formaldehyde and benzene, which are byproducts of chemical-based cleaners and paints.
Care Tips:
- Light: Requires bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water: Water deeply but infrequently; allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 55-80°F (13-27°C).
Aloe vera is a succulent, meaning it stores water in its leaves, so be careful not to overwater it. This plant is perfect for sunny spots in your home, like a kitchen window.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is not just for the garden—this versatile plant is also great for indoor air purification. NASA’s study found that English ivy is highly effective at reducing airborne fecal matter particles, making it a smart choice for pet owners. It also filters out benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter.
- Temperature: Thrives in cooler temperatures, between 50-70°F (10-21°C).
English ivy is a climbing plant, so it’s ideal for hanging baskets or training up a small trellis inside your home.
7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The bamboo palm, also known as the reed palm, is a popular indoor plant thanks to its tropical appearance and air-purifying abilities. It’s particularly effective at filtering out formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, as well as acting as a natural humidifier.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep the soil moist, but allow the top layer to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
This plant is great for adding a touch of the tropics to your home, while also contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment.
8. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Gerbera daisies are not only vibrant and cheerful but also effective at improving indoor air quality. They’re particularly good at removing benzene and formaldehyde from the air. Additionally, gerbera daisies are one of the few plants that continue to release oxygen at night, making them ideal for the bedroom.
Care Tips:
- Light: Requires bright, direct sunlight.
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 40-70°F (4-21°C).
Although they require a bit more attention than some other plants on this list, their stunning flowers make them well worth the effort.
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The rubber plant is a hardy, easy-to-grow houseplant with large, glossy leaves that can help filter toxins from the air. NASA’s study found that rubber plants are particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 60-85°F (16-29°C).
Rubber plants are also known for their ability to adapt to different conditions, making them an excellent choice for various environments within your home.
10. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The weeping fig, with its elegant, arching branches and glossy leaves, is a beautiful addition to any home. It’s also a powerful air purifier, effective at removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Weeping figs can be a bit finicky—they don’t like being moved or exposed to drafts, so choose their location carefully. With the right care, though, they can thrive and purify the air in your home for many years.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
You might wonder why you should be concerned about indoor air quality in the first place. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, primarily due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by household products, building materials, and furnishings.
Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory problems, and even long-term conditions like asthma. By incorporating air-purifying plants into your home, you can significantly reduce your exposure to these harmful substances.
How Do Plants Purify Air?
Plants purify air through a process known as phytoremediation, where they absorb pollutants through their leaves and roots. Some of the toxins are broken down and rendered harmless by the plant, while others are stored in their tissues. Additionally, the microorganisms in the soil associated with the plant roots can also help in detoxifying these pollutants.
Moreover, plants also release oxygen and increase humidity levels, contributing to a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment.
Creating Your Own Indoor Oasis
Now that you know about NASA’s top 10 air-purifying plants, you can start creating your own indoor oasis. These plants are not only effective at improving air quality