The best plants to purify the air in your home. A study approved by NASA proved that certain plants can remove the accumulation of three household pollutants.
In the summer of 1989, NASA and the National Association of Landscape Professionals conducted a study using houseplants as a natural way to produce and purify the air in space stations.
According to their findings, plants that require low light showed a surprising potential to improve indoor air quality as they helped remove pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene (some of which are found in household supplies and furniture).
It is logical, then, to consider living like those astronauts traveling through space and populating our spaces with more living plants.
Their leaves absorb carbon dioxide – converting it into energy – along with other gases, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde. Here are some of the most effective varieties to bring indoors.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
Perfect for homeowners who love floral bouquets but not the maintenance. This resilient tropical plant, recognizable by its immaculate white flowers, is both beautiful and incredibly powerful: it removes benzene (found in plastics and synthetic fibers), formaldehyde (in carpets and upholstery), trichloroethylene (in adhesives and paint removers), xylene, ammonia, and more.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
This plant is especially easy to grow and maintain. As a tropical foliage plant, it’s great for beginner gardeners as it tolerates low light and dry air. Best of all, it efficiently removes benzene and formaldehyde.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
This “spider-like” plant, often placed in a hanging pot, is named for its long, trailing leaves. It eliminates formaldehyde, as well as xylene and toluene, both found in many household products.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Also known as “Devil’s Ivy,” this hardy plant has a subtle yellowish tint to its leaves. It’s known to eradicate carbon monoxide and benzene, making it suitable for garage entries and gardens.
Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
This plant has thin ribbon-like stems with red edges and can grow quite tall. Another powerful purifier, it eliminates benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’)
This lush fern features feather-like fronds and thrives in humidity. Although more challenging to care for than others, it filters pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Though technically not a houseplant, these colorful and vibrant flowers do more than just look pretty: they help eliminate harmful pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and ammonia.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
This popular plant is recognizable for its lush vines. It’s particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, which lurks in furniture and cabinets.
Photos: Pexels. Source: National Association of Landscape Professionals. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
