Best Air Purifying Plants: NASA-Approved Houseplants for Cleaner Air
Indoor air quality is a growing concern for many homeowners, and houseplants offer a natural, beautiful solution. In 1989, NASA conducted a landmark study that identified several houseplants capable of removing volatile organic compounds VOCs from indoor air. While modern research suggests you would need many plants to match the output of a mechanical air purifier, the air-purifying benefits of houseplants are real and valuable. Combined with their mood-boosting and stress-reducing effects, air-purifying plants are a wonderful addition to any home.
The snake plant is one of the most effective air-purifying plants according to NASA Clean Air Study. It removes formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. Snake plants are unique among houseplants because they perform a type of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism CAM, which means they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night rather than during the day. This makes them an excellent choice for bedrooms. Snake plants thrive in low to bright indirect light and require minimal watering.
The peace lily was rated highly in the NASA study for its ability to remove a wide range of VOCs including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia. Peace lilies have beautiful white flowers that bloom periodically throughout the year. They prefer low to medium indirect light and consistently moist soil. One unique feature of peace lilies is that they will dramatically droop when thirsty, giving you a clear signal that it is time to water. Peace lilies are toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach.
Spider plants are excellent air purifiers that are also safe for pets and children. They effectively remove formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide from indoor air. Spider plants produce plantlets that can be easily propagated, making them a sustainable choice for filling your home with greenery. They prefer bright, indirect light but tolerate lower light conditions. Spider plants are very forgiving of irregular watering, though they grow best with consistently moist soil during the growing season.
Aloe vera is both an air-purifying plant and a medicinal powerhouse. It removes formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. The gel inside aloe leaves can be used to soothe minor burns, cuts, and skin irritations. Aloe is a succulent that requires bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water aloe deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Aloe plants produce offsets or pups that can be separated and potted individually to expand your collection.
Other effective air-purifying plants include the Boston fern, which is particularly good at removing formaldehyde and xylene, the rubber plant, which excels at removing formaldehyde, and the Chinese evergreen, which removes benzene and formaldehyde while thriving in very low light. For maximum air-purifying benefit, place one plant per 100 square feet of living space. Choose a variety of plants to cover a broader range of pollutants. While houseplants alone cannot completely purify your home air, they are a valuable component of a healthy indoor environment, alongside proper ventilation and regular cleaning.