17 Air-Purifying Plants That Can Help Eliminate Toxins Indoors
With their wide variety of colors, textures, and sizes, houseplants are an easy fix when you need to liven up your interiors, no matter the season. But in addition to serving an aesthetic purpose, many different types of greenery also double as air-purifying plants that help remove toxins from our environment, according to research by NASA.
NASA’s 1989 Clean Air Study explored natural ways to purify the air in small, unventilated spaces, like the International Space Station. While most of us will never leave our terrestrial home, the study’s findings are still important. The researchers report that certain indoor-grown plants could help alleviate the “sick building syndrome” associated with many newer buildings. According to the study, “Low-light-requiring houseplants…demonstrated the potential for improving indoor air quality by removing trace organic pollutants from the air in energy-efficient buildings.”
The plants included in the study were found to filter out toxic airborne pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. According to the World Health Organization, more than three million people die prematurely each year from diseases caused by household air pollution. Dr. Bill Wolverton, the study’s lead investigator and formerly a senior research scientist at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center said, “We feel that future results will provide an even stronger argument that common indoor landscaping plants can be a very effective part of a system used to provide pollution-free homes and workplaces.”
When choosing air-purifying plants to populate your own indoor jungle, Shaun Murphy from Indoor Sun Shoppe in Seattle recommends familiarizing yourself with the plants’ care requirements. While all of the plants on NASA’s list don’t require a lot of light, their water and soil needs vary. “All of these plants can be grown successfully when conditions are right,” says Murphy.
Read on for NASA’s list of plants that clean the air while transforming your space into a lush, healthy oasis.
More gardening inspiration:
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a versatile climber that thrives in indirect light. Known for its ability to reduce airborne mold and improve air quality, it’s perfect for bedrooms and living areas.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum elatum)
With its graceful, arching leaves, the spider plant is a low-maintenance option that excels at removing carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other toxins, according to the NASA study.
Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)
Devil's ivy is an air-purifying plant that is ideal for beginners, according to Murphy. It’s a powerhouse at removing common toxins like benzene and xylene, making it a favorite for offices and kitchens.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’)
The peace lily not only blooms with elegant white flowers but also filters out ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. This air-purifying plant is a great choice for bathrooms and low-light spaces.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
Known for its striking variegated leaves, the Chinese evergreen is a robust air purifier that thrives in low-light conditions, making it ideal for dim corners that need a bit of liveliness.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The bamboo palm is a tropical beauty with thin, leafy fronds that filter out benzene and formaldehyde. It’s also a natural humidifier, perfect for dry climates.
Variegated Sanseviera (Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’)
Commonly known as the snake plant, this easy-care, air-purifying plant converts carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, making it ideal for bedrooms.
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron cordatum)
With its heart-shaped leaves, this philodendron is a stylish addition to any room. It’s effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde from the air. It's also a prolific grower and perfect for those who like to propagate their plants.
Selloum Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum)
The selloum philodendron is a lush plant with large, lobed leaves and is a statement piece that also works hard to filter out harmful substances.
Elephant Ear Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)
Another philodendron variety, this larger-than-life, air-purifying plant is great for those who want an indoor tree without all the work. Its heart-shaped leaves can grow up to three feet long and the plant itself can grow up to 10 feet tall.
Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
The red-edged dracaena is a dramatic plant with red-tipped leaves and is an air-purifying plant that removes substances like xylene and formaldehyde from the atmosphere.
Cornstalk Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’)
With its bright green and yellow leaves, the cornstalk dracaena is not only visually appealing but also great at removing toxins like trichloroethylene.
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The weeping fig’s elegant, arching branches make it a popular choice for indoor decor. It’s also effective at reducing airborne toxins.
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Yes, flowers can be air-purifying plants as well! Vibrant gerbera daisies don’t just brighten up a room; they also filter out toxins like benzene and trichloroethylene.
Florist’s Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Chrysanthemums are champions at filtering out toxins like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. Their colorful blooms make them a favorite for adding cheer to any space.
Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)
Famous for its cooling gel that soothes sunburns, aloe vera also works as an air-purifying plant, removing formaldehyde and benzene.
Warneckei (Dracaena deremensis)
The warneckei dracaena’s striped leaves make it a visually appealing choice for any room. It’s also effective at improving air quality.
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