15 Best Air Purifying Plants for Your Home According to NASA

The NASA Clean Air Study

In 1989, NASA partnered with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America to conduct a comprehensive study on using houseplants to purify air in enclosed spaces. Originally designed to find ways to clean air in space stations, the research has become foundational knowledge for anyone interested in improving indoor air quality.

The study tested various common houseplants for their ability to remove three primary volatile organic compounds (VOCs): formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Plants were placed in sealed chambers filled with these chemicals, and researchers measured how effectively each plant reduced the toxin levels over 24-hour periods.

The results were remarkable. Certain plants removed up to 90% of chemicals in the chamber within 24 hours. The study also discovered that the plants' root systems and the microorganisms living in the soil played a significant role in air purification, not just the leaves.

Dr. B.C. Wolverton, the lead researcher, later expanded the study to include additional chemicals like ammonia and xylene. His work demonstrated that nature offers elegant solutions to modern indoor pollution problems, accessible to anyone willing to add some greenery to their space.

How Plants Clean Indoor Air

Understanding how plants purify air helps you maximize their benefits. Plants use several mechanisms to remove pollutants from indoor environments.

Absorption Through Leaves

Plants absorb gases through tiny pores called stomata on their leaves. While primarily used for photosynthesis (absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen), stomata also take in other airborne chemicals. Once absorbed, plants break down many of these toxins into harmless compounds.

Root Zone Purification

The NASA study found that a significant amount of air purification happens in the soil around plant roots. Microorganisms living in the root zone break down pollutants into nutrients they can use. This symbiotic relationship between plants and soil microbes makes the entire pot a purification system.

Transpiration

As plants release water vapor through transpiration, they create air movement that pulls polluted air down toward the soil, where the root zone microbes can process it. This pumping action increases the overall air-cleaning efficiency.

Oxygen Production

While not directly removing pollutants, plants increase oxygen levels in indoor spaces. Some plants, like snake plants and orchids, even release oxygen at night through a specialized form of photosynthesis, making them ideal bedroom companions.

15 Best Air Purifying Plants

Based on the NASA study and subsequent research, these plants represent the most effective options for cleaning indoor air while being practical for home cultivation.

1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The peace lily topped the NASA list for its exceptional ability to remove all tested chemicals: formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, ammonia, and xylene. Its elegant white flowers and glossy dark leaves make it as beautiful as it is functional.

Care: Thrives in low to medium light. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Will droop dramatically when thirsty but perks up quickly after watering.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, ammonia, xylene

2. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy excels at removing airborne fecal particles and formaldehyde. Studies have shown it can also reduce airborne mold by significant amounts. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets or shelves.

Care: Prefers bright indirect light but tolerates shade. Keep soil evenly moist. Enjoys cooler temperatures and higher humidity.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, airborne mold spores

3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Snake plants are exceptional air purifiers that release oxygen at night, making them perfect for bedrooms. They are also among the most low-maintenance plants available, tolerating neglect, low light, and infrequent watering.

Care: Tolerates low light to bright indirect light. Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Resistant to most pests.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene

4. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

This trailing vine is virtually indestructible while being highly effective at removing pollutants. Its heart-shaped leaves with golden variegation brighten any space, and it grows quickly to fill your home with air-cleaning greenery.

Care: Adapts to any light condition from low to bright indirect. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Extremely easy to propagate.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, carbon monoxide

5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns ranked highest in the NASA study for formaldehyde removal. Their lush, feathery fronds also add significant humidity to dry indoor air. These classic plants have graced homes for over a century.

Care: Needs bright indirect light. Requires consistent moisture and high humidity. Mist regularly or use a pebble tray.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene

6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are champions at removing formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. They produce abundant plantlets that dangle from the mother plant, making propagation effortless. Extremely resilient and perfect for beginners.

Care: Thrives in bright indirect light but tolerates lower light. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Non-toxic to pets.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, xylene, carbon monoxide

7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Bamboo palm excels at filtering formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Its graceful, arching fronds create a tropical atmosphere while working hard to clean your air. It also acts as a natural humidifier.

Care: Prefers bright indirect light but tolerates lower light. Keep soil consistently moist. Benefits from regular misting.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene

8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber plants are powerhouses at removing formaldehyde. Their large, glossy leaves provide substantial surface area for air purification. These plants can grow into impressive floor plants over time with proper care.

Care: Prefers bright indirect light. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and maintain efficiency.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide

9. Dracaena (Various Species)

Multiple dracaena species performed well in the NASA study, including Janet Craig, Marginata, and Warneckii. These architectural plants come in various sizes and leaf patterns, making them versatile choices for different spaces.

Care: Tolerates low to medium light. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Sensitive to fluoride in tap water; use filtered water if possible.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene

10. Aloe Vera

Beyond its famous gel used for burns and skin care, aloe vera effectively removes formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. As a succulent, it is incredibly low maintenance and can survive considerable neglect.

Care: Needs bright light, including some direct sun. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry completely. Use well-draining soil.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene

11. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Chinese evergreens are beautiful low-light plants that effectively filter formaldehyde and benzene. They come in numerous varieties with silver, green, pink, and red variegation. Very forgiving of inconsistent care.

Care: Thrives in low to medium light. Water when top inch is dry. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 60 degrees.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene

12. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

The weeping fig is excellent at filtering formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene commonly found in furniture and carpets. Its elegant, tree-like form makes it a sophisticated addition to larger spaces.

Care: Needs bright indirect light. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Dislikes being moved and may drop leaves during adjustment.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene

13. Philodendron

Both heartleaf philodendron and larger varieties like split-leaf philodendron (Monstera) effectively remove formaldehyde. These easy-care plants are perfect for beginners and come in climbing or self-heading forms.

Care: Adapts to low to bright indirect light. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Very resilient and fast-growing.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde

14. Florist's Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

Chrysanthemums ranked among the best at removing ammonia and benzene in the NASA study. Their colorful blooms add beauty while working hard to clean the air. Best treated as temporary houseplants.

Care: Needs bright direct light. Keep soil moist. Often treated as seasonal plants since they are difficult to rebloom indoors.

Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia

15. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Gerbera daisies bring cheerful color while effectively removing trichloroethylene and benzene. They release oxygen at night, making them good bedroom plants. Like chrysanthemums, they work best as temporary indoor additions.

Care: Requires bright direct light. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Prefers cooler temperatures between 60-70 degrees.

Toxins removed: Trichloroethylene, benzene

Common Indoor Toxins Explained

Understanding the pollutants in your home helps you choose the right plants and identify potential sources to address.

Formaldehyde

Sources: Pressed wood products (plywood, particleboard, MDF), foam insulation, paper products, permanent press fabrics, certain glues and adhesives, gas stoves, cigarette smoke.

Health effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; allergic reactions; potentially carcinogenic with long-term exposure.

Benzene

Sources: Gasoline, paint, rubber, plastics, dyes, detergents, cigarette smoke, synthetic fibers.

Health effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, eye irritation; long-term exposure linked to bone marrow damage and immune system effects.

Trichloroethylene

Sources: Dry cleaning, printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives, paint removers.

Health effects: Dizziness, headaches, nausea, liver damage; classified as a carcinogen.

Ammonia

Sources: Window cleaners, floor waxes, smelling salts, fertilizers, some hair dyes.

Health effects: Eye and respiratory irritation, coughing, throat irritation; high concentrations can cause burns.

Xylene

Sources: Paints, lacquers, adhesives, rubber, leather, vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke.

Health effects: Headaches, dizziness, liver and kidney damage with prolonged exposure.

How Many Plants Do You Need?

The original NASA recommendation suggested one plant per 100 square feet of space. However, this recommendation was based on sealed chambers optimized for air purification, not typical homes with ventilation and air movement.

More recent research suggests that while plants do contribute to air quality, you would need a substantial number to significantly impact pollution levels in a well-ventilated home. Some researchers estimate needing 10-100 plants per square foot for meaningful VOC reduction.

However, this does not mean air-purifying plants are useless. Every contribution to air quality helps, and plants offer numerous other benefits: they reduce stress, improve mood, increase humidity, add beauty, and create a connection to nature. Even if the air purification is modest, the overall health benefits are real.

A practical approach is to place plants throughout your home based on your space, light conditions, and care ability. Focus on areas where you spend the most time: bedrooms, home offices, and living rooms. More plants equals more benefits, but even a few well-placed plants make a difference.

Optimal Placement Tips

Strategic plant placement maximizes air purification benefits while ensuring plants thrive in their locations.

Bedroom

Since you spend approximately one-third of your life in the bedroom, it is an excellent location for air-purifying plants. Snake plants, aloe vera, and orchids are particularly good choices because they release oxygen at night. Place plants near your bed but ensure they have adequate light during the day.

Home Office

Electronics and office furniture can release VOCs. Plants like pothos, peace lily, and spider plants thrive in office conditions and help counteract these emissions. Studies show that having plants visible while working reduces stress and increases productivity.

Living Room

Living rooms often contain the most furniture and thus the most potential VOC sources. Larger plants like rubber trees, dracaenas, and palms work well in living spaces and provide proportional air-cleaning capacity to the room size.

Kitchen

Gas stoves, cleaning products, and food preparation create various fumes. Herbs like basil and mint, along with spider plants and pothos, can help. Choose plants that tolerate humidity fluctuations and temperature changes from cooking.

Bathroom

Bathrooms benefit from humidity-loving plants like Boston ferns, peace lilies, and pothos. These plants help filter chemicals from cleaning products while thriving in the naturally humid environment. Ensure there is adequate light or use grow lights if needed.

Near Pollution Sources

Consider placing plants near specific pollution sources: next to new furniture, near printers and electronics, or in freshly painted rooms. Just ensure the plant's light and care needs are met in that location.

Care Considerations for Air Purifying Plants

Healthy plants purify air more effectively than struggling ones. These general care tips help your plants perform at their best.

Clean Leaves Regularly

Dust on leaves blocks stomata and reduces air-purifying efficiency. Wipe large-leaved plants with a damp cloth monthly. For ferns and plants with many small leaves, rinse in the shower or sink occasionally.

Ensure Proper Drainage

Healthy roots mean healthy plants. Use pots with drainage holes and well-draining soil appropriate for each plant type. Overwatering is the most common cause of houseplant death.

Provide Adequate Light

Plants need light to photosynthesize and function properly. While many air-purifying plants tolerate low light, they perform better with adequate illumination. Use grow lights if natural light is insufficient.

Maintain Healthy Soil

Since root zone microbes contribute significantly to air purification, healthy soil matters. Repot plants every one to two years with fresh potting mix. Avoid over-packing soil, which reduces aeration.

Group Plants Together

Grouping plants creates a microclimate with increased humidity that benefits most species. It also concentrates the air-purifying effect in specific areas where you spend time.

Pet-Safe Air Purifying Plants

Many effective air-purifying plants are toxic to cats and dogs. If you have pets, these safer alternatives still offer air-cleaning benefits without the risk.

Spider Plant

Non-toxic and excellent at removing formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Safe even if pets nibble on the leaves, though some cats may experience mild digestive upset if they eat large amounts.

Boston Fern

Completely safe for pets and highly effective at removing formaldehyde. The feathery fronds may attract playful pets, but nibbling will not cause harm.

Areca Palm

Non-toxic and excellent at removing xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde. Also acts as a natural humidifier. Safe for homes with cats and dogs.

Bamboo Palm

Pet-safe and effective at filtering formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Creates a tropical feel while being completely safe around animals.

African Violet

Non-toxic to pets and adds color with its flowers. While not as powerful as some other plants, it still contributes to air quality in a safe way.

Plants to Avoid with Pets

Peace lily, pothos, philodendron, English ivy, aloe vera, and dracaena are all toxic to pets. If you have these plants, ensure they are completely out of reach in hanging baskets or rooms your pets cannot access.

Frequently Asked Questions