Top 10 Air-Purifying Plants for Your Home
Improve your indoor air quality with these NASA-approved air-purifying plants
Did you know that indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air? NASA's Clean Air Study revealed that certain houseplants can naturally filter harmful toxins from your home. These green warriors not only beautify your space but actively work to create a healthier living environment by removing common household pollutants.
The NASA Clean Air Study
In 1989, NASA conducted a groundbreaking study to find ways to purify air in space stations. The research revealed that common houseplants could remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours. These plants filter out harmful chemicals commonly found in homes, including:
Formaldehyde
From furniture, carpets, cleaners
Benzene
From plastics, synthetic fibers
Trichloroethylene
From paints, varnishes
Quick Reference: Top 10 Air-Purifying Plants
| Plant | Removes | Light Needs | Care Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snake Plant | FormaldehydeBenzene | Low to bright | Easy |
| Spider Plant | FormaldehydeXylene | Bright indirect | Easy |
| Peace Lily | All major toxins | Low to medium | Moderate |
The Top 10 Air-Purifying Plants
Why It's Amazing:
The Snake Plant is unique because it releases oxygen at night while most plants do so during the day. This makes it perfect for bedrooms, improving air quality while you sleep.
Removes:
Care Instructions:
- • Light: Tolerates low light but prefers bright indirect
- • Water: Every 2-3 weeks, let soil dry completely
- • Humidity: Average household humidity is fine
- • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
Why It's Amazing:
Spider plants are champions at removing formaldehyde and xylene. They're also one of the few houseplants that are non-toxic to pets, making them perfect for animal lovers.
Removes:
Care Instructions:
- • Light: Bright, indirect light
- • Water: Keep soil lightly moist
- • Humidity: Prefers higher humidity but adaptable
- • Bonus: Produces baby plants (spiderettes) for easy propagation
Why It's Amazing:
Peace Lilies topped NASA's list for removing all three major VOCs. They also increase room humidity by up to 5%, which can help with dry skin and respiratory issues.
Removes:
Care Instructions:
- • Light: Low to medium indirect light
- • Water: When top inch of soil is dry
- • Special: Droops when thirsty - easy to read!
- • Flowers: White blooms appear with proper care
More Excellent Air Purifiers
Excellent for beginners, removes formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Thrives in low light and tolerates neglect.
Light: Low to bright indirect
Water: When soil feels dry
Great for officesPowerful formaldehyde eliminator with glossy, attractive leaves. Easy to grow and makes a statement.
Light: Bright indirect
Water: Keep slightly moist
Low maintenanceNatural humidifier that removes formaldehyde and xylene. Perfect for bathrooms with high humidity.
Light: Indirect light
Water: Keep consistently moist
Pet-FriendlyRemoves formaldehyde and benzene. Bonus: gel has healing properties for burns and cuts.
Light: Bright indirect
Water: Deeply but infrequently
Medicinal benefitsReduces airborne mold by up to 94%. Excellent for allergy sufferers and bathroom placement.
Light: Bright indirect
Water: Keep evenly moist
Mold fighterThrives in low light conditions while removing benzene and formaldehyde. Perfect for darker rooms.
Light: Low to medium
Water: When top soil is dry
Low light championTop-rated for filtering formaldehyde, also adds moisture to air. Creates tropical ambiance.
Light: Bright indirect
Water: Keep soil moist
Pet-FriendlyBest Plants for Each Room
🛏️ Bedroom
- Snake Plant: Releases oxygen at night
- Aloe Vera: Improves air quality while you sleep
- Peace Lily: Increases humidity for better sleep
🚿 Bathroom
- Boston Fern: Loves humidity, removes toxins
- English Ivy: Reduces mold and airborne feces
- Bamboo Palm: Thrives in filtered light
🏢 Office
- Spider Plant: Combats pollutants from electronics
- Golden Pothos: Low maintenance for busy workers
- Rubber Plant: Improves concentration
🍳 Kitchen
- Aloe Vera: Handy for burns, filters air
- Chinese Evergreen: Tolerates temperature changes
- Pothos: Removes cooking odors
Maximizing Air Purification
• Quantity matters: Use 2-3 plants per 100 sq ft for best results
• Leaf care: Wipe leaves monthly - clean leaves filter air better
• Variety is key: Different plants remove different toxins
• Healthy plants work harder: Well-cared-for plants purify more effectively
• Size counts: Larger plants and those with more leaves filter more air
Common Household Toxins & Their Sources
Formaldehyde
Found in: Pressed wood products, foam insulation, paper products, cleaning agents
Best plants: Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Golden Pothos
Benzene
Found in: Plastics, synthetic fibers, rubber, dyes, detergents
Best plants: Peace Lily, Snake Plant, English Ivy
Trichloroethylene
Found in: Printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives
Best plants: Peace Lily, Bamboo Palm, Snake Plant
Breathe Easier with Nature's Air Filters
Adding air-purifying plants to your home is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your indoor air quality. Not only do these green companions remove harmful toxins, but they also boost mood, increase humidity, and create a more inviting living space.
Start with one or two easy-care options like Snake Plant or Pothos, and gradually build your collection. Your lungs (and your home's aesthetic) will thank you! 🌿
