Top 10 Plants Recommended by NASA to Improve Indoor Air
Indoor air quality is a growing concern for all of us. The houseplants listed below are recommended by NASA in their Clean Air Study, which discovered that these plants can help remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the indoor air.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Not only does the Spider Plant rate as a top performer in removing indoor toxins, it’s also one of the easiest houseplants to grow and care for. Best of all, it removes formaldehyde and xylene (a solvent found in leather, rubber and printing industries). Spider Plant is non-toxic and perfect for pet and kid-friendly households. It prefers bright, indirect light.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a durable succulent that removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene (a solvent found in petroleum, lacquer, and paint industries) from the indoor air. It grows well in low light and needs little water, making it a great houseplant for beginners.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
A household name, the Peace Lily is a stunning plant known to remove pollutants like ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene from the indoor air. Keep it in shady areas and water regularly to maintain its glossy leaves and delicate white blooms. Peace Lilies are easy to grow and maintain.
4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Well known for its medicinal properties, Aloe Vera also removes formaldehyde and benzene from the indoor air. This succulent prefers sunny indoor locations and infrequent watering.
5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo Palm removes formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the indoor air. It grows well in shady, indoor locations and needs regular watering to keep the soil lightly moist.
6. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
One of the prettiest flowering plants on the list, the Gerbera Daisy removes benzene and trichloroethylene from the indoor air. It requires bright sunlight and well-drained soil. The vivid flowers of the Gerbera add a pop of color to any room.
7. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
With numerous varieties to choose from, the Dracaena is known to remove harmful toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the indoor air. It grows well in indirect sunlight and takes moderate water to maintain. Overall, Dracaena is a pretty easy-to-care-for houseplant.
8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy excels in removing formaldehyde from the indoor air. It’s also known to reduce airborne mold and comes in varieties that can be grown in hanging baskets or used as ground cover. It prefers cool, moist surroundings and indirect light.
9. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Mums are famous for their stunning flowers and their ability to absorb benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia from the indoor air. They need bright light to produce blooms and regular watering.