Your home’s indoor air shows pollution levels 2-5 times higher than outside air. People breathe this air 90% of their time.

This might worry you, but nature offers a solution through air-purifying plants. NASA’s groundbreaking Clean Air Study revealed that specific indoor plants eliminate up to 87% of dangerous toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene in just 24 hours. A 2008 study demonstrated that employees with plants in their offices reported 24% fewer headaches and demonstrated 12% higher lung capacity than those working in spaces without plants.

Our research identified 15 top air-purifying plants that NASA’s testing validates. The versatile peace lily excels at removing multiple toxins, while the resilient snake plant filters formaldehyde and benzene effectively. These plants are the foundations of better indoor air quality.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

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The peace lily, native to tropical forests of Central and South America, stands out as a top performer in NASA’s Clean Air Study. This evergreen plant removes three major air pollutants – benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. The plant eliminates 23% of TCE within 24 hours.

Peace Lily Air Purification Benefits

The peace lily excels at absorbing and neutralizing common household odors. It also helps regulate indoor humidity through natural transpiration and works best in bathrooms and kitchens. The plant actively reduces mold spores, which creates a healthier indoor environment.

Common Toxins Removed

The peace lily targets several harmful compounds:

• Benzene (from gasoline, paint, rubber, tobacco smoke)
• Trichloroethylene (from furniture, paint, glue)
• Formaldehyde
• Carbon monoxide

Optimal Growing Conditions

Peace lilies thrive in temperatures between 65-85°F. These plants prefer bright, indirect light but can adapt to low-light conditions. The plant’s soil should stay moist but never waterlogged. Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings to prevent root rot.

Seasonal Care Guide

Peace lilies need temperatures above 55°F during winter months to prevent damage. We reduced watering frequency in winter, but the soil should never dry completely. The plant needs higher humidity levels in summer through regular misting. Feed it with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. These care practices help your peace lily purify air throughout the year.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

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NASA’s 1989 Clean Air Study recognized snake plants as champions at removing four major toxins from indoor air. These plants stand out as some of the best air-purifying options available.

Snake Plant Air Cleaning Capabilities

Snake plants are natural air filters that remove up to 87% of pollutants in just 24 hours. These amazing plants produce oxygen at night while other plants release carbon dioxide. They target specific pollutants like:

• Formaldehyde (found in cleaning products and tissues)
• Benzene
• Trichloroethylene
• Carbon monoxide

Best Placement Locations

Snake plants do their best work 6-10 feet from bright windows. Your home’s east or southeast areas provide perfect spots to improve air quality. These plants work wonders in spaces where you spend much of your time. Home offices and living areas benefit from their natural air-filtering abilities.

Care Requirements

Snake plants have earned their reputation as tough and adaptable plants. They love temperatures between 70°F and 90°F but suffer damage in conditions below 50°F. Watering Schedule: Winter months require soil moisture checks every two weeks, though you might water just once monthly. Success comes from using well-draining soil – a mix of regular potting soil and cactus mix works great.

These hardy plants adapt to light conditions ranging from dim corners to bright indirect sunlight. All the same, direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so choose spots carefully. Yellow leaves often signal overwatering – the biggest problem these plants face.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

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NASA’s tests show spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are amazing at cleaning indoor air pollutants. They can eliminate up to 95% of formaldehyde from sealed spaces within 24 hours.

Spider Plant Purification Power

Spider plants excel at removing several airborne toxins:

• Formaldehyde (from paper products and household items)
• Carbon monoxide
• Xylene
• Toluene

These plants use formaldehyde as fuel to create new molecules, which makes them great at continuous air purification. A single spider plant in a one-gallon pot can remove between 31,220-62,440 μg of formaldehyde in just six hours.

Scientific Evidence

Lab studies reveal spider plants’ impressive ability to collect particulate matter (PM) from indoor air. The total accumulation ranges from 13.62 to 19.79 μg/cm². They work best at removing fine particulate matter, which is most dangerous to health. A 30-day study showed that spider plants can restore their air-purifying abilities within 15 days after exposure to pollutants.

Maintenance Tips

Spider plants need little attention and are perfect for beginners. Light Requirements: Place them in bright, indirect sunlight and avoid harsh direct rays that can burn leaves. Watering Schedule: Give them a light drink weekly during growing season, and water less in autumn and winter.

These plants grow best in temperatures between 65-85°F. They adapt well to different conditions but do better with occasional misting. You’ll find them thriving in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity levels are naturally higher.

Spider plants are tough and excellent at cleaning indoor air. They need minimal care to keep their air-purifying benefits working.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis)

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The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) ranks among the quickest ways to purify indoor air. This Victorian-era classic still proves its value in today’s homes.

Fern Air Filtering Properties

Boston fern stands out as one of the best plants to clean indoor air by removing multiple airborne pollutants. The plant removes formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and airborne germs from indoor spaces effectively. The original research shows that Boston ferns can remove up to 26% of formaldehyde through their roots alone in rooms with poor ventilation.

Humidity Requirements

Boston ferns grow best in environments with 80% relative humidity but adapt well to levels between 60-70%. The plants need consistently moist soil without becoming waterlogged to grow optimally. You can create a humid microclimate by:

• Placing the fern in a steamy bathroom or kitchen
• Setting up a pebble tray filled with water
• Using a humidifier
• Regular misting during dry periods

Year-round Care

The ideal temperature range for these plants falls between 68-78°F, while nighttime temperatures should stay above 55°F. Water once weekly during spring and summer and adjust frequency based on climate conditions. The watering frequency should drop to every other week in fall and winter. Cool temperatures and adequate humidity prevent frond damage during winter months. Fertilization Schedule: Feed two to three times monthly during the growing season.

Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea)

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NASA ranks bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) as one of its best air-purifying plants. This powerful air cleaner grows well in low-light conditions.

Palm Air Cleaning Benefits

Bamboo palm removes several airborne toxins including:

• Formaldehyde from carpets and furniture
• Benzene from paints
• Trichloroethylene
• Carbon monoxide

The University of Hawaiʻi’s research shows bamboo palm achieves a remarkable 9/10 rate for chemical vapor removal.

Indoor Growing Guide

Bamboo palms do best in temperatures between 65-80°F. These plants adapt to light conditions of all types and perform exceptionally well in north-facing windows. Soil Requirements: Rich, well-draining potting mix works best when mixed with peat moss and orchid bark.

The soil should stay moist but not waterlogged to ensure healthy growth. You can check soil moisture weekly – let the top layer dry between waterings. Add granular, time-release fertilizer only during spring and summer months.

Common Issues

Bamboo palms often struggle with spider mites and mealybugs. These pests show up on leaf undersides and create fine webs that can suffocate the plant. Diluted rubbing alcohol or neem oil spray works well to treat these issues.

Root rot is another serious threat that shows up as yellowing leaves and musty soil odor. Good drainage and careful watering prevent this problem. Regular removal of spent flower stalks and brown fronds keeps the palm looking attractive and prevents nutrient deficiencies.

Dracaena Janet Craig

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Dracaena Janet Craig, native to tropical Africa, stands out as an effective air-cleaning plant that grows up to 8 feet tall indoors. Its glossy deep green leaves form elegant rosettes, and the plant lives 10-15 years.

Dracaena Air Purification

NASA’s Clean Air Study showed that Dracaena Janet Craig cleans chemicals through its leaves and roots before releasing fresh oxygen into the room. The plant targets these specific compounds:

• Benzene from household cleaners
• Formaldehyde from particleboard
• Trichloroethylene from common pollutants
• Xylene from everyday products

Light Requirements

Medium indirect light helps Dracaena Janet Craig thrive, though it adapts well to low-light conditions. The plant’s leaves become pale and bleached with too much light, while insufficient light leads to slow growth and smaller new leaves. Placement Tip: Position the plant within a few feet of south, east, or west-facing windows for optimal growth.

Watering Schedule

The plant needs careful attention to water levels and thrives when the top 75% of soil dries between waterings. Watering Guide: Water thoroughly until liquid flows through the drainage hole, then discard excess water. The plant enjoys humid environments and benefits from occasional misting. Room temperatures should stay above 55°F, and the plant should be kept away from cold drafts or direct heat sources.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

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NASA’s Clean Air Study shows English ivy is a powerful air purifier that removes 89.8% of benzene from enclosed spaces within 24 hours. This evergreen climber effectively filters multiple indoor pollutants through its leaves and root system.

Ivy’s Air Cleaning Properties

English ivy excels at removing airborne toxins:

• Benzene (3.7% reduction per hour)
• Formaldehyde
• Trichloroethylene
• Xylene and toluene

The plant’s leaves and root system process up to 86,605 micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter of air daily. English ivy also helps regulate indoor humidity levels and reduces airborne mold spores effectively.

Growing Requirements

English ivy thrives in moderate light conditions with consistently moist soil. Temperature Range: Maintain between 65-85°F for optimal growth. The top layer of soil should dry between waterings to prevent root rot.

Monthly fertilization with a balanced 20-20-20 food works best during spring, summer, and fall. Regular vine trimming helps control growth and maintain plant health. The plant adapts well to light conditions of all types, from partial shade to bright indirect sunlight.

Toxin Removal Rate

Research shows English ivy extracts approximately 1,205 micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter in highly contaminated spaces. The plant’s efficiency increases with maximized root soil area, so trimming foliage that touches the soil boosts toxin biodegradation. Important Safety Note: The plant remains toxic if ingested and may cause skin irritation, despite its air-purifying benefits.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

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The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) originates from Southeast Asia and ranks among the most versatile air-purifying plants that filter formaldehyde from indoor spaces.

Rubber Plant Benefits

This tropical powerhouse cleans indoor air by absorbing carbon dioxide and converting it to oxygen. Rubber plants excel at eliminating bacteria from the atmosphere and reduce harmful microorganisms by up to 60%. The plant’s large, glossy leaves work as natural filters and process chemicals through their surface and roots.

Care Instructions

These plants flourish in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F with humidity levels of 40% or higher. Watering Guide: The top 2-3 inches of soil should dry between waterings. A well-draining potting mix with perlite or orchid bark promotes optimal growth. The plant needs monthly feeding during active growth periods using a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength.

Placement Tips

Bright, indirect light works best for rubber plants. You can place them near windows with sheer curtains. Temperature consistency is vital – protect the plant from cold drafts and exterior doors during winter. The air-purifying benefits work best when you place them in frequently used rooms where temperatures stay above 50°F. A quick wipe of leaves with a damp cloth helps the plant filter air better and prevents dust buildup.

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum)

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NASA’s Clean Air Study shows that golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) removes 73% of benzene and 9.2% of trichloroethylene from sealed environments in just 24 hours.

Pothos Air Filtering Abilities

The plant’s leaves and root system work together to clean multiple airborne toxins. It targets these common pollutants:

• Formaldehyde that comes from carpets and furniture
• Benzene found in cleaning products
• Xylene and toluene released by household materials
• Carbon monoxide

Growth Patterns

Golden pothos grows at an impressive rate and can add 12 to 18 inches monthly when conditions are right. This hardy plant adapts easily to its surroundings and thrives in both bright indirect light and low-light spots. It can reach lengths of up to 10 feet indoors, with leaves that grow between 4-8 inches wide.

Maintenance Guide

The plant grows best in temperatures between 65-75°F. You should let the soil dry completely between waterings to keep roots healthy. Light Requirements: Place it in bright, indirect sunlight and use sheer curtains to filter strong rays. The plant does well with regular misting to keep humidity levels up, whatever the surrounding conditions.

Most pothos plants live 5-10 years, but good care can make them last much longer. Regular trimming helps create fuller growth and keeps the plant cleaning air effectively.

Areca Palm (Dypsis)

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NASA research ranks the areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) among the best air purifiers. This remarkable plant removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from indoor spaces. The elegant palm generates negative ions that attach to dust particles and toxic chemicals, which then turn into fresh oxygen.

Palm Air Purification

Research shows the areca palm ranks eighth highest for formaldehyde removal. The plant targets several indoor pollutants:

• Formaldehyde from building materials
• Benzene from household items
• Toluene from common chemicals
• Carbon monoxide from various sources

A person in a damp building needs four shoulder-height areca palms to clean the air effectively.

Growing Requirements

Areca palms grow best in bright, filtered sunlight near south or southwest-facing windows. The plant needs well-draining peat-based potting mix that’s slightly acidic. Watering Schedule: Check soil moisture weekly and let it dry slightly between waterings. Weekly showers help improve the palm’s air-purifying abilities.

Seasonal Changes

The ideal indoor temperature range is 65-75°F (18-24°C), and humidity should stay between 50-70%. Winter care requires protection from temperatures below 50°F with less frequent watering. The plant should be kept away from cold drafts and heating vents to avoid stress during seasonal changes.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

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Asian cultures have cherished Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) for centuries. This plant ranks high among NASA’s tested air-purifying plants and removes formaldehyde and benzene from indoor spaces.

Evergreen Purification Benefits

Chinese evergreen’s air-cleaning power comes from its natural process of filtering pollutants through both leaves and roots. The plant targets:

• Formaldehyde from building materials
• Benzene from household cleaners
• Carbon monoxide from various sources
• Indoor air pollutants at higher concentrations

Care Guide

Chinese evergreen runs best in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Water Requirements: Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings while keeping moisture balanced without waterlogging. The plant grows best in well-draining potting soil that has slightly acidic properties.

These plants need minimal effort and adapt to different light conditions naturally. A balanced liquid fertilizer every month during spring and summer helps them thrive. They ended up doing best with humidity levels above 50%, which makes them perfect choices for bathrooms or kitchens.

Best Locations

Chinese evergreen cleans air effectively in low-light areas, making it an excellent choice for shaded corners and office spaces. Dark green varieties grow well in near-shade, while variegated types need brighter indirect light. Cold drafts and heating vents can harm the plant, so keep it where temperatures stay above 55°F.

Weeping Fig (Ficus)

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The weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) stands out with its elegant appearance and removes common indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

Fig Air Cleaning Properties

The weeping fig acts as a natural air filter that targets household toxins through its leaves and roots. This plant processes pollutants and converts them into clean oxygen. The purification process eliminates formaldehyde from household items, xylene from everyday products, and toluene from common materials.

Growth Requirements

The weeping fig runs on temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and needs stable conditions. Light Needs: Place in bright, indirect sunlight away from drafty windows and heating vents. The plant needs humidity levels above standard room conditions and responds well to regular misting or humidifier use.

Maintenance Tips

Proper watering is vital to your weeping fig’s health. Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings and reduce frequency during fall and winter. Soil Requirements: Choose well-draining potting mix with perlite, sand, and vermiculite. Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season and switch to bi-monthly in dormant periods.

Spring or early summer pruning promotes healthy growth and shape. Look for common problems like leaf drop that environmental changes often trigger. Check leaves regularly and treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil for pest control.

Philodendron

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Philodendrons, with their heart-shaped leaves and climbing abilities, are among NASA’s top picks for air-purifying plants. These tropical beauties fall into two main groups: vining types like the heart-leaf philodendron and self-heading hybrids that resemble elephant ears.

Philodendron Air Benefits

Philodendrons use a process called phytoremediation to clean indoor air pollutants. The plant filters out:

• Formaldehyde from household items
• Benzene from cleaning products
• Trichloroethylene from everyday materials
• Carbon monoxide from various sources

These plants can clear formaldehyde and other chemicals from indoor air within 24 hours.

Care Instructions

Most growing environments suit philodendrons well. Watering Guide: The top inch of soil should dry between waterings, so check moisture levels weekly. We mist these plants regularly and feed them monthly during growing season. You can also create a humid microclimate by grouping them with other plants.

Optimal Conditions

Room temperatures between 60-85°F help these adaptable plants thrive. Bright, indirect light works best, though they adapt to dimmer conditions. Soil Requirements: A well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter gives best results. These plants work exceptionally well in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity runs higher naturally. Keep philodendrons away from children and pets because of their toxic properties.

Chrysanthemum

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Florist’s chrysanthemum stands out as a champion among air-purifying plants. These flowers excel at removing airborne chemicals from enclosed spaces.

Mum’s Air Cleaning Power

Studies show these plants’ remarkable ability to clean indoor air by removing several pollutants:

• Formaldehyde from carpets and furniture
• Benzene from household cleaners
• Trichloroethylene from common materials
• Ammonia and xylene from everyday products

Tests reveal that chrysanthemums can filter up to 89.8% of indoor air toxins within 24 hours. We observed these plants process pollutants through their leaves and root system and convert harmful compounds into fresh oxygen.

Seasonal Care

Chrysanthemums need 6-8 hours of full sunlight daily. Watering Schedule: The soil moisture needs weekly checks to ensure proper drainage and prevent fungal growth. These plants grow best in temperatures between 65-85°F. You should reduce watering during dormant periods.

Placement Guide

Bright, well-ventilated areas with good air circulation make ideal spots for chrysanthemums. These plants work best in rooms where you spend much time and improve air quality through continuous filtration. Safety Note: Chrysanthemum’s leaves contain natural toxins, so keep them away from pets and children. The vibrant blooms last 4-6 weeks, offering both beauty and air-purifying benefits.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)

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The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) stands out with its glossy, dark-green foliage and improves indoor air quality through various biochemical pathways.

ZZ Plant Air Benefits

The ZZ plant knows how to process volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through its foliage and root systems. The purification process targets:

• Xylene from everyday products
• Toluene from common materials
• Carbon dioxide from exhaled air
• Formaldehyde from household items

Thick, waxy leaves and an extensive root system help the plant metabolize pollutants. Beneficial microorganisms in the soil around ZZ plants break down pollutants and create a healthier living environment.

Low-Light Performance

ZZ plants adapt exceptionally well to lighting conditions of all types. These tough plants thrive under fluorescent lights and survive in areas with minimal natural light. The best growth happens near north-facing or east-facing windows. The plant also grows well under artificial lighting, making it perfect for offices and spaces without natural sunlight.

Care Requirements

ZZ plants thrive in temperatures between 65°F-85°F (18°C-30°C). Watering Guide: Let soil dry completely between waterings, usually every 2-3 weeks. The plant’s rhizomes store water well, which helps it survive dry periods. A well-draining potting mix prevents root rot. Feed the plant with balanced nutrients, but not much of either during growing season to support healthy growth.

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