NASA's Clean Air Study identified several houseplants that can effectively remove common indoor air pollutants. Here are the best air-purifying plants for your home and how to care for them.
Top Air-Purifying Plants
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene
Snake plants are perfect for beginners. They tolerate low light and infrequent watering. Water only when soil is completely dry, typically every 2-3 weeks.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene
Spider plants are non-toxic to pets and produce baby plants that can be propagated. They prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering when the top inch of soil is dry.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Removes: Ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene
Peace lilies produce beautiful white flowers and thrive in low to medium light. They'll droop when they need water, making it easy to know when to water them.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Removes: Formaldehyde
Rubber plants have glossy, dark green leaves and can grow quite large. They prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene
Boston ferns add a lush, tropical feel to any room. They prefer high humidity and indirect light. Mist regularly or place on a humidity tray.
6. Aloe Vera
Removes: Formaldehyde, benzene
Aloe vera is a succulent that's easy to care for and has medicinal properties. It prefers bright light and infrequent watering. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
How Many Plants Do You Need?
NASA recommends 15-18 air-purifying plants in an 1,800 square foot home. For maximum benefit, place one plant per 100 square feet of living space.
Placement Tips
- Place plants in rooms where you spend the most time
- Bedrooms benefit from plants that release oxygen at night (like snake plants)
- Bathrooms are perfect for humidity-loving plants like Boston ferns
- Living areas can accommodate larger plants like rubber trees
Important Note
While plants can help improve air quality, they work best in combination with proper ventilation and air filtration systems. Some plants may be toxic to pets, so research before bringing them home.