Want cleaner, fresher air at home? NASA’s Clean Air Study identified the top plants that remove toxins, boost oxygen, and improve indoor air quality. Here are the 9 best air-purifying plants you need in your space.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
✔ Removes: Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene
✔ Bonus: Releases oxygen at night (great for bedrooms)
✔ Care: Thrives in low light, needs little water
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
✔ Removes: Carbon monoxide, formaldehyde
✔ Bonus: Safe for pets, grows quickly
✔ Care: Prefers bright, indirect light
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
✔ Removes: Ammonia, benzene, trichloroethylene
✔ Bonus: Flowers indoors, reduces mold spores
✔ Care: Keep soil moist, moderate light
4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
✔ Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene
✔ Bonus: Acts as a natural humidifier
✔ Care: Needs high humidity, frequent misting
5. Aloe Vera
✔ Removes: Formaldehyde
✔ Bonus: Healing gel for burns and skin
✔ Care: Bright light, minimal watering
6. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
✔ Removes: Benzene, trichloroethylene
✔ Bonus: Adds tropical vibes, pet-friendly
✔ Care: Indirect sunlight, keep soil damp
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
✔ Removes: Mold, airborne fecal particles
✔ Bonus: Reduces allergens
✔ Care: Prefers cooler temps, moderate light
8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
✔ Removes: Formaldehyde
✔ Bonus: Large leaves for maximum air cleaning
✔ Care: Bright, indirect light
9. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
✔ Removes: Carbon monoxide, benzene
✔ Bonus: Hard to kill, grows in low light
✔ Care: Let soil dry between waterings
NASA’s Recommendation
For best results, place 1 plant per 100 sq ft to effectively purify air.