17 NASA-Approved Air-Purifying Plants for Your Home

Imagine turning your home into a lush oasis that not only looks stunning but also purifies the air you breathe. NASA has researched and identified certain plants that excel at removing toxins from the air, making them perfect for any home or office. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or a green-thumb novice, incorporating these NASA-approved air-purifying plants can significantly enhance your indoor environment. Let's explore 17 extraordinary plants that can help you breathe easier and elevate your space.

1. Snake Plant: Your Nighttime Air Purifier

The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria, is a robust option perfect for beginners. Known for its ability to absorb toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, it is unique because it converts CO2 into oxygen at night. Position it on your nightstand for a breath of fresh air while you sleep. It thrives on neglect, needing minimal water and indirect sunlight, making it an ideal plant for busy lifestyles.

2. English Ivy: Elegant and Easy-Care

English Ivy is not only visually appealing with its trailing vines but also a hardworking air cleanser. It effectively removes mold particles, making it great for allergy sufferers. Place it on a bookshelf where its vines can cascade down for a dramatic, elegant look. English Ivy prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering, ensuring it remains healthy and vibrant.

3. Peace Lily: A Soothing Addition

The peace lily is renowned for its stunning white blooms and air-purifying prowess. It helps reduce levels of indoor pollutants like ammonia and trichloroethylene. Position it in a stylish ceramic pot to complement your decor. Peace lilies prefer medium, indirect sunlight and moist soil, making them easy to care for. They also signal when they need water by slightly drooping, taking the guesswork out of plant care.

4. Spider Plant: A Hardy Survivor

Spider plants are excellent for removing pollutants like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Their arching leaves and tiny white flowers make them a decorative addition to any room. Hang it from your ceiling in a sunny spot to let its vibrant green leaves stand out. Spider plants are forgiving, requiring bright, indirect light and infrequent watering.

5. Boston Fern: A Classic Choice

Boston ferns are a classic choice for those seeking lush greenery indoors. They excel at removing formaldehyde and restoring humidity. Place your fern in a decorative basket for a rustic touch. These ferns thrive in humid environments with indirect light, so they're perfect for a bathroom or kitchen. Keep the soil consistently moist for best results.

6. Bamboo Palm: Tropical Vibes

With its tropical appearance, the bamboo palm is a striking addition that purifies air by filtering out benzene and formaldehyde. It can be a focal point in your living room, especially in a spacious corner. Bamboo palms prefer bright, filtered light and regular watering, creating a serene indoor environment reminiscent of a tropical paradise.

7. Aloe Vera: Healing and Purifying

Aloe vera is known for its healing properties and air-purifying abilities, particularly in removing formaldehyde. Its succulent nature makes it perfect for a sunny windowsill. Not only does it clean the air, but its gel can also soothe burns and cuts. Aloe vera requires minimal water, thriving in dry conditions with plenty of sunlight.

8. Rubber Plant: Bold and Beautiful

The rubber plant features large, glossy leaves that make a bold statement while purifying the air of formaldehyde. Place it in a modern planter to enhance its aesthetic appeal. It thrives in medium to bright, indirect light and needs regular watering during the growing season. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a favorite among plant lovers.

9. Weeping Fig: A Timeless Beauty

The weeping fig, or Ficus benjamina, is a timeless beauty known for filtering pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Position it in a sunlit room where it can receive bright, indirect light. The weeping fig is relatively low-maintenance but does best with consistent watering and occasional pruning to maintain its shape.

10. Gerbera Daisy: Colorful and Clean

Gerbera daisies bring a pop of color to any space while purifying the air of benzene and trichloroethylene. Place a pot of these vibrant flowers on your kitchen table to brighten your mornings. They require ample sunlight and moderate watering, making them an excellent choice for sunny kitchens or warm, well-lit rooms.

11. Dracaena: Versatile and Vibrant

Dracaena plants are versatile and come in various forms, each effective at removing toxins like xylene and trichloroethylene. They thrive in office settings, providing a splash of color and life. Dracaenas prefer indirect light and moderate watering, making them adaptable to different environments.

12. Golden Pothos: The Ubiquitous Air Cleaner

Golden pothos is a popular choice for its air-cleaning abilities and ease of care. It efficiently removes pollutants like formaldehyde, and its trailing vines add a touch of greenery to any location. Place it on a high shelf to let its vines dangle beautifully. This plant thrives in lower light conditions and requires infrequent watering.

13. Lady Palm: Elegant and Efficient

The lady palm is an elegant option that excels at removing indoor air pollutants. It adds a touch of sophistication to an entrance hallway or any well-lit area. Lady palms prefer bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, ensuring they remain lush and healthy.

14. Chinese Evergreen: Adaptable and Attractive

Chinese evergreens are adaptable, attractive plants that improve air quality by removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. They thrive on an office desk, offering a splash of color and life. These plants prefer low to medium light and require only infrequent watering, making them ideal for busy professionals.

15. Areca Palm: A Humidity Booster

Areca palms not only purify the air but also act as natural humidifiers, making them perfect for dry environments. Place one in a sunroom to enjoy its lush, tropical foliage. These palms prefer bright, indirect light and consistent watering, which helps maintain their vibrant appearance.

16. Philodendron: A Heart-Leafed Wonder

The heart-leaf philodendron is an easy-to-care-for plant that removes toxins like formaldehyde from the air. Its charming heart-shaped leaves make it a decorative addition to a mantel or shelf. This plant thrives in low to bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering, making it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.

17. Chrysanthemum: Blooms with Benefits

Chrysanthemums not only brighten up a space with their vibrant blooms but also purify the air by filtering out common toxins. Place them in a colorful pot to add visual interest to your decor. They prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering to maintain their beautiful blooms and air-purifying capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Transforming your home into a cleaner, greener space is as simple as adding a few NASA-approved air-purifying plants. These plants not only enhance the aesthetic of any room but also improve the quality of the air you breathe. By choosing the right plants for your environment and caring for them properly, you can enjoy both health benefits and a more inviting atmosphere. Start small, experiment with different plant varieties, and watch as your space transforms into a vibrant, healthy oasis.