28 best air purifying plants according to NASA

The NASA Clean Air Study, conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in collaboration with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA), has highlighted the benefits of using certain indoor plants to improve indoor air quality.

The study concluded that specific plants are highly effective in removing toxic pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia from the air. These harmful chemicals, often found in indoor environments, have been linked to health issues like headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory problems.

NASA researchers suggest that placing at least one air-purifying plant for every 100 square feet of indoor space can significantly improve air quality and contribute to a healthier living environment.

In this article, we will explore 28 of the best air-purifying plants recommended by NASA for improving air quality in your home or office.

28 Best Air Purifying Plants According to NASA

These plants have been ranked based on their effectiveness in purifying the air. From the most efficient, the Areca Palm, to the least effective, the Kalanchoe, all of these plants can help reduce indoor air pollutants and promote a cleaner, healthier environment.

1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)

The Areca Palm is one of the most effective air-purifying plants. Known for its ability to remove toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, the Areca Palm is ideal for improving indoor air quality. It also adds a tropical touch to your home. View details | Buy plant

2. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

The Lady Palm is an excellent indoor plant for removing toxins from the air, including formaldehyde and ammonia. It’s also known for its elegant appearance, making it a popular choice for home and office spaces. View details | Buy plant

3. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

The Bamboo Palm is known for its effectiveness in purifying air by removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. It’s a great option for improving air quality in homes with limited natural light. View details | Buy plant

4. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

The Rubber Plant is known for its ability to purify the air by removing formaldehyde and other toxins. It’s an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in low to moderate light, making it perfect for indoor spaces. View details | Buy plant

5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy is known for its remarkable ability to remove pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from the air. It’s also an effective plant for reducing airborne mold spores, making it perfect for homes in humid areas. View details | Buy plant

6. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)

The Dwarf Date Palm is effective in removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air. It also has an ornamental quality, making it a perfect addition to any room in your home or office. View details | Buy plant

7. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston Fern is a well-known air-purifying plant that effectively removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from indoor spaces. Its lush green foliage makes it a beautiful addition to any room. View details | Buy plant

8. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily is a popular air-purifying plant known for removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia. It’s also known for its ability to reduce indoor humidity, making it a great plant for any indoor space. View details | Buy plant

9. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

The Golden Pothos is a low-maintenance plant that purifies the air by removing formaldehyde, benzene, and other toxins. Its attractive appearance and air-purifying properties make it an ideal plant for any space. View details | Buy plant

10. Pot Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

Chrysanthemums are known for their air-purifying properties, effectively removing ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene from the air. They are also colorful and add beauty to any room. View details | Buy plant

11. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Gerbera daisies are vibrant flowers that also purify the air by removing formaldehyde and other toxins. They are perfect for adding color and freshness to your living space. View details | Buy plant

12. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

The Dragon Tree is effective in removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Its unique appearance adds a touch of elegance to any room. View details | Buy plant

13. Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum)

Syngonium is known for its air-purifying properties, effectively removing formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. It’s a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant ideal for beginners. View details | Buy plant

14. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)

The Dumb Cane plant is effective in purifying the air by removing formaldehyde and other indoor toxins. It’s also easy to care for and adds a touch of greenery to any space. View details | Buy plant

15. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

The Weeping Fig is excellent at removing airborne pollutants like formaldehyde. It’s a low-maintenance plant that adds a touch of elegance to any room. View details | Buy plant

16. Schefflera / Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola)

Schefflera is a popular plant known for purifying the air by absorbing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and xylene. It’s an attractive, easy-to-care-for plant that’s perfect for both home and office environments. View details | Buy plant

17. Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron Oxycardium)

Philodendrons are excellent air-purifying plants. The Heart-Leaf Philodendron is particularly effective in absorbing formaldehyde from the air. View details | Buy plant

18. Snake plant / Mother-in-Law's Tongue

The Snake plant is one of the most efficient air purifiers, especially at night. It absorbs toxins such as formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide, and it’s extremely easy to care for. View details | Buy plant

19. Elephant Ear Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum / tuxla)

Elephant Ear plants are known for their ability to purify the air by removing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. View details | Buy plant

20. Dwarf Banana

The Dwarf Banana plant is not only a delightful addition to your home, but it’s also effective in filtering out harmful chemicals like ammonia and formaldehyde. View details | Buy plant

21. Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium)

The Dendrobium Orchid is not only visually appealing but also purifies the air by removing formaldehyde. It’s an elegant choice for both home and office spaces. View details | Buy plant

22. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are excellent at removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air. They are also easy to care for and thrive in various indoor environments. View details | Buy plant

23. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema crispum)

The Chinese Evergreen is one of the easiest plants to grow and maintain. It’s highly effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air. View details | Buy plant

24. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)

Anthuriums are excellent air purifiers, removing harmful substances like ammonia, formaldehyde, and toluene from indoor air. View details | Buy plant

25. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum pictum)

The Croton plant is known for its colorful foliage and air-purifying properties. It effectively removes pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air. View details | Buy plant

26. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Poinsettias are not just holiday favorites, they also purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. View details | Buy plant

27. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe Vera is an easy-to-care-for plant that purifies the air and offers a range of benefits for your skin. It’s also a great indoor air purifier, removing formaldehyde and benzene. View details | Buy plant

28. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)

The Kalanchoe is a vibrant flowering plant that can help purify the air. While it is the least effective on the list, it still helps in reducing pollutants like formaldehyde. View details | Buy plant

Adding these 28 plants to your indoor spaces can significantly improve air quality, reduce harmful chemicals, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home or office. Regular care and placement in well-lit areas will ensure these plants thrive while keeping the air clean and fresh.