32 Best Air Purifying Plants According to NASA: Nature's Green Clean Team

In our quest for clean and healthy indoor air, we often turn to expensive gadgets and filters. But did you know that some of the best air purifiers are readily available in nature?

Thanks to NASA's Clean Air Study, we now have a list of 32 plants that excel at removing harmful toxins from the air we breathe.

These green superheroes not only beautify our living spaces but also provide us with cleaner, fresher air. Let's explore the rankings, special features, and chemicals these plants can eliminate, backed by scientific research.

1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)

   • Ranking: 1
   • Special Feature: Releases copious amounts of moisture into the air, enhancing humidity.
   • Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

2. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

   • Ranking: 2
   • Special Feature: Can tolerate low light conditions, making it ideal for indoor environments.
   • Removes: Ammonia, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

3. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

   • Ranking: 3
   • Special Feature: Thrives in indirect sunlight and helps add a tropical touch to your space.
   • Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

4. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

   • Ranking: 4
   • Special Feature: Has large, glossy leaves that efficiently remove toxins.
   • Removes: Formaldehyde.

5. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)

   • Ranking: 5
   • Special Feature: Available in various colors and shapes, making it an attractive addition to any space.
   • Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

   • Ranking: 6
   • Special Feature: Excellent at reducing airborne mold particles.
   • Removes: Benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

7. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)

   • Ranking: 7
   • Special Feature: Adds a touch of elegance with its feathery, arching fronds.
   • Removes: Formaldehyde.

8. Ficus Alii (Ficus maclellandii 'Alii')

   • Ranking: 8
   • Special Feature: Less prone to dropping leaves compared to other ficus varieties.
   • Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

   • Ranking: 9
   • Special Feature: Acts as a natural humidifier, releasing moisture into the air.
   • Removes: Formaldehyde and xylene.

10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

    • Ranking: 10
    • Special Feature: Produces beautiful white blooms and thrives in low light conditions.
    • Removes: Ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

11. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

    • Ranking: 11
    • Special Feature: Releases oxygen at night, making it suitable for bedrooms.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide.

12. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

    • Ranking: 12
    • Special Feature: Grows vigorously and is incredibly adaptable to various light conditions.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene.

13. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

    • Ranking: 13
    • Special Feature: Produces long, arching leaves with small plantlets that dangle from them.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde and xylene.

14. Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)

    • Ranking: 14
    • Special Feature: Has thin, red edges on its dark green leaves, adding visual interest.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

15. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)

    • Ranking: 15
    • Special Feature: Thrives in low light and requires minimal maintenance.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde and benzene.

16. Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)

    • Ranking: 16
    • Special Feature: Adaptable and can grow as a trailing vine or a climbing plant.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene.

17. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

    • Ranking: 17
    • Special Feature: Delicate, drooping branches with small, glossy leaves.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

18. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

    • Ranking: 18
    • Special Feature: Known for its soothing gel and ability to purify the air.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde.

19. Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig')

    • Ranking: 19
    • Special Feature: Dark green, shiny leaves that create a striking contrast.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

20. Flamingo Lily (Anthurium andraeanum)

    • Ranking: 20
    • Special Feature: Produces vibrant, heart-shaped blooms that add a pop of color.
    • Removes: Ammonia, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene.

21. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)

    • Ranking: 21
    • Special Feature: Features large, variegated leaves and adds a tropical touch.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde and xylene.

22. Barberton Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

    • Ranking: 22
    • Special Feature: Known for its brightly colored blooms and air-purifying qualities.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.

23. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens)

    • Ranking: 23
    • Special Feature: Adaptable and can be grown as a hanging plant or a climber.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde.

24. Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis spp.)

    • Ranking: 24
    • Special Feature: Features lush, fan-shaped leaves that create a tropical ambiance.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

25. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)

    • Ranking: 25
    • Special Feature: Known for its elegant blooms and ability to purify the air.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde.

26. Ficus Tree (Ficus benjamina)

    • Ranking: 26
    • Special Feature: Tall, slender trunk with glossy, dark green leaves.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

27. Lilyturf (Liriope spp.)

    • Ranking: 27
    • Special Feature: Hardy, grass-like plant with spikes of colorful blooms.
    • Removes: Ammonia, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

28. Elephant Ear Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)

    • Ranking: 28
    • Special Feature: Features large, heart-shaped leaves that create a dramatic statement.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde.

29. Peacock Plant (Calathea spp.)

    • Ranking: 29
    • Special Feature: Known for its striking foliage patterns and air-purifying qualities.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

30. Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa)

    • Ranking: 30
    • Special Feature: Showcases bold, striped leaves that add visual interest.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde.

31. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

    • Ranking: 31
    • Special Feature: Features round, coin-like leaves and is considered a symbol of good luck.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde and xylene.

32. English Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)

    • Ranking: 32
    • Special Feature: Dark, glossy fronds that create an elegant presence.
    • Removes: Formaldehyde and xylene.

Research and Facts:

The NASA study found that these air-purifying plants are effective in combating indoor air pollution caused by common household chemicals, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.

These harmful substances can originate from cleaning products, paint, furniture, and even electronic equipment.

Here are some intriguing facts supporting their air-cleaning abilities:

• Formaldehyde Fighter: Plants like the Snake Plant and Boston Fern are excellent formaldehyde removers. Formaldehyde exposure has been linked to respiratory issues, and these plants help keep it at bay.
• Benzene Busters: The Peace Lily and Gerbera Daisy are known for their prowess in eliminating benzene, a chemical found in plastics, detergents, and tobacco smoke. Breathing in high levels of benzene may have adverse health effects.
• Xylene and Toluene Tacklers: The Areca Palm and Bamboo Palm excel at removing xylene and toluene, often found in paint and adhesives. These chemicals can cause headaches, dizziness, and even liver damage.
• Nature's Moisturizer: Plants like the Boston Fern and English Ivy release moisture, increasing humidity levels. This natural humidifying effect can help alleviate dry skin, respiratory problems, and allergies.

Conclusion:

With increasing awareness of indoor air pollution and its impact on our well-being, the NASA-approved list of air-purifying plants offers a refreshing and natural solution.

These plants not only enhance our living spaces with their beauty but also act as efficient filters, removing harmful chemicals from the air we breathe.

Embrace the green revolution and create a healthier home environment by introducing these air purifiers into your space. Let nature's green clean team work its magic, leaving you with fresher, cleaner air and a sense of well-being.

Note: The rankings and special features provided are for illustrative purposes and based on the original NASA Clean Air Study. It's important to choose plants suitable for your specific