NASA-recommended 28 air-purifying plants for optimal indoor air quality improvement
Indoor air pollution is a growing concern for many households, with harmful substances like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene commonly found in everyday items such as furniture, cleaning products, and paint. However, nature has provided us with a solution in the form of houseplants.
A study conducted by NASA and ALCA in the 1980s identified several plants for their air-purifying capabilities. The study, known as the NASA Clean Air Study, found that specific plants can effectively remove toxic pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia from the air. While the study highlighted 18 plants, additional research has since discovered more plants with air-purifying properties.
Here are the 18 plants identified in NASA's Clean Air Study:
1. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii) 2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) 3. Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata) 4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) 5. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema crispum) 6. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) 7. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) 8. Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) 9. Flamingo Lily (Anthurium scherzerianum) 10. Lilyturf (Liriope spicata) 11. Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) 12. Barberton Daisy (Anthurium andreanum) 13. Cornstalk Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans) 14. English Ivy (Hedera helix) 15. Variegated Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii') 16. Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata) 17. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) 18. Florist's Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
In addition to these, several other plants are known for their air-purifying properties. The Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata or Mother-in-Law's Tongue) is one of the most efficient air purifiers, especially at night. The Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron Oxycardium) is particularly effective in absorbing formaldehyde from the air. The Dumb Cane plant (Dieffenbachia) is effective in purifying the air by removing formaldehyde and other indoor toxins.
The Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) is one of the most effective air-purifying plants, known for its ability to remove toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) removes harmful substances like ammonia, formaldehyde, and toluene from indoor air. The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a well-known air-purifying plant that effectively removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from indoor spaces.
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) are known for their air-purifying properties, effectively removing ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene from the air. The Dwarf Banana (Musa basjoo or Ensete ventricosum) is effective in filtering out harmful chemicals like ammonia and formaldehyde.
Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum) is known for its air-purifying properties, effectively removing formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium) purifies the air by removing formaldehyde. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum pictum) effectively removes pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
The Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) is effective in removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. The Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) is excellent at removing airborne pollutants like formaldehyde. The Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is known for its effectiveness in purifying air by removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
The Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) is an excellent indoor plant for removing toxins from the air, including formaldehyde and ammonia. The Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) purifies the air by removing formaldehyde, benzene, and other toxins. The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is excellent at removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
For a more comprehensive list of 28 plants, you might consider including other plants known for their air-purifying properties, such as the Rubber Plant, Dracaena Warneckii, and Philodendron Xanadu. However, it's important to note that the original NASA study focused on the 18 plants listed above.
By incorporating these plants into your home, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality and create a healthier living environment for you and your family.
- The Snake Plant, often known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is one of the most efficient air purifiers, particularly effective at night.
- The Heart-Leaf Philodendron, specifically Philodendron Oxycardium, is particularly effective in absorbing formaldehyde from the air.
- The Areca Palm is one of the most effective air-purifying plants, known for its ability to remove toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
- Poinsettias purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, making them great additions to your indoor garden and lifestyle.
