NASA's Top Air Purifying Plants
Science-backed guide to plants that actually clean your air and remove harmful toxins from your home
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🔬 The Science: NASA's Clean Air Study
In 1989, NASA conducted groundbreaking research to find the most effective plants for removing indoor air pollutants. The study, originally designed for space stations, tested common houseplants' ability to remove formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from sealed chambers.
NASA Study Results
NASA found that plants can remove up to 87% of air toxins within 24 hours. The study tested 19 different plants and measured their ability to remove specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly found in homes and offices.
The research revealed that plants don't just produce oxygen - they actively absorb harmful chemicals through their leaves and roots, then break them down with the help of beneficial soil microorganisms.
How Air Purifying Plants Work
- Leaf absorption: Plant leaves absorb airborne chemicals through tiny pores called stomata
- Root zone processing: Soil microorganisms break down toxins transported to the root zone
- Transpiration: Plants release clean water vapor, increasing humidity and air circulation
- Oxygen production: Photosynthesis continuously generates fresh oxygen
More recent studies have expanded on NASA's original research, showing that plants can also remove ammonia, xylene, and even some bacteria and mold spores from indoor air.
⚠️ Common Indoor Air Toxins
The average home contains 62 toxic chemicals, many of which are released by common household items. Here are the main culprits that air purifying plants can help eliminate:
Major Indoor Air Pollutants
Formaldehyde: Found in carpets, furniture, paper towels, and fabric softeners. Can cause eye irritation, headaches, and respiratory issues.
Benzene: Present in gasoline, paint, rubber, and detergents. Linked to drowsiness, dizziness, and long-term health concerns.
Trichloroethylene: Used in adhesives, varnishes, and paint removers. Can cause liver and kidney damage with prolonged exposure.
Xylene: Found in printing inks, rubber, and leather. Causes headaches, confusion, and heart problems.
Ammonia: Present in window cleaners, floor waxes, and fertilizers. Irritates eyes, throat, and lungs.
According to the EPA, indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Since Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, these toxins pose a significant health risk that plants can help mitigate.
🌿 NASA's Top-Rated Air Purifying Plants
Based on NASA's research and follow-up studies, here are the most effective air purifying plants, ranked by their ability to remove toxins and ease of care:
🌟 Top NASA-Rated Air Purifying Plants
Science-backed effectiveness ratings based on NASA research and toxin removal capabilities
Peace Lily
Removes These Toxins:
NASA's top-rated air purifier removes more toxins than any other plant. Beautiful white flowers indicate when it needs water - leaves droop when thirsty!
Best Placement:
Living rooms, bedrooms, offices. Tolerates low light but flowers best in bright, indirect light. Keep away from pets - mildly toxic.
Snake Plant
Removes These Toxins:
Unique among plants - releases oxygen at NIGHT, making it perfect for bedrooms. Virtually indestructible and thrives on neglect.
Best Placement:
Bedrooms, bathrooms, dark corners. Tolerates any light condition and infrequent watering. Perfect for beginners and frequent travelers.
Spider Plant
Removes These Toxins:
Fast-growing air purifier that produces baby plants you can share. NASA studies show it removes 95% of formaldehyde in 24 hours.
Best Placement:
Hanging baskets, shelves, children's rooms. Safe for pets and kids. Prefers bright, indirect light but adapts to most conditions.
Boston Fern
Removes These Toxins:
Excellent formaldehyde remover and natural humidifier. Acts like a living air conditioner, adding moisture while cleaning air.
Best Placement:
Bathrooms, kitchens, hanging baskets. Needs consistent moisture and humidity. Perfect for rooms that need both air cleaning and humidification.
ZZ Plant
Removes These Toxins:
Nearly impossible to kill while quietly cleaning your air. Studies show effective xylene removal in office environments.
Best Placement:
Offices, low-light rooms, anywhere you want greenery without maintenance. Tolerates neglect, low light, and irregular watering.
Flamingo Lily
Removes These Toxins:
Beautiful flowering air purifier with glossy red flowers. Excellent at removing ammonia from household cleaners.
Best Placement:
Kitchen, laundry room, areas with cleaning products. Needs bright, indirect light and consistent moisture for best flowering.
🏠 Room-by-Room Placement Guide
Optimize air purification by placing the right plants in the right locations
Bedroom
Best Plants: Snake Plant, Peace Lily
Why: Release oxygen at night, remove formaldehyde from carpets and furniture
Placement: Corners, nightstands, away from beds if allergic to pollen
Living Room
Best Plants: Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Boston Fern
Why: Remove toxins from furniture, electronics, and traffic pollution
Placement: Near windows, corners, hanging baskets for visual impact
Kitchen
Best Plants: Flamingo Lily, Boston Fern, Spider Plant
Why: Remove ammonia from cleaners, formaldehyde from cabinets
Placement: Counters away from stove, hanging near sink for humidity
Bathroom
Best Plants: Boston Fern, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant
Why: Thrive in humidity, remove cleaning product toxins
Placement: Near windows, shelves, corners away from direct shower spray
Home Office
Best Plants: ZZ Plant, Snake Plant, Peace Lily
Why: Remove printer/electronic toxins, improve concentration
Placement: Desk corners, floor plants, anywhere within view
Children's Rooms
Best Plants: Spider Plant, Boston Fern
Why: Safe for kids, remove toy/furniture off-gassing
Placement: High shelves, hanging baskets out of reach
NASA Recommendation
NASA research recommends one 6-8 inch plant per 100 square feet for effective air purification. For a typical bedroom (120 sq ft), you'd need 1-2 plants. A large living room (300 sq ft) benefits from 3-4 strategically placed plants.
🌱 Easy Care for Maximum Air Purification
💧 Watering for Air Purification
Proper watering is crucial for air purification effectiveness. Overwatered plants can develop root rot and become less effective at toxin removal.
- Check soil moisture: Stick finger 1-2 inches deep
- Most air purifiers prefer: Soil to dry between waterings
- Exception - Boston Ferns: Keep consistently moist but not soggy
- Water quality: Room temperature, filtered water if possible
- Drainage: All pots must have drainage holes
☀️ Light Requirements
Most air purifying plants are selected for their ability to thrive in indoor conditions with limited light.
- Snake Plants & ZZ Plants: Tolerate very low light
- Peace Lily & Spider Plant: Prefer bright, indirect light
- Boston Fern: Needs consistent, indirect light
- Flamingo Lily: Bright, indirect light for flowering
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Air purifying plants generally prefer the same conditions humans do, making them perfect indoor companions.
- Ideal temperature: 65-75°F (normal room temperature)
- Humidity: 40-60% (Boston Ferns prefer higher)
- Air circulation: Gentle air movement helps purification
- Avoid: Cold drafts, heating vents, air conditioning blasts
Maximizing Air Purification
- Clean leaves monthly: Dust blocks toxin absorption
- Rotate plants weekly: Ensures even growth and effectiveness
- Replace soil annually: Fresh soil improves root zone filtration
- Group plants together: Creates beneficial microclimate
🔄 Maintenance Schedule
Weekly:
- Check soil moisture (water if needed)
- Rotate plants 1/4 turn
- Remove dead leaves
Monthly:
- Clean leaves with damp cloth
- Check for pests
- Trim brown leaf tips
Seasonally:
- Repot if roots are crowded
- Fertilize lightly (spring/summer)
- Move plants for optimal seasonal light
📏 How Many Plants Do You Need?
Calculate the ideal number of air purifying plants for your space
Small Room (100-150 sq ft)
Recommended: 1-2 plants
Best choices: Snake Plant + Spider Plant
Coverage: One large plant or two medium plants provide adequate air cleaning
Medium Room (150-300 sq ft)
Recommended: 2-3 plants
Best choices: Peace Lily + Boston Fern + ZZ Plant
Coverage: Strategic placement in corners and near pollution sources
Large Room (300+ sq ft)
Recommended: 4-6 plants
Best choices: Mix of all varieties for comprehensive coverage
Coverage: Multiple plants create overlapping purification zones
NASA's Formula
Basic Coverage: 1 plant per 100 square feet removes 87% of common toxins within 24 hours.
Enhanced Coverage: 1 plant per 50 square feet for heavily polluted areas (new furniture, recent renovations, high traffic).
Bedroom Special: 2-3 plants for better sleep quality through improved oxygen and humidity.
🎯 Start Smart
Begin with 2-3 different varieties to see what works best in your space and lifestyle. You can always add more plants as you gain confidence!
Choose Your First Plants →