Plants give us oxygen for the lungs
Introduction
Indoor plants offer more than just aesthetic appeal; they can significantly enhance air quality by removing common indoor pollutants. NASA’s Clean Air Study has identified a diverse selection of plants renowned for their air-purifying properties, making your living space healthier and more pleasant. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deeper into the top 50 NASA-recommended indoor plants known for their remarkable air-cleansing abilities.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is an ideal choice for novices. Beyond its striking appearance, it excels at removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. This plant’s resilience makes it an excellent addition to any home.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily, with its elegant white blooms, adds both charm and practicality to indoor spaces. It is highly effective at eliminating ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde, making it a fantastic choice for enhancing air quality.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are renowned for their air-purifying prowess, particularly in removing formaldehyde and xylene. These hardy plants are easy to care for and make for excellent natural air purifiers.
4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera is celebrated not only for its soothing properties but also for its ability to cleanse the air by targeting formaldehyde and benzene. Its succulent leaves contain a gel that’s useful for various skin and health applications.
5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants are both visually appealing and proficient at removing indoor air pollutants, particularly formaldehyde. Their broad, glossy leaves make them an attractive addition to any room.
6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns, with their lush fronds, are not only visually pleasing but also effective at eliminating pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. They thrive in humidity and make excellent natural air purifiers.
7. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Dracaenas come in various species, each known for its air-purifying properties. These plants target trichloroethylene and xylene, making them valuable for improving indoor air quality.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo palms thrive in low-light conditions and excel at removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Their graceful appearance adds a touch of tropical elegance to your home.
9. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Gerbera daisies bring vibrant colors to indoor spaces while simultaneously purifying the air by removing trichloroethylene and benzene. These cheerful blooms add a dash of nature’s beauty to your surroundings.
10. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a versatile plant that can be grown as ground cover or in hanging baskets. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it targets airborne mold and helps eliminate formaldehyde, making it a valuable choice for healthier indoor air.
11. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden pothos is a low-maintenance plant renowned for its ability to remove pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air. Its cascading vines make it an attractive addition to your home decor.
12. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Chrysanthemums, with their colorful blooms, are celebrated for their air-purifying qualities. They effectively remove common indoor pollutants, including ammonia, while adding a burst of color to your living space.
13. Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
Red-edged dracaena is an attractive choice for both its appearance and air-purifying abilities. It excels at removing trichloroethylene and xylene from indoor air.
14. Janet Craig Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis)
Janet Craig dracaena is prized for its air-purifying prowess, specifically targeting pollutants like trichloroethylene and xylene. Its glossy, dark green leaves add elegance to your interior decor.
15. Warneckei Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis)
Warneckei dracaena, another member of the dracaena family, is known for its proficiency in removing indoor air pollutants. Its variegated leaves make it an eye-catching choice for homes and offices.
16. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Weeping figs are elegant and effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Their slender branches and glossy leaves create a graceful indoor presence.
17. Azalea (Rhododendron simsii)
Azaleas are colorful and efficient at removing formaldehyde from indoor air. Their vibrant blooms make them a charming addition to your living space.
18. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Heartleaf philodendrons are visually appealing and effective in eliminating pollutants like formaldehyde. Their heart-shaped leaves add a touch of whimsy to your decor.
19. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
Dwarf date palms are visually appealing and proficient at removing xylene and toluene from indoor air. Their compact size makes them suitable for various spaces.
20. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Areca palms are efficient at removing formaldehyde and benzene, making them a valuable addition to your home. Their feathery fronds evoke a sense of tranquility.
21. Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
Kimberly queen ferns are excellent at removing pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene from indoor air. Their lush foliage adds a touch of nature’s splendor to your surroundings.
22. Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Broadleaf lady palms are ideal for improving indoor air quality by targeting ammonia and xylene. Their fan-like leaves create a tropical ambiance.
23. Barberton Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Barberton daisies are colorful and effective at removing pollutants, including formaldehyde
and benzene, from indoor air. Their blooms bring vibrancy to your living space.
24. Flamingo Lily (Anthurium andraeanum)
Flamingo lilies, with their striking red blooms, excel at removing airborne pollutants like ammonia and xylene. They add a dash of exotic elegance to your decor.
25. Lilyturf (Liriope spicata)
Lilyturf is proficient at removing indoor air pollutants such as ammonia and xylene. Its grass-like foliage creates a tranquil atmosphere in your home.
26. Dwarf Banana (Musa cavendishii)
Dwarf bananas are visually appealing and efficiently remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde. Their lush leaves add a tropical touch to your decor.
27. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)
Chinese evergreens are known for their air-purifying qualities, targeting pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde. Their variegated leaves enhance your indoor environment.
28. Marginata (Dracaena marginata)
Marginata, a type of dracaena, is a striking choice for both its appearance and air-purifying abilities. It effectively removes pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.
29. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Mother-in-law’s tongue is a resilient and efficient plant for removing indoor air pollutants. It targets toxins like formaldehyde and benzene while adding elegance to your decor.
30. Pot Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Pot mums are renowned for their air-purifying qualities and colorful blooms. They effectively remove pollutants like ammonia and benzene while adding a burst of color to your home.
31. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)
Dumb cane plants are visually appealing and efficient at removing pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Their striking foliage enhances your indoor space.
32. Elephant Ear Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)
Elephant ear philodendrons are attractive and effective at removing indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and benzene. Their large leaves create a bold statement in your decor.
33. Queen Victoria Agave (Agave victoriae-reginae)
Queen Victoria agave is visually striking and proficient at removing indoor air pollutants like ammonia and formaldehyde. Its unique appearance adds a touch of elegance to your space.
34. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
Corn plants are excellent at removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. Their long, arching leaves create a graceful presence.
35. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Areca palms are efficient at removing formaldehyde and benzene, making them a valuable addition to your home. Their feathery fronds evoke a sense of tranquility.
36. Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
Kimberly queen ferns are excellent at removing pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene from indoor air. Their lush foliage adds a touch of nature’s splendor to your surroundings.
37. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Crotons are colorful and effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Their striking foliage adds a burst of color to your interior decor.
38. King of Hearts (Homalomena wallisii)
King of hearts is a visually appealing plant that can help improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants like ammonia. Its unique appearance adds charm to your space.
39. Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)
Purple waffle plants are unique and efficient at removing indoor air pollutants, including ammonia and xylene. Their distinctive leaves create an eye-catching display.
40. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are renowned for their air-purifying abilities, particularly in removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Their arching leaves add a touch of elegance to your decor.
41. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)
Chinese evergreens are known for their air-purifying qualities, targeting pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde. Their variegated leaves enhance your indoor environment.
42. Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Devil’s ivy is a visually appealing plant that excels at removing indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and benzene. Its cascading vines add a touch of whimsy to your decor.
43. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Poinsettias are not only festive during the holidays but also efficient at removing indoor air pollutants. Their colorful bracts bring seasonal joy to your living space.
44. Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Broadleaf lady palms are ideal for improving indoor air quality by targeting ammonia and xylene. Their fan-like leaves create a tropical ambiance.
45. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo palms are ideal for low-light conditions and are proficient at removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Their graceful appearance adds a touch of tropical elegance to your home.
46. Janet Craig Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis)
Janet Craig dracaena is prized for its air-purifying abilities, specifically targeting pollutants like trichloroethylene and xylene. Its glossy, dark green leaves add elegance to your interior decor.
47. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
Dwarf date palms are visually appealing and excel at removing xylene and toluene from the air. Their compact size makes them suitable for various spaces.
Conclusion
Incorporating these NASA-recommended indoor plants into your home not only adds a touch of nature but also promotes cleaner, healthier air. Remember to choose plants that suit your home’s lighting conditions and your level of gardening expertise. With the right care, these plants will thrive and continue to enhance your indoor environment for years to come. Breathe easier and enjoy the benefits of a greener, more oxygenated home with these air-purifying plants.
