15 Best Plants for Indoor Air Quality For Home & Office | Verified By NASA
Indoor air quality is very important for our health, especially since many people spend a lot of time inside their homes. With worries about indoor pollution and harmful substances in everyday items, houseplants can help clean the air naturally.
NASA did a lot of research on this topic and found several plants that can effectively filter indoor air pollutants. In this article, I will show you all about the Top best plants for indoor air quality for your home, all verified by NASA’s Clean Air Study, focusing on plants that grow well in low light and are also safe for your pets.
NASA’s Clean Air Study
In 1989, NASA started the Clean Air Study to look into how plants can help clean the air inside buildings. This was important because many buildings were made to be energy-efficient, which meant they had less fresh air coming in.
This led to more indoor pollution from materials used in construction and furniture. The study aimed to find out which plants could remove common indoor pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Researchers put different plants in sealed rooms with high levels of these chemicals and measured how much pollution was removed after 24 hours. The results showed that some plants could really improve indoor air quality by acting as natural filters.
Top 15 Best Plants for Indoor Air Quality For Home & Office
Here’s a list of the top Best Plants for Indoor Air Quality identified by NASA, along with their benefits, care needs, costs, and special features.
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
- Benefits: Peace Lilies are great at filtering out formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and xylene from the air. They can absorb up to 60% of these harmful substances.
- Care: They like bright, indirect light but can also grow in low light. Keep the soil moist but not too wet. They grow best in temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
- Cost: Usually costs between $15 and $50 depending on size.
- Extra Info: Peace Lilies are beautiful with their white flowers and dark green leaves. They also help keep humidity levels balanced and reduce mold spores.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Common Name: Mother-in-law’s tongue.
- Benefits: This tough plant can change CO2 into oxygen at night while removing formaldehyde and benzene during the day.
- Care: It grows well in low light and needs very little water. Ideal temperatures are between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C).
- Cost: Typically costs between $10 and $40 depending on size.
- Extra Info: Snake plants are very easy to care for and can survive even if you forget to water them sometimes.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Benefits: Spider Plants are known for removing carbon monoxide and xylene from the air. They are also safe for pets.
- Care: They prefer bright, indirect sunlight but can adapt to lower light conditions. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Cost: Usually costs between $10 and $30 depending on size.
- Extra Info: Spider plants produce small baby plants called “pups” that you can grow into new plants.
4. Aloe Vera
- Benefits: Aloe Vera filters formaldehyde and benzene from the air. It is also known for its soothing gel that helps with burns and skin irritations.
- Care: Needs bright light; allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Ideal temperatures are between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
- Cost: Generally costs between $5 and $25 depending on size.
- Extra Info: Aloe Vera releases oxygen at night, making it a good choice for bedrooms.
5. Dracaena
- Benefits: Different types of Dracaena can filter out common toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.
- Care: Prefers medium to low light; keep the soil slightly moist but not too wet.
- Cost: Prices range from $20 to $100 depending on type and size.
- Extra Info: Dracaena plants have beautiful leaves that add color to your home.
6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Benefits: Boston Ferns are excellent at removing formaldehyde and xylene while adding humidity to the air.
- Care: They need high humidity; keep soil consistently moist and place them in indirect light.
- Cost: Typically costs between $15 and $50 depending on size.
- Extra Info: These ferns create a lush, tropical feel indoors.
7. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Benefits: Rubber Plants are great at removing formaldehyde from indoor air; they have large leaves that look nice.
- Care: Prefers bright indirect light; water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Cost: Usually ranges from $10 to $50 depending on size.
- Extra Info: Rubber plants can grow quite tall, making them great focal points in any room.
8. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Common Name: Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos.
- Benefits: Pothos is effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene; it is very forgiving if you forget to water it.
- Care: Thrives in low light; water every 1–2 weeks depending on humidity levels.
- Cost: Typically costs between $10 and $30 depending on size.
- Extra Info: Pothos has trailing vines that look beautiful hanging or climbing up shelves.
9. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Benefits: Bamboo Palms remove formaldehyde from the air and help increase humidity levels.
- Care: Prefers indirect sunlight; keep the soil moist but let it dry slightly between waterings.
- Cost: Generally ranges from $20 to $60 depending on size.
- Extra Info: Bamboo palms add a tropical touch to any room.
10. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Benefits: English Ivy helps reduce airborne mold and filters out formaldehyde; it’s great for people with allergies.
- Care: Needs moderate watering and about four hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Cost: Usually costs between $10 and $30 depending on size.
- Extra Info: You can train English Ivy to grow along trellises or in hanging baskets.
11. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
- Benefits: Effective at filtering out pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene; can grow quite tall indoors.
- Care: Prefers bright indirect light; keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Cost: Typically ranges from $15 to $70 depending on size.
- Extra Info: This plant is sensitive to changes in the environment but rewards you with beautiful leaves when properly cared for.
12. Philodendron
- Benefits: Known for its large glossy leaves that remove formaldehyde from the air effectively.
- Care: Adaptable to various light conditions but prefers bright indirect light; ensure it has plenty of sunlight, fertilizer, and water.
- Cost: Prices vary from $10 to $50 depending on species and size.
- Extra Info: Philodendrons are hardy plants that thrive even if you forget about them sometimes.
13. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Benefits: Acts as a natural humidifier while filtering out toxins like formaldehyde and xylene.
- Care: Requires bright indirect light; keep the soil moist during growing seasons but allow it to dry slightly between waterings.
- Cost: Generally costs between $20 and $75 depending on size.
- Extra Info: Areca palms are often used in offices because they help improve humidity levels while looking nice.
14. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
- Benefits: Effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene; adds vibrant color indoors.
- Care: Needs bright sunlight for optimal growth; keeps the soil moist but well-drained.
- Cost: Typically ranges from $5 to $25 depending on size and variety.
- Extra Info: Chrysanthemums have beautiful flowers that bloom in many colors.
15. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
- Benefits: Tolerates low light conditions while effectively removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
- Care: Water when the top inch of soil dries out; prefers medium indirect light but can adapt well to lower light conditions.
- Cost: Usually costs between $10 and $40 depending on variety and size.
- Extra Info: Chinese evergreens come in different types with pretty leaf patterns that add beauty to your home.
Pros
✔️Air Purification
✔️Aesthetic Appeal
✔️Low Maintenance
✔️Humidity Control
✔️Health Benefits
Cons
❌Allergies Possible
❌Toxic Plants
❌Water Needs
❌Light Requirements
❌Pest Issues
Other Notable Plants For Purifying Air
Several other plants recognized for their air-purifying properties include:
- Transvaal Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii):
- Bright blooms that remove benzene and improve oxygen levels at night.
- Cost typically ranges from $5 to $20.
- Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum):
- Similar benefits as Pothos but with variegated leaves that add visual interest.
- Cost usually ranges from $10 to $30.
- Broad Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa):
- Effective at filtering out indoor pollutants while adding a tropical feel to your home.
- Costs typically range from $20 to $80 depending on size.
Read also: How To Make Plants Grow Faster | 20 Effective Tips For Gardeners
Low-Maintenance Best Plants for Indoor Air Quality
Many of these plants are not only good at cleaning the air but also easy to take care of:
- Snake Plant:
- Very low-maintenance; grows well in low light with little water needed.
- Pothos:
- Tough plant that doesn’t mind if you forget to water it sometimes while still filtering toxins effectively.
- Spider Plant:
- An easy plant that grows well in different lighting conditions without much effort.
- Areca Palm:
- The simple plant that does well indoors without needing constant attention.
Care Tips for Indoor Plants
To get the most benefit from your houseplants:
- Light Requirements:
- Know what each plant needs, some like low light while others need direct sunlight.
- Watering Schedule:
- Be careful not to overwater; make sure pots have drainage holes so excess water can escape.
- Humidity Levels:
- Some plants like higher humidity; you might want a humidifier or a tray of water nearby.
- Cleaning Leaves:
- Dust can build up on leaves, so wipe them with a damp cloth regularly so they can breathe better.
- Fertilization:
- Use fertilizers during growing seasons to help your plants stay healthy.
Do Plants Work Better Than Air Purifiers for Clean Air?
When it comes to keeping the air in our homes clean, both plants and air purifiers can help, but they do so in different ways. Let’s break down how each one works and which is better for improving indoor air quality.
Air Purifiers: The Better Choice
- How They Work: Air purifiers are machines designed to clean the air. They have filters that trap dust, pet hair, smoke, and harmful chemicals. This means they can remove a lot of bad stuff from the air quickly.
- Speed: Air purifiers can clean the air in a room very fast. They continuously circulate air, so you get cleaner air almost immediately.
- Wide Range of Pollutants: Air purifiers can tackle many different types of pollutants, including tiny particles and gases that plants can’t absorb effectively.
Plants: Good for More Than Just Air
- Looks and Mood: While plants don’t clean the air as well as purifiers, they make spaces look nicer and can improve your mood. Having greenery around can make you feel happier and more relaxed.
- Breathing: Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which can help make the air feel fresher. They also absorb some harmful chemicals over time, but not enough to rely on them alone for clean air.
- Natural Benefits: Some studies suggest that certain plants can help reduce specific indoor pollutants, but they are not as effective as air purifiers.
Read also: 16 Best Air Rifle for Pest Control & Hunting
Conclusion
Bringing houseplants into your living space can greatly improve indoor air quality while making your home look nicer—these truly are some of the best plants for indoor air quality! The plants listed above have been proven by NASA’s Clean Air Study as effective natural filters for harmful indoor pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, among others.
By understanding what each plant needs, especially those that thrive in low-light environments, and taking good care of them, you can enjoy cleaner air while adding beauty to your home without spending too much money!
As research continues about how indoor pollutants affect our health, adding these scientifically-backed plants into our homes remains one of the easiest yet most effective ways to create healthier living spaces, especially safe options among the best plants for indoor air quality!
