Indoor air pollution is a growing concern, with the Environmental Protection Agency ranking it among the top five environmental health risks. The best plants for clean air NASA are scientifically proven species that remove harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from indoor environments. These plants, identified in NASA’s landmark Clean Air Study, offer a natural, effective way to improve indoor air quality.

NASA’s Clean Air Study, conducted in the late 1980s, identified 15 plants that are particularly effective at filtering indoor air pollutants. The study found that houseplants can remove up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within 24 hours, making them powerful allies in creating healthier indoor environments. Understanding which plants are most effective helps you choose the best species for your specific air quality concerns.

Modern homes and offices often contain high levels of VOCs from furniture, carpets, paint, cleaning products, and electronic equipment. The best NASA-recommended plants are not only effective air purifiers but also easy to grow, adaptable to indoor conditions, and attractive additions to any space. These plants work best when used in combination, with multiple plants providing comprehensive air purification.

In this guide, the best plants for clean air NASA are evaluated based on their air-purifying effectiveness, ease of care, adaptability to indoor conditions, and overall value. You’ll find expert recommendations for bedrooms, offices, living rooms, and challenging spaces to create a healthier, fresher indoor environment.

15 Best Plants For Clean Air NASA

1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – Best Overall NASA Air-Purifying Plant

Peace Lily is the best overall NASA air-purifying plant, removing formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and trichloroethylene while producing elegant white flowers. Its exceptional versatility and air-purifying power make it one of the most effective plants identified in NASA’s Clean Air Study. As a result, it is essential for any home or office seeking improved air quality.

This elegant plant removes multiple toxins from indoor air, including ammonia, which many other plants cannot filter. Moreover, it thrives in low-light conditions and indicates when it needs water by drooping slightly, making it perfect for beginners. Therefore, it offers comprehensive air purification with forgiving, easy care.

Peace Lily is easy to grow in bedrooms, living rooms, and offices, with its attractive dark green foliage and white flowers adding beauty to any space. Furthermore, it is one of the few plants that removes mould spores from the air, making it ideal for humid environments. Overall, Peace Lily delivers exceptional air purification with beautiful, low-maintenance performance.

Pros:

• Removes formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia
• Exceptionally effective air purifier
• Thrives in low light
• Indicates when to water
• Removes mould spores

Cons:

• Toxic to pets
• Needs consistent moisture
• Can be sensitive to overwatering

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – Best Night-Time Oxygen Releaser For Clean Air

Snake Plant is the best night-time oxygen releaser for clean air, converting carbon dioxide to oxygen at night while removing formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. Its exceptional drought tolerance and low-light adaptability make it perfect for bedrooms and offices. As a result, it is one of the most effective NASA-identified plants for improving indoor air quality.

This hardy plant releases oxygen at night, improving sleep quality while its leaves absorb toxins and mould spores. Moreover, it is incredibly drought-tolerant and thrives on neglect, making it perfect for busy individuals. Therefore, it offers 24-hour air purification with minimal care requirements.

Snake Plant is easy to care for, needing water only every 2-3 weeks and tolerating low-light conditions. Furthermore, it is one of the most effective plants for removing formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant. Overall, Snake Plant delivers continuous air purification with effortless, beginner-friendly care.

Pros:

• Releases oxygen at night
• Removes formaldehyde and benzene
• Very drought-tolerant
• Thrives in low light
• Effective air purifier

Cons:

• Toxic to pets
• Slow-growing
• Sharp leaf tips

3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum) – Best Beginner-Friendly NASA Air Purifier

Spider Plant is the best beginner-friendly NASA air purifier, removing formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide from indoor air. Its fast growth, adaptability, and ease of care make it perfect for first-time plant owners and busy households. As a result, it is ideal for anyone seeking cleaner air with minimal effort.

This resilient plant removes formaldehyde and xylene from the air while its fast growth provides quick results. Moreover, it produces baby plants that can be propagated, multiplying its air-purifying benefits. Therefore, it offers easy-care air purification with rapid growth and propagation.

Spider Plant tolerates low light and irregular watering, making it perfect for busy environments. Furthermore, it is non-toxic to pets, ensuring safety for all household members. Overall, Spider Plant delivers beginner-friendly air purification with excellent NASA-approved effectiveness.

Pros:

• Very forgiving and easy
• Removes formaldehyde and xylene
• Produces baby plants
• Non-toxic to pets
• Fast-growing

Cons:

• Can get leggy
• Brown tips from dry air
• Needs occasional pruning

4. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum) – Best Trailing NASA Air-Purifying Plant

Golden Pothos is the best trailing NASA air-purifying plant, removing formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene while cascading beautifully from shelves and hanging baskets. Its fast growth and exceptional adaptability make it one of the most effective and versatile plants identified in NASA’s Clean Air Study. As a result, it is perfect for adding air-purifying greenery to any room.

This resilient plant removes multiple toxins from the air while its trailing habit adds visual interest to any space. Moreover, it thrives in various light conditions and tolerates irregular watering, making it exceptionally easy to grow. Therefore, it offers effective air purification with versatile, forgiving care.

Golden Pothos grows quickly and can be pruned to maintain desired length, with cuttings easily propagated to create new plants. Furthermore, its golden and green variegated leaves add warmth to any decor. Overall, Golden Pothos delivers reliable air purification with beautiful, cascading foliage.

Pros:

• Trailing, cascading growth
• Removes formaldehyde and benzene
• Fast-growing and adaptable
• Tolerates low light
• Easy to propagate

Cons:

• Toxic to pets
• Can become leggy
• Needs occasional pruning

5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis) – Best Moisture-Loving NASA Air Purifier

Boston Fern is the best moisture-loving NASA air purifier, removing formaldehyde, xylene, and other toxins while adding humidity to indoor air. Its lush, feathery fronds create a tropical feel while its air-purifying effectiveness makes it one of the top NASA-identified plants. As a result, it is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and humid environments.

This lush fern removes formaldehyde and xylene from the air while its transpiration adds moisture to dry indoor environments. Moreover, it is particularly effective at removing mould spores, making it perfect for humid spaces. Therefore, it offers air purification with natural humidification.

Boston Fern requires regular misting and consistent moisture but rewards with lush, healthy growth. Furthermore, its non-toxic nature makes it safe for homes with pets and children. Overall, Boston Fern delivers exceptional air purification with beautiful, feathery foliage.

Pros:

• Excellent air purification
• Lush, feathery fronds
• Removes formaldehyde and xylene
• Non-toxic to pets
• Adds humidity to air

Cons:

• Needs regular misting
• Requires consistent moisture
• Can drop leaves

6. Dracaena (Dracaena marginata) – Best Upright NASA Air-Purifying Plant

Dracaena is the best upright NASA air-purifying plant, removing formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene with its striking, colourful foliage. Its architectural form and exceptional air-purifying abilities make it a standout in the NASA Clean Air Study. As a result, it is essential for adding height and clean air to any room.

This versatile plant removes multiple toxins from the air while its colourful leaves in green, red, and yellow add visual interest. Moreover, it is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating low light and requiring only occasional watering. Therefore, it offers effective air purification with attractive, upright foliage.

Dracaena grows slowly but steadily, maintaining its shape with minimal pruning requirements. Furthermore, it is available in various varieties with different leaf colours and patterns. Overall, Dracaena delivers reliable air purification with beautiful, architectural growth.

Pros:

• Upright, architectural growth
• Removes multiple toxins
• Colourful attractive foliage
• Low-maintenance
• Variety of types

Cons:

• Toxic to pets
• Slow-growing
• Can get leggy

7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) – Best NASA Air Purifier For Low Light

Bamboo Palm is the best NASA air purifier for low light, removing formaldehyde and benzene while adding a lush, tropical feel to darker spaces. Its compact size and exceptional adaptability make it one of the most effective plants for improving air quality in low-light conditions. As a result, it is perfect for offices, bedrooms, and rooms with limited natural light.

This effective air purifier removes formaldehyde and benzene while adding a tropical touch to indoor spaces. Moreover, it is relatively low-maintenance and adapts well to various indoor conditions, including low light. Therefore, it offers compact air purification with tropical appeal.

Bamboo Palm is easy to grow in bright, indirect light and requires only moderate watering to thrive. Furthermore, its non-toxic nature makes it safe for homes with pets. Overall, Bamboo Palm delivers effective air purification with manageable, compact growth.

Pros:

• Compact, manageable size
• Non-toxic to pets
• Removes formaldehyde and benzene
• Tropical appearance
• Low-light tolerant

Cons:

• Needs moderate light
• Can be sensitive to dry air
• Slow-growing

8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) – Best Colourful NASA Air-Purifying Plant

Chinese Evergreen is the best colourful NASA air-purifying plant, producing stunning patterned leaves in shades of green, silver, pink, and red while removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Its exceptional low-light tolerance and easy care make it perfect for darker rooms and offices. As a result, it is ideal for adding colour while purifying indoor air.

This attractive plant removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air while its variegated leaves add vibrant colour to indoor spaces. Moreover, it is incredibly forgiving, tolerating low light and irregular watering with ease. Therefore, it offers colourful air purification with exceptional low-maintenance care.

Chinese Evergreen grows slowly but steadily, maintaining its beautiful foliage with minimal pruning. Furthermore, it is available in various colour patterns, from silver to pink to green. Overall, Chinese Evergreen delivers effective air purification with stunning, low-light foliage.

Pros:

• Colourful variegated leaves
• Exceptional low-light tolerance
• Removes formaldehyde and benzene
• Very forgiving plant
• Adds visual interest

Cons:

• Toxic to pets
• Slow-growing
• Can be expensive

9. Florist’s Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) – Best Flowering NASA Air Purifier

Florist’s Chrysanthemum is the best flowering NASA air purifier, removing formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and xylene while producing beautiful, colourful blooms. Its exceptional air-purifying abilities make it one of the most effective plants identified in NASA’s Clean Air Study. As a result, it is perfect for adding colour and clean air to any room.

This popular flowering plant removes multiple toxins from the air, including ammonia, which many plants cannot filter. Moreover, its bright, cheerful blooms in shades of yellow, pink, red, white, and purple add instant colour to indoor spaces. Therefore, it offers powerful air purification with stunning floral displays.

Florist’s Chrysanthemum is easy to grow in bright, indirect light and requires moderate watering, with blooms lasting several weeks. Furthermore, it is widely available and relatively inexpensive, making it accessible for all budgets. Overall, Chrysanthemum delivers exceptional air purification with beautiful, long-lasting flowers.

Pros:

• Exceptional air purification
• Removes formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia
• Beautiful colourful blooms
• Widely available
• Affordable

Cons:

• Short-lived perennial
• Needs bright light to bloom
• Can be sensitive to overwatering

10. Aloe Vera – Best Medicinal NASA Air-Purifying Plant

Aloe Vera is the best medicinal NASA air-purifying plant, removing formaldehyde and benzene while providing healing gel for skin irritations. Its succulent nature means it requires minimal care, making it perfect for busy households. As a result, it offers dual benefits of air purification and medicinal use.

This versatile plant removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air while its gel provides natural remedies for burns, cuts, and skin conditions. Moreover, its compact size makes it ideal for bedside tables and window sills. Therefore, it offers practical air purification with valuable medicinal benefits.

Aloe Vera thrives in bright, indirect light and requires only occasional watering, making it extremely low-maintenance. Furthermore, its attractive rosette form adds a modern touch to any decor. Overall, Aloe Vera delivers effective air purification with practical medicinal value.

Pros:

• Medicinal healing gel
• Removes formaldehyde and benzene
• Drought-tolerant
• Compact size
• Low-maintenance

Cons:

• Needs bright light
• Toxic to pets
• Can sunburn

11. English Ivy (Hedera helix) – Best Climbing NASA Air-Purifying Plant

English Ivy is the best climbing NASA air-purifying plant, removing formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene while trailing beautifully from hanging baskets or climbing walls. Its fast growth and exceptional adaptability make it one of the most effective NASA-identified plants for improving indoor air quality. As a result, it is perfect for adding air-purifying greenery to vertical spaces.

This versatile plant is particularly effective at removing mould spores and formaldehyde from indoor air. Moreover, its fast growth and cascading habit create a lush, green display while continuously purifying the indoor environment. Therefore, it offers vertical air purification with attractive, climbing growth.

English Ivy is easy to grow in bright, indirect light and requires only moderate watering. Furthermore, it adapts well to various indoor conditions and provides year-round greenery. Overall, English Ivy delivers effective air purification with beautiful, climbing growth.

Pros:

• Climbing or trailing habit
• Removes formaldehyde and benzene
• Fast-growing
• Versatile placement
• Effective mould spore removal

Cons:

• Toxic to pets
• Can be invasive
• Susceptible to spider mites

12. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) – Best Humidifying NASA Air Purifier

Areca Palm is the best humidifying NASA air purifier, releasing moisture into the air while removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Its lush, tropical fronds create a beautiful display while its air-purifying effectiveness makes it one of the top NASA-identified plants. As a result, it is ideal for adding moisture and clean air to dry indoor environments.

This elegant palm releases moisture through transpiration, regulating humidity levels while removing toxins from the air. Moreover, its non-toxic nature makes it safe for homes with pets and children. Therefore, it offers humidity regulation with effective air purification.

Areca Palm thrives in bright, indirect light and requires consistent moisture to maintain its lush appearance. Furthermore, its graceful fronds add movement and texture to any room. Overall, Areca Palm delivers exceptional humidity management with beautiful, tropical foliage.

Pros:

• Regulates humidity
• Non-toxic to pets
• Lush tropical fronds
• Removes formaldehyde and xylene
• Adds natural beauty

Cons:

• Needs bright light
• Requires consistent moisture
• Can be large

13. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) – Best Large Leaf NASA Air Purifier

Rubber Plant is the best large leaf NASA air purifier, using its broad leaves to absorb formaldehyde and other toxins while making a bold statement in any room. Its dramatic foliage and exceptional air-purifying abilities make it one of the most effective plants identified in NASA’s Clean Air Study. As a result, it is perfect for adding impact while purifying indoor air.

This impressive plant removes formaldehyde from the air while its large leaves provide maximum surface area for toxin absorption. Moreover, it is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating various light conditions and requiring only moderate watering. Therefore, it offers dramatic air purification with bold, statement-making foliage.

Rubber Plant grows steadily and can reach impressive heights, making it a long-term investment in indoor air quality. Furthermore, its glossy, dark green leaves add a luxurious feel to any decor. Overall, Rubber Plant delivers powerful air purification with stunning, large-leaf presence.

Pros:

• Large leaf surface area
• Removes formaldehyde
• Dramatic statement plant
• Low-maintenance
• Long-lived

Cons:

• Toxic to pets
• Can drop leaves
• Needs regular dusting

14. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) – Best Tree-Like NASA Air Purifier

Weeping Fig is the best tree-like NASA air purifier, removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene while adding architectural height to indoor spaces. Its graceful, weeping branches and glossy leaves make it a striking addition to any room, while its air-purifying effectiveness is well-documented by NASA. As a result, it is essential for creating a clean, healthy indoor environment.

This elegant tree removes multiple toxins from the air while its weeping form adds grace and movement to indoor spaces. Moreover, it is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating various light conditions and requiring only moderate watering. Therefore, it offers effective air purification with beautiful, architectural form.

Weeping Fig is easy to grow in bright, indirect light and requires regular pruning to maintain its shape. Furthermore, it is a long-lived plant that can become a cherished feature of any home. Overall, Weeping Fig delivers reliable air purification with graceful, tree-like beauty.

Pros:

• Tree-like architectural form
• Removes formaldehyde and benzene
• Graceful weeping branches
• Long-lived plant
• Adds height to rooms

Cons:

• Toxic to pets
• Can drop leaves if moved
• Needs regular pruning

15. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) – Best Colourful Flowering NASA Air Purifier

Gerbera Daisy is the best colourful flowering NASA air purifier, removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene while producing stunning, vibrant blooms. Its exceptional air-purifying abilities and cheerful flowers make it one of the most effective and visually appealing plants in NASA’s Clean Air Study. As a result, it is perfect for adding colour and clean air to bedrooms and living spaces.

This cheerful flowering plant removes multiple toxins from the air, including formaldehyde and benzene, while its bright blooms in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white add instant colour. Moreover, it is relatively easy to grow indoors with bright light and moderate watering. Therefore, it offers powerful air purification with stunning floral displays.

Gerbera Daisy is easy to grow in bright, indirect light and requires moderate watering, with blooms lasting several weeks. Furthermore, it is widely available and relatively inexpensive, making it accessible for all budgets. Overall, Gerbera Daisy delivers exceptional air purification with beautiful, long-lasting flowers.

Pros:

• Exceptional air purification
• Removes formaldehyde and benzene
• Beautiful colourful blooms
• Cheerful appearance
• Widely available

Cons:

• Needs bright light
• Can be short-lived
• Requires regular watering

7 Essential Factors For Choosing NASA Air-Purifying Plants

• Air-purifying effectiveness: Different plants target different toxins. Choose a variety of species to remove the widest range of pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene.
• Light conditions: Match plants to your available light. Peace Lily and Chinese Evergreen thrive in low light, while Gerbera Daisy and Chrysanthemum need bright light to bloom and purify effectively.
• Pet safety: If you have pets, choose non-toxic options like Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Areca Palm, and Bamboo Palm. Avoid toxic varieties like Peace Lily, Snake Plant, and Pothos.
• Maintenance level: Consider how much time you can dedicate to plant care. Snake Plant and ZZ Plant are very forgiving, while Boston Fern and Areca Palm need more consistent care.
• Humidity needs: Some NASA plants like Boston Fern and Areca Palm prefer higher humidity, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Others like Snake Plant and Aloe Vera thrive in drier conditions.
• Space available: Consider the mature size of plants. Compact plants like Chinese Evergreen and Aloe Vera suit small spaces, while Rubber Plant and Weeping Fig need more room.
• Number of plants: NASA recommends at least one plant per 100 square feet of floor space for effective air purification. More plants provide better results, so consider grouping plants together for maximum impact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Plants For Clean Air NASA

1. What are the best NASA air-purifying plants for homes?

The best NASA air-purifying plants include Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Golden Pothos, Boston Fern, Dracaena, Bamboo Palm, Chinese Evergreen, Chrysanthemum, Aloe Vera, English Ivy, Areca Palm, Rubber Plant, Weeping Fig, and Gerbera Daisy. These plants effectively remove formaldehyde, benzene, and other indoor pollutants.

2. How many plants do I need to purify indoor air?

NASA recommends at least one plant per 100 square feet of floor space for effective air purification. For a typical home, 15-20 plants of various species provide comprehensive air cleaning benefits.

3. What toxins do NASA plants remove?

NASA-identified plants remove formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia, and carbon monoxide. Different plants target different toxins, so a variety of species provides the most comprehensive air purification.

4. Which NASA plant is best for bedrooms?

Snake Plant is best for bedrooms because it releases oxygen at night, improving sleep quality. Peace Lily and Aloe Vera are also excellent choices, removing toxins while being low-maintenance in low-light conditions.

5. Do NASA plants really improve air quality?

Yes, NASA’s Clean Air Study scientifically demonstrated that these plants remove significant amounts of indoor air pollutants. In sealed environments, plants can remove up to 87% of VOCs within 24 hours, making them effective natural air purifiers.

6. What is the easiest NASA plant to care for?

Snake Plant, Spider Plant, and Golden Pothos are the easiest NASA plants to care for. They tolerate low light, irregular watering, and general neglect while continuing to purify indoor air effectively.

7. Can NASA plants grow in low light?

Yes, Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Chinese Evergreen, and Bamboo Palm thrive in low-light conditions while still purifying the air. These plants are perfect for darker rooms, offices, and spaces with limited natural light.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Peace Lily is the best overall NASA air-purifying plant, offering comprehensive removal of formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and trichloroethylene with beautiful, low-maintenance growth. Its exceptional versatility and air-cleaning power make it the top choice for any home or office seeking improved indoor air quality.

The runner-up, Snake Plant, provides 24-hour air purification, releasing oxygen at night while removing toxins with minimal care, making it ideal for bedrooms and busy spaces. Both options demonstrate that effective air purification can be achieved with beautiful, easy-to-grow plants.

For pet-friendly options, Spider Plant, Boston Fern, and Bamboo Palm offer effective air purification without toxicity concerns. For colourful displays, Gerbera Daisy and Chrysanthemum add vibrant blooms while purifying the air. For low-light spaces, Peace Lily and Chinese Evergreen thrive while continuously cleaning the air.

Start creating a healthier indoor environment today with these NASA-approved plants. Improved air quality, reduced toxins, and natural beauty are just a few plants away.