Have you ever walked into your bedroom and noticed that the air seemed heavy or sort of stale? Amazingly enough, the air in your house can become dirtier than the air in the great outdoors! Whoa, indeed?
Things like furniture polish, paints, cleaning sprays, plastics, and even your gas stove release invisible chemicals into the air. They are indoor air pollutants, and chronic exposure to breathing them can affect your health—making you have headaches, allergies, asthma, or plain tiredness.
But the better news is this: NASA discovered that certain houseplants can purify the air for you!
The scientists at NASA returned in the late 1980s seeking a way to purify air in space stations. They discovered that some household plants could purify the air by eliminating toxic chemicals and generating fresh oxygen.
Here are five amazing NASA-approved plants that are ridiculously simple to grow indoors—and they’ll make you breathe easier, sleep easier, and feel better in your indoor environment.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Why it’s great:
The Snake Plant is an over-achiever-in-a-pot. It’s resilient, hardy, and won’t die on you anytime soon even if you neglect to water it for a day or two. It sends up tall, vertical leaves with snake-like markings (as you might have guessed!).
What it does:
It is very good at removing formaldehyde—an ingredient found in cleaning products, tissues, and even furniture. It also releases oxygen at night and removes carbon dioxide, which is something most plants don’t do.
Where to keep it:
Best for the bedroom since you can breathe fresher air while sleeping. It does not need a lot of light, thus best for corners or where there is minimal sunlight.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Why it’s awesome:
The Peace Lily is a gorgeous indoor plant with shiny white flowers and dark green leaves. It’s not just a good-looking face—this plant is also a superhero of air purification.
What it does:
It cleans the air of five major toxins: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, and mold spores. These toxins are found in such items as paints, glues, plastics, and air fresheners.
Where to keep it:
Ideal for bathrooms or living rooms. Adores low light and a touch of humidity. Just be aware—it’s toxic if ingested, so it’s not the best choice if you have pets or children.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why it’s great:
The Spider Plant is an excellent, fast-growing, and ideal starter plant. It has leaves with white stripes and green color, and it also features baby plants that look like spiders hanging from a web!
What it does:
They eliminate carbon monoxide and xylene from the environment. Carbon monoxide emits from gas stoves or fireplaces, while xylene is present in cleaning sprays and paint.
Where to put it:
Best utilized in a kitchen, office setting, or hung above a window. It prefers bright, indirect light and can survive some neglect when watering.
Bonus: It’s safe for pets, which is a big plus!
4. Aloe Vera
Why it’s awesome:
You may be familiar with Aloe Vera for its burn- and sunburn-soothing gel—but did you know it can also clean the air?
What it does:
It purifies the air of benzene and formaldehyde, two of the most common chemicals released by wall paint, air fresheners, and floor cleaners. And the green leaves are thick, so it doesn’t need to be watered often.
Where to keep it:
Place it in a south-facing location in your kitchen or bathroom. The bonus is: if you do end up with a small burn or skin irritation, just break off a leaf and rub the gel inside on the problem spot!
5. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Why it’s awesome:
The Areca Palm is a little slice of the beach in your living room. Its feathery fronds are long and create a fresh, tropical feel.
What it does:
It’s among the most effective plants for humidifying dry rooms. It also absorbs xylene and toluene, which are released by electronics, furniture, and nail polish removers.
Where to put it:
It likes bright, indirect light. Perfect for the living room, study area or by workstations. Just water it from time to time, especially during summer.
What was the NASA Clean Air Study?
NASA conducted a study in 1989 to identify natural methods of air cleaning for space stations. They found that certain houseplants remove toxic chemicals from the air in leaves and roots.
They act like mini air purifiers. They absorb poisonous gases, break them down, and release clean oxygen. They also release moisture, so the air will not be so dry.
NASA’s research suggested planting at least one plant per 100 square feet of area to be able to visibly improve the air quality.
Why You Should Have These Plants in Your Home
And if you still need an excuse to welcome these green friends into your life, here are a few of them:
Better sleeping – Snake Plant and Aloe Vera can be placed in the bedroom
Clean air, of course – No machinery, just leaves doing it.
Reduces stress – Plants have a tendency to calm your mind
Budget-friendly – Purchase once, does not need electricity
Low maintenance – They are all low maintenance
Where Do You Buy These Plants?
You can simply buy such plants at:
Home improvement centers or garden centers
Online stores like Amazon, Bloom scape, or The Sill
Weekend farmers’ markets or plant expos
Look for green healthy leaves in place of any yellow spots. Also, try to use organic or pesticide-free ones if available.
Conclusion:
Improving your indoor air quality need not be difficult or expensive. These NASA-approved plants are a simple, natural, and beautiful means to breathe more easily and live healthier. A few pots in key areas around the home can make a big impact. So begin small—such as with a Spider Plant on your end table or a Peace Lily on your coffee table. In time, you won’t only see cleaner environment, but a more peaceful, greener home environment.
