PLANTS THAT CLEAN THE AIR
"Plants don’t just decorate a space—they purify it,
making every breath healthier."
ALOE VERA
Aloe Vera: Air Purification and Toxin Removal
Aloe Vera is not just a popular skincare plant—it’s also a powerful air purifier. NASA included it in their Clean Air Study because of its ability to remove harmful toxins from the indoor environment, making it one of the best plants to improve indoor air quality.
Toxins Aloe Vera Can Remove
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a common volatile organic compound (VOC) found in household items like furniture, cleaning agents, and paints. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, cause respiratory issues, and even increase cancer risk. Aloe Vera absorbs formaldehyde from the air, reducing its harmful effects in your home.
Benzene
Benzene is present in tobacco smoke, motor vehicle exhaust, and certain household products like detergents and plastics. Chronic exposure to benzene can lead to dizziness, headaches, and long-term blood disorders. Aloe Vera helps filter out this harmful toxin, improving the air in your living spaces.
Trichloroethylene (TCE)
TCE is a chemical commonly found in industrial cleaners, adhesives, and paint removers. It can affect the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Aloe Vera absorbs TCE, reducing its harmful presence and improving indoor air quality.
Xylene
Xylene is found in paints, varnishes, and cleaning products. Inhaling xylene can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Aloe Vera helps purify the air by removing xylene, creating a safer, more breathable indoor environment.
Ammonia
Ammonia is commonly used in cleaning products and fertilizers. High concentrations of ammonia can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause respiratory problems. Aloe Vera absorbs ammonia, helping to keep your air clean and safe.
Why Aloe Vera Works for Toxin Removal
Aloe Vera is particularly effective at removing toxins due to its unique structure and natural processes. The plant’s thick, fleshy leaves store moisture and provide a surface for transpiration. Aloe Vera absorbs harmful gases like formaldehyde and benzene through its pores (stomata) and releases purified air into your home. This makes it an excellent, natural air purifier.
Benefits Beyond Toxin Removal
In addition to purifying the air, Aloe Vera offers numerous health benefits:
Skin Healing: Aloe Vera is widely known for its soothing properties. The gel inside its leaves can be used to treat burns, cuts, and skin irritations.
Humidity Control: Aloe Vera naturally releases moisture into the air, helping to maintain a comfortable humidity level in dry environments.
Low Maintenance: Aloe Vera is a hardy plant that’s easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginners or busy individuals. It requires little water and thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.
How to Maximize Aloe Vera’s Toxin-Removing Abilities
To get the most out of Aloe Vera’s air-purifying properties:
Place it in areas with high toxin exposure: Set Aloe Vera near furniture, cleaning supplies, or paint fumes to target formaldehyde and benzene effectively.
Ensure it gets enough light: Aloe Vera needs 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day to stay healthy and work effectively.
Water sparingly: As a succulent, Aloe Vera doesn’t require frequent watering. Over-watering can cause root rot, which reduces its air-purifying efficiency.
By keeping Aloe Vera in your home, you’re not only adding a natural purifier but also reaping its skincare benefits and improving your overall indoor environment. It’s a simple and low-maintenance plant that works hard to enhance your health and well-being.
Let Aloe Vera help you breathe easier and create a cleaner, healthier home.
Snake Plant
Snake Plant: Benefits, NASA Approval, and Care Guide
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is one of the most resilient and beneficial indoor plants. It is well-loved for its air-purifying qualities, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in almost any condition. Its long, upright leaves with green and yellow patterns add a modern touch to homes and offices.
Why Snake Plant is a Good Indoor Plant
Air Purification – Removes toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene, which are found in household products, furniture, and cleaning chemicals.
Releases Oxygen at Night – Unlike most plants, which release oxygen during the day, Snake Plant continues producing oxygen at night, making it ideal for bedrooms.
Low Maintenance – Requires little water and thrives in both low and bright light.
Increases Humidity – Helps maintain moisture in the air, reducing dryness that can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues.
Tolerant to Neglect – Can survive weeks without water, making it perfect for busy individuals.
Pest Resistant – Rarely affected by pests or diseases.
Why NASA Approved Snake Plant
NASA’s Clean Air Study found that Snake Plant is one of the best air-purifying plants. It absorbs harmful chemicals through its leaves, filtering out toxins commonly found in indoor spaces. Unlike many other plants, it also converts CO₂ into oxygen at night, improving air quality while you sleep.
Because of these benefits, NASA recommended Snake Plant as an effective natural way to improve indoor air quality.
How to Care for a Snake Plant
Light Requirements
Tolerates low light, indirect light, and bright light.
Grows faster in bright, indirect light but can survive in dim spaces.
Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Water only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause root rot.
In warm months, water every 2-3 weeks. In winter, water once a month.
Avoid letting water sit in the center of the leaves, as this can lead to rot.
Humidity and Temperature
Prefers normal indoor humidity and does not require misting.
Ideal temperature range: 18-30°C (65-85°F). Keep away from extreme cold.
Soil and Potting
Use well-draining soil, such as cactus or succulent mix.
Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent water buildup.
Repot every 2-3 years when the roots outgrow the pot.
Fertilizing
Feed with a mild liquid fertilizer once every 2-3 months during spring and summer.
No need to fertilize in fall and winter.
Pruning and Maintenance
Trim damaged or yellow leaves at the base.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
If the plant grows too large, divide and replant the offshoots.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellow or mushy leaves – A sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry completely before watering again.
Wrinkled or curling leaves – Indicates underwatering. Water thoroughly and adjust the schedule.
Slow growth – Happens in low light. Move to a brighter location for faster growth.
Snake Plant is one of the easiest plants to care for and offers excellent air-purifying benefits. Would you like to add one to your home?
ENGLISH IVY
English Ivy: Benefits, NASA Approval, and Care Guide
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a versatile and attractive indoor plant known for its ability to purify air and its adaptability in various indoor environments. Its trailing vines and glossy, green leaves make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced plant lovers.
Why English Ivy is a Good Indoor Plant
Air Purification – Effectively removes toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene, which are commonly found in furniture, cleaning products, and paints.
Improves Indoor Air Quality – Absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, improving the air quality in your home or office.
Reduces Allergens – Known to reduce airborne mold and bacteria, making it helpful for allergy sufferers.
Low Maintenance – Thrives in a variety of light conditions and requires little care once established.
Versatile Growth – Can be grown as a ground cover, hanging plant, or along trellises for a decorative touch.
Why NASA Approved English Ivy
NASA’s Clean Air Study identified English Ivy as one of the best plants for removing harmful chemicals from indoor air. It is particularly effective at absorbing formaldehyde, which is commonly found in furniture, carpets, and cleaning products.
English Ivy’s ability to purify the air while also improving humidity levels makes it an ideal plant for creating healthier indoor environments.
How to Care for English Ivy
Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
In low-light conditions, the plant may grow slower and lose some of its variegation.
Watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent water buildup.
Reduce watering in winter when the plant’s growth slows down.
Humidity and Temperature
Prefers moderate to high humidity. It may benefit from occasional misting, especially in dry indoor air.
Ideal temperature range: 15-21°C (59-70°F). Keep the plant away from cold drafts and direct heat sources.
Soil and Potting
Use well-draining, lightweight potting soil. A mix for houseplants or a peat-based soil will work well.
Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its pot.
Fertilizing
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.
Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant is in a resting phase.
Pruning and Maintenance
Trim back any leggy or yellowing growth to encourage fresh, new growth.
Remove dead or damaged leaves regularly to keep the plant looking tidy.
Prune to control the size of the plant or to shape it as desired.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves – Can be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Allow the soil to dry before watering again.
Leaf drop – Caused by low humidity, underwatering, or too much sunlight. Adjust care accordingly.
Pests – English Ivy can sometimes attract pests like aphids or spider mites. Treat with insecticidal soap or remove the pests manually.
English Ivy is a fantastic choice for adding greenery and improving air quality in your home. With simple care, it can thrive and provide lasting beauty and health benefits. Would you consider incorporating English Ivy into your indoor plant collection?
PEACE LILY
Why Peace Lily is a Great Indoor Plant
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of NASA’s approved air-purifying plants. It removes harmful toxins and improves indoor air quality. It is also easy to care for and adds beauty to any space.
Why NASA Approved Peace Lily as an Air Purifier
NASA’s Clean Air Study found that Peace Lily can filter out common indoor toxins:
Removes formaldehyde – Found in furniture, carpets, and household cleaners.
Eliminates benzene – Present in paints, detergents, and plastics.
Filters trichloroethylene – Used in adhesives, varnishes, and dry cleaning products.
Reduces ammonia – Found in fertilizers, cleaning products, and pet waste.
Peace Lily absorbs these toxins through its leaves and breaks them down in the roots. It also increases humidity, making it useful in dry indoor environments.
Why Peace Lily is a Good Choice for Indoors
Low maintenance – Requires minimal care and thrives in low light.
Improves air quality – Cleans toxins and adds oxygen to the air.
Adds humidity – Helps prevent dry air, reducing issues like dry skin and respiratory discomfort.
Aesthetic appeal – Features elegant white flowers and lush green leaves.
How to Care for Peace Lily
Light – Prefers indirect sunlight or shade.
Watering – Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Temperature – Grows best in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Fertilizing – Feed once a month during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Toxicity – Keep away from pets and small children, as its leaves can be toxic if ingested.
Peace Lily is an easy-to-maintain plant that improves indoor air quality. It is a solid choice if you want cleaner air and a touch of greenery in your home.
BAMBOO PALM
Why Bamboo Palm is a Great Indoor Plant
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is one of NASA’s approved air-purifying plants. It removes toxins from indoor air and adds moisture, making it a good choice for homes and offices.
Why NASA Approved Bamboo Palm as an Air Purifier
NASA’s Clean Air Study found that Bamboo Palm can filter out common indoor pollutants:
Removes formaldehyde – Found in furniture, flooring, and household cleaners.
Eliminates benzene – Present in paint, adhesives, and plastics.
Filters trichloroethylene – Used in printing, varnishes, and cleaning products.
Adds humidity – Releases moisture into the air, preventing dryness.
Bamboo Palm absorbs these toxins through its leaves and roots. It improves indoor air quality and makes breathing easier.
Why Bamboo Palm is a Good Choice for Indoors
Thrives in low light – Grows well in indirect sunlight or shade.
Low maintenance – Requires minimal care.
Boosts humidity – Helps with dry skin, allergies, and respiratory discomfort.
Non-toxic to pets – Safe for cats and dogs.
How to Care for Bamboo Palm
Light – Prefers indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light.
Watering – Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil dries out.
Temperature – Grows best in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Fertilizing – Feed once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Repotting – Needs repotting every 2-3 years as it grows.
Bamboo Palm is a great plant for improving indoor air quality while being easy to care for. It adds a natural touch to any space and helps create a healthier environment.
CHINESE EVERGREEN
Why Chinese Evergreen is a Good Indoor Plant
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is one of NASA’s approved air-purifying plants. It removes toxins from the air and thrives in low-light conditions, making it ideal for homes and offices.
Why NASA Approved Chinese Evergreen as an Air Purifier
NASA’s Clean Air Study found that Chinese Evergreen can filter out harmful indoor pollutants:
Removes benzene – Found in paints, plastics, and detergents.
Eliminates formaldehyde – Present in furniture, carpets, and cleaning products.
Absorbs carbon monoxide – Helps improve indoor air quality.
Filters toluene and xylene – Common in adhesives and varnishes.
Chinese Evergreen absorbs these pollutants through its leaves and roots. It helps create a cleaner indoor environment.
Why Chinese Evergreen is a Good Choice for Indoors
Tolerates low light – Grows well in dim spaces.
Easy to maintain – Requires minimal care.
Improves air quality – Removes airborne toxins.
Adds moisture to the air – Reduces dryness.
How to Care for Chinese Evergreen
Light – Prefers indirect light but adapts to low light.
Watering – Keep soil slightly moist. Water when the top layer dries out.
Temperature – Grows best in warm indoor conditions (65-80°F or 18-27°C).
Fertilizing – Feed every two months with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Repotting – Needs repotting every 2-3 years.
Chinese Evergreen is a reliable indoor plant that helps clean the air while being easy to care for. It brings greenery to any space and contributes to a healthier home.
RED EDGE DRACENA
Red Edge Dracaena: Benefits, NASA Approval, and Care Guide
Red Edge Dracaena (Dracaena marginata) is a popular indoor plant known for its striking foliage and air-purifying qualities. It is low-maintenance and thrives in various indoor conditions, making it a great choice for homes and offices.
Why Red Edge Dracaena is a Good Indoor Plant
Air Purification – Removes harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene. These chemicals are commonly found in household furniture, cleaning products, and paints.
Low Maintenance – Can tolerate low light and requires minimal watering.
Improves Humidity – Releases moisture into the air, helping to combat dryness indoors.
Enhances Indoor Aesthetics – Long, slender green leaves with red edges add a modern and stylish look to any space.
Non-Toxic to Humans – While toxic to pets, it is safe for humans, making it a good choice for households without animals.
Why NASA Approved Red Edge Dracaena
NASA’s Clean Air Study tested houseplants for their ability to remove indoor air pollutants. Red Edge Dracaena was found to absorb toxins released by carpets, furniture, and cleaning products. These pollutants can cause headaches, allergies, and respiratory problems. By filtering them out, this plant improves indoor air quality.
NASA recognized its ability to absorb toxins through its leaves and roots while also producing oxygen. This makes it a great natural air purifier for enclosed spaces.
How to Care for Red Edge Dracaena
Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
If the leaves lose their red edges, move the plant to a brighter spot.
Watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to prevent overwatering.
Use filtered or distilled water if possible. Tap water with fluoride can cause brown leaf tips.
Reduce watering in colder months when growth slows down.
Humidity and Temperature
Grows well in average indoor humidity, but occasional misting can help in dry environments.
Ideal temperature range: 18-26°C (65-80°F). Keep away from cold drafts and heaters.
Soil and Potting
Use well-draining soil like a peat-based potting mix.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water buildup.
Repot every 2-3 years when roots outgrow the container.
Fertilizing
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
No need to fertilize in fall and winter when the plant grows slowly.
Pruning and Maintenance
Trim yellow or dead leaves to encourage new growth.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep them shiny.
If the plant becomes too tall, cut the top, and new shoots will grow from the stem.
Common Problems and Solutions
Brown leaf tips – Likely caused by tap water with fluoride or dry air. Use distilled water and increase humidity.
Yellowing leaves – Overwatering is the most common cause. Let the soil dry out before watering again.
Leggy growth – Happens in low light. Move the plant to a brighter location.
With proper care, Red Edge Dracaena can thrive for many years, adding beauty and cleaner air to your space. Would you consider adding one to your home?
SPIDER PLANT
Spider Plant: Benefits, NASA Approval, and Care Guide
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of the best indoor plants for improving air quality. It is easy to grow, adaptable, and perfect for beginners. Its long, arching green leaves with white stripes make it a great decorative plant for homes and offices.
Why Spider Plant is a Good Indoor Plant
Air Purification – Removes harmful toxins like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, benzene, and xylene. These chemicals come from household products, paint, and furniture.
Low Maintenance – Thrives in indirect light and requires little care.
Increases Oxygen Levels – Absorbs carbon dioxide and releases fresh oxygen.
Improves Humidity – Adds moisture to the air, helping with dry skin and respiratory issues.
Non-Toxic – Safe for children and pets. Unlike many houseplants, it is not poisonous if ingested.
Easy Propagation – Produces small baby plants (spiderettes) that can be replanted to grow new plants.
Why NASA Approved Spider Plant
NASA’s Clean Air Study found that the Spider Plant is one of the most effective air-purifying houseplants. It removes up to 95% of toxins from the air, making indoor spaces healthier.
Spider Plants absorb pollutants through their leaves and roots, filtering out harmful chemicals released by carpets, cleaning products, and household appliances. Their ability to produce oxygen while reducing carbon monoxide levels makes them a top choice for improving indoor air quality.
How to Care for a Spider Plant
Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
If the plant looks pale, move it to a brighter spot.
Watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to avoid overwatering.
Use distilled or rainwater if possible. Fluoride in tap water may cause brown leaf tips.
Reduce watering in winter when the plant grows more slowly.
Humidity and Temperature
Prefers moderate to high humidity. Misting can help in dry conditions.
Ideal temperature range: 18-24°C (65-75°F). Protect from cold drafts and extreme heat.
Soil and Potting
Use well-draining potting soil with good aeration.
Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Repot every 2-3 years if roots outgrow the pot.
Fertilizing
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause leaf tips to brown.
Pruning and Maintenance
Trim brown or yellow leaves to keep the plant healthy.
Remove spiderettes (baby plants) if the plant becomes too crowded.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
Common Problems and Solutions
Brown leaf tips – Caused by fluoride in tap water or dry air. Use distilled water and increase humidity.
Wilting leaves – Usually due to underwatering or root rot from overwatering. Adjust watering habits.
No spiderettes – Happens in low light. Move the plant to a brighter spot to encourage growth.
With proper care, a Spider Plant can thrive for many years, providing cleaner air and a beautiful touch to any indoor space. Would you like to add one to your home?
CONRSTALK DRACENA
Cornstalk Dracaena: Benefits, NASA Approval, and Care Guide
Cornstalk Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans), also known as Mass Cane, is a popular indoor plant recognized for its air-purifying abilities and attractive foliage. It has broad green leaves with yellow or light-green stripes, resembling corn leaves. This plant is an excellent choice for homes and offices due to its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in various conditions.
Why Cornstalk Dracaena is a Good Indoor Plant
Air Purification – Removes indoor toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, which are commonly found in furniture, carpets, and cleaning products.
Low Maintenance – Tolerates low light and requires minimal watering, making it perfect for busy plant owners.
Improves Air Quality – Absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, creating a healthier indoor environment.
Enhances Indoor Decor – Its tall, tree-like structure and striped leaves add elegance to any space.
Long-Lasting – Can live for many years with basic care.
Safe for Humans – While toxic to pets, it is non-toxic to humans.
Why NASA Approved Cornstalk Dracaena
NASA’s Clean Air Study confirmed that Cornstalk Dracaena effectively removes harmful chemicals from indoor air. It absorbs toxins through its leaves and roots while also producing fresh oxygen. Since indoor air pollution can contribute to headaches, allergies, and respiratory problems, having this plant indoors can help create a cleaner, healthier environment.
How to Care for Cornstalk Dracaena
Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
If the plant becomes leggy or pale, move it to a brighter spot.
Watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to prevent overwatering.
Use distilled or filtered water since tap water with fluoride can cause brown leaf tips.
Reduce watering in winter when the plant grows slowly.
Humidity and Temperature
Prefers moderate humidity but can adapt to dry indoor air.
Ideal temperature range: 18-26°C (65-80°F). Avoid cold drafts and extreme heat.
Soil and Potting
Use well-draining soil with good aeration.
Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Repot every 2-3 years if roots outgrow the container.
Fertilizing
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
No need to fertilize in fall and winter when growth slows.
Pruning and Maintenance
Trim yellow or dead leaves to promote new growth.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
If the plant gets too tall, cut the top off, and new shoots will grow.
Common Problems and Solutions
Brown leaf tips – Usually caused by fluoride in tap water or dry air. Use distilled water and increase humidity.
Yellowing leaves – Typically a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out before watering again.
Drooping leaves – May be due to underwatering or sudden temperature changes. Adjust watering and keep the plant in a stable environment.
With the right care, Cornstalk Dracaena can thrive for years, providing a natural air purifier and a beautiful indoor accent. Would you consider adding one to your space?
Bringing air-purifying plants into your home can have a lasting impact on both your indoor air quality and overall well-being. These plants not only look beautiful but also work tirelessly to remove harmful toxins from the air and increase oxygen levels, helping you breathe easier.
Start with one plant per 100 square feet. This is the ideal amount to purify the air in most rooms.
For larger spaces or entire homes, increase the number of plants. More plants mean cleaner air and a more refreshing environment.
The benefits of adding plants are clear—healthier air, improved mood, and a more pleasant atmosphere. Take a step toward a healthier home by adding a few plants today. Over time, you’ll notice the positive effects on both your environment and your well-being.
Author’s Note
This blog covers the amazing benefits of NASA-approved plants for improving indoor air quality, including Aloe Vera, Snake Plants, Peace Lilies, and many more. NASA's study highlighted 18 plants that are exceptional at removing harmful toxins and purifying the air in our homes. These plants not only enhance the aesthetic of any room but also promote a healthier living environment. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect plants to improve your indoor space. Feel free to leave your thoughts or experiences with these plants in the comments below!
