In 1989, NASA conducted the Clean Air Study to identify plants that could improve air quality in sealed environments like space stations. The study revealed that certain houseplants not only remove harmful toxins but also produce significant amounts of oxygen. This article presents ten such plants, ranked in descending order based on their oxygen production and air-purifying capabilities, making them excellent choices for enhancing indoor air quality.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is renowned for its ability to produce oxygen even at night, making it ideal for bedrooms. Its tall, upright leaves are efficient at converting carbon dioxide into oxygen and removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
This hardy plant thrives in various light conditions and requires minimal watering, making it suitable for beginners.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm, also called the Butterfly Palm, is a lush plant that not only adds a tropical feel to interiors but also excels at humidifying the air. It effectively removes toxins such as toluene and xylene, common in paints and solvents.
Preferring bright, indirect light, the Areca Palm requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies are elegant plants known for their white blooms and glossy leaves. They are effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air.
These plants thrive in low to medium light and need consistent moisture, making them suitable for various indoor environments.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a versatile vine that can be grown in hanging baskets or as a ground cover. It is particularly effective at reducing airborne mold and fecal particles, making it beneficial for allergy sufferers.
This plant prefers moderate temperatures and requires regular watering, with the soil kept slightly moist.
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Gerbera Daisies are vibrant flowering plants that not only brighten up spaces but also remove toxins like benzene and trichloroethylene. They are among the few plants that release oxygen at night, making them suitable for bedrooms.
These daisies need plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, with watering when the topsoil feels dry.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is a robust indoor tree known for its large, glossy leaves. It is particularly efficient at removing formaldehyde from indoor air.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and requires watering when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ (Dracaena deremensis)
Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ is a popular houseplant with dark green leaves. It effectively removes pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.
This plant prefers low to medium light and should be watered when the topsoil feels dry.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm is a graceful plant that adds a tropical touch to interiors. It is effective at removing airborne toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.
This palm thrives in bright, indirect light and requires consistent moisture, with the soil kept evenly moist.
Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Lady Palms are elegant plants with fan-shaped leaves. They are known for their ability to remove indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and ammonia.
These palms prefer low to medium light and should be watered when the topsoil feels dry.
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
The Corn Plant is a popular indoor plant with long, arching leaves. It effectively removes pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
This plant thrives in low to medium light and requires watering when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
Conclusion
Incorporating these NASA-recommended plants into indoor spaces can enhance air quality by increasing oxygen levels and removing harmful toxins. While each plant has specific care requirements, they all contribute to creating a healthier living environment.
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