Best Plants for Indoors, Approved by NASA

Ever wonder which are the best indoor plants for air quality? Research Chemists Willard Douglas, Ph.D. and Keith Bounds, M.S. of The National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) and The Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) joined together and selected a group of plants to analyze and concluded that there are a group of common indoor plants that are able to remove organic chemicals from indoor air. The list of studied plants that were able to combat some of the many chemicals that are commonly found in indoor atmospheres, which have been identified as possible carcinogens or teratogens.

The list of plants in the 1989 study include Bamboo Palm, Chinese Evergreen, English Ivy, Gerbera Daisy, Janet Craig, Marginata, Mass Cane/Corn Cane, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Pot Mum, Peace Lily, Wernicke and Ficus.

However, the list of NASAs studied plants extends beyond the aforementioned plants. Some of the best plants for indoors and their chemical-combating qualities also include the following:

• Aloe Vera

  • Helps maintain a benzene-free home. Benzene is usually found in paint and certain cleaners.

• Peace Lily

  • A top indoor tropical plant that breaks down and neutralizes toxic gases such as benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Also known to reduce the levels of molds spores, mildew and can absorb harmful vapors from alcohol and acetone

• Spider Plant

  • Among the top three types of houseplants that are great at removing formaldehyde. It’s also able to remove carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities  

• English Ivy

  • Capable of reducing mold in the home and is effective at cleansing benzene           formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air

• Boston Fern

  • Great for dry skin and other cold weather sufferers due to its ability to act as a humidifier by restoring moisture in the air

• Heart Leaf Philodendron

  • Although best for homes without small pets or children, the plant does well in removing formaldehyde.

• Eucalyptus

  • Eucalyptus plant indoor benefits include tannin-filled qualities which are capable of raising healthy fluids in the body’s air passages. Breathing in the scent alone can help to lower congestion problems. It can also soothe your respiratory tract while killing airborne germs.

• African Violets

  • Energy levels are raised while gazing at this plant resulting in more relaxed state of mind due to the increased flow of oxygen to the brain.

• Chinese Evergreen

  • Toxins frequently found in chemically-based household cleaners are eliminated with this plant.

• Chrysanthemum

  • Able to filter out benzene, which is a chemical commonly found in many household detergents, paints, plastics and some glue products