Dr. B.C. Wolverton, a former NASA scientist, researched how air purifying plants could be used onboard space missions to benefit the artificial environments onboard their spacecraft. Some of the material in this post are from his discoveries which identified the best plants you can use to improve indoor air quality.
His study found that some plants can be used produce oxygen as well as remove common harmful chemicals from the air and break them down into harmless organic byproducts into the soil, which the plants then use as food. These chemicals that are harmful to health are off-gassed from common household items and products, such as synthetic carpets (releases formaldehyde), petroleum products (release benzene), toys, chemical cleaners, paint, furniture with synthetic components and everything else that is synthetic.
These plants have demonstrated the potential for improving indoor air quality by removing trace organic pollutants from the air in energy-efficient buildings. This plant system is one of the most promising means of alleviating the sick building syndrome associated with many new, energy efficient buildings.” - NASA study: Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement
Best plants for Cleaning the Air
Red Edged Dracaena
A popular house plant that needs little attention. Removes benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air.
Warneck Dracaena
Removes benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene from the air.
Peace Lily
This easy to take care of house plant removes benzene, formaldehyde, acetone, amonia and trichloroethylene from the air.
Areca Palm
Bamboo Palm
Rubber Plant
Lady Palm
English Ivy
Dwarf Date Palm
Ficus Alii
Boston Fern
Plants that produce the most Oxygen
Areca Palm
Mother-in-laws Tongue
Converts CO2 into oxygen at night
Money Plant
Removes formaldehyde and other VOC’s