Improve your indoor air quality with plants.



18 Best Plants For Cleaning The Air In Your House According To NASA

Research shows that houseplants deter illness, improve focus, and even help with the Big O — oxygen (what the hell kind of botanical garden do you think this is?). Certain plants have been proven to not just produce oxygen, but actually clean the air by removing toxic vapors and chemicals. That’s why the eggheads over at NASA have extensively researched this in order to identify which plants will give you the cleanest breathing room.

Back in 1989 NASA released a Clean Air Study where they, with the help of the Associated Contractors Of America (ALCA), determined then best houseplants for your home. The research, which centers around chemicals benzene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia. It found that English Ivy, Peace Lilly, Florist’s Chrysanthemum, Red-Edged Dracaena, and the popular Varigated Snake Plant were among the best options for cleaner air, despite their arguably aggressive names. If those don’t strike your fancy, NASA identified 13 additional plants (18 total), including the wicked awesome Boston Fern. And you can get a good idea of what each plant looks like, as well as what toxins they take care of, thanks to a handy infographic from Love The Garden.

The NASA recommends one potted plant per 100 square feet of indoor space, which means that these house cleaners may ironically give your kid a lot more dirt to spill. It’s also important to note that many of these plants are toxic to many house pets, so be sure to check the toxicity levels on your greenery before bringing your into the home. No matter how many houseplants you buy, no one is going to breathe easy if the cat is pushing up daisies.

Location: Raleigh, NC, USA

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