NASA Uses These 10 Plants to Purify the Air in Space Stations!

Indoor air pollution is such a major problem that even NASA’s space station isn’t immune! When the intergalactic masterminds set out on a mission to find the best way to help astronauts breathe clean air during their missions to forge our future, they discovered…these 10 house plants! It’s true, these plants are the easiest, most affordable, and healthiest ways to clean your air fast.

It really should come as no surprise, right?

After all, we are part of an environment that relies on plants for the clean air we breathe outside. The problems only start when we try to escape indoors!

Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, and our homes and offices contain more pollutants than ever. Upholstery, pets, building materials, and even our own bodies—they all lead to toxins in the air that make us sick.

Thankfully, we can all benefit from what NASA calls “nature's life support system.” Here are some cheap houseplants you can use to spiff up your house AND your air quality.

First, How Do Plants Clean the Air?

Air purifiers work by running air through an advanced filtration system that removes contaminants and disperses fresh air into your home.

Well, nature was doing that long before we had filters, electricity, plastic, and this awesome website to find the best air purifiers on the market (see what we did there?).

Plants purify the air by absorbing some particulate matter (they can’t match the power of mechanical purifiers), acting as a natural air filtration system. Photosynthesis—the process that converts light into “plant food”—converts carbon dioxide and water into oxygen, giving us the air we breathe.

Without plants, the air would be too toxic to breathe. So, think of the plants inside your home as a mini-filtration system creating a safe, breathable ecosystem for you and your family.

NOTE: Plants are not a substitute for air purifiers in homes with “sick-building syndrome.” When your air is contaminated, you need industrial strength solutions. These plants are only meant as a supplement to your air purifier.

10 Plants That Purify the Air in Your Home

NASA conducted a major study that concluded these 10 plants could lead to breathable environments inside of space stations. They should suffice for your home too!

Garden Mum: Popular, widely available, cheap, and beautiful, the garden mum is also an air purifying CHAMP! Studies revealed that it removed ammonia and formaldehyde better than any other plant! Did we mention they look GREAT in the Fall?
Peace Lily: This small, white plant wears its heart on its sleeve and is the traditional symbol of innocence and rebirth. Well, your air will be reborn after it removes pollutants too!
Snake Plants: They thrive on neglect, they love having no water or light, and they basically never die. Having these roughneck bouncers in your home will help keep pollutants out and clean air in. FUN FACT: The snake plant is also known as Mother-in-Law’s tongue.
Bamboo Palm: Not only will they bring “zen” to your home and garden, but they’ll also help keep toxins like formaldehyde at bay. The only downside is they need A LOT of sunlight. WARNING: They can grow up to 12 feet high!
Aloe Vera: Did you know that aloe vera is useful for more than sunburns? It has a long history of utility to humans dating back all the way to Ancient Egypt. NASA discovered that it was effective at removing pollutants from the air as well, though not to the same degree as mums or the snake plant.
Dragon Tree (Marginata): Besides having the coolest name on the list, the dragon tree is especially effective at ridding the air of carcinogens, especially benzene (commonly found in the off-gassing of synthetic materials and cigarette smoke).
Chinese Evergreen: It may not be the best-looking plant, but NASA’s research showed it to be effective at removing benzene, though only about as half as effective as the marginata.
English Ivy: Now your home can have an Ivy League look along with pure, breathable air. English ivy is easy to care for, bucolic, and effective at removing the normal toxins on this list plus xylene!
Dracaena: These wide-leaf plants are extremely common décor. Careful, THEY ARE TOXIC TO CATS AND DOGS.

Honorable Mention - Ficus

The weeping fig is another air cleaner that can bring some feng shui into your home while helping you breathe healthier air. It can grow up to 10 feet tall, though. It’s extremely hardy and doesn’t require much care. When it gets nice outside, stick it in the front yard, but don’t leave it out in the cold. It’s from Southeast Asia, so it can’t survive the winter.

Plants Don’t Just Purify the Air…

Going green indoors does more than just make your air healthier and help fight off sickness; plants benefit us in so many ways. Remember, they’re part of our natural habitat. It’s time to go back to nature!

Did you know…?

Studies have shown that plants can help reduce anxiety and depression
House plants can improve focus and productivity
Just seeing green nature helps put us at ease and make us happy

The mere sight of nature helps soothe our minds, and having something to care for decreases loneliness and increases our sense of purpose. They’re the cheapest therapy on the market!

Check Out Our Top Air Purifiers Here

Plants are no Substitute for Air Purifiers

Industrial strength air purifiers might not look as beautiful, but they are far more powerful than your standard house plant. There are things that machinery can do that nature simply can’t. If you have serious indoor air quality issues, start with an air purifier first. House plants make a good supplement and can improve your air quality and quality of life, so feel free to add as many as you’d like!

Plants are an affordable and beautiful solution to indoor air issues. When combined with an air purifier, they result in a happier, healthier, more focused you. Are you ready to start living healthier?