NASA found the 18 best plants  for naturally filtering the air in your home

In the late 1980s, NASA was looking for ways to purify the air in its space stations. They conducted a study to find the best plants for filtering toxins and converting carbon dioxide into oxygen.

In 1989, their results were published in a clean air study that provided a definitive list of plants that are the most effective at cleaning indoor air.

Which plants made the list?

NASA's study recommended placing at least one plant for every 100 square feet of indoor space, whether at home or in the office. These are the plants that proved most effective.

1. Dwarf Date Palm

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Arecaceae family.

2. Boston Fern

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Nephrolepidaceae family.

3. Kimberly Queen Fern

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Nephrolepidaceae family.

4. Spider Plant

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Asparagaceae family.

5. Chinese Evergreen

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Araceae family.

6. Bamboo Palm

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Arecaceae family.

7. Weeping Fig

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Moraceae family.

8. Devil's Ivy

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Arum family.

9. Flamingo Lily

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Arum family.

10. Lilyturf

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Asparagaceae family.

11. Broadleaf Lady Palm

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Arecaceae family.

12. Barberton Daisy

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Aster family.

13. Cornstalk Dracena

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Asparagaceae family.

14. English Ivy

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Araliaceae family.

15. Varigated Snake Plant

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Asparagaceae family.

16. Red-Edged Dracaena

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Century Plant family.

17. Peace Lily

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Araceae family.

18. Florist's Chrysanthemum

assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Aster family.

What’s in our air?

NASA’s interest in air-purifying plants wasn’t just a matter of aesthetics. The air inside space stations—and even many homes—is often laced with invisible chemicals that can pose serious health risks when inhaled in high concentrations.

Trichloroethylene – Found in printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives, and paint removers. Symptoms associated with short-term exposure include: excitement, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting, followed by drowsiness and coma.

Formaldehyde – Found in paper bags, waxed papers, facial tissues, paper towels, plywood paneling, and synthetic fabrics. Symptoms associated with short-term exposure include: irritation to the nose, mouth, and throat, and in severe cases, swelling of the larynx and lungs.

Benzene – Used to make plastics, resins, lubricants, detergents, and drugs. Also found in tobacco smoke, glue, and furniture wax. Symptoms associated with short-term exposure include: irritation of the eyes, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, increased heart rate, confusion, and, in some cases, unconsciousness.

Xylene – Found in rubber, leather, tobacco smoke, and vehicle exhaust. Symptoms associated with short-term exposure include: irritation to the mouth and throat, dizziness, headache, confusion, heart problems, liver and kidney damage, and coma.

Ammonia – Found in window cleaners, floor waxes, smelling salts, and fertilizers. Symptoms associated with short-term exposure include eye irritation, coughing, and a sore throat.

So whether you're looking to freshen up your home, boost your indoor air quality, or simply add a little life to your space, NASA’s list offers a natural, low-maintenance solution. Just remember to choose pet-safe options if you share your space with furry companions. A few well-placed plants won’t just liven up a room, they might also help you breathe a little easier.

This article originally appeared last year.