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

When you're looking to create fresh air in a tiny living space, look no further than this NASA list.

NASA clean air study, air purifying plants, indoor air quality, houseplants, clean air, spider plant, peace lily, bamboo palm, English ivy, formaldehyde removal, benzene toxins

Plants are great for filtering the air in your home.

NASA / Canva
By Tod Perry,
Tod Perry
Tod Perry is a freelance writer from Long Beach, California.
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GOOD Staff
GOOD Staff
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Jul 29, 2025

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

From the Arecaceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Arecaceae family.

2. Boston Fern

From the Nephrolepidaceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Nephrolepidaceae family.

3. Kimberly Queen Fern

From the Nephrolepidaceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Nephrolepidaceae family.

4. Spider Plant

From the Asparagaceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Asparagaceae family.

5. Chinese Evergreen

From the Araceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Araceae family.

6. Bamboo Palm

From the Arecaceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Arecaceae family.

7. Weeping Fig

From the Moraceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Moraceae family.

8. Devil's Ivy

From the Arum family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Arum family.

9. Flamingo Lily

From the Arum family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Arum family.

10. Lilyturf

From the Asparagaceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Asparagaceae family.

11. Broadleaf Lady Palm

From the Arecaceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Arecaceae family.

12. Barberton Daisy

From the Aster family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Aster family.

13. Cornstalk Dracena

From the Asparagaceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Asparagaceae family.

14. English Ivy

From the Araliaceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Araliaceae family.

15. Varigated Snake Plant

From the Asparagaceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Asparagaceae family.

16. Red-Edged Dracaena

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

17. Peace Lily

From the Araceae family.assets.rebelmouse.io | From the Araceae family.

18. Florist's Chrysanthemum

From the Aster family.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.

air filter plantsair purification plantsair purifying plantsammoniabamboo palmbenzene toxinsbest houseplantsclean airenglish ivyformaldehyde removalgreen thumbhealthy homehouse plantshouseplantsindoor air filtersindoor air qualitynasa clean air studynasa plantsnasa study plantsnatural livingpeace lilyplant caresciencespider planttoxic airtoxinstrichloroethylenexylenepast events

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