In 1989, NASA scientists were trying to solve a very specific problem: how to keep air breathable inside sealed space stations. Astronauts would be living in completely enclosed environments, and the plastic materials, synthetic fabrics, and equipment surrounding them would continuously release volatile organic compounds - invisible toxins that would accumulate in the air they breathed.
The solution they found was surprisingly low-tech: houseplants. In a landmark study called the NASA Clean Air Study, researchers discovered that common houseplants could remove significant amounts of formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and other toxic compounds from sealed chambers. The plants weren't just decorative - they were active air purification systems.
What worked for space stations works for your home too. Modern buildings are more airtight than ever, which is great for energy efficiency but means indoor air pollutants have nowhere to go. The average home contains dozens of sources of volatile organic compounds: furniture, paint, cleaning products, carpets, air fresheners, and more. These compounds have been linked to headaches, respiratory irritation, and long-term health effects.
Here are ten houseplants that don't just sit there looking pretty - they're actively working to clean the air in your home.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
If you've ever killed a houseplant, start with this one. Spider plants are famously hard to kill, thriving in everything from bright indirect light to darker corners, tolerating irregular watering with remarkable grace. They're also prolific - a single plant produces cascading "babies" on long stems that can be propagated into new plants.
In terms of air purification, spider plants excel at removing formaldehyde, one of the most common indoor air pollutants. Formaldehyde is released by plywood, particleboard, foam insulation, paper products, and many household cleaners. NASA's study found spider plants removed up to 95% of formaldehyde from sealed test chambers within 24 hours.
Spider plants also absorb carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the printing and rubber industries that also off-gasses from certain plastics and adhesives. For maximum air-cleaning benefit, NASA recommended one spider plant per 100 square feet of living space.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also called mother-in-law's tongue (a reference to its sharp, pointed leaves), the snake plant might be the single most resilient houseplant in existence. It tolerates low light, infrequent watering, and general neglect that would kill most plants within weeks. This makes it perfect for bedrooms, offices, and homes of forgetful plant owners.
The snake plant has a unique superpower among houseplants: it performs a type of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), which means it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night rather than during the day like most plants. This makes it an ideal bedroom plant - it's actually improving your air quality while you sleep.
In NASA's study, snake plants were effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. They're also one of the few plants that can thrive in bathroom environments, where they help filter out cleaning product chemicals.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, sometimes called devil's ivy because it's nearly impossible to kill, is a trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves that can grow impressively long. It looks beautiful cascading from a shelf or hanging basket, and it tolerates a wide range of light conditions and watering schedules.
This plant is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from indoor air. It's an excellent choice for rooms with new furniture or carpeting, which tend to off-gas formaldehyde for months or even years after installation.
Pothos comes in several varieties with different leaf patterns - golden pothos with yellow variegation, marble queen with white patches, neon pothos with bright chartreuse leaves. All varieties offer similar air-purifying benefits, so choose based on aesthetics and your lighting conditions.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is one of the few air-purifying plants that produces flowers indoors - elegant white blooms that appear periodically throughout the year. It prefers low to medium indirect light, making it suitable for rooms without much natural sunlight.
In NASA's research, peace lilies ranked among the top performers for removing all three of the major volatile organic compounds tested: formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. They're also effective at removing ammonia, which is released by many cleaning products.
Peace lilies are somewhat more demanding than snake plants or pothos - they prefer consistent moisture and will dramatically droop when thirsty (though they recover quickly after watering). This dramatic wilting actually makes them easier to care for in some ways, since they clearly communicate their needs.
One important note: peace lilies are toxic to pets if ingested. Keep them out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
With its feathery, arching fronds, the Boston fern has been a popular houseplant since Victorian times. It's more demanding than some plants on this list - it needs consistent moisture, humidity, and indirect light - but rewards proper care with lush, fountain-like growth.
Boston ferns are particularly effective at removing formaldehyde. They're also natural humidifiers, releasing moisture into the air through their fronds. This can be beneficial in winter when indoor heating dries out the air, contributing to dry skin, irritated sinuses, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
For best results, keep Boston ferns in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity is naturally higher, or mist them regularly. They're excellent in hanging baskets where their fronds can cascade freely.
6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The rubber plant features large, glossy leaves in deep green (or variegated patterns in some varieties) and can grow into an impressive indoor tree over time. It's more tolerant of neglect than many ficus species, though it does best with consistent watering and bright indirect light.
Rubber plants excel at removing formaldehyde from indoor air. Their large leaf surface area means they can process significant amounts of air compared to smaller-leaved plants. They also help maintain humidity levels and produce abundant oxygen.
One advantage of rubber plants is their size potential - a mature rubber plant can fill a corner and make a significant visual impact while providing substantial air-purifying capacity. Just be aware that they can grow quite large over years, eventually reaching ceiling height if not pruned.
7. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
The dracaena family includes several popular houseplants, including the corn plant (Dracaena fragrans), dragon tree (Dracaena marginata), and Janet Craig dracaena. All share similar care requirements - moderate indirect light, allowing soil to dry between waterings - and similar air-purifying abilities.
In NASA's study, dracaenas were effective at removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene. Different varieties showed different strengths: the corn plant was particularly effective against formaldehyde, while the dragon tree excelled at removing xylene.
Dracaenas are slow-growing but eventually become quite tall and architectural. They're often used in office environments because they tolerate the fluorescent lighting and irregular care typical of commercial spaces. Note that all dracaenas are toxic to pets.
8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a vigorous climber or trailer that's been grown as a houseplant for centuries. It prefers cooler temperatures and moderate to bright indirect light, making it ideal for north-facing windows or cooler rooms.
Research has shown English ivy to be exceptionally effective at removing airborne fecal particles and formaldehyde. This makes it particularly useful in bathrooms or rooms with pets. Some studies have also found it helpful for reducing airborne mold spores.
English ivy does require more attention than some other plants on this list - it prefers consistent moisture and benefits from regular misting. It's also toxic to pets and humans if ingested, so keep it out of reach. The effort is worth it, though, for its elegant trailing habit and powerful air-cleaning abilities.
9. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The bamboo palm adds a tropical feel to any room with its clusters of slender stems and feathery fronds. It can grow quite large - up to 12 feet in ideal conditions, though usually stays smaller indoors - and tolerates lower light conditions than many palms.
NASA's research found bamboo palms highly effective at removing benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. They're also excellent natural humidifiers, releasing significant moisture into the air through their fronds.
Unlike some plants on this list, bamboo palms are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a good choice for pet owners who want air-purifying plants without the worry. They do need more water than many houseplants, preferring consistently moist (but not soggy) soil.
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is famous for the soothing gel inside its thick, succulent leaves - a time-honored remedy for burns and skin irritations. But this useful plant also works to clean your air, absorbing formaldehyde and benzene, which are commonly released by chemical cleaners and paints.
Aloe vera is extremely easy to care for. It's a succulent, meaning it stores water in its leaves and prefers to dry out between waterings. It needs bright light - ideally some direct sun - and minimal attention otherwise. Overwatering is the main way people kill aloe plants.
As a bonus, having aloe vera around means you always have access to its healing gel. Simply cut a leaf and squeeze out the gel to apply to minor burns, sunburns, or skin irritations. The plant will heal over the cut area and continue growing.
Maximizing Air-Purifying Benefits
To get the most air-cleaning benefit from your houseplants, consider these research-backed strategies:
Use enough plants. NASA's recommendation of one plant per 100 square feet of living space provides a starting point. For significant air quality improvement, you may want even more - some researchers suggest 15-18 plants in 6-8 inch pots for an 1,800 square foot home.
Keep leaves clean. Dust on leaves reduces plants' ability to absorb air pollutants. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth, or give plants an occasional shower.
Maintain healthy plants. Stressed or sick plants are less effective at air purification. Ensure your plants have appropriate light, water, and nutrients.
Consider root exposure. Some research suggests that exposing plant roots and soil to air (using hydroponics or specially designed planters) increases air-purifying effectiveness, as soil microorganisms also help break down pollutants.
Distribute plants throughout your home. Rather than clustering all plants in one room, spread them around to improve air quality throughout your living space.
Beyond Air Purification
While the air-purifying abilities of houseplants are well-documented, their benefits extend beyond chemistry. Studies have found that simply having plants in living and working spaces reduces stress, improves mood, increases productivity, and enhances feelings of wellbeing.
There's also something meaningful about caring for living things - the routine of watering, the satisfaction of seeing new growth, the connection to nature that's increasingly rare in modern urban life. Your houseplants are giving you cleaner air, yes, but they're also giving you something harder to quantify: a little bit of the natural world, alive and growing, right in your home.