32 Top Air-Purifying Plants Recommended by NASA: Nature's Efficient Clean-Up Crew
**Top NASA-Approved Air-Purifying Plants Improve Indoor Air Quality**
In a bid to combat indoor air pollution caused by common household chemicals, NASA has identified a list of plants that are effective in removing harmful toxins from the air. These plants, known for their air-purifying qualities, can significantly improve indoor air quality.
The original NASA study, conducted in 1989, identified 18 plants that are definitively approved for this purpose. However, a broader list often cited includes up to 32 plants, verified by various studies or certifications. In this article, we focus on some of the key plants from both lists.
The Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina 'Ficus pumila'), ranked 37th, is a large, green-leaved plant that removes xylene from the air. The Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata), ranked 41st, features variegated leaves and also removes xylene.
Jasmine (Jasminum spp.), ranked 34th, is a plant that boasts delicate, white blooms and removes not only xylene but also toluene from the air. The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), ranked 36th, produces small, white flowers and is particularly effective in removing ammonia.
The Azalea (Rhododendron spp.), ranked 39th, is known for its colorful blooms and its ability to remove formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.), ranked 42nd, is another plant that is known for its ability to remove formaldehyde from the air.
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae family), ranked 38th, is another plant that is recognized for its air-purifying qualities and its ability to remove formaldehyde from the air.
These plants utilize their leaves and root-associated microorganisms to absorb and break down toxins through natural processes, thus improving indoor air quality significantly. NASA recommends having at least one plant per 100 square feet for effective air cleaning.
In addition to the 18 plants officially listed by NASA, other plants such as the Cornstalk Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana'), ranked 35th, are also known for their ability to remove benzene from the air. The Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata), ranked 40th, is another Dracaena species that is effective in removing formaldehyde. The Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus), ranked 33rd, is a plant with sword-like leaves that is known for its ability to remove formaldehyde.
These plants, along with many others, also have the added benefits of oxygen production and humidity regulation, adding to indoor comfort. For a more extensive list or detailed properties for additional plants, data beyond the core NASA list can be found in follow-up research and horticultural sources.
In line with NASA's approved list, the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina 'Ficus pumila') and the Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) are indoor plants often found in a home-and-garden nursery, capable of significantly improving indoor air quality by removing harmful substances like xylene and ammonia respectively. Furthermore, expanding on the broader list, the Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) is another air-purifying plant from the home-and-garden section of a nursery, known for eliminating xylene and improving indoor air quality.
