One of the best things about bringing plants into your home, aside from adding beauty, is that they tangibly change the air you’re breathing—day and night. 

As well figuring out how to best photograph Neptune, and send people to live on Mars, NASA has long studied the benefits of plants in space and on Earth.

NASA’s Clean Air Study: A Breath of Fresh Air

In the late 1980s, NASA conducted a groundbreaking study called the "Clean Air Study," which looked into how certain plants can purify indoor air by removing harmful chemicals and toxins. The research was initially aimed at improving air quality aboard spacecraft, but its implications have proven to be hugely beneficial for us here on Earth, too.

NASA found that many common houseplants are surprisingly effective at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene. These chemicals can be found in everyday products like cleaning agents, paints, and even furniture. By incorporating specific plants into your home, you can significantly reduce the concentration of these pollutants, leading to improved air quality and better overall health.

But what are the best plants for the job? Here are some of NASA’s top recommendations that we love to have in LT year round!

Best House Plants for Air Purification

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
   The spider plant is one of the most popular houseplants for air purification, and for good reason. It is a fantastic air cleaner that can absorb harmful toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene. It’s also incredibly easy to care for and thrives in a variety of lighting conditions, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned plant parents alike.
   
   

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
   Also known as the mother-in-law's tongue, the snake plant is another NASA-recommended powerhouse for purifying air. It’s especially effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. The snake plant is incredibly low-maintenance and can tolerate low light and neglect, making it a great option for those who aren’t always attentive to their plant care routine.
   
   

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
   The peace lily is a beautiful plant with elegant white flowers. It excels in removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Additionally, peace lilies are known for their ability to thrive in low light, although they do need to be watered regularly. Their air-purifying abilities make them a must-have for any indoor garden.
   
   

4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
   English ivy is a versatile plant that can be trained to climb walls or cascade from hanging baskets, making it perfect for adding greenery to a variety of spaces. This plant is highly effective at filtering out formaldehyde, benzene, and even mold spores, making it a great option for improving air quality in bathrooms and kitchens. It also thrives in a Terry!
   
   

5. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
   Beyond its healing properties for burns and cuts, aloe vera is also an excellent air purifier. It’s known to remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air while also releasing oxygen during the night, which can help improve indoor air quality. Plus, aloe vera is easy to care for and requires very little water, making it a perfect addition to your home or office.
   
   

6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
   The rubber plant is not only a gorgeous addition to your indoor garden, but it’s also a fantastic air purifier. It works wonders at removing formaldehyde from the air, and its large, glossy leaves can add a dramatic flair to any room. Rubber plants prefer bright, indirect light and moderate watering.

Final Thoughts: A Greener, Healthier Home

At London Terrariums, we believe that the power of plants goes beyond aesthetics – they’re a vital part of creating a healthier, happier space.

So, why not give your home a breath of fresh air with one (or more) of these incredible plants? Happy planting!