Household plants can help make any room seem more like home. Whether hung from a hanging basket, thoughtfully placed in a corner, or sitting on a windowsill, plants make any environment brighter. But did you know that household plants can also make the indoor air you breathe in healthier?
Back in 1989, NASA scientist B.C. "Bill" Wolverton carried out a study called The NASA Clean Air Study. Through this study, he conducted experiments to see if common household plants were able to purify the air of toxins. The findings were then released under a report titled "Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement," and the discoveries were fascinating. Wolverton concluded that many household plants did indeed hold the power to eliminate harmful toxins, such as formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and others. And although these names may not be part of your everyday vernacular, they are found virtually everywhere — plastics, rubbers, carpeting, glues, cleaning products, the list goes on. But how exactly does this happen?
"Plants filter the air in two ways — both physically and chemically," said Christopher Satch, head of plant science and education at The Sill. "Plants physically filter the air by acting as a dust cling. Living beings are statically charged and actually pull the dust out of the air. Ever notice how dusty your plants get compared to other objects? That's them doing a good job! Reward your plant by wiping it down so that it can cling more."
"Additionally, plants clean the air chemically," Satch said. "The objects that we interact with — computers, plastics, rubbers, paints, anything synthetic — breaks down over time and releases VOCs into the air like benzene and formaldehyde, which we breathe in. Plants literally rip these nasty compounds apart and turn them into inert CO2, water, and nitrogen gas. It's important to have plants in the home not only to improve your mental health and boost creativity, but also your physical health as well. Bear in mind that you will need several plants to be really effective."
If you are interested in learning more about the best plants to purchase to help purify your household air, then look no further. We pored over the NASA studies, looked through research, and connected with the brilliant plant experts at The Sill to help put together a list of 15 amazing air-purifying plants you can purchase today. Your urban oasis is just a click away.
Bird's Nest Fern 
The Bird's Nest Fern ($9) does best in indirect sunlight and is able to clear the air of formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. It also looks great in a hanging pot!
Bird's Nest Fern $9 from thesill.com Buy Now Philodendron 
The sprawling Philodendron ($6) can grow up to 10 feet in length, making it a good plant to keep high up. This plant is great for filtering out formaldehyde.
Philodendron $6 from thesill.com Buy Now Pothos 
This plant has proven it can filter out harmful toxins such as xylene and toluene. The beautiful Pothos ($7) is also perfect for less-experienced plant owners.
Pothos $7 from thesill.com Buy Now Rubber Plant 
The Rubber Plant ($8) can rid the air of formaldehyde.
Rubber Plant $8 from thesill.com Buy Now ZZ Plant 
A ZZ Plant ($11) is perfect if you do not have much natural light in your home. It is also very low maintenance, making it a perfect plant for a beginner. Bonus points: it also can purify indoor air from toluene and xylene.
ZZ Plant $11 from thesill.com Buy Now Majesty Palm 
The Majesty Palm ($49) can easily dress up any space. Besides making any room come alive, according to Costa Farms, this palm can remove toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide from the air.
Majesty Palm $49 from amazon.com Buy Now Boston Fern 
The Boston Fern ($15) can act as a humidifier and can also remove formaldehyde from inside the home.
Boston Fern $15 from lowes.com Buy Now Ficus Tree 
According to NASA's Clean Air Study, the Ficus Tree ($50) is effective at removing airborne formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Ficus Tree $50 from thetreecenter.com Buy Now Lily Turf 
According to Plants for the Future, an organization that provides research and information on horticulture, the Lily Turf ($15) plant is especially effective at cleansing the air of toxins, such as ammonia.
Lily Turf $15 from homedepot.com Buy Now Weeping Fig 
According to the New York Botanical Garden, the Weeping Fig ($12) is great at removing indoor air pollutants. Extra points if you have it near a window with a southern exposure — the Weeping Fig thrives best here.
Weeping Fig $12 from etsy.com Buy Now Flamingo Lily 
Also according to NASA research, the Flamingo Lily ($19) is easily able to cleanse the air of formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and ammonia.
Flamingo Lily $19 from gardengoodsdirect.com Buy Now Lady Palm 
The Lady Palm ($50) removes toxins from the air and is very resilient against plant insects.
Lady Palm $50 from fast-growing-trees.com Buy Now Mum 
Add some color to your household and purify the air while you are at it. According to Healthline, the Garden Mum ($5) is amazing at removing toxins from the air, especially ammonia.
Garden Mum $5 from lowes.com Buy Now Snake Plant 
Snake Plants ($11) are a great addition to any home. "The snake plant can clean formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, toluene, and such from our everyday lives," Satch said.
"Also take a minute to assess your living situation," Satch added. "When you have the option to, buy products made out of paper, metal, wood, or glass. These materials do not pollute the air like plastics, computer parts, and paints do."
Snake Plants $11 from thesill.com Buy Now Spider Plant 
The Spider Plant ($12) looks great from a hanging basket and can eliminate up to 90 percent of airborne toxins. Add one for every 100 square feet of space for optimal results.
Spider Plant $12 from etsy.com Buy Now
