NASA-Approved Plants That Will Work Hardest To Clean Your Home

Did you know that plants literally clean the air you breathe? And that keeping them in your home helps purify the air you breathe? All of that planty fresh air goodness can lead to clear skin, a better night's sleep and overall improved health benefits.
NASA did a Clean Air Study which researched plants and their ability to purify the air. They found that certain houseplants, or super plants, can remove most if not all of the most common toxins and pollutants found in your home.
These harmful toxins known as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia are chemicals that have been linked to adverse health effects like headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, and others. More commonly, these are found in everyday household items, cleaning products, home improvement DIY, crafting supplies and furniture. Aka some of the most commonly used household items can pollute the air in your space. Thankfully - NASA approved plants can help.
NASA also recommended having one plant per 100 square feet in order to maintain a clean and purified living space. For most, that means at least one plant in each room. Maybe two in your larger, more open living spaces. As if you need an excuse to buy more plants 😉
Check out our NASA-certified air purifying plant collection:
SHOP Snake Plant - We know, there are a lot of different types of Snake Plants and it can be tough to know which is which of these NASA indoor plants to pick! Variegated, or Laurentii, is the most common one you’re going to find and is really, really durable when it comes to growing conditions. We’re talking extra tough, leave it and forget it (then remember it) tough. Known as a great air purifier, they’re native to West Africa, and often used in Feng Shui.
SHOP Dracaena Warneckii - A tropical plant that doesn’t mind living inside, this is one of the most adaptable and easy to care for plants available. Known as the Lemon Lime Dragon Tree (Dracaena warneckii lemon lime), it grows best in medium light, out of direct sun, but can handle low-light, making it a perfect choice for greening up your desk and office. We love it because it’s so good at purifying air, but also love how dramatic and beautiful its shiny dark and yellow and lime-green stripes are.
SHOP Dracaena Marginata - A tiny tree with an uncommon silhouette, this ornamental houseplant is a favorite for filling space. As the tree grows, its bottom leaves will start to fall off, revealing long, candelabra type trunks. They can grow quite large, but when pruned easily stay around 6'. A perfect NASA approved plant!
SHOP White Stripe Dragon - A tropical plant that doesn’t mind living inside, this is one of the most adaptable and easy to care for plants available. Known as the White Stripe Dragon Tree (Dracaena warneckii), it grows best in medium light, out of direct sun, but can handle low-light, making it a perfect choice for greening up your desk and office. We love it because it’s so good at purifying air, but also love how dramatic and beautiful its shiny dark and white stripes are.
SHOP English Ivy - With its star-shaped variegated leaves, the English ivy gold child makes a striking addition to any home looking for more NASA indoor plants. This natural climber looks great in hanging baskets where its foliage can hang over the side. It's happy in shade and stays green throughout the year. Its fronds can spread for up to ten feet — try training it around a door frame.
SHOP Ficus Benjamina - This elegant tree fills up headspace while cleaning the air in your home or office! Let it's soil dry between waterings while it soaks up the bright indirect light in your special spot.
SHOP Peace Lily - Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) are gorgeous plants that are sure to draw attention in your Green Space. Place in medium to bright indirect light, spritz occasionally, and enjoy!
SHOP Aglaonema Red Siam - These beauties are addictive! If you have one, you'll want more of these NASA approved plant! The Red Siam Chinese Evergreen is an easy-care plant that's quite forgiving if you forget to water. But it grows best with regular watering to keep it evenly moist but not soggy in the spring and summer. It's adaptable to a variety of light conditions but will show off more of the reddish hue color in medium to bright indirect light.
SHOP Chinese Evergreen - Chinese evergreens are gorgeous, tough, and easy to care for. Most varieties have lush, large leaves that range in color from green to pink to wild combinations of the two. It does well in low to medium lit areas with average humidity and doesn't require a ton of water. Give it a spritz and a drink of water when the soil drys out and enjoy!