19 Plants That NASA Says Will Keep a Home's Air Cleaner

What makes the plants on the list especially interesting is that NASA did a study on them in particular. Basically, NASA researchers were interested in how to best cleanse the air in space stations (which makes sense) and its Clean Air Study revealed which plants are the most effective at removing chemicals from the air like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia. While we've provided links to purchase them below, most of these plants are usually available for less at any greenhouse or nursery.

Who doesn't love the classic look of English ivy? It's gorgeous in a hanging pot and is also capable of cleaning the air extremely thoroughly of at least four different toxins. However, it's dangerous for dogs and cats, so make sure it's out of their reach.

English Ivy ($45, plants.com)

We love this beautiful, flat green-leaved plant in a ceramic pot. Pothos is great for the air inside, and helps clean it of benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and tourine -- but it is toxic to pets, so keep it up high. 

Hanging Pothos Plant ($45, plants.com)

This plant signifies balance, calm, and rebirth -- perfect for a friend who is going through a hard time (or for ourselves when we've just moved). They're also the plants capable of removing pretty much all of the toxins plants are capable of removing from our air, according to NASA. Beautiful and helpful! However, it's toxic to animals, so it's not the best choice for those with pets.

Peace Lily ($13, plants.com)

So easy-care, and so good for the air! The parlor palm, also known as the bamboo palm, is one of the best for clearing the air of a wide range of toxins in the home, and is also safe for dogs and cats. 

Parlor Palm ($45, plants.com)

Variegated snake plant, known by the cheeky name "mother-in-law's tongue" due to its sharp appearance, is also a great air purifying plant that's basically impossible to kill. Seriously, water this guy like once a month and it's happy.  

Snake Plant Laurentii ($68, plants.com)

Dracaenas remove more chemicals from the air than most plants, as they reduce the threat of literally everything on the list except for ammonia. But they're toxic to pets, so be cautious. They do well in low light and only need to be watered a few times a month.

Dracaena Marginata ($100, plants.com)

These are powerful air cleaners -- in fact, regular old mums might be the most powerful! They reduce all of the airborne toxins NASA studied, however, they are also toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach. They do well when they can get good air circulation and the air isn't too humid.

Chrysanthemum Morifolium Seeds ($5, SeedvilleUSA/Etsy)

While this kind of orchid only removes xylene and toluene, it's also a gorgeous houseplant that adds elegance and light to any space it graces, and it's also nontoxic to dogs and cats -- great for those who have pets that tend to get into the plants.

Dendrobium Orchids ($48, fromyouflowers.com)

Aloe vera is amazing at reducing both benzene and formaldehyde in the air, and it's also handy to have around the kitchen in case of burns. We also like to stuff a leaf in the freezer to rub under our eyes for puffiness.

Aloe Vera Plant ($40, plants.com)

This particular kind of dracaena (there are so many kinds of dracaena) effectively remove benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. They are easy to care for, although they prefer warmth to cold, and medium to bright light. They are toxic to pets.

Dracaena Deremensis ($199, Bloomscape)

Boston ferns are a classic plant for either hanging or keeping on an end table in the living room -- and with good reason! They remove formaldehyde from the air, are nontoxic for pets, and look absolutely gorgeous. 

Boston Fern ($45, plants.com)

Areca palms do well indoors and don't need tons of light. They filter formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air, and are nontoxic to dogs and cats. They are sometimes called bamboo palms.

Areca Palm ($60, Wayfair)

These ferns are so graceful with their arching fronds, and they don't need too much care -- in addition to removing formaldehyde from the air and being animal-safe. They are a more compact variation of the Boston fern, and perfect for apartment living. 

Kimberley Queen Fern ($100, plants.com)

Spider plants are difficult to kill, and work well as a hanging plant. They grow fast and are fun for people who typically think of themselves as "bad with plants" or "black-thumbed." They remove formaldehyde from the air and are nontoxic to pets.

Spider Plant ($72, plants.com)

Flamingo lilies are so gorgeous, they're sure to liven up any room they're placed in. They're also one of the few plants on NASA's list that can take care of ammonia in the air, in addition to formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Flamingo lilies are toxic to pets. 

Flamingo Lily ($68, The Sill)

Philodendron cordatum, also known as the heart-leaf philodendron, is an amazing hanging plant that can grow long, trailing tendrils down a bookcase or by the window. It also removes formaldehyde from the air. The plant is toxic to pets, so make sure it's out of their reach.

Philodendron Cordatum ($68, The Sill)

Super popular for indoor decor because it's easy to grow indoors (and looks adorable). Weeping fig, also known as Ficus benjamina, is easily sculpted into whatever shape its owner desires. It helps remove formaldehyde from the air but is also toxic to animals.

Ficus Benjamina Tree ($108, The Sill)

With glossy, dark-red leaves, rubber trees are unusual and beautiful (and fun fact: really used to be used in rubber production). They only need to be watered weekly, and remove formaldehyde from their air. They are toxic to pets.

Rubber Plant ($68, plants.com)

Save these plant lists to your Pinterest boards as your reference information that they produce oxygen and will help add some freshness to the home!