In 1989, NASA conducted their Clean Air Study project to research ways to clean the air in space stations. Their results suggested that, aside from absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the air, a handful of house plants actually removed certain volatile organic pollutants from the air.
Our very own Air Purifying Collection includes a round-up of all the plants we carry that were included in the above mentioned project. Below, we will share our top 10 from the collection.
A timeless and classic beauty which finally got the recognition it deserves from the general public after NASA put it on its list of “Top Ten Household Air Cleaning Plants”. It is super adaptable in low-maintenance, and the flowers for a very long time (1 - 2 months long)!
English Ivy was found to be one of the most effective plants which removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene from the air. Ivy has been a symbol of good luck, friendship and true love since ancient times, making it also very popular for ornamental purposes as well.
The Sansevieria Snake Plant is one of the best houseplants for beginners! Known for its tolerance to drought, capable of going for weeks without water, and tolerance to low lighting conditions, the Snake Plant thrives on neglect. As an added bonus, the Snake Plant even purifies the air around it, removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from its surroundings.
Aloe Vera, often described as the “wonder plant," is a short-stemmed shrub that grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. Aside from its major air purifying capabilities, it is traditionally sought after and cultivated for its medicinal properties.
Ferns are perfect for adding some lush greenery to your space. Coveted for their classy, lacey fronds, they are a great way to add some beautiful green texture into your home. Ferns make the perfect plant for a well-lit bathroom or kitchen. They are also effective in removing formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and airborne germs, molds, bacterias from the air. Bonus: they are pet safe!
Another classic house plant made popular in the Victorian-era. It’s easy to grow and multiplies faster than you can find friends to share it with! This plant gets its name because of its growth habit - each mother plant will send out multiple offshoots or "spiderettes" that hang down from the mother plant, making the plant look like a web. The Spider Plant is non-toxic to both humans and pets and is a very efficient at air purification.
This stunning tropical features beautiful, speckled patterned leaves making it the perfect accent plant for any collection. It is found to be effective in cleaning benzene and formaldehyde. It is also popular due to its highly adaptive nature which means it can grow well in a number of environments.
Philodendrons have been a staple in the planty home for decades. Known for their beautiful and varied leaves, Philodendron are perfect for adding lush tropical vibes into your space! To boot, The study found that Philodendrons are found to be effective in cleaning xylene and toluene from the air.
Everyone's favourite fuss-free, low-light tolerant plant! Perfect for beginner growers or those who want to add a little greenery to a shady corner. It is effective in cleaning benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene from the air. Pothos is a staple in every collection because of its ability to survive in just about any environment.
Efficient in in cleaning xylene and toluene from the air, the Dieffenbachia family consists of about 30 different species. Dieffenbachia have been highly coveted by growers and collectors for their cheery tropical appearance!
Honourable mentions: Dracaena, ZZ Plant, Money Tree, air plants, Rubber Plant, Parlour Palm
Growing plants in your home is a breath of fresh air – literally! But aside from purifying your air, house plants will also aide in relieving stress levels, better sleep, sharpening your attention span, boosting your creativity, and promoting recovery. The bottom line is that house plants are beneficial in more ways than just one. We hope that you are ready to reap all these benefits. Happy growing! 💚