6 air purifying plants recommended by NASA
These common indoor plants will also clean your air
Improving the air — and subsequently your health — is as easy as introducing these air purifying plants into your space as suggested by NASA.
Air purifying plant study
In a study conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) it became evident that indoor air purification is as easy as introducing certain house plants into your space.
The findings of the study, which were published in 1989, tested the ability of several indoor plants to absorb toxins such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. These chemicals chosen for the study are commonly found in indoor environments and can lead to a host of health problems.
The NASA plant study was also aimed at determining whether this natural air purification method would help in neutralizing the effects of a common condition known as sick building syndrome (SBS).
SBS is a medical condition that affects workers in office buildings. The workers experience acute illness or discomfort that's directly linked to their time spent in a particular building and is seen as a work-related hazard.
Research has shown that certain indoor plants can offset the adverse impact of SBS. If you spend a lot of time in an office you should consider this natural way to purify the indoor air, in addition to spending more time outdoors.
There are several plants on the NASA list that can be introduced into your space. These plants not only absorb toxins, but they also increase the amount of “breathable” oxygen in the air.
I recommend considering plants on the list that are most common and easy to care for and will elevate the aesthetic in your home.
Growing Plants
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1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
If you specifically need an easy-to-care-for indoor plant, the snake plant is your best bet. It is beautiful to look at and it thrives in the darker places of any home.
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2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lily is a beautiful plant that features large green leaves. Not only is it easy to grow, but it also develops beautiful white flowers. The plant can be a good addition to your bedroom or living room. However, pets and children should be kept away because its leaves are toxic.
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3. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
One of the most common indoor plants is the rubber plant. The plant, which can grow into a tree, is native to South Asia. It comes with thick, waxy, and large dark green leaves. Just like the Peace Lily, the rubber plant looks good displayed in a corner.
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4. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
If you like cascading plants that can be hug on walls or shelves, the English Ivy is a great choice. The plant has small leaves and it can grow on surfaces such as windows. Since the plant’s berries are toxic it should be hung out of the reach of pets and children.
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5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea Seifrizii)
The bamboo palm is a beautiful air-purifying plant that requires very little maintenance. You may find it a great addition to a dim area in your home as it can thrive in low-light conditions.
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6. Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant is a succulent which has air purifying as well as other wellness benefits. The plant’s gel is safe to use on the skin and to consume. The gel is inside of its fleshly leaf which you can easily clip to extract.