NASA APPROVED: 5 AIR PURIFYING INDOOR PLANTS
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NASA APPROVED: 5 AIR PURIFYING INDOOR PLANTS

Updated: Jun 5, 2023


As the weather gradually getting colder, we are all spending more time indoors. Once we don't used to think about the air quality, it has probably changed in recent years. HEPA air filters and negative air purifiers have become conversation topics, and indoor air quality is very much on everyone’s mind. If you are thinking about contributing to the air quality of your home, we recommend that you consider indoor plant suggestions.

In fact, as a result of NASA's "Clean air study" in 1989, we've already knew that houseplants were highly effective for improving air quality. Since then, plants that improve air quality have been called "NASA-approved plants.



How plants purifies the air?


The three toxins included in the NASA study are formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene (TCE), and these volatile organic compounds are almost everywhere. Formaldehyde is in composite wood products such as plywood, as well as in building materials and insulation, glues, permanent press fabrics, paints, coatings, lacquers, finishes, as well as paper products. Benzene is in glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents. Trichloroethylene is in cleaning wipes, aerosol cleaning products, paint removers, spray adhesives, carpet cleaners, and spot removers.


For your indoor plants, larger pots or containers with a bigger soil surface are better than smaller ones.



giant cactus trees
Image Credit: wikipedia.com


1 - Ficus Benjamin (Ficus Benjamina)


Ficus benjamin in pots in the greenhouse
image credit: deserthorizonnursery.com


Purifying nature: Ficus Benjamin, one of the tall air purifiers, removes formaldehyde. Care: Grows easily in containers filled with a fertile soil mix and placed in areas with indirect light or afternoon shade. The plant should be watered regularly throughout the growing season, but allowed to become drier from autumn to late winter.


2 - Chrysanthemum X Morifolium


Yellow red close-up of a chrysanthemum flower
Image Credit: trianglegardener.com


Cleaning nature: Filters benzene, formaldehyde and TCE. Care: The soil should be soft, moist and permeable. Humidity is very important. It should be pruned in May for abundant flowering.






3 - Peace Flower (Spathiphyllum)

Image Credit: gardeningknowhow.com
image credit: gardeningknowhow.com

Purifying nature: Probably the most common and best known air-purifying flower. Lowers benzene, formaldehyde and TCE Care: You can easily grow it in containers filled with soil containing peat and fiber, in areas that do not receive direct sun but do not have much shade. 1-2 irrigation per week and spraying water on the leaves will be sufficient.











4 - Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Snake Plant
Image Credit: Unknown

Cleansing nature: This hard-leaved herb filters out benzene, formaldehyde, and TCE. Care: It is one of the easiest flowers to care for. It will be sufficient to water once a week in the summer season and once every 2 weeks in the winter season. It should receive indirect, not direct sunlight.




5 - Lily Turf (Liriope muscari)


Lily Turf flower
Image Credit: Wikipedia.com


Cleaning feature: It has the ability to destroy trichloroethylene, ammonia and xylene. Care: It is one of the easiest flowers to care for. Avoid over-watering. It should receive indirect, not direct sunlight.


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