Aloe plant
This succulent is known for being a great natural treatment for burns (simply cut a leaf and rub the juice on the burned area). Fewer people know that it also helps purify the air. It is especially effective at removing formaldehyde, a harmful chemical that’s present in particle board, carpets, flame retardants and much more.
Mums (Chrysanthemum)
While these flowering plants are commonly used outside, they are extremely beneficial inside when it comes to removing benzene and trichoroethylene, a chemical used by the dry cleaning industry and in printing inks, paints, varnishes, and adhesives that is considered to be a potent liver carcinogen. Keep mums in a location where they will receive a lot of light. They may not bloom all year, but they will help your home’s air all year.
Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum or Scindapsus aureus)
This hanging plant is one of the most common in homes, particularly because it’s so easy to grow. You can also easily take cuttings and root them to start new plants or share with friends. NASA studies showed that Devil’s Ivy was one of the best plants for removing formaldehyde from the air, among other chemicals.
Ficus
These plants are easy to grow, make attractive small potted trees and also help purify the air from many irritants and chemicals, including ammonia and formaldehyde.
Gerbera Daisies
NASA studies showed these plants to be some of the best at removing benzene, a known carcinogen that can also cause headaches, drowsiness, loss of appetite and other health problems. Sources of benzene include inks, dyes, plastics, rubber and detergents and other common household products. They prefer bright light and work well in a sunny window.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Another hanging plant that’s easy to care for, this one also purifies well. It is considered one of the best all-around at counteracting off-gassing chemicals and contributing to balanced indoor humidity.
Areca Palm
The top air purifying plant as ranked by NASA’s study is the Areca palm tree. It removes all indoor toxins that are tested and is also considered the best houseplant for humidifying the air. Areca Palms prefer bright sunlight.
Boston Fern
This easy-care hanging plant removes many contaminants, including benzene, formaldehyde and xylene. Wisegeek reports:
It is estimated that common Boston ferns can remove a full 1,800 micrograms of formaldehyde from the air per hour. This means that placing the plants in a room can virtually eliminate formaldehyde that may be introduced through off-gassing.
Philodendrons
NASA studies found that these commonly loved hanging plants were the most effective at removing higher concentrations of formaldehyde (aloe was best when concentrations were low).
Note: philodendrons are poisonous.
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
