NASA Recommends - Top 10 Plants to Purify the Air in Your Home
House Plants · Air Purifying Plants
Short answer
According to NASA's Clean Air Study, plants like ivy, peace lily, areca palm, and yarrow reduce volatile compounds like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene in indoor air by absorbing them with their leaves. This list comes from experiments conducted in 1989 in collaboration with NASA and ALCA (Associated Landscape Contractors of America); measurements were taken in enclosed, poorly ventilated test chambers.
To see results in a home or office setting, a single plant isn't enough; experts recommend one medium-sized potted plant per 10 square meters. Below, we've compared plants based on their light requirements, ease of care, and pet safety.
1989 is the publication year of the NASA Clean Air Study .
One medium-sized pot is recommended per 10 m².
The three main targets are formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, which are pollutants.
Indoor air isn't always as clean as outdoor air; furniture, paint, and cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). NASA's study aimed to identify plants that reduce these compounds, and it has been used as a reference for houseplant selection ever since. This article describes the plants on the list, their care challenges, and which ones are most practical for an apartment or office in Istanbul.
What is the NASA list, and why is it reliable?
In 1989, NASA initiated research to improve indoor air quality on space stations. Plants were placed in sealed, glass-enclosed test chambers, then exposed to formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene gases. After 24 hours, air samples were measured. The results showed that some plants absorbed a significant portion of these gases through their leaves and soil microorganisms.
It's important to clarify one point here: in a real home, with open doors and natural air circulation, the effect cannot be measured as clearly as in laboratory conditions. Nevertheless, plants are known to improve humidity balance and provide psychological relaxation; this makes them worthwhile to keep indoors.
Top 10 air-purifying plants
We selected 10 species from the NASA list that are easiest to grow in apartments and offices in Istanbul. They are listed in order from least to most light required:
Those who grow up with little light
- Sansevieria (rue plant): produces oxygen even at night; watering once a week is sufficient.
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum): shade tolerant, it signals thirst by dropping its leaves.
- Pothos (ivy): one of the most hardy climbing plants, tolerant of neglected watering.
Those who want medium light
- Areca palm: its large leaf surface regulates moisture, making it suitable for living room corners.
- Marigold (Aglaonema): decorative with patterned leaves, sensitive to heat.
- Dieffenbachia: grows quickly, should be placed carefully in homes with pets.
Those who like plenty of light
- Gerbera: because it flowers, it also adds to the visual appeal; it prefers a sunny window.
- Chrysanthemum: short-lived but one of the best in air purification capacity.
- English ivy (Hedera helix): prefers cool, bright environments and looks beautiful in hanging pots.
- Bamboo palm: harmless to pets, thrives in medium to high light.
Give your loved ones a plant as a gift. Choose one of our air-purifying plants and have it delivered anywhere in Istanbul the same day.
Plant comparison chart
Comparison of lighting, irrigation, and pet safety.
| Herb | Light | Irrigation frequency | Pet safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mother-of-pearl plant | Low light | Every 10-14 days | Mildly toxic. |
| Peace lily | Low to medium light | Once a week | Toxic |
| Pothos | Low to medium light | Once a week | Toxic |
| Areca palm | Medium light | Twice a week | Trustworthy |
| Bamboo palm | Medium to bright light | Twice a week | Trustworthy |
| Dieffenbachia | Medium light | Once a week | Toxic |
Which plant is right for you?
If you live in an apartment with little light, rue or peace lily are the most practical choices; both are low-maintenance and tolerant of forgetfulness. If you want oxygen-producing and eye-soothing greenery on your office desk, we recommend pothos or areca palm; both are among the most preferred office plants .
If you have a cat or dog at home, consider safer options like bamboo palm or areca palm instead of toxic species such as dieffenbachia, peace lily, and pothos. If in doubt, be sure to read the care instructions on the card when you receive the plant.
Common maintenance mistakes
The most common mistake is overwatering; root rot leads to plant loss much faster than drought. Watering when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry is sufficient for most species. The second mistake is exposing them to direct sunlight; most air-purifying plants are understory species and can suffer leaf burn.
Tip: Regularly drain any water that collects in the saucer under the pot; this is a common cause of root rot, especially in heated environments during winter.
- Do not place the plant under a radiator or air conditioner vent.
- Don't leave it in the same pot for years without changing the soil; it will deplete the nutrients.
- Don't let the leaves get dusty; wiping them with a damp cloth will facilitate photosynthesis.
Gift and office supplies suggestions
Air-purifying plants are also suitable as gifts for new jobs, moves, or office openings; they are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. When looking for a gift for a promotion or new job , a live plant is a more lasting gesture than cut flowers.
- Houseplants · Areca palm and similar broad-leaved species for large spaces.
- Office plants · Low-maintenance, compact options for desks and corners.
- Succulents and cacti · minimum maintenance . Options that don't require frequent watering, perfect for forgetful people.
Send flowers with same-day delivery. We deliver orders placed before 2 PM to anywhere in Istanbul on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Purifying Plants
Which plants are the best air-purifying plants recommended by NASA?
Rue, peace lily, pothos, areca palm, bamboo palm, dieffenbachia, marigold, gerbera, chrysanthemum, and English ivy are at the top of the list.
How many plants should be kept in a room?
The general recommendation is one medium-sized pot per 10 square meters; very small pots won't make a noticeable difference.
Which plants are harmless to pets?
Bamboo palm and areca palm are generally considered safe for pets; peace lily, pothos, and dieffenbachia are toxic.
Which plant can grow in a dimly lit apartment?
Rue and peace lily thrive even in low light; watering once a week is sufficient.
Are air-purifying plants really effective?
The effect measured under laboratory conditions does not occur to the same extent in real homes with open doors; nevertheless, the humidity balance and psychological benefits are undeniable.
Which plants are recommended for the office?
Pothos and areca palms are the most practical options for office desks due to their low maintenance requirements and durability.
Sources
Last update: 2024-06-10.
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Houseplants · Air-Purifying Plants
Quick answer
According to NASA's Clean Air Study, plants like snake plant, peace lily, areca palm, and pothos absorb volatile compounds such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from indoor air through their leaves. This list came out of experiments conducted in 1989 through a partnership between NASA and ALCA (Associated Landscape Contractors of America), measured in sealed, low-ventilation test chambers.
A single plant isn't enough to notice the effect in a home or office; experts recommend one medium-sized pot per 10 square meters. Below, we've compared these plants by light needs, care difficulty, and pet safety.
1989Year the NASA Clean Air Study was published
10 m²Recommended coverage per medium-sized pot
3 pollutantsFormaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene are the main targets
Indoor air isn't always as clean as we assume; furniture, paint, and cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). NASA's study was designed to identify plants that reduce these compounds, and it's still used as a reference for houseplant selection today. In this article, we cover the plants on the list, how demanding they are to care for, and which ones are most practical for an apartment or office in Istanbul.
What is the NASA list, and why is it reliable?
In 1989, NASA launched a study to improve indoor air quality on space stations. Plants were placed in sealed, glass-enclosed test chambers, then exposed to formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene gases. Air samples were measured after 24 hours. The results showed that certain plants absorbed a significant portion of these gases through their leaves and soil microorganisms.
It's worth clarifying one thing: in a real home with open doors and natural air circulation, the effect can't be measured as distinctly as under lab conditions. Still, plants are known to improve humidity balance and provide psychological comfort, which makes them worth keeping at home regardless.
The top 10 air-purifying plants
We picked 10 species from the NASA list that grow easiest in Istanbul apartments and offices, ordered from lowest to highest light requirement:
Low-light plants
- Snake plant (Sansevieria): produces oxygen even at night, only needs watering once a week.
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum): shade-tolerant, its leaves droop to signal when it's thirsty.
- Pothos (devil's ivy): one of the hardiest climbing plants, tolerates forgotten waterings.
Medium-light plants
- Areca palm: balances humidity with its broad leaf surface, great for living room corners.
- Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema): decorative with patterned leaves, sensitive to heat.
- Dieffenbachia: grows fast, should be placed carefully in homes with pets.
Bright-light plants
- Gerbera: adds visual appeal with its flowers, needs a sunny window.
- Chrysanthemum: short-lived but one of the top performers on the list for air purification.
- English ivy (Hedera helix): prefers cool, bright spots, looks great in hanging pots.
- Bamboo palm: harmless to pets, thrives in medium-to-high light.
Gift a plant to someone you love Choose one of our air-purifying plants and have it delivered anywhere in Istanbul the same day.
Browse living room plantsPlant comparison table
Comparing light, watering, and pet safety
| Plant | Light | Watering frequency | Pet safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snake plant | Low light | Every 10-14 days | Mildly toxic |
| Peace lily | Low-medium light | Once a week | Toxic |
| Pothos | Low-medium light | Once a week | Toxic |
| Areca palm | Medium light | Twice a week | Safe |
| Bamboo palm | Medium-bright light | Twice a week | Safe |
| Dieffenbachia | Medium light | Once a week | Toxic |
Which plant is right for you?
If you live in a low-light apartment, snake plant or peace lily are the most practical choices; both need minimal care and tolerate forgetfulness. If you want oxygen production and soothing greenery on your office desk, we recommend pothos or areca palm; both are among the most popular office plants.
If you have a cat or dog at home, consider safe options like bamboo palm or areca palm instead of toxic species such as dieffenbachia, peace lily, and pothos. If in doubt, be sure to read the care note when you receive the plant.
Common care mistakes
The most common mistake is overwatering; root rot causes plant loss much faster than drought does. Watering once the top 2-3 cm of soil dries out is enough for most species. The second mistake is exposing plants to direct sunlight; most air-purifying plants are understory species and can suffer leaf burn.
Tip Empty the water that collects in the saucer regularly; this is the most common cause of root rot, especially in heated indoor environments during winter.
- Don't place the plant under a radiator or air conditioning vent.
- Don't leave it in the same pot for years without repotting; nutrients run out.
- Don't let dust settle on the leaves; wiping them with a damp cloth makes photosynthesis easier.
Gift and office recommendations
Air-purifying plants also make great gifts for a new job, a move, or an office opening; they're both attractive and functional. When looking for a promotion or new job gift, a living plant is a longer-lasting gesture than cut flowers.
- Living room plants · for large spacesAreca palm and similar broad-leaved species.
- Office plants · for desks and cornersLow-maintenance, compact-sized options.
- Succulents and cacti · minimal careOptions that don't need frequent watering, great for the forgetful.
Send flowers with same-day delivery Orders placed by 2:00 PM are delivered anywhere in Istanbul the same day.
Send flowersFrequently Asked Questions About Air-Purifying Plants
What are the best air-purifying plants recommended by NASA?
Snake plant, peace lily, pothos, areca palm, bamboo palm, dieffenbachia, Chinese evergreen, gerbera, chrysanthemum, and English ivy top the list.
How many plants should you keep in a room?
The general recommendation is one medium-sized pot per 10 square meters; very small pots won't have a noticeable effect.
Which plants are safe for pets?
Bamboo palm and areca palm are generally considered safe for pets; peace lily, pothos, and dieffenbachia are toxic.
Which plants thrive in a low-light apartment?
Snake plant and peace lily grow well even in low light, and only need watering once a week.
Are air-purifying plants really effective?
The effect measured under lab conditions doesn't occur at the same rate in real homes with open doors; still, the benefits for humidity balance and psychological wellbeing are undeniable.
Which plant is recommended for the office?
Pothos and areca palm are the most practical choices for office desks thanks to their low maintenance needs and resilience.
Sources
Last updated: 2024-06-10.