Why NASA Recommends Indoor Plants to Purify your Air
Want to improve air quality by removing toxins to breathe easier? According to the study Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement produced by NASA in 1989, certain indoor plants do more than just look good - they actively filter harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde while boosting oxygen levels.
The top 5 indoor plants recommended for purifying air in your home are:
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Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
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Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
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Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
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Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
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Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Snake Plants
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Best for: bedrooms, low-light corners, narrow spaces and people with busy lifestyles
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Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene, Toluene and Nitrogen oxides
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Pro tip: Also known as Mother in Laws Tongue, or Sansevieria, this plant is nearly indestructible. It converts CO2 into oxygen at night, making it the perfect bedroom addition.
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Pet friendly: No, snake plants are not pet friendly.
Spider Plants
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Best for: Hanging baskets, tabletops
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Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, Xylene and Toulene
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Pro tip: Also known as Chlorophytum comosum, their leaves fade to grey and droop when they require a water top up. Don't fret – they'll perk back up to green in no time.
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Pet friendly: Yes, Spider Plants are pet friendly.
Peace Lily
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Best for: Humid areas such as bathrooms and laundries and anywhere near a bright window
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Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, Benzene, Trichloroethylene, Xylene and Ammonia
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Pro tip: Spathiphyllum come in many varieties including Spathiphyllum Sensation with thick broad green leaves to Spathiphyllum White Domino – a speckling of white on an otherwise green leaf.
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Pet friendly: Keep your Peace Lilies away from curious pets – the blooms are toxic!
Rubber Plants
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Best for: Rubber Plants love to grow big and tall. Place your Ficus Elastica in a pot near a bright window.
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Toxins removed: Formaldehyde. Ficus also help to act as a natural dust collector and are a great oxygen producer.
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Pro tip: Make sure to wipe down the leaves regularly.
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Pet friendly: Toxic to pets.
Bamboo Palm
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Best for: Bamboo Palms are ideal for creating a natural privacy screen on a sheltered balcony or within an office, whilst still allowing light through.
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Toxins removed: Benzene, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene, Xylene and Toluene.
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Pro tip: Avoid placing Bamboo Palms in direct sun as this may scorch the leaves, instead position it in a sheltered area of the balcony with bright, indirect light.
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Pet friendly: Yes – they're a safe non-toxic choice for homes with curious dogs and cats.
How do plants naturally purify the air?
Indoor plants help to naturally purify the air, improving air quality through photosynthesis and transpiration, removing pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and more.
Shop Air Purifying Plants Near You
Looking for air purifying plants in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney or Perth? Visit your nearest The Grow Centre store today or shop online for fast delivery Australia-wide.
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