Houseplants are unique components of interior decor; they are living, dynamic forms that provide colour and improve air quality by generally producing more oxygen than they consume. But they are more than just oxygen producers, the folks at NASA discovered that some of the plants we have been using as decoration absorb and clean the air of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds, such as benzene and formaldehyde), in addition to some synthetic compounds (such as trichloroethylene and xylene) typically found in homes. We convened our panel of experts who combed through NASA’s data to produce the following list of essential indoor plants.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Absorbs: Benzene and Formaldehyde
Benefits: Treats burns and eczema
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Absorbs: Formaldehyde
Benefits: Air purification capability increases with size
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Absorbs: Formaldehyde
Benefits: Natural humidifier
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Absorbs: Formaldehyde
Benefits: Drought and shade tolerant
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
Absorbs: Formaldehyde
Benefits: High oxygen production
Devil’s Ivy / Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)
Absorbs: Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Xylene
Benefits: Traditionally auspicious
Florists’ Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Absorbs: Benzene, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene, Xylene, and Ammonia
Benefits: Easily accessible in a range of colours
Gerbera / Barberton Daisy (Gerbera sp. / Gerbera jamesonii)
Absorbs: Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Trichloroethylene
Benefits: All-round air purifier
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)
Absorbs: Benzene, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene, Xylene, and Ammonia
Benefits: Easy care
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Absorbs: Benzene, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene, and Xylene
Benefits: Drought and shade resistant
