air cleaning plants

HOW TO

PURIFY THE AIR WITH PLANTS

Story by Diana Keeler

Looking for a source of reliable information on the best air-cleaning plants? Few organizations have as vested an interest in healthy air in tight spaces as NASA, the agency responsible for the welfare of its astronauts, who can be confined to small spaces for months on end. The NASA Clean Air Study was originally published in 1989, and it turned out to offer a resounding endorsement to the power of houseplants, and its chief conclusion is just as applicable to your stuffy bedroom as a NASA space station.

NASA CONCURS; PLANTS PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN “CLEANING” OUR AIR.

The NASA study determined an acceptable ratio of air-cleaning plants per square foot: about one plant per 100 square feet. That said, healthy living experts like Dr. Rob Brown argue that in this case, the more, the merrier. Some types of air-cleaning plants, NASA found, do an even better job than others. All plants remove carbon dioxide from our environment — but, as the Clean Air Study showed, some also work to remove potential carcinogens, like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

FILL THE HOUSE WITH HARD WORKING AIR CLEANERS, LIKE...

Sansevieria trifasciata

SNAKE PLANT

Also known as mother-in-law's tongue, this hardy indoor variety excels as an air-cleaning plant, capable of removing benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Snake plants love a sunny corner, though they can tolerate low light as well. Just be sure not to overwater it — wait until the top inch of soil is dry before dousing. It's much easier to overwater this plant than underwater it.

Spathiphyllum ortgiesii

PEACE LILY

Peace lilies are hugely efficient air cleaners — keep one (or more) in a bedroom, as long as it can also get lots of light. If you have a sunny bathroom, even better — peace lilies love warm, humid spaces as much as they like light. Keep its soil moist, though not wet.

Philodendron domesticum

ELEPHANT EAR PHILODENDRON

Are you a bad plant parent? Then elephant ear philodendron is made for you. It can filter formaldehyde out of the air, if not benzene and trichloroethylene — and it can handle your worst abuse. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and while it loves light, be sure it's indirect.

Epipremnum aureum

DEVIL'S IVY

Well accomplished at absorbing benzene and formaldehyde, Devil's Ivy earned its name because it's tough as nails — another good plant for lax plant parents. Avoid full sun (and total darkness), and you'll be good, which makes this a good possibility for a bathroom — it can tolerate low light. Devil's Ivy doesn't need a ton of water, as its root system is shallow — no soaking required.

Philodendron cordatum

HEART-LEAF PHILODENDRON

Like elephant ear philodendron, the heart-leaf variety is an accomplished eliminator of formaldehyde. Its stems can grow to over four feet; it takes well to a hanging basket, or equally so to a moss pole. For all its acrobatics, heart-leaf philodendron is easy to take care of — give it moderate to bright but not direct sun, and allow the soil to dry between waterings.