You already know that plants make us feel good mentally and physically, their most important health benefit is air purifying. In 1989 NASA conducted a research study on how to best clean the air inside its space station. It concluded that certain common houseplants like the Snake Plant or Parlor Palm are extremely effective at removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air, and in addition to removing CO2 and creating oxygen.

All plants in general are capable to clean the air, but here's few of the most powerful air-purifying plants:

1- Devil’s Ivy or Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)

The Pothos has been shown to filter benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.


2- Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

It can filter benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene. Also great for people with allergies as they release lots of oxygen and add moisture to the air, which lessens the impact of airborne allergens like dust and dander.

3- Arecaceae Palms like Parlour palms, Kentia palms and  Bamboo palm.

They are a powerhouse when it comes to eliminating toxins like benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene. And they are non-toxic to dogs and cats.

4- Zz Plant (Zamioculcas)

This plant is one of the toughest plants and it thrives on neglect. Capable of removing significant amounts of xylene, toluene, benzene and ethylbenzene from the air.

5- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

This beautiful flowering plant can decrease and remove toxins like benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene.

6- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

The Spider Plant is also known for its tremendous air purifying qualities, making it a healthy addition to your home as well. Remove toxins like formaldehyde and xylene.

7- Rubber plants (Ficus Elastica)

Not only do they look good, but they are also one of the best for filtering out impurities from the air, it have been shown to filter formaldehyde.

8-  Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)

Ferns have been shown to filter formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.

9- Philodendron

This easy care plant is perfect for a high shelf. Philodendrons have been shown to filter formaldehyde.

10- Dracaena

The Dracaenas are popular in houses and offices and known to remove toxins like xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde.

11- Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera isn’t just handy for their anti-inflammatory properties but it turns out it is a great air purifier too. Removes formaldehyde.

12- Anthurium Lenny (Anthurium Andraeanum)

The perfect plant to add a pop of colour to any room and clean it's air. Removes Ammonia, Formaldehyde, Toluene and Xylene.


There are many plants that can improve the overall quality of the air, but these are the top 12 popular plants. While plants do in fact clean the air, one plant won’t necessarily make a big change in your air quality, you need a high concentration of plants in order to receive the benefits. Also the more plants you have, the more lush foliage and style to your space. We encourage you to bring all different varieties of plants into your living spaces to improve air quality.