Through various scientific studies over the years, NASA researchers have proved the power of houseplants in regards to their purifying capabilities, as they  convert carbon dioxide to oxygen and regulate indoor air quality by removing  airborne toxins (some are even known carcinogens) that can negatively impact  your health.

There are also a number of plants that can help detoxify your indoor air, and all  you have to do is water them and enjoy your new fresh home. Here are some of the more effective detoxifying plants.

How Do I Pick a Houseplant?

There are plenty of reasons to create your own lush oasis in your home. In addition to their aesthetic, houseplants supply health benefits. Some of these benefits include air purification, better sleep and a happier, more relaxed and productive mindset. Keep these key factors in mind when selecting plants for your home:

Climate: This isn’t as important for an indoor space thanks to air conditioning. But if you don’t have that luxury or don’t like to use it, the temperature of your home could play a role in which plants will thrive in your space.

Pets and children: If you have fur babies or small children in your home it is important that you pick non-toxic plants or keep them out of reach. Look through this list of poisonous plants carefully to make sure the plants you pick are safe for all of your home’s inhabitants.

Consider your schedule: Look for plants that fit your care capabilities. For example, don’t pick a high maintenance plant if you’re out of the house a lot — reserve those difficult plants for when you’re ready for the commitment.

Your space: When selecting plants, think about how much space you have. Is your space better for hanging plants, floor plants or tabletop and shelf plants?

Light source: The light that your space gets plays a large role in what plants you should include. You can make modifications with things like curtains or artificial lighting if your space isn’t conducive to the plant that you want.

Your style: Consider the style of your home when selecting your plants. Are you going for a jungalow look? Try creating a lush living plant wall. Maybe you want something more low-key like an herb garden or succulent feature.

This review is mainly focusing on the indoor air pollution its categories, sources and remediation by the use of some of the listed 9 indoor plants These air-purifying plants may help clean your air, ease your stress, and increase your focus. Plus, they are easy to care for and hard to kill.

1) Aloe Vera Plant-

You may know this plant as a sunburn soother, but it’s also a wonderful air purifier. Aloe absorbs chemicals from cleaning products and even gives you a warning sign by developing brown spots if the chemicals reach a high level. Filters benzene formaldahyde.

2) Peace Lily- (not pet friendly)

This flowering plant is NASA’s number-one pick for removing formaldehyde ,
trichloroethylene and benzene from the air (particles that get released from carpet and furniture, too) and loves a shady area, which makes it a great pick to keep in your bedroom. However, it is poisonous to cats and dogs, so keep it somewhere your fur babies can’t reach, or avoid it altogether.

3) Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)*

Complementing the Areca palm’s daytime oxygen production, this plant is an
evening oxygen producer – making it an excellent plant choice for the bedroom.
Grow mother-in-law’s tongue, also called a snake plant, to absorb airborne toxins
and to act as a natural humidifier. Filters benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, & toluene.

4) Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)

Also called the “Butterfly Palm,”,

Extremely effective at removing toxins from indoor air, the Areca palm also emits
large amounts of water vapor—a boon in locations with dry air. It’s tolerant of most indoor environments though prefers a humid area to avoid tip damage. (If the tips of your plant go brown, this usually indicates your air is too dry.)

5) Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant destroys benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene with its long wispy leaves and tiny white flowers. Water thoroughly and let the  soil dry out between watering. The spider plant grows quickly and throws out  long stems that produce small flowers and decorative hanging plantlets.

6) Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant destroys benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene with its long wispy leaves and tiny white flowers. Water thoroughly and let the  soil dry out between watering. The spider plant grows quickly and throws out  long stems that produce small flowers and decorative hanging plantlets.

7) Golden Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum

Placing this plant in or near the garage is good choice since engine exhaust is a primary source of formaldehyde. It is also believed to bring the owner good  luck, good fortune and good health in Chinese culture, where Money plants are  often given as gifts on the Chinese New Year. Unfortunately, this type of  bonsai tree is toxic to cats and dogs when ingested, and should also be kept out  of reach of children.

8) Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)

The rubber plant is especially effective at removing formaldehyde from indoor air. During the summer months, feed regularly with diluted liquid fertilizer. Water thoroughly from mid summer to fall, allowing the soil to dry out before watering again. In winter keep slightly moist. This plant doesn’t tolerate overwatering. Caution- Wear gloves when pruning, since the milky sap may irritate the skin.

9) Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant destroys benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene with its long wispy leaves and tiny white flowers. Water thoroughly and let the  soil dry out between watering. The spider plant grows quickly and throws out  long stems that produce small flowers and decorative hanging plantlets.

10) Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa”)

Considered Excellent for removing alcohols, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde, the Peace Lily also has a high transpiration rate to  both purify and humidify indoor air. For best results, the Peace Lily should  be thoroughly watered, then allowed to go moderately dry between waterings.  The leaves should be misted frequently with warm water and washed  occasionally to prevent attack from pests like scale insects and spider mites.  Toxic to humans and pets, the plant’s leaves contain calcium oxalate and  should be kept away from children.

11) Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

A very effective air purifier, especially for formaldehyde. This fern thrives in humid environments when the soil is kept consistently wet, and it is placed in  indirect light. It requires moist soil.

12) Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium spp.)

It detoxes formaldehyde, acetone and chloroform from indoor air. It is a beautiful flowering plant. Many Dendrobium species are also known to  vigorously remove toluene and xylene from the air. These orchids grow quickly  throughout summer, but take a rest during winter.  *May be toxic to  pets and/or children. Before bringing any plant into a home with pets or  children, Aarcs – recommends checking for safety first. If you’re a little  horticulturally-challenged like I am, try indoor plants that are more resilient  and harder to kill like aloe vera, snake plants and peace lilies.