Plants that purify the air naturally according to NASA

NASA’s renowned study on air-purifying plants, originally conducted in 1989, has been revised and expanded with new research in 2025. The results confirm that certain plant species can remove up to 87% of environmental toxins within 24 hours, offering an affordable and natural solution for improving indoor air quality.

The Problem: Pollutants in Enclosed Spaces

According to the WHO, indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air due to:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene
• Common Toxins: Found in furniture, cleaning products, and building materials
• Consequences: Headaches, allergies, respiratory problems, and sick building syndrome

The 10 Most Effective Plants According to New Studies

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

• Eliminates: Formaldehyde (90%), xylene, and benzene
• Maintenance: Low, tolerates low light
• Ideal Location: Kitchens and bathrooms
• New in 2025: Its leaves increase purifying efficiency by 40% in indirect light

2. Tiger’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)

• Eliminates: Benzene (80%), Formaldehyde, trichloroethylene
• Unique Feature: Releases oxygen at night
• Key Fact: Having 8-10 plants in a bedroom improves sleep quality

3. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

• Removes: Formaldehyde (85%), trichloroethylene, benzene
• Habitat: Medium humidity, indirect light
• Capacity: Purifies 30 m³ per adult plant

4. Ribbon Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Removes: Carbon monoxide (95%), xylene
• Reproduction: Easy by suckers
• Additional Benefit: Increases humidity

5. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)

• Removes: Formaldehyde (70%) in large spaces
• Growth: Fast, ideal for living rooms
• Caution: Toxic to pets

6. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

• Removes: Ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde (90%)
• Flowering: Temporary but very effective
• Use: Offices and workspaces

7. Common Ivy (Hedera helix)

• Removes: Mold and fecal matter in the air (94% in 12 hours)
• 2024 Study: Reduces asthma symptoms in children
• Recommendation: Children’s bedrooms

8. Dracaena marginata (Dracaena marginata)

• Removes: Trichloroethylene (70%), xylene
• Height: Up to 3 meters, ideal for hallways
• Hardness: Tolerates occasional drought

9. Philodendron (Philodendron cordatum)

• Removes: Formaldehyde (85%)
• Care: Moderate watering, medium light
• Variety: Multiple decorative options

10. Fan Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

• Eliminates: Ammonia (especially from cleaning products)
• Durability: Highly resistant to pests
• Environment: Bathrooms and laundry rooms

Effectiveness Proven in Real-World Conditions

University of Reading Study (2025):

• Methodology: 100 homes monitored for 6 months
• Results:
  • 45% fewer symptoms of eye and respiratory irritation
  • 35% reduction in PM2.5 particles
  • 27% improvement in sleep quality

How to Maximize Your Effectiveness

Strategic Distribution

• 1 plant per 10 m² for a significant effect
• Combine species for broad-spectrum purification
• Locate near sources of pollution: new furniture, printers, stoves

Essential Care

• Leaf cleaning: Every 15 days to keep pores open
• Suitable substrate: Activated carbon in a mixture for greater filtration
• Correct watering: Avoid waterlogging, which reduces effectiveness

Complementary Technology

• Smart pots: Sensors that alert when the plant needs care
• LED lighting: Specific spectrum to increase plant metabolism

Limits and Precautions

Real Effectiveness

• Does not replace adequate ventilation
• Slow process: Cumulative effect after 2-3 weeks
• Complement to HEPA filtration systems

Practical Considerations

• Toxicity: Some species are dangerous for pets
• Allergies: Ensure they do not cause reactions in those sensitive to pollen
• Maintenance: Requires constant attention for maximum efficiency

Future Trends in Indoor Biophilia

Innovations 2025-2030

• Genetically modified plants: Greater filtration capacity
• Active green walls: With integrated air systems
• Microorganism-plant symbiosis: 300% efficiency increase

Architectural Integration

• Vertical gardens in office buildings
• HVAC systems with integrated plant filtration
• Pots with IoT technology that monitor air quality

“Nature doesn’t just decorate, it decontaminates. Each leaf is a living filter working silently for your health.” — Dr. Lucas Fernández, environmental biologist.