For many of us, our homes provide us with a safe sanctuary - a place to rest and unwind after a long day, space to enjoy our hobbies, and most importantly, shelter from immediate danger, whether it were a raging thunderstorm or a sweltering heatwave.

However, a silent hazard still lingers in the air in the form of toxic compounds released from our very own household items that are generally deemed harmless.

The Environmental Protection Agency notes that with people spending more than 90% of their time indoors as of recently, indoor air pollutants can reach levels up to five times higher than outdoor pollutants. Paints and varnishes from furniture, chemicals in synthetic fibres and detergents, floor waxes, adhesives and even printing ink can be sources of toxic compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Prolonged exposure to these compounds can trigger symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and respiratory issues, and can even go as far as liver and kidney damage. 

A few solutions to reduce these risks and improve air quality include using air purifiers, limiting scented products or improving the ventilation around your house. However, an inexpensive option that also doubles as a decorative piece for the home would be investing in a few indoor plants!

In 1989, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) collaborated with Associated Landscape Contractors of America to carry out a Clean Air Study. Led by Dr. B.C Wolverton, the study showed that plants are capable of filtering compounds such as benzene, ammonia and formaldehyde.
More specifically, they discovered that tropical plants were quite effective in removing these pollutants and replacing them with breathable oxygen. 

These are 7 handpicked NASA-certified houseplants that have been shown to improve the air quality in homes whilst making an aesthetic statement!

Aloe Vera
Proving to be effective in filtering benzene and formaldehyde, these succulent plants are thick and fleshy, retaining water in them. It is well known to be grown for the gel in its leaves that is used as a common ingredient in health and beauty products due to its healing properties and is also considered a delicacy in certain desserts and beverages. Apart from its multiple benefits, this indoor plant works by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide during the night. Tolerant of adverse weather conditions, this low-maintenance plant thrives in bright light and dry soil, requiring water once a week. 

Peace Lily
Reported to improve the air quality by 60% and one of the more popular indoor plants under the Araceae plant family the peace lily is a stylish plant with broad leaves and elegant white flowers that have a pleasant sweet fragrance. This plant was found to be one of the most effective plants in removing multiple pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, ammonia, and xylene as well as fumes in cigarette smoke and paint. They absorb toxins through their leaves, transport them to the roots and break them down in the soil. Peace lilies grow best in warm temperatures, and bright light spaces and require water once a week.

Golden Pothos
Also known as devil’s ivy and money plant, this common houseplant is incredibly hardy and thrives in most indoor environments. It is identified as a creeper with deep green heart-shaped leaves, marbled with streaks of yellow and blessed with a rapid growth rate, sure to bring alive any space it is in. The plant is proven to clean benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene from the air. It thrives well in bright light and requires minimal watering once a week. 

Boston Fern
From the family Nephrolepidaceae and native to forests and swamps, this plant is surely an ornamental piece as it spreads its leaves lusciously in the right conditions. It is found to be effective in removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene as well as airborne germs, mould and bacteria inside the home. Boston ferns thrive in bright, indirect light and humid environments. They require moist soils and as a result, need to be watered at least twice a week.

Red-Edged Dracaena
Native to South Asia and from the Asparagaceae family, this popular and unique plant produces spiky, ribbon-like green leaves with red edges. It may be used as a tabletop centrepiece, although it is important to note that it may reach a height of up to 6 feet and so would be more fitting as a floor plant once grown to a considerable size. The dracaena is efficient in removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene. A sturdy plant in diverse weather conditions, it thrives in moderate indirect light, but can also tolerate low-light environments. It requires minimal watering only once a week or a fortnight. 

Moth Orchid
Also known as Phalaenopsis, these orchids display a single stalk with round leathery flowers that can last for months, usually in white, pink or purple or sometimes a combination of the two, making it a real showstopper in terms of visual appeal. The gracefully attractive plant is effective in cleaning xylene and toluene. They thrive in consistently warm weather in bright indirect light. Watering should be done lightly once a week and should be potted in well-draining soil.

Snake Plant
Sansevieria, or snake plant stands as the perfect indoor plant for anyone who doesn’t possess a green thumb. Being one of the sturdiest common houseplants, it can be recognized by its flat sword-shaped leaves with yellow or white streaks that grow upright. This plant was found to be one of the most effective air purifier plants as they use carbon dioxide to transpire and remove chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene. Snake plants can tolerate hot and humid weather with moderate or bright light and require water only once in 2 weeks.

A quick word of advice
An easily overlooked issue is considering if your indoor plants are harmful to any pets you may have inside the home. It is best to research a plant’s toxicity level before purchasing them as some of them may pose a serious threat if consumed by a dog or cat.

It is important to note that overwatering and exposure to sunlight can also be result of a plant’s death, therefore it is vital to pay attention to their behaviour. Yellow leaves are a sign of moisture stress and overwatering, thus the plant may need to be repotted in well-draining soil. Discoloured or wilted leaves with an overall stunted growth may be a sign of root rot, requiring you to cut off decaying roots and discard them. Leaf spotting may be a symptom of fungal disease caused by bacteria or pathogens, however, spreading may be prevented by cutting off these leaves and allowing the plant to dry. 
Directed by NASA, it is recommended to have at least one plant per 100 square feet of indoor space for noticeable air purification. 

Prioritising a clean and healthier environment for us to rest, work and thrive has become crucial as we advance forward to a greener future and the presence of these plants has risen to considerable significance as our time spent indoors has increased by a noteworthy margin since the Covid-19 pandemic. Making space for these natural air purifiers will not only improve our quality of life but also add an element of beauty to our homes. Happy planting!