Potted plants, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, have been shown to clean and purify air in an indoor setting– and for New Yorkers, fresh air is hard to come by! In 1989, NASA conducted a groundbreaking study on the air-filtering capacity of common indoor plants, compiling a list of species that filter toxins such as formaldehyde, ammonia, benzenes, and more.
Here are some plants that not only make great on Instagram posts, but will work hard to keep your air oxygenated and fresh.
1. Spider Plant
This plant is cute and bouncy and also very hard to kill! Perfect for those without a green thumb. This plant will help filter xylene and carbon monoxide. It is also non-toxic to your pets.
2. Chinese Evergreen
This plant is perfect for the bathroom for two reasons– it loves the humidity and it filters out chemicals found in cosmetics and hairsprays.
3. Dragon Tree
If you want a big statement plant for your living room, Dragon Tree is the answer. It’ll grow all the way to the ceiling if you let it, and it has bright red edges to the leaves. This plant filters trichloroethylene, a chemical commonly found in varnishes, adhesives, and some cleaners, as well as xylene, which can come from rubber and car exhausts.
4. Aloe Vera
The plant that does it all! Not only is aloe vera great for the skin, or delicious as a juice — the succulent plant cleans benzene, a common ingredient in cleaning supplies and plastics, and formaldehyde from the air.
5. Snake Plant
This popular plant hits almost everything on the list as far as a common airborne toxin, including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene. It’s easy to take care of, as it’s a succulent and doesn’t require constant pruning or watering. Best placed in the bedroom, it releases oxygen throughout the night, helping ensure you get a good night’s sleep with the purest air possible.
6. Chrysanthemum
Let’s end the list with a beautiful flowering plant. Chrysanthemum filters out ammonia and benzene. Keep it by the window in the sun for best results!
Clara E.
Originally from upstate New York, Clara moved to Brooklyn in the spring of 2017 to finish her undergraduate degree and pursue her passions for architectural restoration, music composition, and visual art. She works as a receptionist at Element. In her free time, Clara likes to explore new neighborhoods, go to museums, and play the piano.