In an effort to identify plants that can filter air in sealed environments, NASA spent 2 years testing common plants to determine the best natural filters. The following list includes plants that perform the best in removing formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide, three common yet toxic contaminants that we regularly find indoors.
- Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifritzii)
- Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestmu)
- English ivy (Hedera helix)
- Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
- Janet Craig (Dracaena)
- Marginata (Dracaena marginata)
- Mass cane/corn plant (Dracaena massangeana)
- Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria laurentii)
- Pot mum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa”)
Photo credit: Krishnakumar Nagaraj