Which houseplants really help at home? We look at 10 popular species and explain what the NASA report and later scientific studies show.
10 plants that purify the air at home, what research confirms, and what is worth knowing in practice
Houseplants have for years been an important element when it comes to the home, interiors, and everyday spatial design. They add color, organize the composition, soften the light, and help create a more welcoming atmosphere. You also often hear that some species purify the air. But how much of that is fact, and how much is marketing? That is exactly what is worth sorting out, especially if you are furnishing an apartment, planning a green balcony, or want to approach the topic in the spirit of minimalism, meaning fewer random decorations and more sensible choices.
Try our tool too: AI Wróżka.
The starting point is the famous NASA report by B.C. Wolverton and colleagues from 1989, concerning plants indoors and their potential role in removing volatile organic compounds. The study showed that selected plants can reduce some pollutants under laboratory conditions. However, later analyses, including the review by Cummings and Waring published in 2019, point out that results from sealed test chambers do not translate directly to a typical home. In other words, plants can support the quality of the indoor environment, but they do not replace ventilation, sensible layout, limiting sources of pollution, and regular cleaning.
If you are interested in a practical home and garden, it is best to look at plants realistically. Choose species that are easy to grow and match the light, size, and style of the interior. In this way, you gain aesthetics, a better microclimate, and a more refined arrangement at the same time. For inspiration, you can also visit the Home and Garden, Nature, Herbs sections and the blog.
What the NASA study really says and what later analyses say
The 1989 NASA report studied plants in small, controlled chambers. Their ability to remove substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene was tested. The results were promising, and to this day many articles about air-purifying plants are based on them.
The problem is that laboratory conditions differ significantly from everyday life. In a normal home there is air exchange, changing temperatures, dust, furniture, textiles, cooking, and opening windows. The 2019 review by Cummings and Waring showed that to achieve an effect comparable to building ventilation, a very large number of plants would be needed in a small area. In turn, the U.S. EPA has long emphasized that the key factors for air quality are removing the pollution source, ventilation, and humidity control.
In practice, this means one thing. Houseplants are worth having, but as part of a larger plan for a healthy and comfortable home, not as the only solution. Good interior design also means fresh air, light, ease of cleaning, fewer dust collectors, and a thoughtful choice of materials.
10 plants that most often appear in the context of air purification
Below you will find 10 species often mentioned in the NASA report and later lists. For each one, I note what its strengths are from the perspective of everyday cultivation and interior design. This is a practical approach, especially if you care about a functional home, a coherent decor, and a sensible budget.
Peace lily. One of the most frequently mentioned species. It grows well in indirect light and suits the living room, bedroom, and home office. In interior design, it works well in modern spaces and soft minimalism. It likes regular watering and higher humidity.
Golden pothos. A very rewarding plant for beginners. You can train it on a support or let the stems trail freely. It is a good choice for small interiors because it uses vertical space. It is often recommended as one of the easier houseplants.
Snake plant. Valued for its resilience to drying out and its simple, architectural form. It suits loft, Japandi, and minimalist styles. It is a good choice if you want houseplants without complicated care.
Spider plant. Light in appearance, good for shelves and DIY plant stands. It grows quickly, tolerates average conditions well, and is easy to propagate. Its arching leaves balance heavier furniture and hard lines in the interior nicely.
English ivy. Known for its decorative growth habit. Indoors it is often grown as a trailing plant or trained on a support. It creates the effect of a green wall on a miniature scale, so it can support a more natural arrangement. However, it requires care, as it does not always tolerate dry, warm rooms well.
Dragon tree. Slender and elegant, good where you want to add height without cluttering the floor. It often appears in offices and living areas. It is useful when your home needs a vertical accent and a balcony or garden is not available.
Areca palm. One of the most striking plants for larger interiors. Its delicate leaves beautifully diffuse the light and warm up the arrangement. It needs a bit more space and regular care, but gives a very strong visual effect.
Weeping fig. A classic for more spacious rooms. It likes stable conditions and does not appreciate being moved often. If you find it a good spot, it can become the main green focal point of the living room. It is a plant that works well for the overall feel of the interior.
Boston fern. Good for a bathroom with a window or rooms with higher humidity. It brings softness and a slightly romantic character. If you like a home with more texture, a fern pairs beautifully with wood, ceramics, and light fabrics.
Aglaonema. Does well in partial shade and comes in many leaf varieties. It is a practical choice for apartments where the light is not ideal. It combines decorative value with relatively simple care.
How to choose plants for the home so it makes sense
The best plant is not the one that only looks good in a photo. The best is the one that truly fits the conditions you have. According to the guidance of the Royal Horticultural Society, the key is matching the species to the amount of light, temperature, and humidity. In practice, before you buy a plant, answer a few questions for yourself.
- How much natural light enters the room in the morning and afternoon?
- Do you open the windows often and air out the home?
- Do you have space for large pots, or are you rather looking for solutions for shelves and windowsills?
- Do you care about easy maintenance because your lifestyle is fast-paced?
- Is the plant meant to be only decoration, or part of a larger arrangement with the function of dividing space?
If you value minimalism, choose 2 to 4 larger specimens instead of a dozen small pots. Such a setup usually looks cleaner, makes tidying easier, and better organizes the interior. In smaller apartments, vertical space works well, meaning DIY plant stands, shelves, and hanging planters. This lets you add greenery without taking up valuable usable space.
Plants and air quality: what works best beyond the pot
If your goal is a real improvement in air quality, it is worth relying on recommendations from institutions such as the U.S. EPA and WHO. The greatest importance lies in basic actions that often cost less than trendy interior gadgets.
Air out regularly. Briefly, intensively, and preferably several times a day if outdoor conditions allow it.
Limit pollution sources. Choose low-emission paints and materials, do not smoke indoors, and use scented candles and strong air fresheners with caution.
Control humidity. Excess moisture encourages mold, and overly dry air reduces comfort. Efficient ventilation, sensible laundry drying, and good ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen help.
Clean regularly. Dust settles on textiles, shelves, and leaves. Wiping plants regularly and vacuuming improves appearance and helps plants access light.
Do not overwater plants. Soil that is too wet can lead to mold and fungus gnats, which reduces comfort indoors.
This is important because a green corner alone will not solve air quality problems if the apartment lacks ventilation or has many emission sources. Plants work best as a supplement, not a replacement for sensible habits.
How to include plants in interior design, on the balcony, and in the entry area
The topic of air purification is worth combining with decorative function. Well-chosen houseplants help visually divide zones, emphasize the height of a room, or soften very technical interiors. This is especially important if you are furnishing a home in a practical way, without too many ornaments.
In the living room, larger forms work best, such as an areca palm, a dragon tree, or a fig. In the bedroom, calmer compositions with a snake plant, peace lily, or aglaonema work well. In the kitchen and near the dining area, moderation is worthwhile to make cleaning easier and not overload the countertop. If you have a balcony, you can treat it as an extension of the interior. Seasonal plants and planters in a similar color palette create visual continuity between the home and the outdoor area. Even a small winter garden on the windowsill can improve the feel of the apartment.
A good trick is also repetition in pots. One form, two or three colors, and a few different heights create order. This approach is consistent with the idea of minimalism and very helpful when you want the arrangement to feel calm rather than random. In this sense, plants are not only decoration but a compositional tool.
DIY, care, and the mistakes that most often ruin the effect
Plants can transform interiors, but only when they are cared for properly. The most common mistake is buying too many species at once without checking the conditions. The second is placing every plant in a south-facing window, or on the contrary, in a corner that is too dark. The third is overwatering.
If you enjoy DIY projects, start with simple solutions. Use a wooden shelf for a green composition, ceramic planters in one tone, or a wheeled stand for a larger pot. This makes it easier to move the plant for cleaning and better light. In a small apartment, a single strong accent works great too, for example a large dragon tree next to the sofa instead of many small accessories.
Also remember safety. Some popular plants can be irritating or unsuitable for pets and small children. Before buying, it is worth checking information from a reliable horticultural source or from the seller. This is especially important when you are furnishing a family home and want to combine aesthetics with functionality.
Conclusions: plants make sense if you look at them realistically
The 1989 NASA study had a huge impact on the popularity of the phrase about air-purifying plants. However, later scientific analyses show that in a typical home their impact on air quality is limited and does not replace ventilation. That does not mean plants are not worthwhile. They are, and very much so, but for the right reasons.
Well-chosen houseplants improve the perception of a space, support a harmonious arrangement, help create a cozy home, and can encourage better care for tidiness. Combined with regular airing, sensible material choices, and simple care, they really raise the comfort of living. So if you are furnishing interiors in a practical, fact-based way, treat greenery as a smart complement to the whole. This approach best combines aesthetics, a garden on a miniature scale, and everyday comfort.
The content is for educational purposes and does not replace advice from a ventilation specialist, air quality expert, or individual horticultural guidance.
Sources
- NASA, B.C. Wolverton et al., Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement, 1989, https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930073077
- Cummings, B.E., Waring, M.S., Potted plants do not improve indoor air quality, a review and analysis, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jexpo.2019.03.001
- U.S. EPA, Indoor Air Quality, 2023, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq
- WHO, WHO global air quality guidelines, 2021, https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240034228
- Royal Horticultural Society, Houseplants: choosing, growing and care guidance, 2024, https://www.rhs.org.uk/houseplants
FAQ
Do houseplants really purify the air in the home?
Yes, under laboratory conditions some species show such an ability, as NASA described in 1989. However, later analyses, including Cummings and Waring from 2019, indicate that in a normal home the effect is limited. Ventilation and reducing sources of pollution remain the most important factors.
Which plants should I choose for an apartment if I am a beginner?
The easiest to start with are usually the snake plant, pothos, spider plant, and aglaonema. These are houseplants that tolerate typical home conditions well and do not require very complicated care.
How many plants do you need to notice a difference?
There is no single simple number, because everything depends on the size of the space, ventilation, and sources of pollution. The studies agree that a few plants will improve the look of the interior and the microclimate, but they will not replace effective airing and tidiness.
Can houseplants be combined with balcony design?
Yes, and it is a very good idea. When you repeat the colors of pots, materials, and some seasonal species, the balcony becomes a natural extension of the interior. Such an arrangement strengthens the continuity between the home and the outdoor area.
