Which houseplants really benefit your home? We explore 10 popular species and delve into the insights provided by the NASA report and subsequent scientific studies.
10 plants that purify the air at home, what research confirms, and what is worth knowing in practice
For years, houseplants have been an integral part of home interiors and everyday spatial design. They add color, enhance composition, soften light, and create a more inviting atmosphere. You often hear that certain species purify the air. But how much of this is fact, and how much is mere marketing? It's essential to clarify this, especially if you're furnishing an apartment, planning a green balcony, or approaching the topic with a minimalist mindset—fewer random decorations and more thoughtful choices.
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The starting point is the renowned NASA report by B.C. Wolverton and colleagues from 1989, which examined indoor plants 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 a review by Cummings and Waring published in 2019, indicate that results from sealed test chambers do not directly translate to typical home environments. In other words, while plants can support indoor air quality, they do not replace proper ventilation, thoughtful layout, limiting pollution sources, and regular cleaning.
For those interested in creating a practical home and garden, it's best to view plants realistically. Choose species that are easy to care for and suited to the light, size, and style of your interior. This way, you'll achieve aesthetics, enhance your microclimate, and create a more refined arrangement simultaneously. 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 reveal
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 challenge is that laboratory conditions differ significantly from real life. In a typical home, there is air exchange, varying temperatures, dust, furniture, textiles, cooking, and open windows. The 2019 review by Cummings and Waring showed that to achieve an effect comparable to built-in ventilation, a very large number of plants would be required in a small area. Moreover, the U.S. EPA has long emphasized that the key factors for air quality are eliminating pollution sources, ensuring ventilation, and controlling humidity.
In practical terms, this means one thing: houseplants are worthwhile, but as part of a broader plan for a healthy and comfortable home, not as the sole solution. Good interior design also includes fresh air, natural light, ease of cleaning, fewer dust collectors, and thoughtful material choices.
10 plants most commonly associated with air purification
Below, you'll find 10 species frequently mentioned in the NASA report and subsequent lists. For each one, I've highlighted its strengths from the perspective of everyday care and interior design. This practical approach is especially valuable if you prioritize a functional home, cohesive decor, and a sensible budget.
Peace lily. One of the most frequently mentioned species. It thrives in indirect light and is ideal for the living room, bedroom, and home office. In terms of interior design, it complements modern spaces and soft minimalism beautifully. It enjoys regular watering and higher humidity.
Golden pothos. A very rewarding plant for beginners. You can train it on a support or let the stems cascade freely. It's an excellent choice for smaller interiors because it utilizes vertical space effectively. Often recommended as one of the easiest houseplants.
Snake plant. Valued for its resilience against drying out and its simple, architectural form. It fits well with loft, Japandi, and minimalist styles. A great option if you want houseplants that require minimal care.
Spider plant. Light and airy in appearance, it’s perfect for shelves and DIY plant stands. It grows quickly, tolerates average conditions well, and is easy to propagate. Its arching leaves beautifully balance heavier furniture and hard lines in the interior.
English ivy. Known for its attractive growth habit. Indoors, it is often grown as a trailing plant or trained on a support. It creates a miniature green wall effect, enhancing natural arrangements. However, it needs attention, as it doesn't always tolerate dry, warm rooms well.
Dragon tree. Slender and elegant, ideal for adding height without cluttering the floor. It often appears in offices and living spaces. It's particularly useful when your home needs a vertical accent, especially if a balcony or garden isn't available.
Areca palm. One of the most striking plants for larger interiors. Its delicate leaves beautifully diffuse light and warm the overall décor. It requires a bit more space and regular care, but provides a significant visual impact.
Weeping fig. A classic choice for more spacious rooms. It prefers stable conditions and doesn't appreciate frequent relocation. Once established in a good spot, it can become the focal point of the living room. This plant contributes positively to the overall ambiance of the interior.
Boston fern. Excellent for bathrooms with windows or rooms with higher humidity. It adds softness and a touch of romantic character. If you favor a home with more texture, a fern pairs beautifully with wood, ceramics, and light fabrics.
Aglaonema. Thrives in partial shade and comes in various leaf varieties. It's a practical choice for apartments where light conditions aren't ideal. It combines aesthetic appeal with relatively easy care.
How to choose plants for your home wisely
The best plant isn’t just the one that looks good in photos; it’s the one that truly fits your conditions. According to guidance from the Royal Horticultural Society, the key is to match the species to the available light, temperature, and humidity. In practice, before purchasing a plant, consider a few questions for yourself.
- How much natural light comes into the room in the morning and afternoon?
- Do you often open the windows to let fresh air circulate in your home?
- Do you have space for large pots, or are you looking for solutions for shelves and windowsills instead?
- Is easy maintenance important to you because you lead a fast-paced lifestyle?
- Is the plant intended merely for decoration, or will it be part of a larger arrangement that helps divide the space?
If you appreciate minimalism, opt for 2 to 4 larger specimens rather than a dozen small pots. This arrangement typically looks cleaner, simplifies tidying up, and organizes the space more effectively. In smaller apartments, utilizing vertical space with DIY plant stands, shelves, and hanging planters can be very beneficial, allowing you to add greenery without occupying valuable living space.
Plants and air quality: what works best beyond the pot
If your aim is to truly enhance air quality, it's wise to follow recommendations from reputable organizations like the U.S. EPA and WHO. The key really lies in basic actions that often cost less than trendy interior gadgets.
Air out regularly. Brief and intensive airing is best, ideally several times a day if outdoor conditions allow.
Limit pollution sources. Opt for low-emission paints and materials, avoid smoking indoors, and use scented candles and strong air fresheners sparingly.
Control humidity. Excess moisture can promote mold growth, while overly dry air can reduce comfort. Effective ventilation, sensible laundry drying, and proper ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen are important.
Clean regularly. Dust tends to settle on textiles, shelves, and leaves. Regularly dusting plants and vacuuming enhances their appearance and helps them access light.
Avoid overwatering plants. Soil that remains too wet can lead to mold and fungus gnats, making your indoor environment less comfortable.
This point is crucial because a green corner alone won't remedy air quality issues if the apartment lacks ventilation or if there are multiple sources of emissions. Plants serve best as a complement, rather than a replacement for sensible practices.
How to integrate plants into interior design, on the balcony, and in the entryway
The subject of air purification is worth merging with the decorative aspect. Well-chosen houseplants visually delineate zones, accentuate room height, or soften very technical interiors. This is especially important when furnishing a home practically, without excessive ornamentation.
In the living room, larger plants like an areca palm, dragon tree, or fig work best. In the bedroom, calmer combinations featuring a snake plant, peace lily, or aglaonema are ideal. In the kitchen and dining area, moderation is key to ease cleaning and avoid overcrowding the countertop. If you have a balcony, consider treating it as an extension of your interior space. Seasonal plants and containers in a coordinated color palette create a visual connection between your home and outdoor area. Even a small winter garden on the windowsill can enhance the ambiance of your apartment.
A good technique is to also establish repetition in pots. A single form, in two or three colors and varying heights, creates order. This approach is in line with minimalist ideals and is very helpful when seeking a calm rather than random arrangement. In this light, plants not only serve as decoration but also as a compositional tool.
DIY, care, and common mistakes that often diminish the aesthetics
Plants can transform interiors, but only with proper care. The most frequent mistake is purchasing too many species at once without considering their needs. A second common error is placing every plant in a south-facing window, or conversely, in an overly dark corner. The third mistake is overwatering.
If you enjoy DIY projects, start with simple ideas. Use a wooden shelf for a green display, ceramic pots in a unified tone, or a wheeled stand for larger pots. This makes it easy to move plants for cleaning and ensuring they receive adequate light. In a small apartment, a single strong accent can also work wonderfully, such as a large dragon tree next to the sofa instead of a multitude of small accessories.
Also, remember about safety. Some commonly used plants can be irritating or unsuitable for pets and small children. Prior to purchase, it's wise to check information from a reliable horticultural source or the seller. This is especially crucial when furnishing a family home, where aesthetics should blend with functionality.
Conclusions: plants are beneficial when viewed realistically
The 1989 NASA study significantly influenced the popularity of the concept of air-purifying plants. However, subsequent scientific analyses reveal that their impact on air quality in an average home is limited and should not be seen as a replacement for ventilation. That said, plants do hold value, and for the right reasons.
Well-selected houseplants enhance space perception, support harmonious arrangements, contribute to a cozy home environment, and can encourage better tidiness. When paired with regular airing, thoughtful material choices, and straightforward care, they substantially improve living comfort. Therefore, if you're furnishing with a practical, evidence-based approach, consider greenery as a smart addition to the overall design. This method harmonizes aesthetics, creates a miniature garden, and enhances everyday comfort.
The content provided is for educational purposes and does not replace professional 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 our homes?
Yes, under laboratory conditions some species have shown this ability, as described by NASA in 1989. However, subsequent analyses, including those by Cummings and Waring in 2019, indicate that in a typical home, the effect is limited. Proper ventilation and minimizing sources of pollution remain the most critical factors.
Which plants should I choose for my apartment as a beginner?
The easiest ones to start with are usually the snake plant, pothos, spider plant, and aglaonema. These houseplants adapt well to typical home conditions and don't require overly complicated care.
How many plants do you need to notice a difference?
There isn't a single straightforward number, as it all depends on the size of the space, ventilation, and sources of pollution. Studies agree that having a few plants will enhance the appearance of your interior and improve the microclimate, but they won't replace effective airing and cleanliness.
Can houseplants be incorporated into balcony design?
Absolutely, and it’s a wonderful idea. When you coordinate the colors of the pots, materials, and some seasonal plants, your balcony becomes a natural extension of your interior. This arrangement reinforces the connection between your home and the outdoor space.
