3 Beautiful NASA-Approved Plants for Cleaner Air

In today’s fast-paced urban lifestyle, we often underestimate the quality of air inside our homes and workspaces. Believe it or not, the air indoors can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. Harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and trichloroethylene are emitted from everyday items like furniture, paint, plastics, and even household cleaners.

But what if nature held a solution that’s as beautiful as it is beneficial?

NASA’s Clean Air Study, originally conducted to explore air purification in space stations, revealed that certain plants have the power to absorb toxins and clean the air naturally. While leafy green plants are often highlighted, flowering plants also play a vital role—adding color, fragrance, and life to your home, all while improving your well-being.

Let’s dive into three of the most effective NASA-approved flowering plants that will help you breathe easier and live healthier.

🌸 1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

🌼 Elegant, Low Maintenance, and a Powerful Toxin Remover

The Peace Lily is a favorite among interior designers and plant lovers — and for good reason. With its rich green leaves and graceful white spathes, this plant instantly adds a sense of calm to any room. But beyond its beauty, the Peace Lily is a champion air purifier, capable of removing a variety of harmful chemicals from indoor air.

🌬️ What It Filters:

• Formaldehyde – found in glues, pressed wood furniture, and insulation.
• Benzene – from paint, detergent, cigarette smoke.
• Trichloroethylene – from solvents, varnishes, and adhesives.
• Xylene & Ammonia – from cleaning agents and dyes.

🧘 Health Benefits:

• Increases indoor humidity, easing dry skin, throat irritation, and allergies.
• Reduces airborne mold spores — great for damp environments like bathrooms.
• Promotes relaxation and a calm ambiance, which is why it’s often found in meditation rooms and spas.

🪴 Placement Ideas:

• Bathrooms (thanks to its humidity tolerance)
• Bedroom corners (for nighttime air quality)
• Living rooms or offices (low-light areas)

🌱 Care Guide:

• Light: Prefers low to medium indirect light.
• Water: Keep soil moist, not soggy. Mist occasionally.
• Pet caution: Toxic if ingested by cats or dogs.

🌼 2. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

🌈 The Cheerful Bloomer That Works While You Sleep

Gerbera Daisies are like a dose of sunshine for your room. With their large, daisy-like blooms in shades of orange, pink, red, yellow, and white, these flowers not only uplift your mood but also improve the air you breathe — even at night.

Unlike most plants, Gerberas release oxygen during the night, making them ideal for bedrooms or any space where you want cleaner, more oxygen-rich air while you sleep.

🌬️ What It Filters:

• Benzene – from inks, dyes, plastics.
• Trichloroethylene – from cleaning solvents and synthetic fabrics.

😌 Health Benefits:

• Enhances sleep quality by improving oxygen flow.
• Reduces fatigue, headaches, and eye irritation caused by indoor pollutants.
• Its vibrant appearance is known to boost mental energy and reduce stress.

🪴 Placement Ideas:

• Bedside tables or bedroom windowsills.
• Well-lit kitchen counters or study desks.
• Workspace shelves near electronic equipment.

🌱 Care Guide:

• Light: Needs 6+ hours of bright, direct sunlight daily.
• Water: Water deeply when the topsoil feels dry. Avoid overwatering.
• Tip: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

🌺 3. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

💐 A Festive Flower with Serious Detox Power

Often associated with autumn and celebrations, Chrysanthemums (or “mums”) are much more than seasonal decor. They are one of the most effective air-purifying plants in NASA’s study, capable of filtering a wide range of airborne toxins.

And with flowers in colors like white, pink, yellow, lavender, and bronze, they also brighten up any space instantly.

🌬️ What It Filters:

• Formaldehyde – from carpets, glues, and household items.
• Benzene
• Ammonia
• Xylene
• Toluene

❤️ Health Benefits:

• May reduce indoor air pollution-related symptoms like dizziness, allergies, and fatigue.
• Their cheerful appearance adds emotional warmth and energy to any room.
• Symbolically associated with long life and joy in many cultures.

🪴 Placement Ideas:

• Living room centerpieces.
• Bright kitchen windows.
• Reception areas or entryways.

🌱 Care Guide:

• Light: Requires bright, indirect sunlight.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist; do not let it dry out.
• Aftercare: Can be replanted outdoors for future blooming cycles.

🏠 How Many Plants Do You Need for a Healthier Home?

NASA recommends having at least one plant per 100 square feet of living space for noticeable air purification. For a standard apartment or home, 6–10 plants spread across different rooms can significantly improve indoor air quality.

🌟 Why Choose Flowering Plants?

While green plants like snake plants and spider plants are famous for their air-cleansing properties, flowering plants offer something extra:

• Visual appeal & mood-boosting colors
• Symbolism & fragrance
• Multi-functional beauty — they clean and decorate

Adding these plants to your home is an easy, natural, and cost-effective way to reduce indoor pollution, enhance well-being, and make your space more inviting.

There’s a unique joy in watching a flower bloom on your desk or in your living room — but when that flower is also working to protect your health, the experience becomes even more meaningful.

Whether you’re looking to improve sleep, reduce toxins, or simply add more life to your surroundings, these NASA-approved flowering plants — Peace Lily, Gerbera Daisy, and Chrysanthemum — are your perfect allies.

Coupons and Promotions

Shop at Amazon

Shop at eBay

* This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, Doer Digitalz FZC may earn a commission.