Breathe Easy
March 12, 2025
by Morayma MaKay
Writer / Blogger & Content Creator
Adulthood Rewired
“The benefits of adding plants to your home and business.”
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In today’s fast-paced world, we often overlook one of the simplest ways to improve our environment—bringing live plants into our homes and workspaces. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, plants play a crucial role in enhancing air quality, boosting mood, and creating a more calming atmosphere in the spaces we use most.
The Science Behind Cleaner Air
Indoor air pollution is a real concern, with contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust, and mold circulating in enclosed spaces. Fortunately, NASA’s Clean Air Study found that certain houseplants can help filter out toxins and improve overall air quality. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, creating a fresher, healthier environment, while making our homes and workspaces cozier and overall just nicer to be in!
Health Benefits of Indoor Plants
Plants naturally remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air while also providing us with optimal levels of oxygen. More oxygen means better focus, reduced stress, and improved cognitive function…which we can all certainly use in our lives! Plants also release moisture into the air, preventing dryness that can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation, while some studies also show that greenery indoors reduces stress and increases concentration. All of this makes plants an excellent addition to any workspace.
Best NASA-Recommended Air-Purifying Plants
If you’re looking to enhance your space with plants, here are some of the top NASA-recommended varieties for improving indoor air quality:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, this low-maintenance plant removes toxins like formaldehyde and benzene while producing oxygen even at night—making it a great choice for bedrooms. If you don’t have a green thumb, this plant is virtually indestructible to boot!
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
This stunning plant excels at filtering airborne toxins, and also helps to increase humidity levels, making it beneficial for people with respiratory conditions.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Great for beginners, the spider plant removes carbon monoxide and other pollutants while being non-toxic to pets and very easy to care for.
Aloe Vera
Famous for its healing properties, aloe vera also helps clear the air of formaldehyde and benzene, commonly found in cleaning products and air fresheners. This plant is perfect for the kitchen where you can use it’s soothing gel for anything from minor cuts to burns.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
A natural humidifier, the Boston fern works very well for reducing airborne pollutants while adding a touch of lush greenery to your favorite space.
Incorporating live plants into your home and office is one of the easiest, most and effective ways to create a healthier and more inviting environment. Whether you choose a low-maintenance snake plant or a lush Boston fern, these green companions will help you breathe easier, feel better, and work more productively in or away from home!
