Did you know that plants will clean the air in your home or office?

NASA tested the ability of various houseplants to absorb chemicals in the late 1980's as a response to the need for astronauts to be in an enclosed space for a length of time. Here is a summary of their findings. More recent tests suggest that if air is passed through the roots of the plant, the results are more effective. But having a selection of healthy plants indoors will be quite beneficial to any environment.

Many plants will absorb formadehyde, benzene and trichloroethylenes from furniture and finishes in the room, and keep on producing oxygen. A side benefit of the presence of plants in the room is that ill or depressed people are more calm, and may even heal faster.

Here are some of the best:

Boston Fern

Philodendron

Bamboo Palm

Spider

Rubber (Ficus Elastica)

English Ivy

Peace Lily

Golden Pothos

Chrysanthemum