A NASA study from the 1980s shows that several common house plants can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis.

This observation was under sealed space station conditions. Scales of study differed – from individual plant to room-scale. Results to date suggest that due to typically low light levels indoors, the contribution of individual plants to the removal of these compounds is relatively low and that either higher light levels or more significant numbers of plants are required to elicit an effect.

Over the last few years, there has been much scientific investigation around the impact of houseplants on indoor air quality, particularly on their ability to remove CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The National Aeronautics and Space Administration conducted the NASA Clean Air Study to demonstrate the effectiveness of particular plants in purifying the air. Not only do they Jazz up your office or home, but they also simultaneously clean the toxins from the air. These are the 12 air-purifying houseplants that NASA recommends. 

Here are 12 of the best air purifying house plants:

Areca palm or Dypsis lutescens

Dypsis lutescens is an air purifying plant identified by NASA as one of the best at removing formaldehyde and ideal for daytime oxygen production. It also helps restore moisture to dry air.

Peace lily

A stunning house or office plant, peace lilies are air-purifying plants loved for their beautiful flowers. NASA and RHS-approved for having in the place help clear the air of formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and benzene, a known carcinogen.

Boston fern

Scientists say the lush green houseplant is worth the maintenance. The American Society of Horticultural Science found that ferns removed more formaldehyde from the air than any other plant. They can also remove pollutants from car exhausts entering the home.

Rubber plant

The rubber plant, or ficus elastica, boasts glossy green leaves and is ideal for popping on a table when it is small before being repotted and placed on the floor as it grows taller for a fabulous statement plant. Native to southern Asia, this air purifying house plant helps remove chemicals from indoor air. Its roots grow upwards and often form exciting shapes around the stems.

Chinese evergreen

Chinese evergreen is a tremendous low-light indoor plant and is easy to grow, even for beginners. It's considered one of the best foliage plants for cleansing room air of toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.

Weeping fig

Their loose-hanging branches and dense foliage have made weeping figs popular since Victorian times. The air purifying plant clears common household toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, which are easy to maintain.

Dragon tree

The dracaena marginata, or dragon tree, is characterised by its sword-like leaves with red edges. This excellent air-purifying plant is native to Madagascar and clears toxins, including trichloroethylene and xylene.

Broad Lady palm

This gorgeous air-purifying plant can stand as tall as six feet and tolerates dark spaces in the home. Lady palm, or Rhapis excelsa, is native to Asia and has a unique appearance of broad fan-like leaves and bamboo-style stems.

Aloe Vera

NASA says aloe vera is one of the best air-purifying plants you can buy as it continuously releases oxygen throughout the night while simultaneously taking in carbon dioxide. It's also relatively easy to maintain and particularly forgiving of forgetful waterers.

Spider Plant

Spider plant helps clean indoor air. Studies have shown that the spider plant effectively cleans indoor air by absorbing chemicals including formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and carbon monoxide in homes or offices. Thick, fleshy roots allow spider plants to tolerate inconsistent watering.

Money plant

The money plant is easy to grow and propagate, making it great for those new to houseplants. It's round, flat leaves can grow up to 15cm and are also known as the UFO or pancake plant.

Snake plant

Snake plant filters formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene and benzene from the air, and around six to eight of them are recommended per person in the home if you want to get the best out of this air purifier.