Indoor Plants That Clean the Air - NASA-Backed Picks That Grow Well in PH

The NASA Clean Air Study - What It Found

In 1989, NASA conducted a landmark study to find ways to purify air in sealed space stations. Researchers tested common houseplants for their ability to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene that off-gas from furniture, paint, cleaning products, and building materials.

The results were groundbreaking. Certain plants absorbed significant amounts of these toxins through their leaves and roots, with soil microorganisms breaking down the chemicals. While later research has shown that plants alone cannot fully replace mechanical ventilation, the study confirmed that specific species genuinely improve indoor air quality when combined with proper airflow.

The good news for Filipino homes: many of the top-performing plants in the NASA study are tropical species that grow exceptionally well in the warm, humid conditions of Metro Manila and nearby areas. Here are the 12 best picks that combine proven air-cleaning ability with easy care in Philippine indoor environments.

Top 12 Air-Purifying Indoor Plants for Philippine Homes

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

• Common names: Snake plant, mother-in-law's tongue, espada
• Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene
• Care level: Very easy - nearly indestructible
• Light needs: Tolerates low light to bright indirect light
• Watering: Every 2-3 weeks. Let soil dry completely between waterings. Overwatering is the only way to kill it.
• PH placement: Bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms with windows. One of the few plants that releases oxygen at night, making it ideal for bedrooms.
• Price range: P80-P300 depending on size

The snake plant tops nearly every air-purifying plant list for good reason. It removes five different toxins, survives weeks of neglect, and grows well in the low-light conditions common in many Philippine apartments and condos. Start here if you are new to indoor plants. Visit our Plant Guide for detailed care instructions.

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

• Common names: Pothos, devil's ivy, money plant
• Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, carbon monoxide
• Care level: Very easy
• Light needs: Low to bright indirect light
• Watering: When top inch of soil is dry, roughly weekly in Philippine conditions
• PH placement: Hang from shelves or place on top of cabinets where vines can trail. Works in kitchens (filters cooking fumes), living rooms, and offices.
• Price range: P50-P200

Pothos is the most popular indoor plant in the Philippines for good reason. It grows fast, propagates easily from cuttings (just snip and place in water), and cascades beautifully from shelves. In terms of air cleaning, it is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde from pressed wood furniture and cleaning products common in Philippine homes.

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• Common names: Peace lily, spath
• Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, ammonia, xylene
• Care level: Easy to moderate
• Light needs: Low to medium indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when leaves start to droop slightly - it tells you when it is thirsty.
• PH placement: Bathrooms (loves humidity), shaded living room corners, bedrooms. The white flower adds elegance to any room.
• Price range: P150-P500

The peace lily was one of the top performers in the NASA study, removing five major toxins including ammonia - which few other plants can handle. It thrives in the humidity of Philippine bathrooms and rewards you with beautiful white blooms several times a year. It will visibly droop when thirsty and perk back up within hours of watering.

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Common names: Spider plant, airplane plant, ribbon plant
• Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, xylene, carbon monoxide
• Care level: Very easy
• Light needs: Bright indirect light. Tolerates some direct morning sun.
• Watering: Weekly. Tolerant of inconsistent watering.
• PH placement: Hang in kitchens or near windows. Produces baby "spiderettes" that dangle and can be propagated. Pet-safe choice for homes with cats and dogs.
• Price range: P50-P150

5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

• Common names: Rubber plant, rubber fig, rubber tree
• Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, carbon dioxide (high uptake)
• Care level: Easy
• Light needs: Bright indirect light
• Watering: Every 1-2 weeks. Let top inch of soil dry.
• PH placement: Living rooms, entryways. Can grow large (up to 2 meters indoors) so give it space. The burgundy variety adds dramatic color.
• Price range: P200-P800

6. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

• Common names: Areca palm, butterfly palm, golden cane palm
• Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene
• Care level: Moderate
• Light needs: Bright indirect light
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist. Sensitive to overwatering and underwatering.
• PH placement: Living rooms, office lobbies. Adds a tropical resort feel. Also acts as a natural humidifier, releasing moisture that benefits dry air-conditioned spaces.
• Price range: P300-P1,500 depending on size

7. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

• Common names: Boston fern, sword fern
• Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, xylene
• Care level: Moderate - needs consistent humidity
• Light needs: Indirect light. No direct sun.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist. Mist leaves regularly or place in naturally humid areas.
• PH placement: Bathrooms, covered balconies, lanais. Thrives in the natural humidity of Philippine homes without air conditioning. Hang in baskets for a lush, cascading look. Pet-safe.
• Price range: P100-P400

8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

• Common names: Chinese evergreen, aglaonema
• Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene
• Care level: Very easy
• Light needs: Low to medium indirect light. One of the best low-light performers.
• Watering: Every 1-2 weeks. Very forgiving.
• PH placement: Bedrooms, offices, living rooms with minimal natural light. The colorful varieties (pink, red, silver) brighten up dark corners. Extremely popular and widely available in the Philippines.
• Price range: P100-P500

9. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

• Common names: Bamboo palm, reed palm
• Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene
• Care level: Moderate
• Light needs: Medium indirect light
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy
• PH placement: Living rooms, offices. Compact enough for condo living while still providing a tropical accent. Pet-safe option.
• Price range: P300-P1,000

10. Dracaena (Dracaena marginata / fragrans)

• Common names: Dragon tree, corn plant, dracaena
• Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene
• Care level: Easy
• Light needs: Low to bright indirect light
• Watering: Every 1-2 weeks. Tolerates dry soil.
• PH placement: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices. Grows tall and narrow, making it perfect for tight spaces beside furniture or in corners.
• Price range: P200-P800

11. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

• Common names: Aloe vera, sabila
• Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, benzene
• Care level: Very easy
• Light needs: Bright indirect to direct light
• Watering: Every 2-3 weeks. Let soil dry completely. Succulent stores water in its leaves.
• PH placement: Kitchen windowsills (handy for burn treatment from cooking), sunny bathroom shelves. Dual-purpose: air purifier and natural first-aid remedy.
• Price range: P50-P200

12. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

• Common names: Philodendron, philo
• Toxins removed: Formaldehyde, xylene
• Care level: Easy
• Light needs: Low to bright indirect light
• Watering: When top inch of soil dries, roughly weekly
• PH placement: Any room. Climbing varieties can be trained on a moss pole for a dramatic vertical display. Heart-leaf variety is perfect for small spaces.
• Price range: P80-P2,000+ (rare varieties command premium prices)

Complete Comparison Table

Common Indoor Air Toxins in Philippine Homes

Understanding what toxins are in your home helps you choose the right plants:

• Formaldehyde: Found in pressed wood furniture (common in Philippine condos), plywood, MDF, particleboard, household cleaners, fabric softeners, and even paper towels. Nearly every home has formaldehyde exposure. All 12 plants on this list help remove it.
• Benzene: Released by paints, varnishes, detergents, plastics, and tobacco smoke. Common in newly renovated homes. Snake plant, pothos, and peace lily are most effective.
• Xylene: Found in paints, lacquers, adhesives, rubber, leather, and vehicle exhaust that enters homes near busy roads. Areca palm and dracaena target this effectively.
• Trichloroethylene: Present in dry-cleaned clothing, varnishes, adhesives, and spot removers. Peace lily and bamboo palm are your best options.
• Ammonia: Released by cleaning products, especially floor and bathroom cleaners. Peace lily is the only plant on this list that effectively removes ammonia.

Room-by-Room Placement Guide for PH Homes

Bedroom

• Best picks: Snake plant (releases oxygen at night), peace lily, Chinese evergreen
• How many: 2-3 medium plants for a standard Philippine bedroom
• Tip: Place snake plant on the bedside table or windowsill. It works while you sleep, converting CO2 to oxygen.

Living Room

• Best picks: Rubber plant, areca palm, dracaena, philodendron on a moss pole
• How many: 3-5 plants of varying sizes for a typical living area
• Tip: Place larger plants (rubber plant, areca palm) near furniture that may off-gas formaldehyde. Use trailing pothos on high shelves.

Kitchen

• Best picks: Spider plant (hangs above sink), pothos, aloe vera (windowsill)
• How many: 1-2 plants near the cooking and cleaning areas
• Tip: Spider plant is excellent for kitchens because it filters carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from cooking and cleaning products.

Bathroom

• Best picks: Peace lily, Boston fern, pothos
• How many: 1-2 small to medium plants
• Tip: These plants love the humidity from showers. Peace lily handles the ammonia from bathroom cleaning products. Only place plants in bathrooms with a window or sufficient light.

Home Office

• Best picks: Snake plant, Chinese evergreen, pothos, bamboo palm
• How many: 2-3 plants around your workspace
• Tip: Plants in your work area reduce stress and improve focus. Chinese evergreen thrives in the artificial light of home offices with limited windows.

Care Tips Specific to Philippine Indoor Conditions

• Humidity is your advantage: Most of these plants are tropical and love the natural 70-85% humidity in Philippine homes. You rarely need to mist (unlike recommendations for Western climates).
• Watch out for air conditioning: AC units reduce humidity and can dry out plants. If your plants are in an air-conditioned room, water slightly more frequently and avoid placing them directly in the cold air stream.
• Overwatering kills more than underwatering: In the Philippine humidity, soil stays moist longer. Always check soil moisture with your finger before watering. If the top inch is still damp, wait.
• Indoor light in PH condos can be low: Many Philippine apartments have limited windows. Prioritize snake plant, pothos, Chinese evergreen, and peace lily for low-light spaces. Rotate plants toward the light source every 2 weeks for even growth.
• Use well-draining soil: Indoor plants need soil that drains well to prevent root rot. Mix regular loam soil with perlite or rice hull at a 70:30 ratio.
• Wipe leaves monthly: Dust on leaves blocks pores that absorb toxins. Wipe large leaves (rubber plant, peace lily) with a damp cloth monthly to maintain air-cleaning efficiency.
• Repot annually: Most indoor plants benefit from repotting every 12-18 months with fresh soil. This refreshes nutrients and gives roots room to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions