A study done by NASA states that there are 10 plants to help keep the air clean and to fight against pollution in our homes, offices, etc.

1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) Also called the “Butterfly Palm.” An upright houseplant that is somewhat vase shaped. Specimen plants can reach 10′ to 12′ feet in height. Prefers a humid area to avoid tip damage. Requires pruning. When selecting an Areca Palm look for plants with larger caliber trunks at the base of the plant. Plants that have pencil thin stems tend to topple over and are quite difficult to maintain. 2. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) Called the “Lady Palm,” this durable palm species adapts well to most interiors. The Rhapis are some of the easiest palms to grow, but each species has its own particular environment and culture requirements. The “Lady Palm” grows slowly, but can grow to more than 14′ in height with broad clumps often having a diameter as wide as their height. 3. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) Called the “Reed Palm,” this palm prefers indirect light. New plants will lose some foliage as they acclimate to indoor settings. This plant likes to stay uniformly moist, but does not like to be over-watered or to sit in standing water. Indoor palms may attract spider mites which can be controlled by spraying with soapy solution. 4. Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta) Grows very well indoors, preferring semi-sun lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer. Young plants may need to be supported by a stake. The Ficus grows to 8′ with a spread of 5.’ Wear gloves when pruning, as the milky sap may irritate the skin. Water thoroughly when in active growth, then allow the soil to become fairly dry before watering again. In winter keep slightly moist. 5. Dracaena “Janet Craig” ( Dracaena deremensis) The Dracaena grows to 10′ with a spread of 3.’ Easy to grow, these plants do best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the east/west. They can adapt to lower light levels it the watering is reduced. Keep the soil evenly moist and mist frequently with warm water. Remove any dead leaves. Leaf tips will go brown if the plant is under watered but this browning may be trimmed. 6. Philodendron (Philodendron sp.) One of the most durable of all house plants. Philodendrons prefer medium intensity light but will tolerate low light. Direct sun will burn the leaves and stunt plant growth. This plant is available in climbing and non-climbing varieties. When grown indoors, they need to be misted regularly and the leaves kept free of dust. 7. Dwarf Date Palm ( Phoenix roebelenii) A hardy, drought-tolerant and long-lived plant, the Dwarf Date Palm needs a bright spot which is free of drafts. It grows slowly, reaching heights of 8-10.’ The Dwarf Date Palm should not be placed near childrens play areas because it has sharp needle-like spines arranged near the base of the leaf stem. These can easily penetrate skin and even protective clothing. 8. Ficus Alii (Ficus macleilandii “Alii”) Ficus Alii grows easily indoors and resists insects. It prefers a humid environment and low to medium light when indoors. The Ficus Alii should not be placed near heating or air conditioning vents, or near drafts because this could cause leaf loss. Soil should be kept moist but allowed to dry between watering. 9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”) Boston Fern grows to 4′ in height with a spread up to 5.’ It has feathery ferns which are best displayed as a hanging plant. It prefers bright indirect sunlight. Inspect new plants for bugs before bringing them home. 10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa”) The Peace Lily is a compact plant which grows to a height of 3′ with a 2′ spread. This hardy plant tolerates neglect. It prefers indirect sunlight and high humidity, but needs to be placed out of drafts. For best results, the Peace Lily should be thoroughly watered, then allowed to go moderately dry between watering's. The leaves should be misted frequently with warm water.