It is suggested that one plant should be allowed for approximately 10 square yards of floor space, assuming average ceiling heights of eight to nine feet. This means that you need two or three plants to contribute to good air quality in the average domestic living room of about 20 to 25 square yards.
Research has shown that these 10 plants are the most effective all-around in counteracting offgassed chemicals and contributing to balanced internal humidity.
Here are some of the best air-purifying houseplants and the toxins they are most effective at reducing:
1. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifritzii)—benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene (TCE)
2. Chrysanthemums or mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)—benzene, formaldehyde, TCE (the most effective plant against TCE according to NASA)
3. Common Ivy or English Ivy (Hedera helix)—benzene, formaldehyde, TCE, toluene, octane, terpene (the most effective plant against benzene according to NASA)
4. Ficus tree or Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)—benzene, formaldehyde, TCE, octane, terpene
5. Mass cane (Dracaena massangeana)—benzene, formaldehyde, TCE (the most effective plant against formaldehyde, according to NASA)
6. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)—benzene, formaldehyde, TCE (Avoid lilies if you have cats – they can be toxic)
7. Purple heart (Tradescantia pallida)—benzene, TCE, toluene, terpene
8. Red Ivy (Hemigraphis alternate)—benzene, TCE, toluene, octane, terpene
9. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum, Chlorophytum elatum)—formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide
10. Wax plant (Hoya carnosa)—benzene, TCE, toluene, octane, terpene