A study, led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA), entitled “NASA Clean Air Study”, suggests that certain plants may offer a natural way of destroying toxic agents in the air.

Based on their research, we outline for you the top 6 plants that you should have in your home:

1. Aloe Vera – this plant is excellent for increasing the oxygen level in your home. Additionally, the study found that it also has high absorption of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. A single plant can substitute about 9 air purifiers in your house.

2. Spider Plant – or the technical name “Chlorophytum comosum”. The spider plant can create photosynthesize under conditions with minimal light. It absorbs poisons in the air such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, trichloroethylene and carbon monoxide. One plant will effectively purify the air in a three-bedroom apartment.

3. English Ivy – this plant, known in the scientific world as “Hedera Helix”, can remove poisons such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene and toluene from the air. English Ivy is a must have plant in your home.

4. Variegated snake plant – (Variegated snake plant) or popularly known in some cultures as the “mother-in-law’s tongue” plant. It purifies the same poisons from the air such as the English Ivy and is very resilient, requires minimal upkeep and very low light level to generate photosynthesize. Beside removing the poisons from the air, this plant is excellent plant for your bedroom since it increases the oxygen levels during the night.

5. Rubber Plant – (Ficus Elastica), this popular plant removes large quantities of formaldehyde from the air. It is very simple plant that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance or light. But keep in mind to keep it away from the reach of kids and pets since it has the potential to have poisoned leaves.

The NASA Air Study concludes that if you live in a small apartment, you should have about 3 to 4 from these plants, while if you are in the larger house you should look for 15-20 plants.