Beneficial Roommates: The Best Indoor Plants for Health and Wellness

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In the 1960s, NASA put men on the moon. In 1989, they joined forces with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America to learn how to maximize the air-scrubbing potential of plants in sealed environments, such as space stations. Dozens of plants were screened for their ability to not only absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen via photosynthesis, but also for their ability to remove volatile organic compounds, including benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

The NASA Clean Air Study resulted in a Top 10 list. You may have seen many of these plants around the office, as they’re attractive and relatively easy to maintain—not realizing what great co-workers they truly are.

Welcoming the Green

It’s only natural to be concerned about keeping your new plant healthy. The first step is to choose the correct pot. No matter how much that gorgeous ceramic pot matches your décor, if it doesn’t have a drain hole, your plant will drown. Also, you want a pot that allows room for the plant to grow and stretch its roots. Resist the temptation to fill it with backyard soil, no matter how well your garden does in it. Use a houseplant mix that has the extra nutrients or fertilizers required for container growing.