Phytoremediation Plants: Your Natural Allies for a Healthy, Vibrant Home
For most of us, especially those living in "urban" environments, we spend an average of 80 to 90% of our time indoors. However, indoor air in our homes can contain five to ten times more pollutants than outdoor air, according to the Observatoire de la Qualité de l'Air Intérieur (OQAI - French Indoor Air Quality Observatory).
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by paints, furniture, glues, household products, fine particles, formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene form an invisible cocktail that we breathe day and night and which, unfortunately, leads to various health problems.
The good news?
Life has its own answers.
Since Dr. Bill Wolverton's pioneering work for NASA in the 1980s, phytoremediation, which is the ability of plants to decontaminate their environment, has become one of the most promising fields in plant biology.
Here, I offer you an exhaustive guide to the plants that work, in silence, to purify your home.
Understanding Phytoremediation:
How Plants Clean the Air
Plants don't just produce oxygen. They absorb gaseous pollutants through their stomata (the pores of their leaves), transform them or sequester them in their tissues, and mobilize the microorganisms in their rhizosphere (the area around their roots) to break down toxic substances. This triple mechanism of leaves / cuticle / roots makes plants true living biofilters.
Foundational Scientific Reference: Wolverton B.C., Johnson A., Bounds K. (1989). Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement. NASA/ALCA Final Report, Plants for Clean Air Council, Davidsonville, Maryland. — This is the international benchmark study, conducted at the John C. Stennis Space Center, which revealed the ability of several dozen indoor plants to reduce VOC concentrations by up to 90% in sealed chambers.
The Great Air Purifiers
Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
Spathiphyllum wallisii
The undisputed champion according to the NASA study.
Spathiphyllum absorbs benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia — six of the most common indoor pollutants. Its white, veil-shaped flowers give it its nickname "Peace Lily" or "Moon Flowers". As a shade-loving plant, it adapts perfectly to dimly lit interiors and requires regular watering to keep its substrate slightly moist.
Targeted pollutants: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
A robust and generous vine, Pothos is one of the most studied indoor plants for its depolluting properties. Its variegated green and yellow leaves capture formaldehyde — emitted notably by particle board and synthetic foams — as well as benzene and xylene found in solvents and paints. It also has the potential to capture carbon monoxide, whose main sources are homes using carbon-based fuel (wood, coal, gas, oil, etc.), whether for heating, water heating, ovens, or stoves.
Targeted pollutants: formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, carbon monoxide
Related Study: Wood R.A., Burchett M.D., Alquezar R., Orwell R.L., Tarran J., Torpy F. (2006). The potted-plant microcosm substantially reduces indoor air VOC pollution: I. Office field-study. Water Air Soil Pollut., 175, 163–180. — This field study in actual offices demonstrates that the plant + substrate combination significantly reduces VOCs under normal living conditions, not just in a sealed laboratory.
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Popular and prolific, the spider plant has the particularity of capturing not only gaseous pollutants but also airborne particles via the waxy surface of its leaves — a rare property confirmed by more recent studies. It also absorbs formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Very resilient and easy to propagate thanks to its stolons.
Targeted pollutants: formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, airborne particles
Related Study: Since 2010, approximately 120 plant species have been tested for indoor air phytoremediation according to the summary on the Wikipedia page "Depolluting plant" (OQAI sources). Chlorophytum is listed among the species effectively capturing particles of various sizes on their cuticle.
Florist's Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum morifolium
Undoubtedly the most effective of all according to NASA's study criteria, especially against benzene — which is found in detergents, some plastics, and printer inks. Its only drawback: its seasonal flowering. Enjoy it in autumn and winter to intensely purify your home.
Targeted pollutants: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia
Dracaena
Dracaena marginata / Dracaena fragrans
A sculptural plant with a tropical appearance, Dracaena excels in absorbing trichloroethylene, a solvent widely used in dry cleaning and some cleaning products, as well as xylene and toluene found in varnishes and glues. Its slow growth makes it a durable decorative plant.
An anecdote: the first experiment recorded by Cleve Backster on "primary perception" dates back to February 2, 1966, and was conducted on a Dracaena massangeana. You can find detailed information on his research in the book "The Secret Life of Plants".
Targeted pollutants: trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, formaldehyde
Ficus (Weeping Fig)
Ficus benjamina
A classic indoor plant, the Ficus is particularly effective against formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene, which are found notably in synthetic flooring, carpets, and glues. It appreciates light and a stable temperature.
Targeted pollutants: formaldehyde, xylene, toluene
Areca Palm (Golden Cane Palm)
Dypsis lutescens
A true natural humidifier, the Areca transpires large quantities of water every day, which improves ambient humidity and reduces airborne particles. It is also one of the best absorbers of benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Its generous silhouette makes it an incomparable mood-setting plant in a bright living room or hallway.
Targeted pollutants: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene + humidity regulation
Common Ivy
Hedera helix
Whether climbing or trailing, ivy has proven remarkably effective against airborne mold — a property distinct from most other depolluting plants. It also absorbs formaldehyde and benzene. Note: its berries are toxic, keep out of reach of children and pets.
Targeted pollutants: formaldehyde, benzene, airborne mold, fine particles
Related Study: Dela Cruz M., Tomasi G., Müller R., Christensen J.H. (2018). Removal of volatile gasoline compounds by indoor potted plants studied by pixel-based fingerprinting analysis. Chemosphere. — This study from the University of Copenhagen demonstrates that Hedera helix reduces all VOCs comprising a mixture of fuel essences under dynamic, near-real conditions, also highlighting the essential role of the microbial root substrate in this depollution.
Aloe Vera
Aloe barbadensis miller
My favorite. The plant I dared to bring with me to the International Day of Conscience in 2024 at the UN following Sofia Stril-rêver's suggestion to have me speak about "plant consciousness". It even overshadowed Nassim Haramein, who was also present on the "consciousness" panel that extraordinary day. We were also partners with NATURASOUNDS for that day as well as in 2025 where the song of the Auroville Banyan resonated through the walls of that institution. But that's another story.
Known for its healing properties, Aloe Vera is also an excellent depolluting plant for formaldehyde and benzene. It has the advantage of releasing oxygen at night — unlike most plants — which makes it a valuable ally in a bedroom. As a succulent, it requires very little water.
Targeted pollutants: formaldehyde, benzene + nighttime oxygen production
Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
Sansevieria trifasciata
Like Aloe Vera, Sansevieria has a CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) metabolism that allows it to produce oxygen at night and absorb CO₂ during its dark hours. Almost indestructible, it adapts to almost all light and watering conditions. Excellent for dry or dimly lit interiors. Not to be confused with your mother-in-law's tongue, of course, because this one produces oxygen at night, not the other way around.
Targeted pollutants: formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene + nighttime oxygen production
Plants for Water Purification
Phyto-purification of water is not limited to gardens and wastewater treatment plants. It can also find its place indoors, particularly in planted aquariums, decorative ponds, verandas, and winter gardens.
French Reference Work: Lazarin A. & Lazarin G. (ed. Terre Vivante, updated 2020). La Phytoépuration — Assainissement collectif et individuel, dépollution : comprendre et mettre en œuvre. — A reference work in French on phytopurification techniques, written by an agronomist and a biologist specializing in the field. It lists and details the properties of about forty phytopurifying plants with their technical specifications.
Second Work: Lazarin A. & Lazarin G. (Sang de la Terre). La Dépollution par les Plantes Aquatiques — Les Techniques de Phytoépuration. — Specifically dedicated to aquatic plants and their applications in natural water filtration systems.
Water Hyacinth
Eichhornia crassipes
A floating tropical plant with spectacular purple flowers, the water hyacinth is one of the most powerful aquatic purifiers known. Its submerged roots form a dense network that fixes nitrogen and retains heavy metals, notably cadmium and lead. It can double its biomass in two weeks under good conditions. In an indoor space (veranda, winter garden), it can purify pond water remarkably efficiently.
Absorbed elements: nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals (cadmium, lead), organic matter
💧 Duckweed
Lemna minor
A tiny floating plant forming a green carpet on the water's surface, duckweed is remarkably effective at absorbing excess nutrients (nitrates, phosphates) that promote the proliferation of undesirable algae. It is used in domestic phytoremediation systems to finalize the water filtration process.
Absorbed elements: nitrates, phosphates, dissolved organic matter
Water Lettuce
Pistia stratiotes
Its velvety rosette leaves hide a particularly dense root system, very effective at rapidly absorbing excess nutrients present in polluted water. A tropical plant sensitive to cold, it is ideally grown in a veranda or a bright, temperate indoor space.
Absorbed elements: nitrates, phosphates, suspended solids
Yellow Iris
Iris pseudacorus
An indigenous aquatic plant with a sunny yellow flower, the Iris plays a recognized antiseptic role in phytoremediation systems. Its active rhizomes contribute to the decomposition of organic matter and the filtration of polluted water. It is regularly used in horizontal filters of natural filtration gardens.
Absorbed elements: organic matter, some trace metals, bacteria
Rush
Juncus effusus
A bank plant with an elegant and vertical habit, rush is a discreet but effective purifier. Its dense root system fixes suspended solids and supports the development of depolluting bacteria. It remains green in winter, making it a durable decorative asset in an indoor aquatic space.
Absorbed elements: suspended solids, nutrients, trace metals
Research Programs to Know
The PHYT'AIR Program (France, 2004)
Launched in 2004 by ADEME, in collaboration with the Laboratory of Plant and Fungal Sciences of the Faculty of Pharmacy in Lille, the Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB), and the Plant'Airpur association, the PHYT'AIR program is the main French research program on air phyto-purification. Its objective: to define a rigorous scientific evaluation protocol for indoor air purification by plants under realistic conditions. The program's conclusions confirmed real purifying properties but also highlighted that the substrate (potting soil) and its microorganisms often play as important a role as the plant itself.
The NASA Clean Air Study (United States, 1989)
Conducted by Dr. B.C. Wolverton at the John C. Stennis Space Center, this study remains the foundational international reference. It tested the effectiveness of about fifty plants in sealed chambers exposed to specific VOCs (benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene), and rated each species from 1 to 10 based on its depolluting efficiency.
The international review by Dela Cruz et al. (Copenhagen, 2014)
Published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research (PubMed PMID: 25056742), this systematic review of international scientific literature — conducted by the University of Copenhagen — is the most comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on VOC removal by indoor plants. It examines the biological mechanisms involved (direct foliar absorption, biotransformation by root microorganisms) and the factors influencing efficiency (species, light intensity, pollutant concentration).
Full Reference: Dela Cruz M., Christensen J.H., Thomsen J.D., Müller R. (2014). Can ornamental potted plants remove volatile organic compounds from indoor air? A review. Environ Sci Pollol Res, 21(24):13909-28. doi: 10.1007/s11356-014-3240-x
Recommended Reading for Further Study
In French:
- Wolverton B.C. (French translation). Comment les plantes améliorent la qualité de l'air. — The popularized work by the author of the NASA Clean Air Study, accessible to the general public.
- Lazarin A. & Lazarin G. La Phytoépuration. Éd. Terre Vivante — The French reference on phytoremediation of water, with technical sheets for 40 plants.
- Boixière-Asseray A. & Chaudet G. Les Plantes Dépolluantes. Éd. Rustica, 2018. — Illustrated practical guide on air-purifying indoor plants.
- Boixière-Asseray A. & Chaudet G. Mes Plantes Dépolluantes pour un Intérieur Zen et Frais. Éd. Rustica, 2018.
In English (scientific):
- Wolverton B.C. (1996). How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office. Penguin Books. — The popular science version of the NASA study by its lead author.
- Wood R.A. et al. (2006). The potted-plant microcosm substantially reduces indoor air VOC pollution. Water Air Soil Pollut., 175, 163–180.
- Dela Cruz M. et al. (2014). Can ornamental potted plants remove VOCs from indoor air? A review. Environ Sci Pollut Res. doi: 10.1007/s11356-014-3240-x
Creating a Purifying Ecosystem in Your Home
The ideal, therefore, is not to choose a single plant, but to compose a complementary plant ecosystem where each species targets different pollutants. Here are some relevant winning combinations I suggest:
For a living room or office: Spathiphyllum + Pothos + Dracaena + Spider Plant → maximum coverage of VOCs and particles
For a bedroom: Aloe Vera + Sansevieria → nocturnal oxygen production, absorption of formaldehyde from textiles and furniture
For a bathroom or humid space: Ivy + Spathiphyllum → absorption of mold and humidity regulation
For a conservatory or winter garden: Pond with Water Hyacinth + Duckweed + Yellow Iris → mini-aquatic filtering and living ecosystem
The Last Word:
Listen to What Nature Offers Us
Each plant is a living organism in constant relation with its environment. By welcoming these green allies into your home, you are not just improving the quality of your air and water, you are creating a living link with the natural world, you are introducing life into your daily routine, and you are participating in a greater balance.
At Naturasounds, we deeply believe that human well-being is inseparable from the well-being of the living world around us. These plants are a concrete, accessible, and beautiful illustration of this.
Take care of your space. Your space will take care of you, but above all, be aware that the more you are surrounded by living beings and communicate with them respectfully, the more they will send you biocompatible waves that improve your physical and mental health.
Life speaks to us; let's listen.
Sources & Scientific References
Scientific studies:
- Wolverton B.C., Johnson A., Bounds K. (1989). Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement. NASA/ALCA Final Report, NASA Technical Report Server.
- Wood R.A., Burchett M.D., Alquezar R., Orwell R.L., Tarran J., Torpy F. (2006). The potted-plant microcosm substantially reduces indoor air VOC pollution: I. Office field-study. Water Air Soil Pollut., 175, 163–180.
- Dela Cruz M., Christensen J.H., Thomsen J.D., Müller R. (2014). Can ornamental potted plants remove volatile organic compounds from indoor air? A review. Environ Sci Pollut Res, 21(24):13909-28. PMID: 25056742.
- Dela Cruz M., Müller R., Svensmark B., Pedersen J.S., Christensen J.H. (2014). Assessment of volatile organic compound removal by indoor plants — a novel experimental setup. Environ Sci Pollut Res, 21(13):7838–46. PMID: 24638833.
- Dela Cruz M., Tomasi G., Müller R., Christensen J.H. (2018). Removal of volatile gasoline compounds by indoor potted plants studied by pixel-based fingerprinting analysis. Chemosphere.
- Observatoire de la Qualité de l'Air Intérieur (OQAI) — Scientific brief on depolluting plants (2010). Institut Veolia, Paris.
- Programme PHYT'AIR — ADEME / University of Lille / CSTB / Plant'Airpur (2004–2010).
Books:
- Wolverton B.C. (1996). How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office. Penguin Books, New York.
- Lazarin A. & Lazarin G. La Phytoépuration — Assainissement collectif et individuel, dépollution. Éd. Terre Vivante (updated ed. 2020). ISBN 9782360982769.
- Lazarin A. & Lazarin G. La Dépollution par les Plantes Aquatiques — Les Techniques de Phytoépuration. Éd. Sang de la Terre.
- Boixière-Asseray A. & Chaudet G. (2018). Les Plantes Dépolluantes. Éd. Rustica. ISBN 9782840387688.
I recommend purchasing these two books if you want to delve deeper into the subject:
