These NASA Approved Air-Purifying Houseplants Are Everything This Winter

It's the dead of winter. The windows haven't been open in months. The air is dry and filled with dust and winter blah. Thankfully, there's a natural and beautiful way to purify the air in your home with these 18 NASA Approved Air-purifying Houseplants!

But first, some background on NASA approved air purifying houseplants... It all started in 1989 when NASA wanted to figure out a way to clean the air in space stations. Plants were a no-brainer since they have long been praised for absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

 The study found that "certain common indoor plants provide a natural way of removing toxic agents while neutralizing the effects of sick building syndrome. The findings suggested efficient air cleaning is accomplished with at least one plant per 100 square feet of home or office space. Other more recent research found that micro-organisms in the potting mix (soil) remove benzene from the air, so it's not just the plant, but the soil doing the work, too!

So what are these magical plants? Good news, you probably already know/own one or two, but most of all, you can easily find them at your local nursery or big box store. See below for everything you need to know to pick out the best plant for your space. (NOTE: Some may be toxic to your pets, please check plants for warnings before purchasing.)

FIRST! Find out what's lurking in your air, then choose the right plant for your needs.

SECOND: Use the above to match the perfect plant, below!

Here are actual pictures of the plants...

The following is a sort of cheat sheet to find which plant is best for various toxins and how to care for it.

To see specific plants and care instructions, check out my Houseplant Air Purifier Pinterest Board, Here.

18 NASA Endorsed Air-Purifying Houseplants

With winter settling in and your home and office windows sealed shut, the air inside is destined to become a dust cloud of stale air. Fear not, here are 18 NASA endorsed, Air-purifying Houseplants.

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FUN FACT: According to NASA, certain common indoor plants provide a natural way of removing toxic agents while neutralizing the effects of sick building syndrome. And it's not just the plant, the micro-organisms in potting mix (soil) remove benzene from the air. All you need is at least one plant per 100 square feet of home or office space.

FIRST! Find out what's lurking in your air, then choose the right plant for your needs.

SECOND: Use the above to match the perfect plant, below!

Here are actual pictures of the plants...

The following is a sort of cheat sheet to find which plant is best for various toxins and how to care for it.

To see specific plants and care instructions, check out my Houseplant Air Purifier Pinterest Board, Here.

NOTE: Certain houseplants may be toxic to your pet(s), please check plants for warnings before purchasing.

How to nest, prepare for guest, and love your home all over again

I have the worst case of winter-nesting!  I have been cleaning and rearranging like a maniac. The winter can be so long, and worst of all, stuffy. Every year I make it a point to de-clutter, clean, add a few new pops of color and bring in my houseplants. Below are a few tips I came across worth sharing on how to nest, prepare for guest, and love your home all over again!

Rearrange Your Furniture

Is it easy to walk through your rooms and reach all your furniture? If not, create easy walking paths through your rooms.Make sure everyone can get to the couch and the main seating areas in the living room, dining room, and anywhere else you might have chairs and tables. Your guests don't want to feel like they're about to knock into your end tables as they try to squeeze through to grab a seat.

Invest In Pillows and Blankets

One way to make your rooms cozy is to fill them with pillows and blankets. Soft, comfortable throw pillows make the couch inviting. Blankets are a great way to introduce soft textures into your interior design. Plus, they're great for guests who want to get comfortable on a couch or armchair. A couch full of pillows with a blanket thrown over one armrest looks much more inviting than a bare couch.

Get Houseplants

Houseplants add life and energy to your rooms, and green foliage is a natural pop of color that brings the outdoors inside your home.

Try to put at least one green plant in each room. Place larger plants in the living room, vases of flowers in the kitchen, and something small in the bathrooms and bedrooms. These plants will add a bit of ambiance to your interior while purifying its air.

Spruce Up Outdoor Spaces

Think about your home's curb appeal. Straighten up the yard, put a few potted plants on the porch, and make sure your walkway is in good shape. Next, turn to the backyard. Clean the dead leaves from your deck and take care of any outdoor furniture that has seen better days. Install an outdoor fireplace and some outdoor lights to create a welcoming environment in any season.

Make the House Smell Good

A house that smells good is necessary. Generally, when a house smells good, the house either doesn't smell like anything or it smells faintly of a common "clean" scent, such as lemon. Eliminate sources of bad odors so that your home smells neutral.

How do you prepare for the holidays, winter months and family visits?