Thank a plant today! Silently and always “working,” these green heroes toil tirelessly to purify our environment and enrich our lives, naturally cleansing the air we breathe.

And remember to thank your indoor plants this Earth Day for providing truly amazing health benefits! They filter the air we breathe, sweeping it clean from dangerous chemicals and toxins while continuously releasing oxygen in our homes and offices.

According to a NASA study, at least one or more medium sized houseplant for every 100 square feet in your home or office will help maximize the health benefits and freshen the air.

When selecting indoor plants, consider the plant's “job.” Does it work the day shift or night shift (is it for the home or office)? Does it work in bright light or low light? Use the Plant Finder here on costafarms.com to search for just the right plants for your space.

Why Are House Plants Green Heroes?

Our lives depend on technology, but ordinary household products such as paints, tobacco smoke, printer ink and carpets hold hidden dangers plants can help reduce.

Former NASA research scientist Dr. Bill Wolverton found plants improve air quality through their natural “filtering” ability. He discovered houseplants can absorb up to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde and benzene, found in many homes and offices.

Houseplants work around the clock to clean the air! How? They absorb these VOCs into the potting soil, where the harmful chemicals are broken down by microbes. Some of the hardest-working plants are the peace lilies, ferns and palms.

Bring a Houseplant to Work

Put a plant on your desk to feel happier, enjoy better health and be more productive. The NASA study recommends office workers should have at least one medium size plant in their “personal breathing space” at work to effectively remove indoor pollutants.

Research conducted in the Netherlands supports this, finding office workers who had plants in their workspace out performed co-workers without plants. Workers reported they felt better and their concentration improved with plants on their desks, especially working at computers!

Another test conducted in Norway reports that 25 percent fewer health problems occur -- in particular respiratory ailments, headache, and fatigue, when plants were introduced to their workspace.

Snake plants, broad sword ferns, and rubber plants are among the top ten air purifiers recommended by experts. They’re easy to grow, are natural humidifiers and remove airborne chemicals. Other green heroes are philodendrons, dieffenbachias, and ZZ plants.

Take a Heavy Night Breather to Bed

Some plants actually work at night while we sleep! These green heroes “breathe out” oxygen (O2) and absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) at night, rather than in the daytime, when the majority of plants do their “breathing.”

We recommend snake plants and moth orchids, particularly in the bedroom. These natural botanical air purifiers make perfect bedroom buddies to refresh and beautify these spaces for a healthy, restful night’s sleep!

Location, Location, Location!

Consider the light, humidity, and temperature to determine the best spot for your plant. Put a majesty palm in your living room, fern in the family room and a peace lily in the kitchen, for example. Or add golden pothos or philodendron.

Look for the O2 for You displays at your local garden center.