Over the years there has been quite a lot of debate about whether indoor house plants really can clean indoor air by removing toxins and particles. An early and often repeated study showed very promising results -- in space. NASA tests in a spacecraft packed with indoor house plants showed markedly better air. But proving that plants are efficient filters in real world, terrestrial situations hasn't been so easy.

Studies on all types of indoor house plants found that the common, easy to buy, plants are some of the most efficient at improving air quality; some able to remove up to 87 percent of air toxins produced from paints, varnishes, dry cleaning fluids, tobacco smoke, in less than a day.

It seems most likely that some indoor house plants can't hurt. Not only might they take out some of the nasty stuff that's in your space, but some think they may offer some protection against electromagnetic radiation. And plants certainly can help your home retain comfortable moisture levels, especially in winter; they can provide shading in windows; and they do release oxygen. Indoor house plants are also beautiful to look at, and can help lessen the feeling of detachment from nature that affects so many of us in modern society.

Top 3 Air Cleaning Indoor House Plants

1. Violet. Good sized violet can found in pretty much any shop selling plants so are dead cheap and easy to find. They are easily maintainable, look great when healthy, and do well in low light locations; perfect for any office desk.
2. Clover. Another great plants for cleaning the air is the clover. It's a very popular plant because it's easy to care for, thrives in indirect light, and is very attractive.
3. Lavender. Due to the tall size, the lavender is great for empty spaces around the office and home. They quickly fill a dull corner and for the size of them they are relatively cheap.

All these indoor house plants are great air cleaners, good for office desks, easy to place in large rooms with low light levels, and easy to maintain. Take a gander, and whatever you choose, for heaven's sake don't forget to water it! Plants are usually very simple to tend, needing only occasional fertilizer. Of course, they need sunlight too, but the good news is there are quite a few that are quite shade tolerant. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. And they're alive!