Indoor plants are often praised as natural air purifiers, but do they make a difference? Many people swear by houseplants for fresher air, while others argue that the impact is too small to matter. Research suggests that indoor plants can contribute to a healthier environment, but their impact may not be as significant as claims suggest. Let’s look closer at whether indoor plants help with air quality—or if it’s just a popular myth.
How Indoor Plants Affect Air Quality
Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis, producing fresher indoor air. Some plants can absorb certain airborne pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from household products like paints, cleaners, and furniture. However, the extent of air purification depends on various factors, including plant type, number, and room ventilation.
Despite their benefits, it’s important to acknowledge that indoor plants have limitations when it comes to improving air quality:
- Limited absorption capacity: A single plant only absorbs a small fraction of pollutants.
- Large quantity needed: Studies suggest that you would need hundreds of plants in a room to affect air quality directly.
- Potential for mold growth: Overwatering plants or allowing soil to stay damp can lead to mold growth, which can negatively affect indoor air quality.
- Allergies and pollen: Some plants produce pollen or harbor dust mites, which may trigger allergies.
The idea that plants can significantly improve indoor air quality gained popularity after a 1989 NASA study found that certain plants could remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.
However, the conditions in that study were highly controlled, using small chambers that don’t accurately reflect real-world indoor environments. In practical home settings, you would need a jungle of plants to achieve the same level of air purification as proper ventilation or air filtration systems.
Best Indoor Plants for Air Purification
Although plants alone may not dramatically improve air quality, they can still contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Some of the best plants for absorbing pollutants include:
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Known for removing carbon monoxide and formaldehyde
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Effective at absorbing airborne toxins, though it can be toxic to pets
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Releases oxygen at night and filters some VOCs
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Helps maintain humidity levels while filtering toxins
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Great for reducing airborne pollutants
While these plants can help filter small amounts of toxins, they work best to complement other air-cleaning solutions.
- Increase Ventilation: Open windows to allow fresh air circulation
- Use air purifiers: HEPA filters can more effectively capture dust, allergens, and VOCs than plants.
- Limit chemical use: Choose natural or low-VOC household cleaners and furnishings.
- Maintain humidity levels: Keeping indoor humidity between 30-50% can reduce mold growth and airborne pollutants.
- Regular cleaning: Dusting and vacuuming frequently can prevent the buildup of pollutants.
Indoor plants can offer some air-purifying benefits but should not be relied upon as the primary method for improving air quality. While they can help absorb small amounts of toxins and improve humidity levels, their impact is minimal compared to proper ventilation, air purifiers, and regular cleaning. If you’re serious about improving indoor air quality, a well-rounded approach that reduces pollutants at the source is your best bet. Think of plants as a nice bonus, not a substitute for real air-quality solutions.
