Do House Plants Improve Indoor Air Quality Effectively?

House plants have long been touted as a natural way to purify the air in our homes, but do they really live up to the hype? According to a study, one of the most effective air-purifying plants is the spider plant, which can remove up to 90% of air pollutants in a single day.

Some house plants are more effective than others at removing pollutants from the air. For example, the peace lily is known to remove formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant, from the air. This is because the plant's leaves contain enzymes that break down the chemical into harmless compounds.

But how much of a difference can house plants really make? A study found that a group of house plants was able to remove 87.5% of air pollutants in a sealed room over the course of 24 hours. This is a significant reduction, especially considering that many of us spend up to 90% of our time indoors.

Houseplants are known to remove pollutants from the air, but how well do they really work? A study found that some plants can remove up to 87% of air pollutants in 24 hours.

The most effective plants at purifying the air are those that are native to tropical regions, which have adapted to high levels of pollutants in the air. These plants have developed unique features to absorb and break down toxins.

One such plant is the Spider Plant, which is known to remove formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Formaldehyde is a common pollutant found in many household products, including adhesives and cleaning supplies.

Some plants are more effective at removing certain pollutants than others. For example, the Peace Lily is particularly good at removing benzene, a known carcinogen found in some plastics and pesticides.

While houseplants can be beneficial for air quality, they should not be relied on as the sole means of air purification. They work best in conjunction with other methods, such as using air purifiers and maintaining good ventilation.

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Indoor air pollution is a real concern, especially in sealed buildings. Humans are a contributor to indoor air pollution, releasing carbon dioxide, skin cells, and other by-products into the air.

Sealing people up in a small space without proper ventilation can lead to health problems like itchy eyes, skin rashes, and respiratory issues. The scientists who coined the term "sick building syndrome" in the 1980s knew that something was amiss.

Houseplants can help alleviate some of these issues. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which is a natural process that occurs outdoors. By having plants indoors, we can mimic this process and improve the air quality.

Indoor air pollution is a real issue, and it's not just limited to superinsulated buildings. Humans are a contributor to indoor air pollution, and it's astonishing how much we produce.

We exhale carbon dioxide, shed skin cells and hair, sneeze, and cough, which can accumulate quickly in a sealed space. This is why ventilation is crucial in buildings.

Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are another significant contributor to indoor air pollution. Benzene and formaldehyde are examples of VOCs widely used in the US.

Homes with gas ranges or an attached garage typically have higher levels of benzene due to the presence of natural gas and gasoline. Cooking and vehicle exhaust can also release these pollutants into the air.

Houseplants can remove up to 87% of airborne pollutants in a room in just 24 hours.

Having a few houseplants can make a big difference in indoor air quality.

Some of the most effective air-purifying houseplants include peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants, which can remove up to 90% of formaldehyde from the air.

Formaldehyde is a common indoor pollutant found in many household products, including cleaning supplies and building materials.

The NASA Clean Air Study found that certain houseplants can even remove up to 94% of benzene from the air, a known carcinogen.

Benzene is often found in paint, adhesives, and other household products.

Houseplants can also help to humidify the air, which can be especially beneficial in dry environments.

Houseplants can be surprisingly effective at filtering out VOCs and other indoor air pollutants. A study at the State University of New York-Oswego found that many indoor plants can remove VOCs from the air.

To give you a better idea of just how effective some houseplants can be, here are some of the top performers:

The key is to choose the right plants for the job. For example, dracaena is great at removing acetone, a common VOC found in products like nail polish remover.

However, it's worth noting that the effectiveness of houseplants can be limited by the number of VOCs present in a given space. A study at the University of Georgia measured "upwards of 180 different airborne compounds" in Athens, Georgia homes, making it a challenge for even the most effective houseplants to make a significant impact.

Houseplants are often touted as air-purifying wonders, but the truth is a bit more complicated. To achieve any noticeable air quality benefits, you'd need a staggering 680 plants in a 1,500-square-foot home.

Previous research on houseplants and air quality was conducted in small, sealed chambers, which doesn't translate well to real-world homes. This lab-based research is often cited, but its applicability to your living space is limited.

In a typical home, you'd be exposed to a staggering 180 different airborne compounds, according to a study at the University of Georgia. This cocktail of chemicals is a far cry from the dozen or so VOCs most published research focuses on.

Most of us don't live in a lab, so it's essential to have realistic expectations about what houseplants can and can't do for our air quality.

Explore further: Indoor Air Quality