Top Houseplants That Help Remove Indoor Air Pollution
Harness the natural power of houseplants to combat common indoor pollutants and enhance your air quality.
With growing concerns about indoor air quality, many people are seeking natural solutions to combat pollutants found in homes and offices. Houseplants are celebrated not just for their aesthetic appeal but also for their potential to reduce common indoor contaminants.
Why Indoor Air Pollution Is a Concern
Modern living spaces can harbor harmful pollutants, including:
- Formaldehyde from building materials, furniture, and cleaning agents
- Benzene and trichloroethylene from paints, solvents, and synthetic materials
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted by numerous household products
- Airborne pathogens and particulates that impact respiratory health
Prolonged exposure can contribute to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, allergies, and even more severe outcomes like nervous system disorders and cancers.
The Science: NASA’s Groundbreaking Study
The widespread belief in houseplants as air purifiers stems from a 1989 NASA study seeking sustainable air quality solutions for enclosed environments like space stations. The researchers found that certain common houseplants could remove specific toxins from sealed chambers, particularly benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Key points about the NASA study:
- Conducted under controlled, sealed chamber conditions
- Tested removal efficiency of individual VOCs by select plant species
- Sparked interest in using houseplants to improve indoor air quality on Earth
Do Houseplants Really Purify Indoor Air?
Subsequent research, however, highlights important limitations:
- In real homes, air exchange and circulation dilute plants’ effectiveness compared to sealed chambers.
- A 2020 review found that a typical houseplant’s Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is less than 1 cubic meter per hour, whereas common HEPA air purifiers are 100+ cubic meters per hour.
- To significantly impact indoor air quality, you would theoretically need dozens of plants per square foot—an impractical solution for most households.
Even though the air-filtering capacity of individual plants may be modest, their cumulative presence, alongside adequate ventilation, helps create a more comfortable and health-supportive environment. Additionally, plants can regulate humidity, boost mental wellbeing, and provide natural beauty.
Best Houseplants for Reducing Indoor Pollutants
While no single houseplant offers a magic bullet for eliminating indoor pollutants, certain species are especially noted for their resilience, ease of care, and higher toxin absorption capabilities according to NASA and other experts.
| Plant Name | Pollutants Removed | Care Level | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) | Benzene, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene, Xylene | Very Easy | Tolerant of neglect and low light |
| Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) | Formaldehyde, Benzene, Trichloroethylene, Ammonia | Moderate | Beautiful white blooms |
| Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) | Formaldehyde, Xylene | Medium | Humidity regulation |
| Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) | Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene | Very Easy | Adaptable to various lighting |
| Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | Formaldehyde, Xylene | Easy | Non-toxic to pets, produces baby plantlets |
| English Ivy (Hedera helix) | Benzene, Formaldehyde, Xylene, Toluene | Easy | Adaptable, trailing growth |
| Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis, D. marginata, etc.) | Benzene, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene | Easy | Many stylish varieties |
| Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) | Formaldehyde, Benzene, Trichloroethylene | Moderate | Good for humidifying air |
| Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) | Benzene, Formaldehyde | Easy | Low-light tolerant |
| ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) | Xylene, Toluene, Benzene | Very Easy | Handles neglect, stylish form |
| Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) | Benzene, Formaldehyde | Moderate | Attractive foliage |
| Philodendron | Formaldehyde | Easy | Wide array of shapes and sizes |
| Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) | Formaldehyde, Ammonia, Xylene | Moderate | Excellent for indoor use |
How to Maximize the Benefits of Air-Purifying Plants
Scientific findings suggest that houseplants work best as part of a holistic approach to indoor air quality. For optimal results consider:
- Quantity: NASA suggested one plant per 100 square feet is a minimal benchmark under ideal conditions, but more may be better in practice.
- Diversity: Use a variety of species to target a wider range of toxins.
- Soil Health: Healthy root microbes also contribute to air-cleaning by absorbing and breaking down chemicals.
- Ventilation: Use plants alongside adequate ventilation and other filtration methods.
- Maintenance: Keep leaves dust-free, and water according to species needs.
What others are reading
Care Tips for Common Air-Purifying Houseplants
Each plant has unique care requirements. Here are general tips for popular varieties:
- Snake Plant: Tolerates low light; water sparingly. Avoid overwatering as it’s prone to root rot.
- Peace Lily: Prefers medium, indirect light. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Remove spent flowers to encourage blooms.
- Boston Fern: Likes humidity and indirect light. Mist regularly. Avoid letting soil dry out.
- Pothos: Flexible with light; let soil dry between waterings. Prune to control length.
- Spider Plant: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Water moderately. Non-toxic to pets.
Beyond Air: Other Benefits of Houseplants
- Stress Reduction: Numerous studies associate houseplants with lower stress and increased wellbeing.
- Natural Humidifiers: Many plants release moisture via transpiration, helping combat dry indoor air.
- Aesthetics: Houseplants enhance décor, add color, and bring calming natural elements indoors.
Limitations and Realistic Expectations
While houseplants clearly provide some air-cleaning action, the effect in open, ventilated rooms is modest compared to mechanical purifiers. For those struggling with allergies, asthma, or severe air quality concerns, supplemental solutions such as air purifiers, regular cleaning, and controlling pollutant sources remain essential.
Common misconceptions include:
- ‘Plants alone can replace an air purifier.’ This is not supported by current scientific evidence.
- ‘Any greenery will perform equally well.’ Some plants are more effective than others; do your homework before buying.
- ‘The more, the better.’ There is a practical balance to strike between aesthetics, benefit, and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do all houseplants purify air equally?
No. Some species are more effective at removing specific toxins than others. NASA-identified plants such as snake plant, peace lily, and bamboo palm rank among the best studied for air purification qualities.
How many houseplants do I need to improve air quality?
NASA suggests at least one plant per 100 square feet of indoor space. However, the effect in real homes, with their higher air exchange rates, is subtle unless a large number of plants are used.
Are plants alone enough to solve indoor air quality issues?
No. For truly clean air, combine houseplants with proper ventilation, regular cleaning, pollution source reduction, and—if needed—mechanical air purifiers.
Are there any risks associated with houseplants?
Some popular air-purifying plants are toxic to pets and young children if ingested—always check the safety profile of any plant before bringing it home. Examples include peace lily and dieffenbachia.
What common indoor pollutants can houseplants help reduce?
Houseplants may help reduce levels of VOCs such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene, among others, depending on species.
Summary Table: Top Air-Quality Houseplants
| Plant | Main Pollutants Removed | Pet Safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Snake Plant | Benzene, Formaldehyde | No |
| Peace Lily | Benzene, Ammonia, Formaldehyde | No |
| Spider Plant | Formaldehyde, Xylene | Yes |
| Boston Fern | Formaldehyde, Xylene | Yes |
| English Ivy | Xylene, Benzene | No |
References
- NASA Clean Air Study (Wolverton, 1989)
- Dr. B.C. Wolverton, “How to Grow Fresh Air”
- Drexel University 2020 Review
- Additional expert articles and modern university studies
For best air quality, view houseplants as a complementary part of a comprehensive approach to indoor wellness, not as your only line of defense.
References
- https://costafarms.com/blogs/get-growing/clean-the-air-naturally
- https://soltech.com/blogs/blog/the-truth-about-houseplants-to-clean-air
- https://activepure.com/blog/indoor-plants-vs-air-purifers/
- https://learn.eartheasy.com/articles/the-top-10-plants-for-removing-indoor-toxins/
- https://www.cleanairgardening.com/do-houseplants-clean-air/
- https://www.seventhgeneration.com/blog/20-plants-help-purify-air-your-home
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8279815/
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