Plants: Natural Air Purifiers?

Houseplants are a great way to add some natural beauty to your home, but did you know they can also help to improve your indoor air quality? Research has shown that certain plants are effective at absorbing and breaking down harmful pollutants and chemicals, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, through their leaves and roots.

While plants are natural air filters, their impact on indoor air quality has been debated. Some studies suggest that a large number of plants are needed to make a significant difference, while others highlight the benefits of even a few plants in improving air quality and reducing the spread of bacterial and fungal infections.

So, if you're looking to enhance your indoor space and breathe a little easier, read on to discover the best air-purifying plants and their specific benefits.

Spider plants, devil's ivy, and peace lilies are all effective at removing indoor air pollutants

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are powerful air purifiers that can remove formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and other toxins or impurities. They are very easy to grow and maintain, requiring only semi-sunny to shady conditions and moist soil. With over 200 species, spider plants are adaptable and can survive a little neglect. They are also non-toxic to children and animals.

Devil's ivy, also known as pothos or Epipremnum aureum, is a versatile and hardy plant that can flourish in a variety of conditions. It uses phytoremediation to absorb and break down harmful substances like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene. Devil's ivy is an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality, but it is toxic to pets, so keep it out of their reach.

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are beautiful plants that improve air quality by up to 60%. They are approved by NASA as one of the best air-purifying plants, capable of removing formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, cigarette smoke, paint fumes, and more. Peace lilies also absorb harmful mold spores. They thrive in average indoor temperatures and semi-shady, moist conditions. However, they are toxic to animals and humans, so keep them out of reach.

By incorporating these plants into your indoor spaces, you can effectively remove common air pollutants and improve the air quality in your home or office.

NASA found that plants can remove up to 87% of formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air

Plants can indeed remove air pollutants. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. In doing so, they can also remove harmful chemicals, including benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

NASA's Findings

In 1989, NASA conducted a Clean Air Study to test the ability of plants to remove common indoor air pollutants. The study found that in just 24 hours, the leaves and roots of the plants removed up to 87% of the formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, while oxygen was returned to the room.

NASA's study provides valuable insights into the potential of plants to improve indoor air quality. However, it is important to note that the study was conducted in a controlled environment, and the results may not be directly applicable to typical buildings with different ventilation and air exchange rates.

Other Studies

While the NASA study demonstrated the effectiveness of plants in removing air pollutants, subsequent studies have provided additional insights. A 2019 study by the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology suggested that the impact of indoor plants on VOC levels might be overstated. It indicated that a significant number of plants would be required to make a measurable difference.

On the other hand, a 2008 study in India found that workers in offices with plants experienced various health benefits, including reduced headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory conditions, compared to those in plantless environments.

Best Plants for Air Purification

Several plants are known for their air-purifying capabilities, including:

• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
• English Ivy (Hedera helix)
• Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
• Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
• Pothos Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Dracaena (various species)
• Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
• Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
• Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)

While plants can remove air pollutants, the effectiveness in real-world settings may vary. Factors such as the number of plants, ventilation, and the presence of additional sources of pollutants can influence the overall impact.

Nevertheless, incorporating air-purifying plants into indoor spaces can be beneficial, especially in well-ventilated areas with moderate levels of pollutants.

Some plants, like the snake plant, are excellent at increasing oxygen levels and reducing allergens

Plants are natural air purifiers. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis. At night, plants typically respire like humans, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. However, a few plants, including orchids, succulents, and epiphytic bromeliads, do the opposite, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

The snake plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is one of the most durable indoor plants and is excellent at improving indoor air quality. It is easy to grow and can tolerate most light conditions. Snake plants release oxygen at night, unlike most other plant species, making it a great plant for the bedroom. It could even help you sleep better by increasing oxygen levels and reducing allergens.

In addition to improving oxygen levels, snake plants can also remove common indoor air toxins such as formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide, produced by fuel-burning appliances. They are also effective at removing mould from the air, making them ideal for bathrooms or damp areas.

The NASA Clean Air Study found that in just 24 hours, the leaves and roots of certain plants, including the snake plant, removed up to 87% of formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, while oxygen was returned to the room.

Other plants that are effective at increasing oxygen levels and reducing allergens include orchids, succulents, epiphytic bromeliads, peace lilies, bamboo palms, and Chinese evergreens. These plants are known for their ability to remove common indoor air pollutants and increase oxygen levels, creating a healthier environment for people with allergies or respiratory issues.

Plants can absorb harmful chemicals through their foliage and break them down in their root systems

Plants are a natural way to clean and purify the air in your home. They can absorb harmful chemicals through their foliage and break them down in their root systems.

During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. In doing so, they can remove harmful chemicals, including benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. These chemicals are found in almost all indoor environments and are released from a variety of manmade materials, such as carpets, rugs, and paint.

The roots and plant tissue degrade the pollutants. Studies indicate that microorganisms in the soil also play a role in removing pollutants from the air.

NASA found that living plants were efficient at absorbing contaminants in space stations. In a 1989 study, NASA found that in just 24 hours, the leaves and roots of the plants removed up to 87% of the formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, while oxygen was returned to the room.

However, a more recent study by the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology concluded that while indoor plants do purify the air, you would need 100 to 1,000 plants for every 10 square feet to start making a measurable difference.

• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
• Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
• Pothos Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
• English Ivy (Hedera helix)
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Aloe Vera

Studies suggest that potting soil and microorganisms in the soil also play a role in removing pollutants from the air

Plants are natural air filters, cleaning the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Beyond carbon dioxide, plants can purify the air of harmful pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbonyl, particulate matter, organic compounds, nitrates, sulfates, ammonia, calcium, ozone, and carbonate.

The process by which plants and their root microbes remove contaminants from the air is called phytoremediation. The NASA Clean Air Study in 1989 found that in just 24 hours, the leaves and roots of the plants removed up to 87% of the formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, while oxygen was returned to the room.

However, the role of potting soil and microorganisms in the soil in removing air pollutants cannot be overlooked. Studies indicate that microorganisms in the potting soil play a role in removing pollutants from the air. This is achieved through the process of metabolization, translocation, and/or transpiration.

For example, in a study conducted by Wolverton Environmental Services, Inc. (WES), a lady palm plant and its soil removed formaldehyde that continuously off-gassed from interior paneling. The study showed that 50 to 65% of VOC removal could be attributed to root and soil microbes.

Another study by the University of Sydney, Australia, found that the root and soil microbes rapidly adapted to the presence of formaldehyde and contributed significantly to the chemical removal process. They also found that the plant leaves and root microbes work together to remove VOCs from the indoor environment.

The implications of these studies suggest that both the plant leaves and root microbes are essential for removing pollutants from the air. Additionally, the efficiency of trace gas removal depends on the populations of soil microbiota capable of metabolizing them.

In conclusion, while plants play a significant role in removing air pollutants, the potting soil and microorganisms in the soil also contribute to this process. By working together, plants and their root microbes can effectively remove contaminants from the air and improve indoor air quality.

Frequently asked questions