Key Takeaways
- Houseplants offer aesthetic and psychological benefits but have minimal real impact on air purification in typical homes.
- NASA’s original research was conducted in controlled environments, which don’t reflect everyday living conditions.
- Effective air purification via plants would require an impractically large number of plants.
- Different plant types require specific care, including proper light, watering and soil conditions.
- Some plants can be toxic to pets, so checking labels before purchasing is important.
How the Idea of Air-Purifying Houseplants Became So Popular
In 1989, a NASA study concluded that common houseplants could remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air as well as absorb carbon dioxide. The news that plants like weeping fig, Chinese evergreen and elephant ear philodendron were not only ones we already loved in our homes but also had the added benefit of being air purifying was the good news to plant enthusiasts and newbies alike.
Over the last few decades, the idea that plants could purify the air in our homes took off, earning coverage in many prominent home news sources. What got left out of the equation was that the conditions of NASA's experiments were highly controlled, and didn't translate to our home environments.
In 2019, researchers conducted a meta-analysis on the decades of research on plants and air purification. They found that plants have a negligible impact on air quality since they can’t clean the air faster than the air circulates. For any measurable impact, you would need a staggering amount of plants — about 1,400 to 14,000 for a typical 1,500 square foot home. Researchers concluded that while houseplants are aesthetically pleasing and provide psychological benefits, they don’t have the capacity to effectively clean the air in your home.
Houseplants and the Many Benefits They Provide
While you’re not likely to fill your home with 1,400 plants for a purifying effect, it doesn’t mean you need to skip the houseplants altogether. There are hundreds of plant species that possess air-purifying properties, and dozens of indoor plant varieties as well. They’re naturally beautiful and beneficial. Consider these common houseplants below.
African Snake Plant
The African snake plant is a hardy tropical, succulent plant. Its striking appearance and low maintenance upkeep make the African snake plant a popular houseplant. Unlike typical flora, African snake plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night, making it the perfect plant to place in your bedroom.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a hardy, low-maintenance succulent that’s the source of the aloe vera gel that helps heal minor burns. It releases oxygen in the evening, making it a beneficial plant to have on your nightstand at bedtime.
Boston Fern
The Boston fern is a common household plant that’s also grown in many tropical areas around the world. It thrives indoors and naturally increases humidity, making it a good choice in dry environments. It’s safe for households with cats and dogs. The Boston fern is low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Broad-Leaved Pothos
The broad-leaved pothos is a graceful plant when hanging or potted. This plant brings the drama with its large, heart-shaped leaves. It’s a low-maintenance plant that’s easy to care for, making it perfect for beginners. The versatile broad-leaved pothos can be trained to climb walls, acting as a decorative, living element. You can propagate cuttings in water and plant them once new roots have sprouted.
Golden Pothos
Golden pothos is a trailing tropical vine with heart-shaped leaves that works well as a hanging plant. It acts as a natural humidifier, releasing moisture into the air, and it also increases indoor oxygen levels. Golden pothos is low-maintenance and easy to care for, making it an ideal plant for beginners, but be careful as it’s toxic to pets.
Peace Lily
The graceful peace lily is widely known as a spiritual symbol of peace. It’s a popular, beautiful plant with white, sail-like blooms that’s known to lower cortisol levels and create a calming, peaceful environment. They’re easy to maintain and great for beginners.
Philodendron Brasil
The philodendron brasil plant is a highly sought-after houseplant. It’s a resilient, low-maintenance, beginner-friendly plant that thrives with minimal care. The philodendron brasil plant has heart-shaped leaves and a distinguishing lime green, dark green and creamy yellow variegation. It’s a fast-growing, trailing vining plant that’s perfect for hanging planters and shelves.
Spider Plant
The spider plant is versatile and low-maintenance. They’re non-toxic and are safe for children, dogs and cats. Spider plants increase indoor humidity. They’re beginner-friendly and easy to care for.
String of Pearls
The string of pearls plant is a stunning succulent with distinctive pearl-like leaves. Ideal for high shelves or hanging planters, it trails to create a striking, cascading effect. It’s a fast-growing and easy to care for plant; however, it’s toxic if ingested, so keep it away from children and pets.
For True Air Purification: Air Purifiers
Your plants may not be able to provide you with true air purification, but you can still get that with an air purifier. An air purifier is designed to filter and remove airborne contaminants like pollen, smoke, dust, pet dander and viruses. They pull in bad air and release clean air. Purifier types include filtered (HEPA/carbon), filterless and hybrid models, with a variety of features, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility, an ionizer, wheels for transportability, oscillating and more.
For more on air purifiers, our buying guide has plenty of information to help you choose the right one for your home.
Houseplants and Air Purifiers
While houseplants add visual appeal and can boost your well-being, they have little measurable impact on air purification in the home. You’d need hundreds of plants in a single home to match the air-cleaning efficiency of a standard ventilation system. However, the true value of houseplants lies in their ability to reduce stress, improve focus and provide the aesthetic satisfaction we get when we see their beauty. They boost our mood and make us happy.
Ready to buy a few houseplants? Stop by your local Lowe’s and have a look around or check with a Lowe’s Red Vest associate for assistance. You can also shop online for indoor pots and planters. While you’re there, check for air purifiers, too.
Air Purifying Houseplants FAQ
Here are some of the most asked questions that may help you shop for air purifying houseplants.
Do Houseplants Actually Purify Indoor Air?
Not significantly in real-world conditions. Studies show their impact is negligible compared to normal air circulation.
How Many Plants Would Be Needed to Improve Air Quality?
Roughly 1,400 to 14,000 plants for a standard home — far more than is practical.
What’s a Better Option for Air Purification?
An air purifier with HEPA or carbon filters is far more effective at removing indoor pollutants.