Key Takeaways
- Science has proven that plants are capable of absorbing indoor air pollutants. In the real world, under real conditions, they are much less effective than other, cheaper, approaches at improving air quality, especially not in your average American home.
- Houseplants contribute to better indoor environments by supporting mental well-being and bringing a touch of nature indoors, especially in urban areas like Los Angeles.
- Mold, humidity imbalances, allergens, and pests can all be associated with indoor plants. If not properly managed, they can at times have an adverse impact on air quality.
- For cleaner air, prioritize actions like increasing fresh air ventilation, reducing pollutant sources, and using mechanical air purifiers with HEPA or activated carbon filters.
- Pick plants that work with your lifestyle and climate. To ensure the happiest and healthiest match, prioritize low-maintenance and pet-safe species.
- Instead, protect your health with a proven mix of approaches—plants alone won’t do it—so everyone in your home can enjoy clean indoor air.
Indoor plants do improve air quality—that much is true—but the actual effect is usually less than the headlines would have you believe. Research has indeed found that certain plants can absorb toxins such as formaldehyde or benzene.
The impact in an average residential setting is small. Much of the research has been conducted in tightly controlled labs with extreme concentrations of plants. That’s not what happens in real homes or apartments throughout the U.S.
It has much more to do with factors such as ensuring proper ventilation or utilizing air purification technology. Folks who live in heavily polluted urban areas, such as those in Los Angeles, want to know if a few more houseplants will save the day.
Find out below what the science really says, and help us sort fact from fiction. It better equips you to understand what to expect, should you desire cleaner air in your home!
The Plant-Air Purity Story Begins
Long before houseplants were coveted decorative features in Los Angeles residences, Angelenos thought they might be able to achieve more than aesthetic benefits. They figured these plants could do things even more impressive, like clean the air we breathe! Unfortunately, this belief has its origins in sandbag research from the bioremediation industry.
Their research examined the role that living organisms—particularly plants—play in bioremediation, an active process by which contaminants are broken down or rendered harmless. Bioremediation opened the door to imagining plants as natural allies in combating indoor air pollution. At the heart of this concept is photosynthesis.
Plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen, a natural cycle that sustains life and helps our environments feel more vibrant and alive.
NASA’s Famous Clean Air Study
In the late 1980s, NASA initiated the Clean Air Study. They wanted to determine if easily obtainable houseplants could absorb or remove pollutants within sealed chambers. Among these, the snake plant, peace lily, and spider plant performed exceptionally well.
As that happened, they proved their capacity to decompose harmful chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde. The study’s findings were greeted with huge public relations fanfare and influenced public perception. Each of these tests utilized small, closed environments vastly unlike the typical residential dwelling.
The air in our living rooms doesn’t circulate nearly as efficiently. In practice, this results in a much less dramatic effect since pollutants don’t build up in the same manner.
Why The Hype Took Root
The concept that a common houseplant might purify the air is an attractive and easily communicable one. Suddenly, media outlets across the country were picking up these NASA findings and spreading the story, frequently omitting all the important context. Safety information didn’t help much either, and personal testimonies on how having more plants around made people feel healthier stoked the hype fire.
Over the years, well-meaning anecdotes and responsible media reporting stoked the myth. Even when the science failed to back up these grand claims, it still spread like wildfire.
From Sealed Labs to Your Home
Homes in Los Angeles or nearly any other major U.S. City offer significantly greater air exchange. They do so with much better outside airflow compared to a lab’s sealed chamber. This great rate of ventilation does not allow for plants to have sufficient time and space to purify any bad stuff.
Second, the impractical quantity of plants required to achieve lab results would fill up nearly every family room. That distance between the lab and real life is an important reminder that translating these results into real-world change requires due diligence.
Do Plants Really Clean Indoor Air?
Everyone knows that houseplants clean the air, right? Well, it’s a little more complicated than that. Here’s what the science really says. Scientific evidence does indicate that plants absorb certain indoor pollutants. Tangible benefits to air quality demand more than a couple plants on a windowsill. In order to get a sense of what plants are really doing – or not – you have to look at the science. The real test is how plants thrive in your home.
1. How Plants Interact With Air
Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Leaves and roots, meanwhile, can absorb gases, such as certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Through a process called passive uptake, spider plants passively absorb small amounts of PM (particulate matter) through their leaves.
Plants absorb VOCs via their roots. The scale matters: a single spider plant only removes a tiny bit of PM—far less than what fills an average living room.
2. VOCs: What Current Science Says
VOCs are emitted by products like paints and cleaners, but by furniture. These chemicals over time can lead to headaches, eye irritation, or more severe health issues. In sealed laboratory chambers, plants have been shown to reduce VOC concentrations by as much as 90% within 24 hours.
However, these results don’t necessarily translate to actual homes, where air isn’t sealed tight.
3. The “Plant Power” Scale Problem
One plant can’t touch that level of pollution. It may only take thousands of plants to make a difference, but that’s just not feasible. Plant density, water loss through transpiration, and cleaning requirements are just a few factors that come into play.
4. Real-World vs. Lab Results
Controlled lab settings just don’t compare to our homes. Variables such as airflow, dust accumulation, and plant maintenance have an enormous impact.
5. Beyond VOCs: Other Pollutants?
Some pollutants such as dust or mold spores can’t be removed by plants at all, since they rely on physical filtration. Soil microbes are beneficial, but their contribution is limited.
Plants are most effective as just one element in a larger strategy for improving indoor air quality.
The Other Side: Plant Problems
Although we love to give houseplants credit for improving our interiors, it’s important to consider the other side of the coin as well. Plants have an interesting role to play in air quality, but that story is much more complex. Here are some of those problems and how they can actually contribute to making indoor air quality even worse.
Understanding these can help you balance the benefits and risks before you add a jungle to your home.
Mold Growth in Potting Soil
Potting soil is designed to retain moisture and, if your plant is overwatered or sitting in a dark corner, mold might begin to develop. Even high-quality soil can grow these white or gray fuzzy patches. Once inhaled, these mold spores can exacerbate respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with asthma or allergies.
Mold thrives in warm, humid conditions, making bathrooms and kitchens particularly susceptible. To reduce mold, choose pots with drainage holes. Allow the first inch of soil to dry out, and avoid overcrowding plants!
Allergens: Pollen and Spores
The bad news is that many popular houseplants produce pollen or other airborne particles that can trigger sneezing fits. Peace lilies, ficus and even ferns often are the offending plants. Those who are sensitive might experience itchy eyes or a runny nose if they introduce new plants suddenly.
To reduce this risk, choose houseplants with minimal pollen production such as snake plants or parlor palms. Clean leaves with a cloth and avoid flowering varieties if you are allergic.
Humidity Imbalances in US Homes
Things like plants transpire, or breathe out water vapor, which can increase indoor humidity. In cities like Los Angeles, this increase might not sound like a lot, but in enclosed spaces, it adds up. High humidity can cause mold on walls, dust mites, and musty odors.
Monitor humidity with a hygrometer, air out your home with windows when safe, and avoid overwatering.
Unwanted Pests and Critters
Gnats, mites, and aphids catch rides on houseplants, and then invade your home. These unwanted critters further damage plant health. They contribute debris and waste that decrease air quality.
To prevent bugs, examine new plants, use fresh potting soil, and wash leaves periodically.
Smarter Air Quality Strategies
Improving indoor air quality requires more effort than just bringing home a few houseplants. Plants such as spider plants can capture a portion of particulate matter on their leaves. One study went as high as around 20 micrograms per square centimeter, but their cumulative impact can only go so far.
Science indicates that roughly 80 of these plants are required before one can even detect a reduction in ozone concentrations. This is for a room that is only about 500 square feet. So even though plants do a great deal, a smarter plan goes beyond this one tool and employs many more.
Prioritize Fresh Air Ventilation
Allowing outdoor air in ranks among the most cost-effective measures to reduce indoor air pollutants. Use open windows or kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans to help introduce fresh outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air. Effective ventilation can reduce high levels of carbon dioxide, which can spike to 2000–2500 ppm in crowded, muggy spaces.
In homes, crack a window or cross-ventilate with open doors. These basic practices are a great way to cut down on chemical exposures and physical air pollutants!
Consider Mechanical Air Purifiers
Today’s IQAir air purifiers, particularly those equipped with HEPA and activated carbon filters, are exceptional at trapping ultra-fine, small particles. They’re good at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As machines, they pull dust, smoke, and chemicals from the air much more effectively than plants on their own.
An air purifier is an effective way to clean your air. Naturalize it. Adding a few of your favorite flowering plants instantly makes your home feel more welcoming.
Tackle Pollutant Sources Directly
Source reduction is the most effective way to cut pollution. Choose low-VOC paint, cleaning products, and furniture. Quit smoking inside and repair water leaks that can cause mold.
Be aware of radon and carbon monoxide, and look into how you can prevent these from entering your home. Every day habits plus intelligent product selections help make indoor air healthier.
My View: Plants for Well-Being
When we start to bring plants indoors, the conversation quickly turns to cleaner air. Perhaps their greatest promise lies less in what we breathe than how we feel. Those who live in urban metropolises or even just bustling suburbs frequently lack access to the soother beauty of nature.
In a room with no plants, that missing factor becomes apparent. It changes a stark, ordinary area into something that just feels more vibrant and friendly.
The Undeniable Mental Health Boost
Houseplants boost moods and reduce feelings of stress. Studies from American universities show that just seeing green leaves at home or work may help folks feel calmer and more at ease. Users report that their plants reduce their stress and anxiety levels, and being around their plants makes them feel less anxious.
There is undeniable research illustrating this relationship between indoor plants and mental health. It’s no wonder that people feel their tension melt away and their happiness increase once they move a couple new potted plants into their home or office!
If you want to improve your mood on a daily basis, why not keep a spider plant or peace lily on your desk? Make no mistake, these plants do wonders even on a hard-week-day!
Connecting With Nature Indoors
Connecting with nature is vital, even for those who dwelled in the concrete jungle of LA. Indoor plants provide an effective, affordable, and easy way to connect with nature. They add a lovely organic quality too!
This allows people to block out the hectic pace of urban life and better connect with their own health. Creating even a modest green space indoors can have profound effects.
Incorporating some greenery makes you feel centered and connected regardless of whether you live in a busy walk-up.
Air Quality: A Minor Plant Role
It’s a common misconception that plants will purify indoor air, but there’s more to it than that. Yes, plants such as pothos or ficus can absorb some gases and chemicals, but the impact is limited.
Studies indicate you’d need dozens of plants—up to 80 in a small room—to achieve any significant air-cleaning benefit. In addition, some plants can exacerbate or even cause allergic reactions.
So yes, plants do positively affect air quality, but expecting to get clean air from plants alone is unrealistic. Air filters and adequate ventilation are not enough.
Best Plants for a Happy Home
Indoor plants provide a variety of benefits beyond just beautifying a room with their vibrant green leaves. From busy professionals to families, the ideal houseplants are a source of calming ambiance and added confidence that indoor air is always feeling fresh.
Choosing plants that work well with your schedule and home environment is essential. Others prefer plants that are low-maintenance. Some of us prefer to fill our environment with more leafy types that pack a powerful punch.
When you match up your plant’s needs—light, care, water, etc.—with your space, you create a win-win situation of a healthy plant and a happy home.
Low-Fuss Greenery for Busy Lives
For those of us living busy lives, easy-care greenery can be key. Spider plants, pothos and snake plants tend to be popular choices. They adapt to any level of light and humidity, and require very little watering.
These free-spirited beauties can take a beating from neglect and continue to thrive. Peace lilies and rubber plants might take a tad more fussing. In addition to their potent air-filtering capabilities, they have a beautiful, very soothing whorled look.
If you’re in the market for a list, make these your top five—spider plant, pothos, snake plant, peace lily, and rubber plant. They are the low-fuss greenery with the most bang for your buck!
Pet-Friendly Plant Picks
Selecting non-toxic plants is important for households with cats and dogs. As always, a few houseplants are toxic and should be left out of your collection.
Pet-friendly choices like spider plants, Boston ferns, and parlor palms are all safe for your furry friends. These plants will beautify any space while giving you the reassurance that your furry family members are safe.
These non-toxic picks will go a long way toward keeping your furry friends healthy and your homes worry-free, all while creating beautiful pops of color and texture.
Plants Thriving in US Climates
Not all plants thrive in all climates. In the US, light and humidity can vary tremendously by climate zone. Snake plants, pothos and Rhapis palms are easy to find and adapt well indoors in almost any climate.
Plants like rubber plants and English ivy can get quite large and require lots of room to thrive. They do best in homes with lots of bright, indirect light.
Determine what type of light your home receives. Finally, select plants that will do best in each of those various light conditions to ensure healthy, lush plants throughout the year!
Conclusion
Plants add beauty to your home and office, and they promote a sense of calm. Many people want to believe that plants purify the air, but improving our air quality requires more than wishful thinking. Research conducted on houseplants in Los Angeles found that houseplants do not remove significant amounts of toxic substances. In fact, they often do it less successfully than their outdoor counterparts. Major air quality improvements are due to actions like ventilating with the outdoors, utilizing air-cleaning technologies or practices, or reducing the presence of dust and smoke. Having a snake plant in your living room can help improve your mood and add a healthy dose of green color. Looking for cleaner air through biophilia? Take the balanced approach—buy some durable plants, open a window and avoid the panic. Have a great plant-related story or advice? Tell everyone why you love it, and share it and let’s continue the air conversation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can indoor plants really improve air quality in Los Angeles homes?
Indoor plants do play a role in removing certain toxins, but their effects are overstated. To have even a modest impact on air quality, you’d have to have hundreds of plants. Good ventilation and air purifiers do a far superior job for LA’s unique air challenges.
Which plants are best for improving air quality indoors?
Indoor spider plants, snake plants, and pothos are easy, low-maintenance plants that provide some trace air purification. They’re easy to find at most Los Angeles nurseries, and they work great in apartments or homes, even small ones.
Do plants remove smog or wildfire smoke from indoor air?
Plants don’t remove smoke or smog particles from indoor air. During wildfires or high-smog days in LA, it’s best to use HEPA air purifiers and keep windows closed to protect your indoor air.
Are there health risks to having many houseplants?
Excess plants can raise indoor humidity levels, and potentially mold growth. If you’re allergic or asthmatic, note these health risks. Be mindful of mold, both in soil and on plant leaves.
How many plants do you need to clean indoor air?
Other studies indicate you’d have to have a dozen or more plants in every room to make a significant impact. Which is unfortunate, because that’s completely unrealistic for most LA homes. For aesthetic and comfort purposes, just buy a few plants to beautify your space with their presence.
Do plants help with mental well-being as well as air quality?
Do plants help with mental well-being as well as air quality? Plants provide even low-level air cleaning benefits. They provide that natural, calming environment to your indoor space, an essential aspect of mental health in LA’s bustling city atmosphere.
What’s a smarter way to improve indoor air quality in Los Angeles?
Consider using a high-quality air purifier, closing windows during times of high pollution and ventilating your home when outdoor air quality improves. Pair this with a handful of low-maintenance greenery, and you’ll have a safer, calmer abode.