The Truth About Houseplants: Can They Really Purify the Air?

Plants, plants, and even more plants – the craze that never ends! People are opting for more houseplants every day. And this is definitely not a shocker since the streets are more polluted than ever nowadays. Not only do these friendly ferns offer a nice addition to your home aesthetic, but there are actually multiple benefits that can derive from them as well. From air-purifying properties to decorative uses, let’s dive into houseplants and their characteristics together!

What Are Houseplants?

Houseplants are plants that are cultivated and grown indoors, typically within homes and other indoor spaces. They are popular for their decorative and aesthetic qualities, as well as for the potential benefits they can provide to indoor environments. Houseplants come in various shapes, sizes, and types, catering to different preferences and levels of care.

Characteristics of Houseplants

Here are some common characteristics and features of houseplants:

1. They Are Grown Indoors

Houseplants are specifically cultivated to thrive in indoor conditions. That is exactly why they are not meant to be planted outdoors in gardens or natural environments. They would not survive the harsh outside conditions.

2. Can Be Decorative

Many people choose houseplants for their decorative value. That is because these plants can enhance the aesthetic appeal of interior spaces, adding greenery, color, and texture to rooms. They are also considered a great furniture addition to warm up a house nicely!

3. They Offer Air Purification Properties

Some houseplants are known for their ability to improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants and toxins from the air. This can include examples such as snake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies.

4. They Are Low Maintenance

There are houseplants that are relatively easy to care for and are suitable for beginners. Additionally, these plants require minimal attention in terms of watering, light, and overall care.

5. There Are a Variety of Species

Houseplants encompass a wide range of plant species, including succulents, tropical plants, flowering plants, cacti, and more. Moreover, each species has its unique care requirements.

6. Can Be Potted or Container-Grown

Houseplants are typically grown in containers or pots filled with potting soil. This allows them to be easily moved and positioned within indoor spaces.

7. Regulates Indoor Microclimates

Houseplants can create small microclimates within your home, affecting humidity levels, temperature, and air quality in their immediate vicinity.

8. Offers Health Benefits

Besides air purification, houseplants can have a positive impact on mental well-being by providing a connection to nature and reducing stress.

What to Know About Common Houseplants?

Common houseplants include the spider plant, snake plant, pothos, philodendron, peace lily, succulents, and many others. The choice of houseplants depends on factors like the available light, indoor conditions, personal preferences, and the level of care you can provide.

Caring for houseplants typically involves providing the right amount of water, proper lighting, suitable humidity levels, and occasional fertilization. Different plants have different needs, so it’s essential to research the specific requirements of each type of houseplant to ensure their health and longevity.

Can Houseplants Really Purify the Air?

Research conducted by NASA in 1989 revealed that indoor plants have the remarkable ability to remove cancer-causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. This experiment was initially carried out to address air purification challenges in space station environments. Interestingly, later studies have shown that it’s not only the plants themselves but also the soil microorganisms within potted plants that contribute to cleaning indoor air.

The research findings suggest that houseplants serve as effective natural air purifiers. Moreover, the effectiveness appears to be linked to the size and lushness of the plant. Bill Wolverton, a former NASA research scientist who led the 1989 plant study, notes that the amount of leaf surface area a plant possesses influences the rate at which it purifies the air.

Best Air-Purifying Houseplants

Here are some of the best air-purifying houseplants to add to your home today:

1. Bird’s Nest Fern

Bird’s Nest Ferns are known for their elegant appearance, featuring crinkly, lime-green fronds that grow in rosettes, creating a striking visual statement. Beyond their aesthetics, they excel at purifying the air by removing formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant often found in new flooring and wall coverings. Originating from the forests of Asia and Australasia, these ferns are adaptable to various light conditions, ranging from bright and airy to semi-shady spots.

However, they thrive in high humidity, making them ideal for humid shower rooms or ensuites. To keep them healthy, mist them every other day, especially if they reside in a drier environment. Watering should only occur when the top inch of soil is dry, and temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24ºC) are optimal.

2. Areca Palm

Areca Palms, with their gracefully arching branches and smooth-tipped fronds, bring an element of elegance to any space. These palms hail from Madagascar and have a unique ability to filter out mold spores and ammonia, which are often present in household cleaning products. To ensure their well-being, provide filtered bright, indirect sunlight, as too much direct sun can cause leaf scorching.

Keep the palm away from drafts and radiators, maintaining room temperatures around 65-75°F (18-24°C). These palms are particular about their water source, preferring distilled or rainwater over tap water. Proper drainage is essential to prevent root rot.

3. Spider Plant

Spider Plants are a classic choice for air purification and are recognized for their striped leaves. They excel at removing formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene, common chemicals found in synthetic fabrics, paints, and glues. These versatile plants can thrive in temperatures ranging from 55 to 80°F (13–27°C) and are known for their resilience, even tolerating artificial light.

However, they should be shielded from strong, direct sunlight, which can lead to leaf damage. Water Spider Plants regularly during the spring and summer growing season, with occasional watering in the fall and winter. They’re also non-toxic to pets.

4. Dragon Plant (Dracaena)

Dragon Plants are not only effective at absorbing trichloroethylene, a significant indoor air pollutant, but they also make a bold and lush statement with their striking, varied appearances. These easy-to-grow plants come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, from tall glossy green corn stalk plants to those with pink and white-edged green leaves.

While they can tolerate lower temperatures, they prefer semi-shade and temperatures of 60-70°F (16-24°C). Dragon Plants dislike tap water due to added chemicals and benefit from distilled or rainwater. Maintaining moist soil, proper drainage, and regular misting with warm water are essential for their well-being.

5. English Ivy

English Ivy is a fast-growing, adaptable plant that can thrive in various spots around the house, regardless of temperature or light conditions. These distinctive evergreen vines are particularly effective at reducing airborne toxic chemicals, including trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde, which are commonly found in indoor environments.

English Ivy thrives in direct sunlight, well-drained soil, and ample watering. Maintaining a steady temperature between 52-71°F (11-22°C) ensures healthy growth. Its trailing stems and lush foliage make it a versatile choice for decorating shelves, hanging planters, or draping from a hanger.

Will you be trying out houseplants as air purifiers? Let us know if our guide helped you out in the comments below!

You might also want to read: Indoor Gardening 101: Bring Nature Inside