Improve indoor air quality with houseplants: best plants and tips.
Indoor air quality has become a major concern, especially as we spend more time indoors. Air pollutants from cleaning products, cooking, and furniture can impact our health and well-being. Houseplants are often recommended as a natural way to improve air quality. But how effective are they really? In this blog post, we’ll explore how houseplants can help purify the air, which plants work best, and how to create an indoor environment that promotes cleaner air and a healthier home.
What causes poor indoor air quality?
Before discussing how houseplants can help, it’s important to understand the sources of poor indoor air quality. Several pollutants, many of which come from everyday items and activities, can reduce indoor air quality.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are among the most common indoor air pollutants. These are emitted by products such as paints, cleaning supplies, furniture, and even air fresheners. VOCs can cause a range of health issues, including headaches, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat.
- Household dust is another frequent contributor to poor air quality. It is a mix of dead skin cells, pet dander, dirt, and pollen that easily accumulate on surfaces and in the air. If not managed, dust can worsen allergies and asthma symptoms.
- Mould and mildew thrive in humid environments, growing spores that can be released into the air. These spores harm people with respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems.
- Lastly, poor ventilation can trap pollutants, creating a stagnant indoor environment. This is especially problematic in well-insulated homes, as there’s often limited airflow to help disperse harmful particles.
How do houseplants help improve indoor air quality?
Houseplants are believed to act as natural air filters, capable of absorbing and removing pollutants. But how does this work?
Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis but can also absorb toxins through their leaves. Microorganisms in the soil around the plant’s roots also play a crucial role in breaking down harmful compounds.
A well-known study by NASA conducted in the 1980s demonstrated that houseplants can remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. These chemicals, commonly found in cleaning agents, synthetic fabrics, and plastics, are some of the major contributors to indoor air pollution.
However, it’s important to note that while houseplants do have air-purifying properties, their real-world effectiveness is often limited. The NASA study was conducted in a sealed environment, which is far different from the average home. In an open setting like a house, the number of plants needed to improve air quality would likely be much higher than most people are willing to maintain.
Top houseplants that improve indoor air quality
Choosing the right plants is critical if you’re looking to improve your indoor air quality with houseplants. Some plants are better at absorbing specific toxins, while others are easier to care for or require less maintenance. Below are some of the most effective air-purifying plants, along with tips on how to care for them.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant is one of the most popular houseplants for air purification. It efficiently absorbs toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and nitrogen oxides. One of its standout features is that it continues to produce oxygen at night, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms.
Care Tips
- Light: Thrives in low to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers warmer temperatures and low humidity.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants effectively remove carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from the air. They’re also pet-friendly, making them a great option for homes with animals.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
- Watering: Water once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Temperature: Grows best in temperatures between 13°C and 27°C.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are beautiful and excellent at reducing levels of benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia in the air. They’re also one of the few plants that can bloom indoors, adding a touch of elegance to any room.
Care Tips:
- Light: Low to medium light; avoid direct sunlight.
- Watering: Water when the soil feels dry; mist the leaves to maintain humidity.
- Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 18°C and 26°C.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is great for reducing airborne mould, making it perfect for bathrooms or areas with high humidity. It’s also effective at filtering out benzene and formaldehyde.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, but don’t overwater.
- Temperature: Does well in more relaxed environments (10°C – 22°C).
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is widely known for its healing properties and has air-purifying abilities. It helps filter out formaldehyde and benzene, commonly found in cleaning products and cosmetics.
Care Tips
- Light: Requires bright, indirect sunlight.
- Watering: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers warmer temperatures, around 18°C to 25°C.
The role of ventilation and other air-purifying methods
While houseplants offer some benefits in terms of air quality, they shouldn’t be your only line of defence. Proper ventilation is crucial in maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Without adequate airflow, pollutants can accumulate, making it harder for plants to keep up with the demand for air purification.
One of the best ways to improve air quality is to ensure your home is well-ventilated. Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate. When windows are often shut in the winter, consider using air purifiers to help remove dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters can trap particles that houseplants cannot, such as pet dander, dust mites, and smoke. When combined with houseplants, this creates a multi-layered approach to air purification.
Common myths about houseplants and air quality
There are many misconceptions surrounding the ability of houseplants to clean the air. Let’s address a few of the most common myths:
Myth 1: One or two plants can purify an entire room
While it would be great if a single plant could dramatically improve indoor air quality, multiple plants are required to make any noticeable difference. NASA’s study suggested that for meaningful air purification, you would need around 10 to 15 plants per square metre of space, which is far more than the average household has.
Myth 2: All plants improve air quality equally
Not all plants have the same air-purifying abilities. Some are more efficient at removing certain toxins, while others may have little to no impact on air quality. Selecting the right plants is crucial if you hope to use them for air purification.
Myth 3: Houseplants can replace air purifiers
While plants can complement air purifiers, they should not be seen as a replacement. Plants alone cannot filter out all the harmful particles and chemicals in the air, especially in homes with poor ventilation. Combining plants with other air purification methods is the best approach.
How to create a plant-friendly indoor environment?
To get the most out of your houseplants, creating an environment where they can thrive is essential. Here are some tips for setting up a plant-friendly indoor space:
Choose the right location
The placement of your plants can significantly affect their ability to filter the air. Most plants need bright, indirect sunlight to thrive, so placing them near windows is ideal. However, be mindful of drafts, which can harm sensitive plants. Also, consider the air circulation in the room – placing plants in areas with poor airflow can reduce their effectiveness.
Maintain your plants properly.
Healthy plants are more effective at purifying the air, so keeping them in good condition is important. Water your plants regularly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Use well-draining soil to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom of the pot. Additionally, wipe down the leaves occasionally to remove dust and ensure they can absorb as much light and air as possible.
Group plants together
Creating a plant ecosystem by grouping several plants can help maximise their air-purifying potential. Plants can help increase humidity in a room, benefiting people with respiratory issues, especially in dry environments.
FAQs
Can indoor plants purify the air?
Yes, indoor plants can help purify the air by absorbing certain toxins through their leaves and roots. However, their ability to improve air quality is limited in real-world settings, and multiple plants are often needed to make a noticeable impact. They can complement other methods like proper ventilation and air purifiers for better indoor air quality.
Which indoor plant improves indoor air quality the most?
The Peace Lily is one of the most effective indoor plants for air purifying. It is particularly good at filtering toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia, making it a popular choice for improving indoor air quality.
How can I improve the air circulation in my house plants?
To improve air circulation for your houseplants, place them in areas with good airflow, such as near windows or vents, but away from direct drafts. Regularly clean dust off their leaves to allow for better absorption of light and air, and consider grouping plants to create a small indoor plant ecosystem, which can also boost humidity levels.
What plant removes 78% of airborne mould?
English Ivy has been shown to remove up to 78% of airborne mould in certain conditions. It’s an excellent option for improving air quality in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens, where mould is more likely to form.
What plant does NASA recommend for air purifiers?
NASA recommends several plants for air purification, but the Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is one of the top choices. It is highly effective at absorbing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, and it continues to release oxygen even at night, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms.