Myth Buster: Air-Purifying Plants

First, let’s get real—can plants really make a difference in the air quality of your home? Short answer: kinda, but not like having an army of air purifiers buzzing in every room. 

Back in the ‘80s, NASA conducted a study that found some houseplants could remove certain toxins from the air in sealed spaces. They tested plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants, which showed a knack for filtering out chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Sounds impressive, right?

But before you start building your own indoor rainforest, here’s the kicker: to truly purify the air in a meaningful way, you’d need a jungle-sized collection—like 10 plants per square foot kind of jungle! Imagine squeezing past 700 plants just to grab your morning coffee ☕ 

So, while a few houseplants won’t exactly turn your living room into a pristine oxygen chamber, they do add a touch of nature and maybe a tiny bit of air-refreshing magic.

So, what’s the deal with these air-cleaning claims? Plants purify air through a process called phytoremediation—basically, they absorb toxins through their leaves and roots and convert them into less harmful substances. They also release oxygen through photosynthesis and can increase humidity by evaporating water, which is a nice bonus for those of us in dry, dusty apartments.

Certain plants are particularly good at this because they have large leaves or a high transpiration rate, which helps them pull in more air and more pollutants. But remember, the impact is relatively small unless you really go all in on turning your home into a mini jungle.

Here are some common houseplants that are praised for their air-cleaning abilities:

• Snake Plant: Hardy, low-maintenance, and tolerant of low light—this plant is like the laid-back roommate that never complains about the dishes. It’s known for filtering out toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
• Peace Lily: These beauties are not just pretty faces! Peace lilies can reduce airborne mold spores, making them great for bathrooms. Just watch out—they’re toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach of curious paws.
• Spider Plant: A classic with its arching green and white leaves, the spider plant is a tough cookie that can help remove carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from the air. Plus, it’s pet-friendly!
• Boston Fern: These lush ferns are pros at raising humidity and filtering out pollutants, but they do require a bit more TLC—think high humidity and moist soil.
• Pothos: This trailing vine is a champion for beginners and can thrive almost anywhere. It’s known for removing several indoor air pollutants but, keep it out of reach of pets.

If you’re ready to give these green air-fresheners a shot, the good news is that most of them are low-maintenance and beginner-friendly. Here are some quick care tips:

• Light: Many air-purifying plants do well in low to medium light conditions, but they’ll thrive best with bright, indirect light. Keep an eye on the leaves—if they’re looking pale or leggy, they might need a little more sun.
• Water: Consistency is key. Most plants prefer to dry out a bit between waterings, so make sure to check the soil and adjust your watering schedule to prevent root rot.
• Humidity: Some air-purifying champs like ferns and peace lilies enjoy higher humidity. Consider adding a humidifier or grouping plants together to create a mini microclimate.
• Feeding: A little plant food goes a long way. Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) to keep your plants in top shape.

Even if the air-purifying powers of plants are a bit overhyped, having houseplants still comes with a ton of benefits. They add a splash of green to your decor, create a calming atmosphere, and can even boost your mood and productivity. Plus, caring for plants can be a fun and rewarding hobby—there’s just something so satisfying about watching a new leaf unfurl.