Indoor plants are more than just decorative pieces. Many people believe that houseplants can improve indoor air quality by filtering harmful pollutants and releasing fresh oxygen. But how much do they really help, and which plants are best for the job?
Yes, some indoor plants can improve air quality by reducing certain pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon dioxide. While they may not completely replace air purifiers, plants such as snake plants, spider plants, peace lilies, and pothos are among the best for boosting indoor air quality naturally.
In this guide, we’ll explore whether plants truly make a difference, the science behind it, and which plants are best for different spaces.
Do Indoor Plants Really Improve Air Quality?
This is one of the most common questions people ask. The truth lies somewhere in the middle:
- Yes, they help — but modestly indoors. NASA’s famous 1989 Clean Air Study showed that houseplants can absorb toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
- However, real-world impact is smaller. In homes and offices, you would need dozens of plants in a single room to significantly reduce pollutant levels.
Still, even modest benefits combined with the psychological boost of greenery make plants a smart addition for healthier indoor air.
How Do Plants Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Plants clean the air through several processes:
- Photosynthesis – They absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) and release oxygen.
- Phytoremediation – Some species absorb toxins like VOCs (volatile organic compounds) through their leaves.
- Humidity Control – Plants release water vapor, helping balance indoor humidity.
- Microbe Support – Soil microbes around roots also break down pollutants.
Together, these mechanisms mean plants can contribute to fresher, healthier indoor environments.
Which Plants Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Here are some of the best plants scientifically linked to better indoor air quality:
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- Absorbs toxins like formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides.
- Releases oxygen at night, making it perfect for bedrooms.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Excellent at removing formaldehyde and xylene.
- Very easy to care for and pet-friendly.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Known for absorbing VOCs and mold spores.
- Also helps maintain indoor humidity.
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Filters out benzene, toluene, and xylene.
- Grows quickly and thrives in low light.
5. Aloe Vera
- Absorbs benzene and formaldehyde.
- Bonus: gel can be used for burns and skin care.
6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Effective at reducing airborne toxins.
- Also produces high levels of oxygen.
What Plants Are Best for Indoor Air Quality?
The “best” plants depend on your environment:
- For homes with pets: Spider plant, areca palm, bamboo palm.
- For bedrooms: Snake plant, aloe vera (release oxygen at night).
- For offices: Pothos, rubber plant, ZZ plant (low maintenance).
- For high-pollution areas: Peace lily, bamboo palm, dracaena species.
Do Indoor Plants Help With Air Quality in Offices and Schools?
Yes, but not as much as professional HVAC systems. Still:
- A study by the University of Technology Sydney found indoor plants reduced CO₂ levels by 10–25% in office spaces.
- Schools that added greenery noticed improved student concentration and reduced sick days.
Plants may not solve IAQ problems alone, but they support cleaner air in shared spaces.
Are Indoor Plants Good for Air Quality or Just Decoration?
- Yes, they’re good for air quality. While modest, the benefits are real.
- But they’re not replacements for purifiers. Air purifiers are still more effective for removing smoke, pollen, and fine dust.
- Plants add psychological benefits. Studies show greenery reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts productivity.
So the value of indoor plants goes beyond just physical air cleaning.
Are All Plants Equally Good for Indoor Air Quality?
No. Some are better than others:
- High performers: Snake plant, spider plant, peace lily.
- Moderate performers: Ferns, pothos, aloe vera.
- Low performers: Succulents (like cacti). While beautiful and easy to care for, succulents do little to improve indoor air quality.
Do Plants Improve Indoor Air Quality Reddit and Other Discussions
Online communities like Reddit and Quora often debate this. The consensus is:
- Plants provide some benefit but are not miracle workers.
- Air purifiers are more effective but don’t offer the same natural, calming effect.
- The combination of both is the best solution.
How Much Do Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality?
It depends on:
- Number of plants – One or two won’t make a huge difference; 10–15 in a medium room may help noticeably.
- Type of plant – Larger, leafy plants tend to absorb more toxins.
- Placement – Spread plants throughout rooms, especially near windows and in offices.
Realistically, plants alone won’t solve serious indoor air quality problems but do contribute positively.
FAQs About Indoor Plants and Air Quality
Do houseplants improve indoor air quality?
Yes, especially species like snake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies.
Are plants good for indoor air quality in offices?
Yes, they help reduce pollutants and increase productivity, but should be combined with proper ventilation.
Which plants are good for indoor air quality?
Top choices include snake plant, spider plant, pothos, peace lily, and rubber plant.
Are succulents good for indoor air quality?
Succulents like cacti and jade plants are low-maintenance but do not significantly improve air quality.
Do plants really help indoor air quality or is it a myth?
They do help, but only modestly. They should be part of a broader IAQ strategy.
Final Thoughts
Indoor plants are not a magic solution, but they are a natural, low-cost, and attractive way to support healthier indoor air. While their impact is smaller compared to air purifiers or professional ventilation systems, plants offer unique benefits: toxin absorption, oxygen release, humidity balance, and stress reduction.
By adding the right plants such as snake plants, spider plants, pothos, and peace lilies to your home, office, or classroom, you’ll enjoy cleaner air and a healthier, more inviting space.