We all remember learning in science class that plants “breathe” by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is why forests are so important in maintaining the delicate balance of the earth’s atmosphere.
But did you know that certain tropical houseplants can also remove and process other, more harmful, chemicals from the air inside your home?
Toxic Chemicals in Household Air
Homes and office buildings today are often more polluted than the outdoors.
Modern buildings are tightly sealed and insulated to make them energy-efficient, and they’re also full of synthetic materials that emit harmful gases and chemicals into the air.
The result is a sealed bubble of unclean air that can lead to what is known as “Sick Building Syndrome.” Some of the most common indoor pollutants are:
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- Formaldehyde: Commonly used in a number of items including particleboard, pressed wood, foam insulation, cleaning products, and treated paper or fabric. If your home or office contains particle-board furniture, grocery bags, tissues, paper towels, or anything that has been treated to make it stiffer, wrinkle-resist, fire retardant, or water-repellent, then you’re likely to have formaldehyde in the air.
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- Benzene: A solvent used in manufacturing paints, inks, plastics, rubber, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and detergents.
- Trichloroethane: Can be found in adhesives, varnishes, paints, and used in dry-cleaning.
At the very least, chemicals like these can irritate the eyes and skin, lead to allergic reactions, and cause headaches.
At worst, they’ve been linked to more serious problems including asthma, cancer, anemia, organ damage, and birth defects.
Given the pervasive presence of these chemicals in our homes, it can be difficult to create an environment that is free of them.
Research by NASA and ALCA
In the late 1980s, a two-year research study was conducted by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) to investigate ways to create healthy, breathable environments in outer space.
They found that certain tropical plants, commonly used as houseplants, were quite effective in removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethane from the air and replacing it with breathable oxygen.
All plants provide some benefit to air quality, but their research showed that tropical plants (grown as houseplants in cooler climates) are particularly effective at processing gases and chemicals.
Because they grow in dense rainforests with very little light, they have evolved to be very efficient at photosynthesis, which includes the absorption of gases from the air.
In addition, as plants transpire (emit water from the leaves), air is drawn down around the roots, where root microbes quickly adapt and begin “eating” the harmful chemicals that are absorbed.
The result was a list of recommended plants for reducing toxic chemicals in indoor environments.
Most are common houseplants that you should be able to find at your local garden center. Two of the recommended plants (Gerbera Daisy and Pot Mum) are ornamental blooming plants that are frequently brought indoors for seasonal decorations.
I would like to know what can I do with my corn plants leafs are spotted, spots are turning lighter, also leafs have brown spots? Please answer
Amy, you may not have enough light for some houseplants. Try growing plants that tolerate low light, such as peace lily and pothos. Also, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Caring for Houseplants for tips on growing low-maintenance houseplants.
I live in a building basement and i have only 2 windows and my plants died very easy. Please tell me what can i do.
I have read your article and read similar articles of the benefits of houseplants but I read few articles that these houseplants also produce VOCs, am confuse, just wondering which one is now true. Please, answer at once
Hi Grace,
Your question about houseplants and VOCs has been answered by Julie Day on our website at Do Houseplants Release or Remove VOCs in the Air?. Thank you for your interest!
i would just like to know that how does a snake plant oxygen at night;although there is no sunlight….
Hi, I have many plants in my home, how large does a plant need to be to do the job in the home, for cleaning the air. I have small and large plants in the home.
thanks, js
what house plants may be put in the bedrooms, where the lights are turned off during night?
Rimal, and future readers,
Many plants split up photosynthesis into two parts to conserve water: night time close most pores while stockpile CO2 in acid form, and day time open pores and finish the respiration to make sugar from CO2 + water. To read more search for CAM and C4 plants.
I have the houseplants that are at the top of the article that sent me here. I have an intense red orange mold growing in them, & I only water them about once a week letting the soil conpletely dry. I have recently noticed red seed looking things in the mold & they are ending up all over the house. We also have the scary black mold on most household surfaces I’ve been trying to clean. I’d like to know, should I scrape the mold out of my plant, & will it help with our allergies, etc. from the other not so forgiving molds. Can this mold spread a visible red spore that continues to grow on other surfaces?
I have a heart shaped philodendron that I purchased about a month ago. It seems to be thriving and has lots of new growth on it! However, the top of the soil keeps getting moldy?!?!?! I am not an experienced plant caregiver, but I do not water more than once a week(ish) if not longer. I have also tried re-potting and replacing the as much of the soil as I could but still the mold keeps coming back. Is this normal? Please help! It grosses me out to have mold growing in my plant but I love having the plant in the house! Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!
how long does it take after place oxygenating plants in ur bedroom to start noticing a difference. i have a couple snake plants i put in today… wonder how long will it be before i notice any difference.
HI MY NAME IS MARIAN AND I HAVE A HOUSE PLANT AND IT HAS LONG VINES I HAVE THEM HUNG ALL OVER MY WALLS. AND THE THING IS SOME OF THE LEAVES ARE TURNING LIKE THE ARE BURNED OR ARE DRYING OUT, CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH HOW I CAN SAVE THEM FROM DRYING OUT PLEASE? THANK YOU.
This is an awesome TED Talk in wich the subject is the same adn this is the owner of the most healthiest building in delhi, very interesting! http://www.ted.com/talks/kamal_meattle_on_how_to_grow_your_own_fresh_air
Too bad only the Gerbera Daisy and Spider Plant are not toxic. Perhaps there’s a link between plant toxicity and ability to filter off-gases.
Even the cleanest homes have air quality issues. Breathing particles such as bacteria, viruses, pollen, mold spores, dust mites and cigarette smoke can cause a large range of negative health outcomes. Research has shown that the indoor air quality (IAQ) can be many times worse than that of the outdoor air.
I would love to know all your rec. for plants for allergies, moisture control. Air quality and smell of the air and more.
Thank you
Best house plant for humidity. I have electric heating and the lounge gets very dry.
Can you suggest a plant to help with the humidity please.