Houseplants, green spaces, and biophilic design have been popular for some time now, so it’s no wonder that air-purifying plants are generating a lot of interest. According to the 2024 Fall Trend Report from Pinterest, searches for “air purifying plants” have surged by 850% compared to last year. The concept of plants having air-cleansing abilities stems from NASA’s 1989 Clean Air Study, which revealed that certain plants can filter out harmful pollutants from indoor spaces. However, recent research suggests that the issue is more complicated than initially thought. Can our indoor plants truly purify the air effectively? To settle this debate, we consulted a horticulturist specializing in houseplants.
Meet Our Expert:
Justin Hancock is a horticulturist and houseplant expert at Costa Farms.
NASA’s Clean Air Study:
In the late 1980s, NASA conducted a study focusing on improving air quality in enclosed environments, such as space stations. The study found that plants boost indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis. It also suggested that specific houseplants could effectively eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, hence earning the label “air-purifying.” Some plants highlighted in the study include the Variegated Snake Plant, English Ivy, Peace Lily, various Dracaena varieties, Weeping Fig, Gerbera Daisy, and Potted Mums.
While the idea of air-purifying plants has sparked interest due to potential benefits on indoor air quality, it is crucial to understand that the study’s findings are primarily relevant to sealed indoor environments, not typical buildings with air exchange through doors, windows, and HVAC systems. Therefore, experts advise against directly applying the study’s outcomes to everyday life.
The Verdict on Air-Purifying Plants:
In a nutshell, plants can indeed filter pollutants from the air, but Justin Hancock notes that you may not notice a significant improvement in your home’s air quality unless you have a substantial number of plants. Real-life environments, with their natural air movements, disperse VOCs throughout buildings, potentially counteracting the effects of individual plants. Nevertheless, there are numerous other reasons to introduce houseplants into your home.
Benefits of Adding Houseplants to Your Home:
Although houseplants may not be the ultimate solution for purifying indoor air, they offer a plethora of other advantages. Hancock points out that scientific research confirms the following benefits:
– Reducing stress and anxiety: Spending time outdoors often brings a sense of calm and serenity, and houseplants can replicate this feeling indoors. Studies, such as one published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, demonstrate that having houseplants can help reduce stress levels.
The physical and psychological benefits of adding houseplants to your living space are well-documented. Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal with their gorgeous greenery, but they also have a significant impact on mood. Research suggests that the presence of houseplants can lead to an increase in endorphin and serotonin levels, thereby contributing to an overall sense of happiness and well-being. Microorganisms present in the soil of these plants release chemicals that are known to have mood-boosting effects, as explained by Hancock, an expert in the field.
Moreover, houseplants have the ability to create a more comfortable and cohesive atmosphere in a space, which in turn promotes relaxation and reduces stress. In combating the winter blues, houseplants can play a crucial role in uplifting spirits and combating feelings of melancholy. By bringing nature indoors, individuals can experience a tangible improvement in their mental state and emotional resilience.
In addition to their psychological benefits, houseplants also offer several advantages for physical health. Studies conducted in Scandinavian countries have indicated that having houseplants in indoor environments, such as offices, can lead to a reduction in common physical symptoms like headaches, coughing, and sore throats. The presence of greenery in workspaces has been linked to a decrease in employee sick days, highlighting the positive impact that plants can have on overall well-being. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating nature into indoor settings for improved health outcomes.
Furthermore, the cognitive benefits of houseplants cannot be overlooked. Research has shown that the presence of plants can enhance creativity, problem-solving abilities, memory retention, concentration levels, and overall productivity. Engaging with nature in the form of houseplants can inspire individuals to think innovatively and approach tasks with a fresh perspective. The stimulation provided by greenery can lead to increased intellectual engagement and a more dynamic thought process, ultimately contributing to enhanced cognitive performance.
Beyond the physical and mental advantages, cultivating houseplants can also have a positive impact on self-esteem. Successfully nurturing a plant to thrive requires dedication, patience, and care, qualities that translate into a sense of accomplishment and pride. The act of tending to a houseplant instills a sense of responsibility and achievement, fostering a positive self-image and boosting confidence levels. By caring for another living organism, individuals can experience personal growth and a deepened connection to the natural world.
In conclusion, the benefits of incorporating houseplants into indoor spaces extend far beyond mere aesthetics. From enhancing mood and promoting relaxation to improving physical health and stimulating cognitive function, these green companions offer a myriad of advantages for overall well-being. By embracing the presence of nature within our living environments, we can cultivate a sense of harmony, vitality, and fulfillment that enriches both our surroundings and our lives.
