Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, and we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Back in 1989, NASA released a groundbreaking study suggesting that houseplants could cleanse indoor air. The study proposed that common indoor plants like pothos, ivy, and ficus could absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, while also naturally eliminating toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.
Jessica Guo, Assistant Professor of Climate and Biology at Harvey Mudd College, explains that VOCs are gases often associated with odors from various sources like markers, perfumes, paint, and essential oils. While these scents may seem pleasant, indoor concentrations of VOCs can lead to irritation and headaches.
The concept of houseplants serving as air purifiers sparked optimism, with publications like Good Housekeeping endorsing the idea of using specific plants for cleaner air. However, recent studies, including a review by experts at Drexel University published in Nature, have contradicted the notion that houseplants significantly improve air quality.
The flaw in the NASA study lies in its controlled environment testing, conducted in sealed chambers, which failed to replicate real-world living conditions. Gioia Massa, Ph.D., notes that indoor spaces differ significantly from sealed chambers in terms of size, continuous VOC emissions, and air exchange rates. This highlights the complexity of indoor air quality and underscores the necessity for further research on the role of plants in air purification.
Another critical issue with the NASA study is the unrealistic quantity of plants required to achieve the reported effects. Research from Drexel University showed that a substantial number of plants—far beyond what is practical—would be needed to purify indoor air as suggested by the NASA study.
While concerns about indoor air quality are valid, Sarah Kavassalis, Ph.D., emphasizes that investing in an air purifier is a more effective solution for combating pollutants like dust, odors, and pollen in homes and offices. Despite the limitations of the NASA study, the dedication of Dr. Bill Wolverton and his team is acknowledged, paving the way for further exploration into the potential benefits of houseplants for indoor environments.
“Science is in a constant state of evolution as new tools and technologies enhance our comprehension,” she elaborates. “Similar to how our capacity to explore the cosmos has progressed from rudimentary telescopes to sophisticated space observatories, our knowledge of biological and environmental mechanisms has become more profound.”
The advantages of having indoor plants are manifold. If you need a gentle nudge, indoor plants offer numerous benefits, ranging from aesthetic appeal to positive effects on mood and overall productivity. For instance, indoor plants can elevate the ambiance of your living area—after all, who doesn’t feel uplifted in a beautifully adorned home? (Studies have shown that a pleasing environment indeed exerts a favorable impact on mental well-being.) According to a 2022 study featured in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the presence of indoor plants contributed to reducing participants’ blood pressure levels and enhancing cognitive function. Moreover, in arid settings like heavily air-conditioned offices or apartments with central heating that creates desert-like conditions, plants can be beneficial: they emit water vapor, thereby increasing humidity levels and moistening the air.
Certain plants possess medicinal properties, such as iron-rich fenugreek, stomach-settling peppermint, and the soothing gel derived from the aloe vera plant. Furthermore, plants play an indispensable role in sustaining life on our planet, benefitting both humanity and the environment.
“There are scientific inquiries drawing connections between plants and mood regulation, as well as aiding post-surgery recovery. However, what I find most appealing about houseplants is their reminder of our origins,” Guo remarks, highlighting that plants, through the process of photosynthesis that supplies oxygen crucial for human and animal survival, are fundamental to life on Earth. “Therefore, caring for plants, whether indoors or outdoors, creates a sense of reciprocal relationship that I find quite fulfilling.”
