Skip to main content

Do Houseplants Really Purify Indoor Air? The Science Explained.

By Saadatu Umar Ibrahim


If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest or Instagram, you’ve probably seen captions like “Plants are the natural air purifiers your home needs!”,  accompanied by an image of lush green Monstera leaves or cute spider plants on a sunny windowsill. It’s easy to believe that filling your room with houseplants will detox your air and help you breathe easier.
However, while houseplants can play a small role in improving air quality, the science behind it is far more complex than viral posts suggest.

So, do houseplants really purify indoor air or is it all just an aesthetic myth? In this week's #Greentruthswithsaadatu series Let’s dig into the science, separate fact from fantasy, and find out what’s really going on in that pot of soil by your window.

 The Origin of the “Plants Clean Air” Idea

The belief that houseplants purify indoor air began with one of NASA’s most famous experiments in the late 1980s. Research, led by Dr. B.C. Wolverton, tested several indoor plants to see if they could remove toxic chemicals, specifically volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from sealed air chambers.
These VOCs (like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene) are common in household materials: paints, cleaning supplies, furniture, and carpets. In NASA’s controlled lab conditions, plants like peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants did indeed reduce VOC levels.

This experiment sparked headlines like “Your houseplants can clean your air” and suddenly, every plant lover had scientific validation for their green obsession.

But… there’s a twist.

 The Science Behind the Myth

The key thing about the NASA study is that it was conducted in a sealed, tiny chamber, not an average living room or office. The researchers placed a single plant in an enclosed space with high concentrations of pollutants and no air movement, conditions that exaggerate results.

In the real world, indoor environments are much larger, have constant airflow, and new pollutants entering from various sources.
Later studies, like those published in Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology (2019), revealed that you would need hundreds to thousands of houseplants to match the air-cleaning efficiency of a single open window or modern air purifier.

In short: yes, plants can absorb VOCs but not enough to make a noticeable difference in real homes.

 How Plants Actually Interact with Indoor Air.

Let’s break down what’s really happening scientifically.
Plants interact with indoor air in three main ways:

1. Photosynthesis : During the day, plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) and release oxygen. This helps maintain air freshness, though the oxygen produced is minimal for large spaces.

2. Phytoremediation :This refers to plants absorbing pollutants through leaves and roots. Some toxins get metabolized by the plant or broken down by microbes living in the soil.

3. Humidity Regulation: Plants release moisture through a process called transpiration. This can slightly improve humidity levels, making air feel fresher and less dry (especially helpful during harmattan or winter months).

So, while your pothos might not scrub your air squeaky clean, it’s still performing small, positive acts that contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

The Real Environmental Benefit: The Soil Microbes


One fascinating finding from follow up studies is that microbes in the soil not just the plants are key to breaking down pollutants.
A 2009 study from the University of Technology Sydney showed that the rhizosphere (the thin layer of soil around plant roots) contains beneficial bacteria and fungi that can digest airborne VOCs when they land on or dissolve in soil moisture.
This means that an indoor plant’s cleaning power is a combined effort between the plant and its microbial allies.
So while the leaves grab some pollutants, the soil team does the hard cleanup work underground.

Significance of Indoor Air Quality

The average home or office contains multiple sources of indoor pollution, paint fumes, new furniture, gas stoves, cleaning sprays, candles, and even printers.

If your goal is to genuinely purify your indoor air, here are science backed methods that outperform houseplants:

  1. Ventilate daily: Open your windows for at least 10–15 minutes a day.
  2. Use  air purifiers: These can remove up to 99.97% of fine particles and VOCs.
  3. Avoid synthetic fragrances and harsh cleaners.
  4. Keep humidity balanced (40–60%): Too dry or too humid air worsens pollutants’ effects.
  5. Regular dusting and vacuuming: Dust traps harmful particles.
Houseplants are beautiful additions to these strategies, but they’re not substitutes.

 But Wait, Houseplants Do Make You Feel Better
Even though their pollution fighting abilities are limited, plants improve human well being in powerful ways.
Numerous studies show that indoor greenery:
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Improves concentration and productivity (especially in workspaces)
  • Enhances mood and creativity.
  • Increases humidity, helping with dry skin and respiratory comfort.
  • Creates a calming, aesthetic environment.
In essence, plants may not purify your air much, but they purify your mind. That’s equally valuable.

 Top Houseplants for Cleaner, Happier Spaces

If you still want to grow indoor plants that have the best potential for light air purification and great aesthetics, try these easy care varieties:
  1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Tolerates low light, absorbs some VOCs Releases oxygen even at night.
  2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) Removes small amounts of formaldehyde Gorgeous white blooms.
  3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Hardy and fast-growing Non-toxic to pets.
  4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) Good natural humidifier Adds tropical vibes.
  5. Aloe Vera Absorbs some airborne toxins Offers soothing gel for skin.
These plants combine beauty, simplicity, and mild air refreshing qualities perfect for homes, offices, or small apartments.

 Eco Tip:

Instead of chasing the myth that plants can single handedly purify air, think of them as living partners in your indoor ecosystem. 
Your goal should be air harmony, a balance between natural greenery, clean airflow, and mindful living.

Try these habits:

  • Pair a few plants with a small air purifier near frequently used spaces.
  • Avoid overwatering (to prevent mold).
  • Occasionally wipe leaves, clean leaves absorb gases more efficiently.
  • Rotate plants between indoor and outdoor light to keep them thriving.
In this way, plants become part of your sustainable lifestyle, not just home decor.

Green Isn’t Magic

The idea that houseplants purify indoor air isn’t completely false, it’s just overstated.

In controlled experiments, plants do remove toxins. In real homes, their effect is subtle. But that doesn’t make them less valuable.

They connect us with nature in an increasingly digital world. They inspire mindfulness, responsibility, and joy.

So the next time you water your peace lily or prune your pothos, remember: it may not be scrubbing the air spotless, but it is scrubbing away stress, improving your focus, and making your space feel alive.

That, too, is a kind of purification, one that starts from the soul.

A Quick Summary before you job into the comments section:

Do houseplants really purify indoor air?
Not significantly. While NASA’s 1989 study showed that plants can remove toxins in sealed environments, modern research reveals that their real-world impact is minimal. Still, plants boost mood, humidity, and aesthetics making them perfect partners in your indoor wellness ecosystem.

Science Sources Behind the  story 

Cummings, B. E., & Waring, M. S. (2019). Potted plants do not improve indoor air quality: A review and analysis of reported VOC removal efficiencies. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 29(5), 743–749. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-019-0125-5

 Summary: A large-scale review showing that while plants can absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in lab chambers, their effect in real homes is negligible. The study estimated that thousands of plants would be needed to equal the ventilation of an average house.

Wolverton, B. C., Douglas, W. L., & Bounds, K. (1989). Interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement. NASA Technical Memorandum 101766. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19930073077.pdf

 Summary: The famous NASA Clean Air Study that sparked global belief in plant-based air purification. Conducted in sealed chambers, the research showed that certain plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants can remove chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde.

Wolverton, B. C., & Nelson, M. (2020). Using plants and soil microbes to purify indoor air: Lessons from NASA and Biosphere 2 experiments. Life Support & Biosphere Science: International Journal of Earth Space, 7(2), 147–153. https://doaj.org/article/581824bebf984b6bbca8b553d990f874

 Summary: Builds on earlier NASA work, emphasizing the role of soil microbes (rhizosphere organisms) in breaking down indoor air pollutants. Suggests that the plant–microbe partnership, not just leaves, drives most of the purification process.

Zhang, Y., Dong, L., Xu, S., Han, Z., & Zhang, H. (2023). Removal of a complex VOC mixture by potted plants: Effects on soil microorganisms. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(11), 29681–29695. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36890406/

 Summary: A modern study simulating more realistic conditions, showing that English ivy and its root microbes reduced gasoline-related VOCs by up to 30%. Confirms that soil microbial health plays a key role in phytoremediation efficiency.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). Volatile organic compounds’ impact on indoor air quality. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality

 Summary: A reliable government source explaining what VOCs are, where they come from (like paint, furniture, and cleaners), and why ventilation remains the most effective method for maintaining clean indoor air.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Leave a comment please

Popular posts from this blog

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Hacks for Any Season 🎁🌿

By Saadatu Umar Ibrahim
The holiday season is almost here. Christmas trees are going up, carols are playing in the background, and gift shopping lists are already in the works. For so many , this time of year brings so much joy, finding that perfect gift, the excitement of wrapping it, and the happiness of seeing a loved one’s face light up as they open it. But here’s the thing we don’t often think about: what happens to all that wrapping paper once the gifts are unwrapped? Every Christmas, tons of shiny wrapping paper, glittery ribbons, and plastic-coated boxes pile up in trash bins. Most of it can’t be recycled, which means it ends up in landfills, adding to our already growing waste problem. In fact, studies show that in many countries, household waste spikes by 25–30% during the festive season, and a big chunk of that comes from gift wrapping. That doesn’t mean we should stop wrapping gifts. After all, part of the magic of gift giving is the presentation. Instead, we can rethink how we wrap, choosing eco-...
Post a Comment
Read more

🇳🇬 Nigeria @ 65: From Independence to a Greener Future

By Saadatu Umar Ibrahim
Today, Nigeria turns 65!  It’s a day to wave our flags high, hum “Nigeria we hail thee...” a little louder, and reflect on how far we’ve come as a nation, and where we’re heading. But instead of just a walk through dusty history books, let’s take a fun, refreshing trip down memory lane, exploring not only Nigeria’s independence story but also the rise of environmentalism in our beloved country, and why sustainable development must be the heart of our future.  A Quick Stroll Through History October 1, 1960, was more than fireworks and parades. It was the birth of a new identity, Nigeria stepping into the world stage as an independent nation after decades of colonial rule. Our rich diversity of over 250 ethnic groups became a source of pride and challenge at the same time. From independence to becoming a republic in 1963, and through years of ups and downs, civil war, democracy, military rule, democracy again. Nigeria has always stood tall, resilient, and...
Post a Comment
Read more

Zero Emissions Day: Practical Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

By Saadatu Umar Ibrahim
Every year on September 21st, the world marks Zero Emissions Day, a moment to pause, reflect, and rethink our relationship with the planet. It’s a reminder that every light we switch on, every ride we take, and every item we buy leaves a footprint on Earth’s atmosphere. The good news? Each of us has the power to shrink that footprint. In today’s post, I will explore practical, everyday ways to reduce your carbon emissions, and simple actions you can start right away. Because real change start with you and me. Why Zero Emissions Day? Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time. According to the UN, the energy sector alone contributes nearly 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. On Zero Emissions Day, the challenge is clear: can we live for 24 hours without polluting the atmosphere? Of course, no one expects you to permanently shut off your fridge or quit traveling entirely. The idea is to remind us that small, consistent steps matter and they add up. Think ...
Post a Comment
Read more

This Week on #GreenTruthsWithSa’adatu: Why AI Might Save Our Forests

By Saadatu Umar Ibrahim
Forests are the lungs of our planet. They store carbon, filter our air, provide habitats for millions of species, and supply essential resources for human survival. Yet, the world is losing forests at an alarming rate. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 10 million hectares of forest are destroyed every year an area roughly the size of Portugal. The question we must ask is: Can technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) help us reverse this crisis? This week on GreeenBlogs, as part of my GreenTruthsWithSa’adatu series, I explore why AI might be one of the most powerful tools we have to save our forests and how this innovation is already making a difference globally and locally. The Forest Crisis at a Glance Before diving into AI, let’s understand the scale of the problem. Deforestation is driven by logging, agriculture, infrastructure expansion, and in some cases, illegal mining. In Nigeria alone, we lose over 350,000 hectares of fores...
Post a Comment
Read more

Education Inequality in Nigeria and the Challenge for the Girl Child

By Saadatu Umar Ibrahim
Linking Back to the SDG Report 2025 The UN SDG Report 2025 underscores significant global progress in education: declines in child marriage and increases in youth school completion. Still, around 244 million children and young people worldwide remain out of school, with girls disproportionately affected . This global snapshot sets a critical backdrop: while there are hopeful strides, gaps remain and Nigeria’s education crisis is alarmingly severe. The Stark Reality: Out-of-School Numbers in Nigeria Nigeria now tops the world with an estimated 18.3 million out-of-school children (2024), up sharply from earlier estimates. As of early 2025, 10.5 million children aged 5–14 were already not attending school, often due to poverty, insecurity, early marriages, and insufficient infrastructure. What's Driving the Crisis? 1. Insecurity & Kidnappings Northern Nigeria faces frequent school closures and withdrawals due to widespread kidnappings. As of March 2024, armed groups ab...
Post a Comment
Read more

Closing the Gap: Accelerating Nigeria’s Progress on SDGs through Innovation and Partnerships

By Saadatu Umar Ibrahim
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025 paints a sobering picture: the world is halfway to the 2030 deadline, but only about 15% of the targets are on track globally. For Nigeria, the report highlights mixed progress, strong strides in mobile connectivity and gender representation in politics, but slower movement on poverty reduction, quality education, and clean energy access. Check my previous post to know more about the United nations  SDGs 2025 Report This chapter zeroes in on how Nigeria can close the gap, drawing from both the UN’s recommendations and real, local examples of innovation and partnership making a measurable impact. The SDG Challenge in Nigeria The UN report identifies three key bottlenecks in Nigeria’s SDG journey: 1. Funding gaps:  Development financing remains well below the estimated $100 billion annual requirement to achieve the SDGs. 2. Data gaps:  Limited real-time data makes it difficult to monitor progress and direct resour...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Eucalyptus trees: saviors or villains of the environment?"

By Saadatu Umar Ibrahim
INTRODUCTION : Eucalyptus trees are evergreen trees that originated in Australia and have been widely planted in many parts of the world due to their adaptability to different climates and fast growth rate. Despite their many uses, the impact of eucalyptus trees on the environment has been a controversial topic. This blog aims to explore various aspects of eucalyptus trees and answer the question of whether they are beneficial or detrimental to the environment. History of Eucalyptus Trees: Botanists first introduced eucalyptus trees to Europe in the 18th century, and since then, they have been introduced to other regions, such as Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Due to their fast growth rate and adaptability to different climates, they have been extensively planted in these areas. USES OF EUCALYPTUS TREES: Eucalyptus trees have various uses, including: Timber: Eucalyptus wood is durable, hard, and resistant to decay, making it ideal for furniture, flooring, and construction....
Post a Comment
Read more

5 Countries Winning the Zero Waste Race

By Saadatu Umar Ibrahim
Two weeks ago I was in Lagos to attend my convocation, I was hosted by a very close friend and her family. On the eve of our convocation, I went out with my friend to get some things and I noticed how she was picking empty plastic bottles and cans, when I ask her why, she explained that her mum sell them to a recycling company and makes some small money. I was impressed. while individuals and communities are trying, some countries have taken the zero waste movement to an entirely new level. They’re not just reducing waste; they’re reshaping how societies consume, recycle, and live. Today, let’s take a tour of five countries leading the race toward zero waste and see what lessons we can borrow. 1 . Sweden – Turning Trash into Treasure If there’s a global leader in waste innovation, it’s Sweden. Imagine a country where less than 1% of household waste ends up in landfills (Swedish Waste Management, 2023). Instead of dumping trash, Sweden converts non-recyclable waste into ener...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Greenest Back to School Guide: Simple Steps for Parents, Students, and Teachers

By Saadatu Umar Ibrahim
The long holidays are coming to an end, and in just a week, classrooms across Nigeria (and many parts of the world) will come alive again with the chatter of students. Parents are shopping for school bags, uniforms, and textbooks, while students are both nervous and excited to reunite with friends. But there’s one thing we often overlook during this season: the environmental impact of back-to-school preparations. From plastic-packed supplies to fuel-heavy transportation, school resumption can generate a surprisingly high carbon footprint. That’s why today, I’m sharing The Greenest Back to School Guide a simple, practical, and relatable guide to help families, teachers, and students go back to school sustainably.  Significance of  Green Back-to-School Season  Every year, millions of exercise books, pens, and lunch packs are purchased, often wrapped in single-use plastics. A study by the UN Environment Programme shows that plastic accounts for 85% of global wast...
Post a Comment
Read more
This site uses cookies to improve your experience and deliver personalized ads. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more.