Houseplants and Indoor Air Quality
Many people enjoy plants not only outdoors but also as part of their indoor décor. Houseplants play an important role in improving indoor air quality by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and ammonia. These pollutants are by-products of common household items including cleaning solutions, plastics, synthetic materials, aerosol sprays, varnishes, paints, and other products.
Plants are naturally designed to absorb carbon dioxide from the air and, with adequate light and water, convert it into sugars for growth. Oxygen is released as a by-product of this process, which is essential for human health. Most plants release significantly more oxygen during the day than they consume at night. During winter months, when homes are closed up and people spend more time indoors, air quality can become increasingly polluted. Indoor plants help counteract this by continuously detoxifying the air as part of their natural respiration process. NASA studies suggest that keeping two to three 8-inch plants per 100 square feet of living space can help improve indoor air safety.
Choosing the Right Houseplants
Houseplants vary in their ability to tolerate different indoor conditions. While all plants produce oxygen, those with larger leaves generally produce more, though they may require additional care. For households with pets, it is recommended to review the ASPCA houseplant safety list, which provides guidance on plant toxicity. In many cases, adverse effects occur only if large quantities are consumed.
For sunny, warm locations, suitable choices include Aloe, Jade, Euphorbia trigona (Milk Tree), Sago Palm, Papyrus, Croton, and Ponytail Palm. These plants tolerate bright light, warmth, and drier indoor air with minimal care.
In cooler, shaded rooms, plants such as Dracaena, Aspidistra, Jade, Kentia Palm, Rhaphis excelsa (Lady Palm), and Sansevieria (Snake Plant) perform well.
For fragrance, either from flowers or foliage, consider Jasmine, Mint, Eucalyptus, Gardenia, or Rosemary.
In humid bathrooms, provided adequate light is available, Ferns, Tillandsia, Bromeliads, and Orchids thrive.
For bedrooms, good options include Pothos, Dracaena, Sansevieria, and Aloe.
For hanging baskets or cascading displays, Pothos, Philodendron, Peperomia, Senecio, Chlorophytum (Spider Plant), and Tradescantia are well suited.
If flowering houseplants are desired, Orchids, African Violets, Begonias, Kalanchoe, Cyclamen, Jasmine, Gardenia, Gerbera, and Chrysanthemums are excellent options. Matching each plant to the conditions of the room is essential for long-term success.
Plants That Release Oxygen at Night
An interesting characteristic of some houseplants is their use of Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). Approximately 7 percent of plant species use this process, which allows them to absorb carbon dioxide at night and release oxygen during nighttime hours. These plants are especially beneficial in bedrooms where increased oxygen levels can be advantageous overnight.
CAM plants are often epiphytes—plants that grow in arid environments and rely on air and moisture for nutrition while using other plants or surfaces for support. Examples include Bromeliads, most Orchids, Tillandsia (Air Plants), many Ferns, Mosses, Agave, Aloe, and many Cacti. These plants store water in their roots, leaves, or tissues, allowing them to survive in dry conditions.
Additional Ways to Grow Indoors
Many plants contribute to a healthier indoor environment, including fresh herbs grown in or near the kitchen, Poinsettias and Christmas Cactus during the holidays, and forced bulbs for seasonal color. Terrariums are another engaging way to grow houseplants, especially for children, as they offer a close-up view of plant growth.
Terrariums have regained popularity because they are easy to start small. As plants outgrow the space, they can be repotted into larger containers while new cuttings or smaller plants replace them in the terrarium. This process allows gardeners to continually propagate and grow their own houseplants.
Some houseplants, such as African Violets, are often passed down through generations. Taking cuttings and rooting them to share with friends and family is both rewarding and a great way to continue growing during the colder months.
A Healthier Home with Houseplants
Houseplants offer beauty, cleaner air, and year-round enjoyment. Keeping a thoughtful selection of indoor plants not only enhances interior spaces but also supports a healthier living environment. With the right plants in the right locations, indoor gardening can be both simple and fulfilling throughout the year.
