The Science Of Clean Air: How Many Houseplants Do You Really Need?

gstockstudio - stock.adobe.com-  illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
gstockstudio - stock.adobe.com- illustrative purposes only, not the actual person

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a concrete jungle? Whether you live in a big city, are a remote worker, or simply spend a lot of time at home, you may find yourself itching for a bit of green in your life.

We’ve all been there, and not only do houseplants breathe new life into your space, but they also make a difference in air quality.

Still, many people struggle to understand how many plants they really need to make a viable air quality change in their homes. Let’s dive into the facts.

A Breath Of Fresh Air

People have been surrounding themselves with plants since, well, forever. Not only do they add a splash of color, but they also bring a bit of nature into the living room. However, can they truly clean the air?

NASA’s Clean Air Study has shown that certain houseplants can filter out common toxins. It’s science, but not rocket science!

Yet, the number of plants needed to make a real dent in indoor pollution is a bit more complicated.

The Ideal Number

To get straight to the point, if you’re hoping to turn your apartment into an instant air purifier, you might be out of luck. While plants do filter toxins, you’d need quite a lot to see a significant change in air quality.

gstockstudio – stock.adobe.com- illustrative purposes only, not the actual person

Some experts suggest having at least one plant per 100 square feet of floor space. A mixture of different types, like Snake Plants, Spider Plants, or Peace Lilies, can be a great way to cover all your bases.

Quality Over Quantity

But hey, don’t get bogged down in numbers. It’s not just about filling your home with greenery; it’s about nurturing them, giving them love, and watching them grow.

Choosing the right plants for your lifestyle and the lighting conditions in your home can be more beneficial than simply cramming in as many as possible.

The Takeaway

So, how many houseplants do you need for good air quality? It varies, but having a few well-chosen, well-cared-for plants can certainly enhance your living space. While they may not replace an air purifier, they bring joy, beauty, and a connection to nature that’s worth every leaf.

If true crime defines your free time, this is for you: join Chip Chick’s True Crime Tribe

She Disappeared While Hitchhiking In Prince George 21 Years Ago, And She Was Last Seen At A Gas Station

This Medieval Queen Was One of The Wealthiest Women In All of Europe, And She Later Spent 16 Years Imprisoned In England

Here Are Some of The Most Versatile Furniture Pieces You Can Own, In Case You’re Short On Space Or Cash

She’s Refusing To Punish Her Daughter For Rejecting A Boy At School Who Had A Crush On Her, Despite Other Parents’ Opinions

She Snapped At Her In-Laws When They Made It Clear At Dinner That They Don’t Approve of Her Son’s College Major

He Told His Wife He Didn’t Want Her To Go On A Beach Vacation With Her Friends, Because He Was Worried About Having To Care For Their Kids All By Himself

Her Cousin Screamed At Her And Then Kicked Her Out of Her Wedding For Bringing Her Service Dog, A Doberman, Along

Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.

Katharina Buczek graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts. Specializing ... More about Katharina Buczek

More About: