A scientific review encompassing 60 previous studies has shown that the ability of houseplants to purify air inside homes and offices is limited and does not match the results recorded in laboratory experiments, as their effectiveness is affected by the size of the space, the number of plants, and ventilation levels.
The scientific website Earth.com reported on Saturday that the review, conducted by researchers led by the Global Centre for Clean Air Research at the University of Surrey in the UK, investigated the effectiveness of indoor plants in improving air quality within buildings.
The researchers clarified that after analyzing studies published between 2000 and 2025, laboratory experiments showed plants' ability to remove between 60 and 80 percent or more of certain pollutants, but these results do not necessarily apply to actual conditions in homes and offices.
The review indicated that potted plants contributed to reducing levels of volatile organic compounds and fine particles in some buildings by percentages ranging between 5 and 30 percent, with varying results depending on the conditions of the space and ventilation levels.
The results showed that the majority of the pollutant removal process occurs in the soil surrounding the plant roots, not on the leaves alone, while systems equipped with fans that draw air through plants and their roots recorded higher efficiency in pollutant removal under test conditions.
The review noted that plants and green walls can contribute to cooling the surrounding air, but increased humidity in poorly ventilated areas may lead to moisture condensation and mold growth, necessitating consideration of environmental conditions when using them.
Researchers emphasized that houseplants do not replace good ventilation and air renewal, pointing to the need for more studies and measurements inside actual buildings to determine their effectiveness in the long term.
The review concluded that indoor plants provide environmental and aesthetic benefits, but they are not sufficient on their own to improve air quality, which also depends on room area, number of plants, ventilation rates, and surrounding conditions.
Houseplants are plants grown inside homes and offices for decorative purposes and to add a natural touch to the space, usually placed in pots or special containers.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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