5 houseplants that may help purify the air… and release oxygen at night!
Amman3 min read
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Did you know that some houseplants are distinguished by their ability to absorb carbon dioxide at night? Dr. Yekaterina Dubrovina, associate professor at Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, points out five plants that can be a lovely addition to the bedroom, thanks to their properties related to gas exchange and the absorption of certain pollutants.
1. Aloe vera Aloe vera is considered one of the plants that follow the CAM photosynthetic pathway, which allows some of its species to absorb carbon dioxide at night. Some studies also indicate the ability of plants to absorb compounds such as formaldehyde, but their impact on purifying indoor air remains limited.
2. Kalanchoe This succulent plant is distinguished by its ability to absorb carbon dioxide at night in some of its species, making it a suitable choice for houseplants enthusiasts, while noting that it can be toxic to pets.
3. Snake plant (Sansevieria) This plant is known for its ability to withstand various indoor conditions, and some of its species also follow the CAM photosynthetic pathway. The ability of plants in general to absorb certain volatile compounds is being studied, but their presence alone is not enough to remove pollutants from indoor air with high efficiency.
4. Chlorophytum (Spider plant) It is characterized by its long leaves and ease of care, and laboratory studies have shown the ability of some plants to absorb certain pollutants. However, it is not a substitute for good ventilation and regular dust cleaning.
5. Peace lily It is characterized by its green leaves and white flowers, and it can contribute to increasing air humidity to a limited degree. Laboratory research has shown this plant's ability to absorb certain chemical compounds, but its effectiveness in purifying indoor air depends on usage conditions and does not replace ventilation.
Where should you place plants in the bedroom?
Dr. Dubrovina advises placing plants at a distance ranging from half a meter to two meters from the bed, while avoiding an excessive number of pots. Overly moist soil, especially in poorly ventilated rooms, can lead to mold growth.
Most importantly: Before buying any plant, check its toxicity to pets, and make sure to ventilate the room regularly.
Scientific note: Although some plants absorb pollutants in laboratory experiments, evidence does not prove that houseplants alone purify room air to an effective degree. Good ventilation and addressing pollution sources remain among the most important ways to improve indoor air quality.
