Could the trailing fronds of a Boston fern or the glossy foliage of the dracaena plant clean the air in your home or office? The Internet’s packed with claims that these and other common, easy-to-grow houseplants have the power to significantly reduce levels of toxics, such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene (TCE), that off-gas from newer building materials, rugs, wallpaper, furniture and even fabrics. Related: Clearing the Air: 3 Dangerous Pollutants in Your Home The concept of using plants to improve air quality is popular in Japan, where hospitals and businesses place foliage groupings called “ecological gardens” in common areas and offices. It’s also trendy in India. A 2008 government study found lower levels of breathing problems and eye irritation in a New Delhi tech company that brought in 1,200 plants to clear the air. But before you head to the plant store on an environmental clean-up mission, here’s the rest of the story. Truth is, research into the air-clearing power of plants has yielded mixed results, especially under real-world conditions.

And if you or a loved one has asthma or another breathing problem, potted plants could make things worse. Plants can clean the air, a little. Some of the most extensive research on plants’ effects on air quality has been funded by the U.S. National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA). NASA was looking for ways to remove toxins from the air in long-term space colonies of the future. In one widely cited study, NASA-funded researchers found that plants such as dracaena, Gerber daisy, potted chrysanthemums, mother-in-law’s tongue and Peace lily did, indeed, remove impressive amounts of benzene, formaldehyde and TCE from the air.yellow chrysanthemums (Photo: Maya Kruchankova/Shutterstock)home air purifier for allergies But the experiments were run in sealed chambers to mimic conditions on a spacecraft, not in the typical home or office with fresh air circulating through windows, doors and vents. camera lens cleaning kit uk

And at least some of the plants were grown over special activated charcoal air filtration systems instead of in conventional containers. Strategically placed plants might help a bit in an office, or at least make you feel happier and more productive. In an intriguing Pennsylvania State University study, snake plants, spider plants, and golden pothos reduced levels of ozone, a component of lung-harming smog that’s also a surprising indoor pollutant. Ozone is released by copy machines, laser printers and some electrostatic air purification systems, contributing to indoor ozone that can trigger lung inflammation and reduce lung function. benefits of a home air purifierBut in real-world studies in office buildings in Arlington, Virginia and Perth, Australia, plants didn’t make a difference in levels of benzene, TCE, toluene or xylene. Research does show, consistently, that green plants in an office can boost your mood.

In a 2014 study from the UK’s Cardiff University, productivity increased 15 percent when green leafy plants were added to the décor of a spare, modern office building. Workers felt greater satisfaction and said they could better concentrate, too. In a study from Taiwan, workers in a windowless office felt less anxious and stressed when they shared the space with a houseplant or two. These plants performed best in research studies. A 2009 review of plant research published in the journal Proceedings of Healthy Buildings concluded that greenery probably won’t have much of an impact in most homes and offices. Opening a window works better. But if you’re still interested in growing plants that demonstrated air-cleaning properties under lab conditions, the journal Environmental Health Perspectives suggests these easy-to-maintain types:Boston fern (Photo: KPG Payless2/Shutterstock) Tend plants with care if someone in your household has asthma or a respiratory allergy. Mold and mildew on the surface of the soil could trigger an allergic reaction, but usually only when the dirt is disturbed, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. 

Mold and mildew in dead foliage can do the same, If allergies or asthma are severe, some experts recommend getting rid of house plants entirely. Related: Ban These 7 Allergens from Your HomeAll plants naturally produce Oxygen from CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), but some houseplants also absorb benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and trichloroethylene. Plants with more surface area filter toxins from the air faster. If the plant takes in the toxins before they get in your nose and lungs asthma and allergies can be reduced. The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) takes the styrene, carbon monoxide, benzene, nicotine, and formaldehyde out of any 200 square foot space. Once the Spider Plant is established it is easy to maintain this natural air cleaner with little care. We can thank South Africa for the gift of the Spider Plant, a native to that country. Spider Plants can be plain green, green with white edges, or the same with a central white stripe. One of the best ways to display Spider Plants is by hanging them in a pot.

Their leaves will sprawl over the edge with their variegated green and white patterns. While they may bloom from time to time, their tiny white flowers often go unnoticed. Place them in indirect light somewhere close to a window. Keep the temperature above 60F and avoid drafts on your Spider Plant. The small stalks that pop up can be planted to grow new Spider Plants. As the baby plants form on these stalks, pin them down against soil in a small pot. You can use a toothpick. The roots will begin to grow, which is the time to cut the babies free. If you are having troubles getting the babies to live, try a little Rootone to encourage root growth. As for soil, use a quick draining soil that is aerated quite well. Make sure you water your Spider Plant weekly, but never leave it soaked through and through. These are the kinds of plants that you never have to worry about missing a watering. They really do not mind going dry for a while. To maintain proper humidity, try misting it many times a week and even bringing it into the bathroom while you are showering.

It is true that some cats adore eating Spider Plants. Evidently, there is good reason for their popularity among felines. They act as a hallucinogenic in a similar way to catnip. Keep them away from the cats by hanging them high and away from other objects. Occasionally, the tips of the leaves might brown. This is typically due to either too much sunlight or insufficient humidity. It could also be due to chemicals in the water. Try switching to distilled water and this should solve the problem. Cut off the brown tips as they appear and adjust the light, humidity, or water quality. Starting with the growing season you should fertilize a Spider Plant weekly to twice weekly with half strength house fertilizer. Quit the fertilizer as Winter begins. It is easy to underfeed or underwater a Spider Plant during its growing season. Spider Plants love filling their pots with roots. So you never have to worry about Spider Plants becoming root-bound. There are two complimentary sets of requirements that must be observed to grow your Spider Plant to its maximum health.

Keep it out of direct sunlight but keep it in bright light. Keep the soil dry, but give the plant a lot of humidity. Spider mites can be attracted to Spider Plants when the air is warm and dry. To rid your plants of these pests use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Repeat this after 3 or 4 days. In order to keep them at bay you might repeat a third time. Greenflies are known to chomp on the edges of the leaves. Apply insecticidal soap or pyrethrum, then do it again a couple of weeks later. Clip the leaves off at the soil, that show this damage. When a variegated version begins to turn a solid color, it simply requires a bit more sunlight. The variegation will return. Cold will turn the leaves transparent and soft. Assuming the roots have not frozen, you can clip off the damaged leaves and let it regrow. Spider Plants really are quite simple to grow. Follow the few guidelines explained here and you will have cleaner air. Since propagation is so simple you can turn one plant into an army of Spider Plants and clean the air for your whole house.