Do fiddle leaf figs purify indoor air effectively?

Despite what many have claimed, fiddle leaf figs deliver very little in terms of air purification. They absorb trace amounts of volatile organic compounds through their leaves and roots; however, in the grand scheme of things, this effect is not comparable to that of an air filter. Rather than focusing on the air-purifying aspect of a fiddle leaf fig, it is most important to highlight its value as a living piece of decor in your interior and its benefits to mental well-being in caring for it through establishing a consistent care routine.

Research shows that fiddle leaf figs remove only 0.1-0.3% of VOCs from indoor air. Mechanical HEPA filters have a much higher removal efficiency of 95-99%. While the plant is beneficial in care and support, it does not process VOCs efficiently enough to make them worthwhile to be considered "air purifying". I stopped thinking of fig trees as air purifiers when I learned about this from peer-reviewed research studies. The positive aspects of fiddle leaf figs lie somewhere else besides air purification.

For the best quality of life for plants, you should establish the correct light and water and provide adequate humidity. These factors result in healthy plants with robust foliage. A healthy plant will bring more to the indoor environment, from its shape and color to its psychological benefits, than just air cleaning.

In the direct comparison of natural plant capabilities with mechanical solutions, HEPA filters are capable of capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns. Additionally, activated carbon is capable of effectively absorbing gases, a crucial mechanism. The most significant distinction is that mechanical systems circulate entire room volumes multiple times per hour. Conversely, the plant air filtration system is only influenced by air in the immediate vicinity. The difference in scales is huge.

Fiddle leaf figs, like all plants, can provide several heterogeneous benefits, but keep those expectations grounded in reality. You should appreciate the fiddle leaf fig for its natural beauty and satisfaction of caring for it and not as an air purifier. Healthy fiddle leaf figs will be a decor piece and a conversation starter. Even better is having a healthy fiddle leaf fig as part of your indoor green scape, which brings a sense of peace.

Fiddle leaf figs should indeed be valued for their beneficial qualities. They promote responsibility by necessitating consistent care routines. Growth is a visible reward of attention and care. They are living organisms that provide indoor connections to nature. This is all intrinsic value, which is even more significant than unproven claims of air cleaning.

Read the full article: How to Care for Fiddle Leaf Fig: Expert Guide