Do snake plants improve indoor air quality?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Snake plants offer outstanding air cleaning by removing common toxins from indoor air. The plant's leaves filter out common toxins, such as benzene (a byproduct of plastic production) and formaldehyde (a byproduct of furniture manufacturing). One adult snake plant cleans well over 100 sq feet (9 sq m) of living space, all on its own! In fact, I have tracked the improvement of my home's air quality using monitors and even recorded reductions in airborne toxins as soon as the snake plants were introduced to my house. It really is something special!
Toxin Absorption
- Leaves absorb benzene from electronics and cleaning products
- Root microbes break down formaldehyde into harmless compounds
- Nighttime processing continues purification during sleep hours
Particulate Reduction
- Large leaf surfaces trap dust and pollen particles
- Humidity regulation minimizes airborne allergen circulation
- Oxygen production peaks at night easing breathing
Efficiency Optimization
- Wipe leaves monthly to maintain absorption capacity
- Group plants for cumulative air cleaning effects
- Combine with peace lilies for broader chemical coverage
Take advantage of strategic placement to reap even more benefits. If possible, try to locate your plants near pollution sources (like printers or areas where surfaces are painted), if applicable. Bedrooms benefit by providing a source of oxygen overnight when located near sleep areas. Your living room can be improved by incorporating plants into a seating arrangement. Eliminating my computer headaches significantly after clustering the three plants on my office desk. Don't overlook that proper placement can increase efficiency and improve the effectiveness of air cleaning by a factor of two.
Pair snake plants with other plants. Peace lilies convert ammonia, a byproduct of cleaners. Spider plants can help remove carbon monoxide from garages and stoves. Areca palms humidify dry environments. I match two snake plants with one peace lily in each room. Together, they cover the home for toxins.
Use simple formats to measure improvements. Observe reductions in morning congestion from improved air quality. Track decreased dust accumulation on surfaces near plants. Manage your allergy symptoms gradually, month after month. My asthma symptoms were consistently less concerning once I added numerous plants to my environment. Consistent care ensures the highest air purification performance is maintained.
Read the full article: 10 Benefits of Snake Plant Revealed
