Aglaonema
Air-purifying plants: set for home and office
Breathing clean air is a luxury we often take for granted, especially when we spend most of our time indoors. Offices, apartments, and modern workspaces, however comfortable, can conceal invisible hazards: volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, released by furniture, paints, cleaning products, and electronic equipment. These pollutants can cause headaches, irritation, and fatigue. Reducing them depends above all on air exchange and room ventilation; plants do not replace these, but they make homes and offices more welcoming and contribute to a well-kept environment.
In this guide, we look at what we really know about air-purifying plants and how to put together well-matched plant sets designed for decor and well-being, starting with what research has measured about air purification, from the bedroom to the home office. We will look at the limitations of the NASA study, the 5 plants we chose for our sets, and how to position them so they grow well.
The science of air-purifying plants: what the NASA study measured
A 1989 NASA study measured plants' absorption of substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene in sealed laboratory chambers. In a real home, where the air is continuously exchanged, the effect of a few plants is much smaller: the main benefit remains the well-being they bring to the eyes and the environment.
In the collection of easy-care office plants, you can find the current selection.
The idea that plants clean the air comes from a 1989 NASA study, the "Clean Air Study", which measured plants' absorption of certain chemical pollutants in sealed laboratory chambers. In a real home, where the air is continuously exchanged, the effect of a few plants is much smaller.
In small, sealed test chambers, some common houseplants reduced the concentration of substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, thanks to their leaves and soil microorganisms. An apartment, however, is much larger and its air is constantly exchanged: achieving the same effect would require an unrealistic number of plants.
For this reason, plants should be chosen for their beauty and the well-being they bring to indoor spaces, not as air filters: reducing indoor pollutants depends primarily on air exchange, ventilation, and choosing low-emission furnishings and products.
Formaldehyde and Harmful Substances: The Invisible Enemies in Our Homes
The most common indoor pollutants are formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia, released by particleboard furniture, paints, glues, cigarette smoke, solvents, and cleaning products. They can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, headaches, and dizziness and, with constant exposure, have a significant impact on health.
Indoor pollutants are numerous, but some are more common than others. Knowing about them helps reduce their sources, which is the first thing to do.
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Harmful Substance
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Common Sources
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Health Effects
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Formaldehyde
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Particleboard furniture, glues, paints, cigarette smoke, cosmetics, textiles.
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Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; headaches; allergic reactions; classified as carcinogenic.
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Benzene
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Cigarette smoke, plastics, resins, detergents, exhaust gases entering from outside.
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Eye irritation; drowsiness; dizziness; in the long term, it can damage the bone marrow.
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Trichloroethylene
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Cleaning solvents, paint strippers, adhesives, printer inks.
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Dizziness, headaches, nausea; in the long term, it can cause liver and kidney damage.
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Xylene and Toluene
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Paints, glues, printing products, cigarette smoke, car exhaust.
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Irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; dizziness; fatigue; confusion.
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Ammonia
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Glass and floor cleaning products, fertilizers, cooking fumes.
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Eye and respiratory irritation; cough; burning throat.
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These substances are everywhere and, although present in small concentrations, constant exposure to them can have a significant impact on our health. The most effective way to reduce them is to limit their sources and air out rooms frequently; plants are not a barrier against these pollutants.
The 5 plants in our sets (with comparison table)
The 5 plants we chose for our sets are Sansevieria Laurentii, Pothos, Aglaonema, Ficus Lyrata, and Strelitzia Nicolai. Sansevieria, Pothos, and Aglaonema are the easiest to care for; Ficus Lyrata and Strelitzia Nicolai require a little more attention and plenty of space.
We selected 5 plants for their beauty, ease of care, and the well-being they bring to indoor spaces. These are the stars of our wellness sets.
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Plant
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Substances Cited in Laboratory Studies
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Care Level
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Pet-Friendly?
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Sansevieria Laurentii
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Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene, Trichloroethylene
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Very Easy
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No: toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (source: ASPCA) |
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Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
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Formaldehyde, Carbon Monoxide, Benzene
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Very Easy
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No: toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (source: ASPCA) |
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Aglaonema
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Benzene, Formaldehyde
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Easy
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No: toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (source: ASPCA) |
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Ficus Lyrata
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Formaldehyde, Xylene, Ammonia
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Medium
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No: toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (source: ASPCA) |
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Strelitzia Nicolai
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No substances cited in laboratory studies
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Medium
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No: toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (source: ASPCA)
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Now let us take a closer look at each of these plants.
Sansevieria Laurentii: the queen of resilience
Also known as "Mother-in-Law's Tongue", Sansevieria (Dracaena trifasciata) is one of the most resilient indoor plants. It has CAM metabolism (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism): it opens its stomata and absorbs carbon dioxide mainly at night, but the effect on a room's air is negligible and does not improve sleep. It does well in the bedroom because it requires little care and tolerates low light.
•Why Choose It: In the NASA study, it was among the plants tested for formaldehyde and benzene in sealed chambers; at home, it is chosen mainly for its sculptural form.
•Ease of Care: It is almost indestructible. It tolerates low light (although it prefers indirect light) and requires very little water. It is the ideal plant for anyone without a green thumb.
•Ideal Placement: Bedroom, but it adapts to any corner of the home or office.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): versatile for every environment
The Pothos is one of the most popular indoor plants, and for good reason. With its heart-shaped leaves and trailing growth habit, it is as beautiful as it is functional. It is an extremely versatile and resilient plant, capable of thriving in a wide range of conditions.
•Why choose it: It grows quickly, adapts to many conditions, and can be kept hanging or on a shelf.
•Ease of Care: Extremely easy. It clearly communicates when it needs water (the leaves droop slightly) and tolerates both bright light and the darkest corners. It can be grown as a trailing or climbing plant.
•Ideal Placement: Living rooms, kitchens, offices. Hung in a basket or left to trail from a shelf, it adds a touch of urban jungle.
Aglaonema: an Office Ally
The Aglaonema, or "Thai Evergreen Plant", is appreciated for its variegated leaves and incredible tolerance of low-light environments. This characteristic makes it one of the best choices for offices, where natural light may be scarce.
•Why choose it: It tolerates artificial light and adds color with its variegated leaves even in the least brightly lit corners.
•Ease of Care: Requires little attention. It is content with low light and moderate watering. Its colorful leaves, with shades of green, silver, pink, or red, bring life and color even to the most serious spaces.
•Ideal Placement: Offices, studies, poorly lit corners of the home. Its ability to thrive in artificial light makes it perfect for desks and meeting rooms.
Ficus Lyrata: a design icon
The Ficus Lyrata (Ficus lyrata), or "Fiddle-Leaf Fig", is a true design icon. With its large violin-shaped leaves, it is a sculptural plant that can furnish a room all on its own. It is the right plant when you are looking for a centerpiece for the living room.
•Why choose it: Its large, glossy leaves have a strong decorative impact; dust them often to keep them looking beautiful.
•Care: Requires a little more attention than the others. It loves bright, indirect light and does not like being moved. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.
•Ideal Placement: Living rooms, spacious entryways, waiting rooms. It is a plant that loves being the center of attention, where it can receive the right amount of light and show off all its magnificence.
Strelitzia Nicolai: the gentle giant of bright spaces
Strelitzia Nicolai (Strelitzia nicolai), or "Giant Bird of Paradise," is a majestic plant that brings a tropical atmosphere to any environment. Its enormous leaves create a striking tropical corner.
•Why choose it: With its large leaves and slender growth habit, it can furnish a wall or bright corner on its own.
•Care: It loves light, including direct sunlight for a few hours a day. It requires abundant watering in summer and less frequent watering in winter. It grows considerably, so it needs space.
•Ideal Placement: Porches, very bright living rooms, open spaces. It is perfect for creating a tropical corner and for anyone who wants a plant with a strong visual impact.
Pet-Friendly Plants: Safety for Your Four-Legged Friends
For those who share their home with dogs or cats, safety is a priority. Unfortunately, many plants can be toxic if ingested by our four-legged friends. Making an informed choice is essential. According to the ASPCA, all five plants analyzed are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Here is a clear table to help you choose correctly:
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Plant
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Pet-Friendly?
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Notes and Safe Alternatives
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|---|---|---|
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Sansevieria Laurentii
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No
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Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (ASPCA source).
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Pothos
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No
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Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (ASPCA source).
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Aglaonema
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No | Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (ASPCA source). |
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Ficus Lyrata
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No
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Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (ASPCA source).
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Strelitzia Nicolai
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No
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Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (ASPCA source).
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How to create a safe environment? If you love these plants but have pets, don't despair. You can place them on high shelves, in hanging pots, or in rooms inaccessible to your pets. Alternatively, you can create your own custom sets by choosing from the many beautiful pet-friendly plants available, such as Calathea, Maranta, Boston Fern, or Areca Palm. According to the ASPCA, Calathea, Maranta, Boston Fern, and Areca Palm are not toxic to dogs and cats (source: ASPCA).
The Sets: Combinations for Every Room
A plant set creates a greener, more harmonious corner than a single plant. For the office, the Respiro verde L set combines Aglaonema, Pothos, and Sansevieria; for the bedroom, the Respiro Verde XL set pairs two Sansevierias and, if the space is spacious and bright, a Strelitzia Nicolai.
Combining plants with different shapes, heights, and colors creates a small green corner that is richer than a single plant. Here are some examples of sets designed for the needs of every room.
1. The "Respiro verde L " Set
•Composition: 1 Aglaonema + 1 Pothos + 1 Sansevieria.
•Why it works: These are three easy-care plants that also thrive in low light: the Aglaonema adds color, the Pothos trails down from shelves and bookcases, and the Sansevieria adds a touch of vertical elegance. Together, they make the workspace more welcoming.
2. The "Respiro Verde XL" Set for the Bedroom
•Composition: 2 Sansevierias (of different heights) + 1 Strelitzia Nicolai (if the space is spacious and bright).
•Why it works: The Sansevieria is suitable for the bedroom because it requires little care and tolerates low light; two specimens of different heights create a richer effect. The Strelitzia, if the room is spacious and bright, adds a tropical touch. For bedroom air quality, however, airing out the room is what matters most.
•Why it works: It is an aesthetically balanced set. The Ficus Lyrata serves as a focal point, the Pothos, placed on a bookcase or shelf, adds a touch of vertical greenery, and the Sansevieria completes the arrangement with its sculptural elegance.
Visit our collection of purifying plant sets to find the perfect combination for your spaces.
How many plants are needed? Thinking in terms of decor
One of the most common questions is: "How many plants do I need to really purify the air?" The original NASA study was conducted in small, sealed spaces: in a real home, no number of plants replaces air circulation, so it is better to think in terms of well-being and decor.
The right number depends on the space, the light, and the time you can devote to caring for them, not on a formula for purifying the air.
From an aesthetic perspective, several medium-sized plants distributed throughout the room often create a more harmonious effect than one enormous plant in a corner.
Strategic Placement: Bedroom, Office, Living Room
In the bedroom, the primary choice is Sansevieria, complemented by a Strelitzia Nicolai if the room is bright; in the office, Aglaonema and Pothos, including on the desk; in the living room, a Ficus Lyrata as the centerpiece with a trailing Pothos and a Sansevieria; in the kitchen, Pothos on a shelf away from the stove.
Where you place plants is just as important as which ones you choose. Every space has its own specific features.
•Bedroom: Sansevieria is the simplest choice because it requires little care and tolerates low light. If the room is spacious and bright, you can add a Strelitzia Nicolai.
•Office / Home Office: Aglaonema and Pothos are perfect, even directly on a desk or chest of drawers, because they tolerate artificial light well.
•Living Room and Common Areas: In these larger, more frequently used areas, you can experiment with sizes and varieties. A Ficus Lyrata can become the centerpiece, while a trailing Pothos cascading from a bookcase and a Sansevieria in a corner create a highly striking aesthetic ensemble.
•Kitchen: Pothos does well in the kitchen, on a shelf away from the stove; fumes and odors are removed by using the range hood and opening the window.
Plants and well-being: what we know
Plants at home and in the office make spaces more pleasant, and caring for them is a calming moment for many people. Biophilia, the tendency to seek contact with nature, is often discussed; effects on productivity, sleep, and stress vary from person to person and should not be understood as promises.
Many people find it pleasant to surround themselves with plants. Biophilia, or the tendency to seek contact with nature, is one proposed explanation.
•Work and concentration: Some research, such as that conducted by the University of Exeter, has found that people who work in offices with plants report being more satisfied; in any case, greenery makes the work environment more pleasant.
•Sleep: Plants do not measurably change the oxygen or humidity in a room: sleeping well depends on a ventilated, dark room at the right temperature. However, a plant can make the room feel more welcoming.
•Stress and anxiety: For many people, caring for a plant is a moment of calm and a break from their routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air-Purifying Plants
Do air-purifying plants require a lot of maintenance?
No: many of the most frequently mentioned plants, such as Sansevieria, Pothos, and Aglaonema, are also among the easiest to care for. They are perfect for beginners and people with little time.
Do I need to clean my plants' leaves?
Yes, it is an excellent habit. Dust that accumulates on the leaves can clog the pores (stomata) through which the plant breathes and hinder photosynthesis. Regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them healthy and shiny.
Do artificial plants have the same effect?
No. Although they may have aesthetic value, artificial plants do not grow or require care: only living plants provide the pleasure of watching a plant grow and caring for it.
Can I use these plants in the bathroom?
Certainly! Many of these plants, especially Pothos and Sansevieria, adapt well to the humidity and light typically found in a bathroom with a window.
Are your sets ready-made, or can I customize them?
We offer both pre-configured sets designed for specific needs and the option to create your own personalized set. You can choose the plants you prefer from our wide selection to put together your personal set, even with only plants that are non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Bringing plants into your home and office makes spaces more welcoming and well-kept; for air quality, remember to air out the room every day. Explore our sets and choose the combination that suits your spaces.
