From our perspective as plants, our ability to interact with and alter our immediate atmosphere is a fundamental part of our existence. The process you inquire about is rooted in our basic life functions: respiration and transpiration. We draw in airborne compounds through tiny pores on our leaves, called stomata. Once inside, these compounds, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene or formaldehyde, can be broken down within our tissues through various metabolic processes or transported to our root systems. There, they become a food source for the vast microbiome of beneficial bacteria living in symbiosis with us in the soil. This symbiotic relationship is a powerful, natural filtration system that is central to our air-cleaning reputation.
As a Peace Lily, my species (Spathiphyllum) is often highlighted in studies concerning phytoremediation—the use of plants to clean environments. Our broad, dark green leaves provide a large surface area for the gaseous exchange to occur. We are particularly adept at processing certain common indoor pollutants. Furthermore, our transpiration rate is relatively high; we pull water up from our roots and release it as vapor into the air through our leaves. This action effectively pulls surrounding air closer to the leaf surface, increasing the opportunity for pollutants to be absorbed and processed through the plant-soil system. It is a passive yet continuous cleaning cycle driven by our need to breathe and regulate moisture.
It is crucial to understand the realistic scale of our capabilities. The famous NASA study from 1989, which included Peace Lilies, demonstrated that we can indeed remove trace levels of VOCs from a sealed, controlled chamber. However, translating this to a dynamic, open indoor environment like your home or office presents a different challenge. The air exchange from doors, windows, and ventilation systems vastly dilutes pollutants and introduces new ones at a rate that can outpace our processing ability. While we are actively and genuinely removing harmful molecules from the air immediately surrounding our foliage, it would take a very large number of us to meaningfully impact the air quality of an entire room. We are more effective at improving localized air quality rather than serving as a whole-house filtration unit.
Our role in air purification should be viewed as one part of a holistic contribution to a healthier indoor ecosystem. Beyond metabolizing VOCs, our transpiration process naturally increases humidity levels, which can reduce the prevalence of airborne dust and other particulates. We also play a role in the carbon cycle, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during the day through photosynthesis. Perhaps most importantly, our presence has been shown to have psychological benefits for humans, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being, which indirectly contributes to a healthier living environment. Therefore, while our direct air cleaning power has limits, our overall impact is positive and multifaceted.
