Last updated: 29 July 2026

Indoor plants purify the air by absorbing harmful chemicals through their leaves and roots, converting them into clean oxygen. Large green plants with broad leaves reduce the concentration of pollutants in indoor environments, effectively improving overall office air quality.

Why indoor air quality is a problem

The air we breathe indoors is sometimes just as polluted as, or even worse than, outdoor air. Airborne contaminants from outside enter buildings and continue to circulate. This phenomenon contributes significantly to 'sick building syndrome' and can negatively affect employee health.

Compared to purchasing and installing costly electronic air filtration systems, investing in interior landscaping offers an exceptionally cost-effective way to purify indoor air.

NASA research into air-purifying plants

The space agency NASA conducted extensive research into how indoor plants biologically purify air in enclosed environments. The study aimed to determine whether plants could be used to clean the air inside space stations.

NASA’s research revealed that plants are remarkably effective at filtering chemicals from the atmosphere. These include:

  • Trichloroethylene

  • Formaldehyde

  • Benzene

  • Xylene

  • Ammonia

All of these airborne chemicals are directly or indirectly linked to human health issues.

Which plants purify the air best?

While nearly all plants have the ability to scrub the air to some degree, larger plants with broader leaves are significantly more effective than smaller varieties. According to NASA research, Chrysanthemums and Spathiphyllum (Peace Lilies) rank among the top performers for air purification.

Additionally, the following species are proven performers in cleaning indoor air:

  • Phoenix roebelenii (Pygmy Date Palm)

  • Nephrolepis (Boston Fern)

  • Spider Plant

  • Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

  • Lilyturf

  • Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig)

  • Rhapis excelsa (Lady Palm)

  • Epipremnum (Devil's Ivy)

  • Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)

  • Dracaena
     

How many plants do you need in an office space?

In the NASA study, former research scientist Bill Wolverton recommended placing at least two robust plants per 9.3 square metres (approx. 100 square feet). Large green leaves absorb surrounding air, allowing pollutants to be broken down naturally while fresh oxygen is pumped back into the room.

Insights from our experts

"In practice, we often see that office spaces lack the floor area needed for a large number of individual planters. To achieve an optimal air-purifying effect within a small footprint, we frequently recommend vertical moss walls or living green walls. This allows you to introduce substantial greenery without sacrificing valuable floor space."

The business benefits of workplace greenery

Beyond air purification, introducing greenery to the workplace offers various other advantages rooted in the biophilia hypothesis: the innate human desire to connect with nature.

Incorporating plants or natural tones (such as greens and browns) into the working environment yields concrete results:

  • Reduced presenteeism: Employees are not just physically present, but mentally sharper and more engaged with their work.

  • Lower absenteeism: Improved air quality leads to fewer physical complaints and lower sickness rates.

  • Enhanced mental health: Exposure to nature boosts mood and reduces stress.

  • Increased productivity and creativity: A green environment stimulates the mind and enhances performance.

  • Noise reduction: Plants help improve room acoustics and soften distracting background noise.

Looking to elevate your premises and enrich your workplace environment with professional interior planting, a fresh flower service, or a healthier workplace atmosphere? Our specialists are here to help. Contact us for tailored advice.