Can houseplants improve indoor air quality and help with asthma symptoms? Kerri MacKay dives into the research.

If you know me, you know I’m not a big fan of natural remedies. I’d much rather see the research data.

When it comes to asthma treatments, Google can occasionally turn up some questionable results. Breathing exercises that claim to “cure” asthma, certain foods or diets “guaranteed” to help, and Himalayan salt lamps are all unfounded claims that don’t work and can even be potentially harmful.

Sometimes, though, we may discover logical, science-backed remedies worth trying. Houseplants may help with asthma, as they potentially improve indoor air quality.

It might sound a little “out there,” but it’s worth considering. It's well-documented that planting trees in urban outdoor spaces decreases the presence of air pollutants.

So, could houseplants positively impact indoor air quality in a similar way? Or would the effort be too great for too little health payoff?

The pros and cons of houseplants for asthma-friendly homes, as discovered through my research

Pros: Houseplants may improve air quality for an asthma-friendly home

Our journey to the discussion of “going green” for better air quality starts off at NASA. Yes, that NASA. A study they conducted back in 1989 explored whether or not plants could help with air quality and cleanliness aboard space shuttles. The results suggested that “virtually all plants tested” led to decreased levels of atmospheric benzene and formaldehyde, also known as air pollutants.

More recently, other studies measuring houseplants’ potential impact on air quality have also indicated a decrease in mercury vapors.

In today's era, these vapors probably aren't floating around your house. Still, accidental exposure can occur if old thermometers or fluorescent bulbs break or mercury is used in cultural or religious practices.

While I initially thought — and NASA did, too — that leaves might be part of the key to the air-cleaning abilities of plants, they actually suggest that plant roots and their associated microorganisms play the biggest role. (I wonder if the cactus I've got in my kitchen is more valuable than anticipated, given its shallow network of roots in the soil!)

So, which plants do this best? In one assessment of 50 potentially air-cleaning houseplants, researchers looked for plants that:

1. Can best clean common air contaminants
2. Thrive in low-light environments
3. Are easy to maintain

And found that the list of plants that met all of those requirements include:

• Palms
• Ferns
• Peace lilies
• English ivy

And more!

University of Georgia researcher Stanley J. Kays notes that specific houseplants will filter different harmful compounds from the air. Using plants in addition to air filtration systems, which filter certain pollutants, might be a better option.

Still, while the evidence is generally positive, there is not enough research to make a solid recommendation about whether houseplants help asthma.

Cons: Dusty or mold-breeding houseplants won’t help with asthma

Of course, if pollen is one of your asthma or allergy triggers, you should avoid pollen-producing plants. But even plants that are suggested for people with asthma can trigger asthma symptoms.

Dust accumulation may be an issue, especially with larger plants, but regular watering should wash this off. Another common houseplant problem is mold, which can trigger allergy symptoms. Removing mold from plant surfaces and ensuring plants are not over-watered (which can promote mold growth in the soil) can keep plants healthy and mold levels down.

Some plants, plant pots, microorganisms in plants, and soils have the potential to contaminate air with pollutants called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It can be difficult to tell if VOCs are present without laboratory testing. More research is needed, as their contributing role in asthma exacerbations is still uncertain.

Depending on your allergies and asthma severity, these factors may make adding more plants to your home an undesirable choice. It’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor or allergist before introducing new living things to your environment — including plants and pets — to confirm whether or not they’ll negatively affect your asthma.

So, houseplants to help with asthma: hope or hype?

The answer is... both. Going green — at least in conjunction with a good air filter — may help keep the air in your home (or office) cleaner based on research over the past two and a half decades.

However, the presence of plants may not turn your home into an asthma-friendly haven but rather create other asthma triggers, especially if they aren't correctly cared for. Right now, the evidence is not there to suggest that houseplants help with asthma.

But if you don't have significant allergies and want to test your indoor "green thumb," you may notice improved indoor air quality. And in the current context, why not take up a new activity and see how much of a green thumb you have? You can even document the process in a photo diary for fun.

Remember, always do your research, and ask your doctor for advice if you decide to make any changes to your environment based on what you read online.

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

The individual(s) who have written and created the content and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence, or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.

NPS-ALL-NP-01273 JANUARY 2025