The Benefits of Indoor Plants for Cleaner Air and Better Breathing

Indoor air quality is a crucial aspect of our daily health. Yet, it often gets overlooked, particularly for individuals living with chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma, or other lung diseases. While air purifiers and good ventilation are important, nature also gives us a simple, low-tech way to improve indoor air: indoor plants.

At LPT Medical, our mission is to help people breathe better and live more comfortably. In this blog, we explore how incorporating greenery into your home or workspace can help purify the air, reduce stress, and naturally promote better breathing.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Before diving into the benefits of indoor plants, it's important to understand why indoor air quality (IAQ) is so crucial. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside our homes can be up to 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. This is due to pollutants like:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paint, cleaning products, and furniture
• Dust and dander
• Mold spores
• Tobacco smoke
• Cooking emissions
• Poor ventilation

For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or other respiratory conditions, these airborne irritants can lead to frequent flare-ups, increased symptoms, and reduced quality of life. That’s where indoor plants come in.

How Do Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality?

Indoor plants act as natural air purifiers. Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. But that's not all; they can also:

1. Remove Harmful Toxins

In a famous NASA study from the 1980s, scientists discovered that many common houseplants can filter out toxic substances like:

• Formaldehyde (found in paper products, glues, and insulation)
• Benzene (found in paints, detergents, and plastics)
• Trichloroethylene (found in solvents and cleaning supplies)

Plants like the Peace Lily, Spider Plant, and Boston Fern were among the top performers in removing these harmful chemicals from the air.

2. Increase Humidity

Through a process called transpiration, plants release moisture vapor into the air, which increases humidity. This is especially beneficial in dry environments or during winter months when indoor heating systems can dry out the air.

Higher humidity levels help:

• Soothe dry airways
• Reduce irritation in the nose and throat
• Decrease the survival of airborne viruses
• Support overall lung health
  
  

3. Trap Particulate Matter

Dust, pollen, and other microscopic particles can irritate the lungs. Certain plants have leaves with surface areas and textures that can trap airborne particles, acting as a natural filtration system.

Best Indoor Plants for Clean Air and Better Breathing

Not all plants have the same air-cleaning capabilities. Here are some of the most effective indoor plants that can help improve air quality and support better breathing:

 Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

• Benefits: One of the best for filtering out formaldehyde, benzene, and other VOCs. Releases oxygen at night, making it perfect for bedrooms.
• Care Level: Very low-maintenance; thrives on neglect.

 Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• Benefits: Filters out VOCs and absorbs mold spores from the air.
• Care Level: Needs moderate light and regular watering.

 Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Benefits: Great for removing carbon monoxide and xylene.
• Care Level: Extremely hardy and child/pet-friendly.

 Aloe Vera

• Benefits: Purifies the air and has medicinal properties; great for cuts and skin irritation.
• Care Level: Requires bright light and little water.

 Areca Palm

• Benefits: Humidifies air naturally and filters airborne toxins.
• Care Level: Prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.

 English Ivy

• Benefits: Reduces airborne mold and fecal particles.
• Care Level: Needs moderate sunlight and regular watering.

Psychological and Emotional Benefits of Indoor Plants

Clean air isn’t the only benefit of indoor plants. Numerous studies show that greenery indoors can have a profound psychological and emotional impact, especially for those managing chronic illness. Some of these benefits include:

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The presence of plants has been shown to lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
• Improved Mood: Interacting with plants can boost serotonin and dopamine, which are chemicals in the brain that help you feel good.
• Enhanced Cognitive Function: Cleaner air and a calming environment can help you think more clearly.
• Better Sleep: Plants that release oxygen at night, like the snake plant, can contribute to improved sleep quality.

These benefits are especially important for individuals who may spend more time indoors due to mobility limitations or medical conditions like COPD.

Plants vs. Air Purifiers: Which Is Better?

It’s natural to wonder how indoor plants compare to modern air purifiers. While plants are excellent for complementing air purifiers, they aren’t necessarily a replacement.

Indoor Plants:

Pros:

Natural and aesthetically pleasing

Improve mood and reduce stress

Add oxygen and humidity

Cons:

 Slower and more passive in air filtration

 Less effective against larger quantities of pollutants

Air Purifiers:

Pros:

 Use HEPA filters to trap fine particles

 Remove allergens, dust, and pollutants efficiently

 Fast and targeted purification

Cons:

 No added psychological or aesthetic benefits

 May produce noise or require maintenance

Best practice: Use both. A high-quality air purifier combined with carefully chosen indoor plants can create a clean, calming, and health-supportive environment.

Tips for Growing and Maintaining Indoor Plants

If you're new to plant care, here are some beginner-friendly tips to get you started:

• Start simple: Choose hardy, low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, or spider plants.
• Check for allergies: Some people may be sensitive to pollen or mold, so research which plants are hypoallergenic.
• Avoid overwatering: Most indoor plants die from too much care. Let the soil dry out a bit before watering again.
• Rotate regularly: Turn plants every few weeks to promote even growth.
• Keep leaves clean: Dust leaves with a damp cloth to ensure they can absorb light and pollutants effectively.
• Pet safety: Some plants (like lilies) are toxic to pets, so check toxicity levels if you have animals at home.

Who Benefits Most from Indoor Plants?

While indoor plants are great for everyone, they can be particularly beneficial for:

• People with COPD or asthma: Cleaner air, improved humidity, and reduced toxins all support easier breathing.
• Older adults: As we age, our immune and respiratory systems can get weaker. Plants can help keep the indoor environment healthy.
• Office workers: Indoor plants can reduce eye strain, headaches, and even increase productivity.
• Children: Cleaner air can support developing lungs and reduce exposure to allergens.

Final Thoughts

At LPT Medical, we understand the challenges that come with living with respiratory conditions. While oxygen concentrators, portable nebulizers, and other medical devices are essential tools for managing lung health, creating a supportive and clean home environment is equally important.

Indoor plants offer a natural and beautiful way to improve your air quality, boost your mental well-being, and make breathing easier, all with a touch of green.

Whether you're living with COPD, caring for a loved one, or just want to breathe a little easier, consider adding a few houseplants to your space. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your health and happiness.

Breathe Easier with LPT Medical

Looking for more ways to improve your respiratory health? At LPT Medical, we offer a wide range of portable oxygen concentrators and respiratory care devices designed to fit your lifestyle. Browse our latest equipment or talk to a respiratory specialist today.

 Clean air is closer than you think. Sometimes, all it takes is a little green.