Number of plants suitable for a home environment
In an era where air quality and well-being are of paramount importance, houseplants have emerged as a natural and appealing solution. According to NASA's renowned clean air study, maintaining at least one houseplant for every 100 square feet of indoor space is a recommended guideline for optimal air quality and well-being [1].
This ratio, which stems from NASA's research, suggests that for a small room of 100 square feet, having one plant is sufficient. For a medium room of 300 square feet, approximately three plants would be optimal, and for larger areas, the number scales up accordingly, maintaining roughly one plant per 100 square feet.
NASA's study identified several plants effective at naturally filtering air toxins and converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. These include the Dwarf Date Palm, Boston Fern, Kimberly Queen Fern, Spider Plant, Chinese Evergreen, Bamboo Palm, Weeping Fig, Devil’s Ivy (Money Plant), Flamingo Lily, Peace Lily, English Ivy, Variegated Snake Plant, among others [1][3].
Beyond air purification, grouping multiple plants that produce oxygen, such as Areca Palm, Snake Plant, Spider Plants, and Money Plant together in a room enhances oxygen levels and creates a healthier indoor environment [2]. However, it's essential to consider lighting and care requirements for the chosen plants to ensure their survival and effectiveness indoors. Some plants like Gerbera Daisy need ample sunlight, while others like Peace Lily thrive in low light [3][5].
In addition to air purification, houseplants offer numerous benefits such as higher productivity, relaxation, better sleep, and improved ability to cope with life [4]. Research has proven that plants have a favorable impact on local environments and human well-being [6].
However, it's important to note that while plants improve air quality qualitatively, they are not a substitute for proper ventilation or air filtration systems. Also, some plants can cause allergies or be toxic to pets, which should be considered when selecting species [4].
In an 8 by 8 metre room, 16 plants provide 75% cleaner air and 60% better mental health, while 32 plants offer maximum benefits [2]. In a 3 by 3 metre room, one plant produces 45% cleaner air and a modest level of mental health, two plants can produce up to 75% cleaner air and 50% better mental health [2]. In a 4 by 5 metre room, one plant brings minimal mental health benefits, five plants increase mental wellbeing by 60%, and ten plants maximize health and wellbeing advantages [2].
The Plant Life Balance research, in collaboration with RMIT University, has also shed light on the exact number of plants needed for optimal health and happiness in modern living conditions [7].
In conclusion, maintaining one plant per 100 square feet offers a balanced and practical approach to improve indoor air quality and well-being with houseplants. The actual number of plants can be adjusted based on room size, plant type, and care capacity.
- Incorporating organic care practices for indoor plants, such as using natural fertilizers and following sustainable watering methods, promotes a health-and-wellness lifestyle.
- For those interested in fitness-and-exercise, gardening can be integrated into a home-and-garden lifestyle, offering a form of low-impact physical activity and stress relief.
- In the realm of nutrition, certain plants like Wheatgrass and Microgreens can be grown indoors for fresh, organic additions to daily meals.
- Adopting the Plant Life Balance research findings for optimal health and happiness suggests that, in a home-and-garden setting, four plants are sufficient for a small room, twelve plants for a medium room, and twenty plants for a large room.
- By including plants like the Rubber Plant or Philodendron in the garden or outdoor space, one can contribute to improved local environments and support the global health-and-wellness movement.
- For a holistic lifestyle approach, one might consider creating a wellness nook indoors, integrating plants, organic living, mindfulness, and a calming environment for relaxation and self-care.
