Quantity of Greenery for Indoor Living Space: What's the Count?
In a collaborative effort, Horticultural initiative Plant Life Balance partnered with scientists at RMIT University in Melbourne to study the benefits of houseplants in modern living conditions. The results of this research have proven that plants not only have a favourable impact on local environments but also significantly contribute to human well-being [1].
According to NASA scientist Bill Wolverton's 1989 study, for optimal air purification and well-being benefits, it is recommended to have at least one houseplant for every 100 square feet of indoor space [1][3]. This guideline can be adjusted based on plant size, room usage, and plant species effectiveness.
The size and type of the plant play a crucial role in air purification. Larger plants, such as the Spider Plant, Peace Lily, and English Ivy, known for their high air-filtering capacity, might reduce the number needed, while smaller or less-effective plants might require a higher density [1][3][5].
When it comes to room placement, bedrooms should have plants near windows but away from direct drafts. In offices, placing plants near pollutant sources like printers can enhance air quality benefits [3]. Groupings of diverse plants work synergistically, improving air purification and local humidity, while also enhancing visual appeal [3].
Caring for plants not only improves air quality but also reduces stress, increases focus, and enhances life satisfaction [3]. The core brain developed in nature, and being in touch with it makes people more relaxed and able to perform higher functions like creativity and intuition [2].
| Room Size (sq. ft.) | Recommended Number of Plants | Notes | |---------------------|----------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | 100 | 1 | Basic recommendation from NASA | | 200 | 2 | Adjust according to plant size and air needs | | 300 | 3 | Group plants for better effect and aesthetic | | Larger rooms | Number of plants = (Room size / 100) | Use combinations of air-purifying species |
Starting with easy-to-care plants like the Spider Plant or Pothos allows one to build a collection gradually while managing costs [3]. However, it's essential to commit to the plants you bring home, ensuring they receive the necessary love and attention to avoid neglect and the plants' death [4].
On the other hand, having too many houseplants or neglected large plants can make a home feel cluttered and like an untamed jungle [4]. In an 8 by 8 metre room, 16 plants provide 75 percent cleaner air and 60 percent better mental health, and the benefits of 32 plants will be maximum in such a space [1].
New research by Plant Life Balance has found the exact number of plants needed in a house for optimal health and happiness [6]. So, bring nature indoors and breathe easier while reaping the numerous benefits houseplants have to offer.
References: [1] Plant Life Balance, (n.d.). The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Plants and Air Quality. Retrieved from https://plantlifebalance.com/blogs/news/the-ultimate-guide-to-indoor-plants-and-air-quality [2] National Geographic, (2016). How Plants Make Us Feel Better. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/06/how-plants-make-us-feel-better/ [3] NASA, (1989). NASA Technology Transfer: Houseplants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement. Retrieved from https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19930073234.pdf [4] The Spruce, (2021). How Many Plants Do You Need to Purify the Air in Your Home? Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/how-many-plants-do-you-need-to-purify-the-air-in-your-home-1399130 [5] The Sill, (2020). The Best Air-Purifying Plants for Your Home. Retrieved from https://www.thesill.com/learn/best-air-purifying-plants-for-your-home [6] Plant Life Balance, (2021). The Optimal Number of Plants for Optimal Health and Happiness. Retrieved from https://plantlifebalance.com/blogs/news/the-optimal-number-of-plants-for-optimal-health-and-happiness
- In collaboration with RMIT University scientists, the Horticultural initiative Plant Life Balance discovered that organic houseplants significantly improve not only local environments but also human health and well-being [1].
- Based on NASA scientist Bill Wolverton's 1989 study, it is recommended to have at least one houseplant for every 100 square feet of indoor space for optimal air purification and well-being benefits [1][3].
- The size and type of the plant play a crucial role in air purification, with larger plants like the Spider Plant, Peace Lily, and English Ivy having a higher air-filtering capacity [1][3][5].
- Caring for indoor plants is not just beneficial for air quality but also reduces stress, increases focus, and enhances life satisfaction [3].
- To achieve optimal health and happiness at home, study the exact number of plants needed, such as the findings by Plant Life Balance [6]. Bring these plants into your home-and-garden, and reap the rewards of improved air quality, wellness, and a better lifestyle.
