The Science Behind Snake Plants and Air Purification
Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata, recently reclassified as Dracaena trifasciata) have gained widespread popularity not just for their striking appearance and low maintenance requirements, but for their purported air-purifying capabilities. This comprehensive guide examines the scientific evidence behind these claims, providing you with data-driven insights to make informed decisions about using snake plants for indoor air quality improvement.

This guide is based on peer-reviewed scientific research and official NASA studies. Individual results may vary based on environmental conditions, plant health, and pollution sources.
The NASA Clean Air Study: Foundation of Plant Air Purification Claims
The foundation for most air-purifying plant claims stems from NASA’s 1989 Clean Air Study, conducted in partnership with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA). Led by Dr. B.C. Wolverton at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center, this research was originally designed to explore air purification methods for sealed space environments.
NASA’s team wanted to test whether houseplants could remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the air. VOCs are harmful chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde. Some studies have linked VOCs to several health risks, including a higher potential risk of cancer. VOCs are produced by various household items, including carpets, cleaning products, and adhesives or paints.
Key Study Parameters
Parameter | Details |
---|---|
Study Environment | Small, sealed plexiglass chambers with controlled lighting |
Test Duration | 24-hour exposure periods |
Target Pollutants | Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene |
Chamber Volume | Approximately 1,728 cubic feet (sealed environment) |
Plant Density | Single plants in controlled chambers |
Snake Plant Performance Data
According to the original NASA study and subsequent research, snake plants demonstrated the following pollutant removal capabilities:
Pollutant | Removal Rate (24 hours) | Initial Concentration | Final Concentration |
---|---|---|---|
Benzene | 52.6% | 0.156 ppm | 0.074 ppm |
Formaldehyde | 31,294 micrograms removed | Variable | Significantly reduced |
Trichloroethylene | Effective removal | 35 ppm | 0-1 ppm (2 hours) |
Xylene | Proven effective | Not specified | Not specified |
Toluene | Proven effective | Not specified | Not specified |
Scientific Mechanisms: How Snake Plants Clean Air
- Stomatal Absorption: Snake plants absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through microscopic pores (stomata) on their leaves
- Phytoremediation: Plants convert harmful chemicals into harmless byproducts through metabolic processes
- Root Zone Activity: Soil microorganisms around plant roots contribute significantly to pollutant breakdown
- CAM Photosynthesis: Unlike most plants, snake plants continue oxygen production at night through Crassulacean Acid Metabolism
The Root System Advantage
Recent research reveals that plant roots and associated soil microorganisms perform the majority of air purification work—not the leaves as commonly believed. Studies show that maximizing airflow through the root zone can increase air-purifying capacity by up to 800%.
Real-World Effectiveness: Laboratory vs. Home Environment
Laboratory Conditions | Real-World Conditions | Impact on Effectiveness |
---|---|---|
Sealed chambers | Natural air circulation | Dramatically reduced effectiveness |
Single pollutant introduction | Continuous pollution sources | Ongoing contamination challenges |
Controlled lighting | Variable indoor lighting | Reduced photosynthetic activity |
No air exchange | 0.5-1.5 air changes per hour typical | Pollutants diluted naturally |
Plant Density Requirements for Real-World Impact
Research indicates that achieving meaningful air purification in typical buildings would require:
- 10-1,000 plants per square meter of floor space
- 15-20 houseplants in a typical room for significant improvement
- Multiple species to target different pollutants effectively
Comparative Effectiveness Data
Air Cleaning Method | Pollutant Removal Rate | Time Frame |
---|---|---|
Snake Plants | 0.002-0.084 m³/h | 24 hours |
HEPA Air Purifiers | 170-800 m³/h | Continuous |
Natural Ventilation | Variable (0.5-1.5 ACH) | Continuous |
Target Pollutants: What Snake Plants Can and Cannot Remove
Pollutant | Common Sources | Health Effects | Snake Plant Effectiveness |
---|---|---|---|
Formaldehyde | Furniture, carpets, building materials | Eye/respiratory irritation, headaches | High |
Benzene | Paints, plastics, cigarette smoke | Dizziness, drowsiness, cancer risk | Moderate-High |
Trichloroethylene | Adhesives, paint removers | Liver damage, nervous system effects | Moderate |
Xylene | Printing inks, paints | Headaches, confusion | Moderate |
Toluene | Paints, adhesives | Fatigue, memory problems | Moderate |
Pollutants Snake Plants Cannot Effectively Remove
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5/PM10): Dust, pollen, smoke particles
- Biological Contaminants: Bacteria, viruses, mold spores
- Nitrogen Dioxide: Vehicle emissions, gas appliances
- Ozone: Electronic equipment, some air purifiers
- Carbon Monoxide: Combustion sources
Optimization Strategies for Maximum Air Purification
Use this formula to determine optimal snake plant quantity for your space:
Basic Formula: Room area (sq ft) ÷ 100 = minimum number of plants
Enhanced Formula: For better results, multiply by 2-3
Room Size | Basic Recommendation | Enhanced Recommendation |
---|---|---|
Small (100 sq ft) | 1-2 plants | 3-6 plants |
Medium (200 sq ft) | 2 plants | 6-8 plants |
Large (400 sq ft) | 4 plants | 10-12 plants |
Maximizing Effectiveness Tips
- Expose Soil Surface: Leave 2-3 inches between lowest leaves and soil for better air circulation
- Strategic Placement: Position near pollution sources (new furniture, electronics)
- Optimal Lighting: Provide bright, indirect light for 6-8 hours daily
- Proper Watering: Maintain healthy plants for consistent performance
- Multiple Varieties: Combine with other NASA-approved plants for broader pollutant removal
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Snake Plants vs. Air Purifiers
Factor | Snake Plants | HEPA Air Purifiers |
---|---|---|
Initial Cost | $10-30 per plant | $100-500+ |
Operating Cost | Minimal (water, soil) | $50-100/year (electricity, filters) |
Effectiveness | Limited scope | Comprehensive |
Maintenance | Low | Moderate |
Aesthetic Value | High | Varies |
Psychological Benefits | Proven stress reduction | None |
Return on Investment
- Break-even point: 6-12 months compared to air purifier operation
- Long-term benefits: 5-10+ years of air improvement with proper care
- Additional value: Stress reduction, humidity regulation, aesthetic enhancement
Health Benefits and Limitations
Documented Benefits
- Improved Sleep Quality: Nighttime oxygen production
- Stress Reduction: Psychological benefits of plant presence
- Humidity Regulation: Natural moisture release through transpiration
- Reduced Sick Building Syndrome: Modest improvement in indoor air quality
Important Limitations
- Insufficient for High Pollution: Cannot replace mechanical air purification in contaminated environments.
- Slow Response Time: 24-48 hours for noticeable effects
- Limited Scope: Effective only against specific chemical pollutants
- Maintenance Required: Dead or unhealthy plants provide no benefits
Recommendations and Best Practices
For Maximum Air Quality Benefits
- Hybrid Approach: Combine snake plants with HEPA air purifiers
- Multiple Plant Strategy: Use 3-5 different air-purifying plant species
- Strategic Density: Aim for 1 plant per 100 square feet minimum
- Proper Care: Maintain plant health for consistent performance
- Realistic Expectations: Understand limitations and complement with other solutions
When Snake Plants Are Most Effective
- New Construction: Removing off-gassing from new materials
- Small Spaces: Offices, bedrooms, apartments
- Low Pollution Environments: Well-ventilated spaces with minimal contamination
- Supplementary Purification: Combined with other air quality measures
Other Benefits of Snake Plants

As well as purifying the air, snake plants can have other benefits. By removing some VOCs from the air, snake plants could help alleviate common allergies such as asthma. VOCs can trigger asthma attacks or cause problems such as dizziness, headaches, and throat irritation. Snake plants could help reduce these symptoms.
Snake plants can also be useful if you practice feng shui. As living plants, snake plants can absorb negative energy while producing positive energy. Snake plants are linked to the Wood element, which is associated with family, prosperity, and wealth.
Snake plants are low-maintenance houseplants that are easy to grow. These succulents can tolerate various lighting conditions and only need watering every 2 or 3 weeks during spring and summer. Snake plants prefer average household humidity as long as they have warm, stable temperatures (and may even produce flowers).
Thanks to their dramatic sword-shaped leaves, snake plants can also have a great visual impact as ornamental plants. There are also plenty of different types of snake plants to choose from.
Snake plants are also helpful in killing mosquitos thanks
Conclusion
While snake plants demonstrate genuine air-purifying capabilities in controlled laboratory conditions, their real-world effectiveness is significantly more limited than popular claims suggest. They excel at removing specific volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene, but require substantial numbers to meaningfully impact indoor air quality in typical homes.
The most effective approach combines snake plants with mechanical air purification systems, good ventilation, and source control of pollutants. Snake plants offer valuable supplementary benefits including stress reduction, aesthetic appeal, and modest air quality improvement—making them worthwhile additions to any indoor environment when expectations remain realistic.
For optimal indoor air quality, treat snake plants as one component of a comprehensive strategy rather than a standalone solution. Their true value lies in the combination of their proven air-purifying abilities, psychological benefits, and low-maintenance nature that makes cleaner, healthier indoor environments more achievable and enjoyable.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.