Do you want to have cleaner air in your room?
![](https://cdn.theatlantic.com/thumbor/y-reKyJ8vpq9dtD9W9ktl8B25hE=/475x10:1563x1098/1080x1080/media/img/mt/2019/03/HousePlants/original.jpg)
The answer may lie within the power of photosynthesis. Plants are nature’s way of cleaning up our air, but how many do we really need for a clean air room?
While it is commonly thought that one plant per 100 square feet is ideal, this idea is difficult to answer and likely a false myth. To understand why, we're going to have to jump into some biology.
Don't worry though, we are not going to go too deep into it because, although plant biology is an amazing and complex process, it can get boring trying to understand all the nuances. Plus, there's no need to get bogged down in the science of it all - let's focus on what really matters: the number of plants you need to clean your room up.
Photosynthesis for Dummies
While most people may have heard the word photosynthesis, what the heck is it exactly?
First and foremost, photosynthesis is the reason why we're able to breathe fresh air during the day. Plants have incredible powers that allow them to take in carbon dioxide - the gas that we exhale - and release fresh oxygen in the air.
This is super important because we need oxygen to breathe.
But wait, there's more!
At night, plants actually take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide at night. Weird, right? Anyway, photosynthesis is a super important concept in biology because it helps us understand how all of life on earth is connected.
So next time you take a deep breath of fresh air, remember to thank your plant.
Debunking the Myth of 1 Plant per 100 Square Feet
Have you heard of the myth of needing one plant per 100 square feet to purify the air in your home?
Well, if you haven't we just told you about it. But, if you have, it's time to debunk that myth. As it turns out, cacti - a popular plant choice for low-maintenance needs - don't offer much help in terms of air purification.
However, that's not to discredit the importance of these prickly desert dwellers because they are still important to life.
The reality is that you don't need one plant per 100 square feet - it really depends on what kind of plants you have, how many you have, and where they are placed in your home. There is no exact number or formula for this because every room and situation is different.
NASA has done some research on a few plants and recommended some top-notch air-purifyng plants like the snake plant, money plant, Chinese ever green, and rubber plant that are sure to clean a room.
But, make sure to keep an eye on your collection as too many plants could result in higher carbon dioxide at night. And depending on the type of plants, it could make it hard to catch those z's at night.
Or worse, too many plants could even attract some unwanted pests.
How Many Plants Do You Really Need for a Clean Air Room
While it may be tempting to fill your room with greenery, a few carefully chosen plants can do wonders for air quality.
The truth is, you don't really need many plants to achieve air purifying results you're after. The best way to really clean air is to combine some air purifying plants like snake plant and money plant with an air purifier.
The two working together will make for a powerful air cleaning team for your room and have your lungs taking in quality air. So if you're thinking of planting a whole forest in your bedroom, pause for a minute and remember this blog post.
Hewma Final Words
So, the answer to how many plants you need for a clean air room is not as straightforward as one plant per 100 square feet.
The number of plants that you can keep in a room depends on the type and placement of the plants. To achieve an aesthetic look and purify the air of a room, we recommend having two mid-sized or large plants per room. Additionally, keeping it at two plants can prevent pesky pests from invading your space.
And don't forget - an air purifier will be your best friend when trying to make sure all those pesky pollutants get filtered out. So take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy having fresh oxygen-filled lungs thanks to Mother Nature's little helpers!