Air Quality Claims Policy

You’ll often see houseplants advertised as “air-purifying”. Many of these claims trace back to experiments in small, sealed chambers, which are very different from real homes with normal airflow.

Our position

• We don’t claim that a typical number of houseplants will meaningfully clean the air in a home or office.
• Houseplants are not a substitute for ventilation, extractor fans, air purifiers, or fixing sources of indoor pollution.
• If you have concerns about indoor air quality, mould, carbon monoxide or allergens, use appropriate detectors and consult qualified professionals.

What plants can do

Plants can make a space feel calmer, fresher and more welcoming, and caring for them is an enjoyable hobby for many people. Those are great reasons to grow them — and they’re the benefits we focus on.

Read more about how we write our guides in our editorial standards.