How Many Plants Should You Have In Your House?

 Studies have shown that plants have a positive impact on both our environment and well-being. Plants can purify the air, reduce stress and improve sleep, among other benefits. But, how many plants should you have in your home to reap these benefits? Here's what the research says.

NASA Recommendations

According to NASA researcher Bill Wolverton, at least two large plants per 100 square feet of indoor plants area are necessary to help filter the air. The bigger and leafier the plant, the better. This is because the amount of leaf surface area affects air purification.

Plant Life Balance Research

Plant Life Balance and RMIT University in Melbourne conducted research to determine the optimal number of plants for a home. The research found that 10 plants in an average 4 by 5 meter room provide maximum air cleansing and well-being benefits. One plant can clean the air in a 4 by 5 meter space by 25% while five plants can clean it by 75%. The size and variety of plants matter for maximum well-being benefits.

Calculation for Different Room Sizes

In a 4 by 5 meter room: one plant provides minimal well-being benefits, five plants increase well-being by 60%, and 10 plants maximize benefits.

In a 3 by 3 meter room: one plant provides 45% cleaner air and modest well-being, two plants provide 75% cleaner air and 50% better well-being, and five plants provide the most benefits.

In a 8 by 8 meter room: 16 plants provide 75% cleaner air and 60% better well-being, while 32 plants provide maximum benefits.

How Many is Too Many?

Houseplants can enhance your home and improve your life, but having too many can become a problem. Too many plants can clutter your home, consume your time, and even die if you don't have the right environment to keep them alive. If you no longer enjoy the hobby or can't keep up with it, you may have too many plants.

Note: The size of plants and the number of leaves affect air purification. Some plants are better at filtering the air than others due to the number of microbes in their roots. You can refer to the NASA study for a list of air-purifying plants.