Do Corn Plants Actually Purify The Air In Your Home?

Corn plants are a great low-maintenance option for anyone starting their indoor houseplant journey and are often touted online for their air-cleaning abilities. So, how do we know corn plants can purify your air? It's all thanks to a 1989 study by NASA, which highlights that corn plants can reduce levels of trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, and benzene in the air. Similarly, research published in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health in 2022 found that corn plants reduced the pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in an enclosed area. According to lead researcher Dr. Christian Pfrang from the University of Birmingham, those involved in the tests suspect the plants do this via "a biological process taking place also involving the soil the plant grows in – but we don't yet know what that is."

However, there may be more than meets the eye when you pull the curtain on how far the corn plant's air-cleaning capabilities can go. While they can clean your air, additional research suggests that it's on a very minimal scale. However, that's still better than nothing, right? If you're considering purchasing a corn plant for these specific qualities, you may feel confused about whether or not you should get one. It turns out there may be more effective solutions for achieving your goal.

While the claim that corn plants can clean your air seems encouraging on the surface, it may not be all it seems when you dig deeper. According to commentary from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you would potentially need a very large amount of corn plants to make a notable difference in air quality in your house. Of course, this isn't achievable for the average person — unless you want to live in a makeshift jungle. Likewise, the fact that fresh air is constantly filtering into your home may only make it more challenging for your houseplants to do their job and purify the air. This could make your corn plant ineffective when it comes to having a positive impact on air quality.

Combining these two factors, you can see why corn plants may have a very minimal effect on the air quality in your home. At the very least, the topic requires further study. Not only would you potentially have to stop any outdoor air from entering your house, but you might also have to fill every space with plants. The conclusion? It depends on what you want a corn plant for. If you want it for decoration and you're not bothered by its questionable air-purifying qualities, then it's a great low-maintenance option. After all, they are beautiful plants!

If you're looking to purify your home's air, you still have options. One great choice is an air purifier. Although it can be costly, it can filter particles as small as 0.1 microns, which can help improve your air quality. When compared to a corn plant, the difference is potentially night and day. To make the greatest impact, you should always make sure to put your air purifier in a good spot. However, you should also do your research when it comes to finding one that actually works.

Likewise, you should also consider any pollutants you could cut down on in your home. For example, you could reduce your use of scented candles and aerosols. These common household items may emit volatile organic compounds into your home, such as benzene and formaldehyde. Another thing you can try is getting rid of dust in the air, which you may already do on a regular basis.