Snake Plant and Clean Air: How This Hardy Houseplant Improves Indoor Air Quality
The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, has earned a reputation as one of the best houseplants for people who want cleaner air with minimal effort. Its tall, striped leaves and ability to thrive in low light make it a favorite for homes and offices. But beyond its looks, many people wonder if the snake plant really cleans the air - and how much difference it makes.
This article explores what science says about the snake plant’s air-purifying abilities, how it fits into a healthy home, and how you can care for it to get the most benefit.
What Makes the Snake Plant Special
Snake plants are native to West Africa, where they grow in dry, rocky soil. They're known for their stiff, upright leaves that store water, making them extremely drought-tolerant. Because they can survive in low light and need little water, they’re often called “unkillable.”
But the real reason people love them goes beyond convenience. The snake plant has been linked to better indoor air quality, a claim that traces back to research done by NASA in the late 1980s.
NASA’s Air Purifying Plant Study
In 1989, NASA researchers ran the Clean Air Study to explore how certain houseplants could remove toxins from sealed indoor environments. The study found that snake plants can absorb chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene - all common indoor pollutants emitted by paint, furniture, and cleaning products.
These findings sparked public interest in air-cleaning plants. The snake plant stood out because it continued to release oxygen at night, unlike most plants that only do so during the day. This made it one of the few plants people could keep in bedrooms without affecting oxygen levels negatively.
How Snake Plants Clean the Air
Absorbing Harmful Compounds
Snake plants use a process called phytoremediation. Through their leaves and roots, they absorb airborne chemicals and convert them into harmless substances. These pollutants are either stored in the plant tissue or broken down in the soil by microorganisms living around the roots.
Releasing Oxygen at Night
Most plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the day through photosynthesis. At night, the process reverses. Snake plants are different. They perform a type of photosynthesis called CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism), which allows them to keep their stomata closed during the day to prevent water loss and open them at night to take in carbon dioxide. As a result, they release oxygen while you sleep. This makes them great for bedrooms.
How Effective Are Snake Plants at Cleaning Air?
The NASA study was done in a sealed chamber, not a real home. In practice, a few houseplants won’t transform a room’s air quality overnight. Still, combined with good ventilation and reduced chemical use, plants like the snake plant can make a measurable difference. They help absorb certain toxins, trap dust, and add humidity to dry indoor air.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. While plants alone can’t solve that problem, they can be part of a broader strategy that includes proper ventilation, air filtration, and low-VOC materials.
Health and Environmental Benefits
Cleaner Air and Fewer Pollutants
Snake plants absorb small amounts of airborne pollutants that come from everyday products like paint, detergents, and furniture glue. While you’d need many plants to see a big change in air quality, even a few can help reduce chemical buildup in a closed space.
Improved Humidity
Snake plants release moisture through a process called transpiration. This can slightly raise humidity levels, which helps reduce dry skin, irritated sinuses, and static electricity - common issues in homes with air conditioning or heating.
Low Maintenance, High Reward
Because snake plants are nearly indestructible, they’re ideal for people who want the health and environmental benefits of plants without the upkeep. They tolerate neglect, low light, and inconsistent watering. This makes them perfect for beginners or busy people who travel often.
How to Care for a Snake Plant
Light and Placement
Snake plants adapt to many light conditions, from bright indirect light to low corners. However, they grow faster and produce more vibrant leaves in moderate light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Overwatering is the only real way to kill a snake plant. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. In winter, cut back even more - once every few weeks is enough. Always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Soil and Potting
Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one made for cacti or succulents. You can mix regular soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage. Repot your snake plant every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound.
Temperature and Humidity
Snake plants prefer temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. Keep them away from cold drafts and heating vents. They handle dry indoor air well but will also thrive with a bit of humidity.
Fertilizing
Feed the plant lightly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer. Skip feeding in winter when growth slows.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Soft or mushy leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out and remove damaged leaves.
Brown tips: Often caused by fluoride in tap water or dry air. Use filtered water and increase humidity slightly.
No growth: Snake plants grow slowly, especially in low light. Move it to a brighter spot or wait for warmer months.
Where to Place a Snake Plant for Best Results
Since snake plants release oxygen at night, many people keep them in bedrooms. They also do well in living rooms, offices, and bathrooms. Avoid spots with cold drafts or direct afternoon sun. A few strategic placements can help you create a cleaner, calmer indoor space.
Snake Plant vs. Other Air-Cleaning Plants
While snake plants are among the easiest to care for, other houseplants also help improve air quality. Spider plants, peace lilies, pothos, and bamboo palms are also known for filtering indoor air. You can mix different species to create a more effective natural air filter.
For comparison, see this study published in the National Library of Medicine, which reviews how different plants remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under various conditions.
Myths and Misconceptions
Some online articles claim that one snake plant can completely clean the air in a room. That’s an exaggeration. In real-world conditions, you’d need dozens of plants to match the air-cleaning capacity of a mechanical filter. Still, snake plants contribute small but steady improvements and add a natural touch that machines can’t.
If you live in a city apartment or an office with recycled air, adding a few snake plants can complement your air purifier or ventilation system. They won’t replace it, but they’ll support it.
Creating a Healthier Home with Snake Plants
For best results, combine snake plants with other air-quality strategies:
- Open windows when possible to improve ventilation.
- Use low-VOC paints and cleaning products.
- Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
- Keep dust levels down with regular cleaning.
- Add a few hardy plants like snake plants and pothos.
For practical guidance on indoor air management, see the U.S. Department of Energy’s guide to home ventilation. You can also check indoor air quality resources from ASHRAE for professional insights on maintaining healthy air indoors.
Final Thoughts
Snake plants won’t turn your home into a sterile lab, but they do help create cleaner, fresher air while adding beauty and calm to your space. They’re simple to care for, tough to kill, and quietly contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Whether you keep one on your nightstand or fill a living room corner, the snake plant is a practical, low-maintenance ally in your quest for better air.
