RESEARCH

Health-Related Benefits of Different Indoor Plant Species in a School Setting

Golden pothos reduced CO₂ by up to 17%, improved absolute humidity by 6.8%, and cut PM2.5 levels by 22%, making it the top performer across all air quality categories​. Additionally, both golden pothos and Boston fern improved classroom acoustics, reducing reverberation time by up to 33% and increasing sound absorption across most frequencies.
Program Types: Therapeutic
Population Groups: Children/Youth, Students
Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings
Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Physical Health
Allied Profession Intersections: Education
Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care
Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research
Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Physical Health, Program Effectiveness
Access: Free
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Summary

This study looked at how different types of indoor plants can improve the air quality, comfort, and acoustics in school classrooms. Researchers installed four vertical green walls using common houseplants—golden pothos, Boston fern, spider plant, and a mixed group—and measured their effects on humidity, temperature, CO₂ levels, fine dust (PM), sound levels, and mold spores over several months. Sensors were placed close to the plants to track changes in real time. The goal was to find out which plants made the biggest difference in creating a healthier learning environment without taking up valuable space.

The study found that golden pothos consistently performed best, improving humidity, reducing COâ‚‚ and dust particles, and dampening noise better than the other plants. Boston fern also did well, especially for temperature regulation and air quality. Spider plants were less reliable due to their sensitivity and lower performance in air purification, and had to be replaced during the study. Overall, the green walls did not increase mold levels, showing they are safe and potentially valuable additions to classrooms.

Link

Pichlhöfer, A., Sesto, E., Hollands, J., & Korjenic, A. (2021). Health-related benefits of different indoor plant species in a school setting. Sustainability, 13, 9566.

 

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