The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as the ZZ plant, is a popular houseplant due to its attractive, glossy leaves and low-maintenance care requirements.

Originally from East Africa, the ZZ plant has gained a reputation for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it ideal for indoor spaces.

But aside from its aesthetic appeal and hardiness, many wonder if the ZZ plant also has air-purifying qualities. Can this resilient plant actually help clean the air in your home or office? Here’s what the research says.

1. The Origins of Air-Purifying Plant Studies

Interest in plants’ ability to clean indoor air began in the 1980s with NASA’s Clean Air Study. This study revealed that certain houseplants could help remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air. VOCs like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene are common in household environments due to products such as paint, cleaning supplies, and synthetic furniture materials. The study highlighted that plants such as English ivy, snake plants, and spider plants could remove these toxins, sparking widespread interest in plants as natural air purifiers.

However, the NASA study was conducted in a highly controlled, enclosed environment, which isn’t entirely representative of real-world indoor spaces. For practical applications, the effectiveness of plants in improving indoor air quality on a noticeable scale is still debated.

2. The ZZ Plant and Its Potential Air-Cleaning Abilities

The ZZ plant wasn’t part of the initial NASA study, but its growing popularity has led researchers to consider whether it, too, could have air-purifying qualities. Like other plants, the ZZ plant participates in photosynthesis, a process through which it takes in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, contributing to fresher air indoors.

Limited studies suggest that the ZZ plant may have some potential to filter out specific VOCs, such as benzene and toluene, which are commonly found in household products like detergents, adhesives, and tobacco smoke. While it doesn’t rank among the top plants noted for air purification, its presence can still contribute to an incrementally healthier indoor environment, particularly when combined with other air-purifying plants.

3. How the ZZ Plant Contributes to Indoor Humidity

While its ability to filter VOCs may be limited, the ZZ plant can still contribute to better indoor air quality by releasing moisture through a process called transpiration. During transpiration, plants release water vapor through their leaves, which helps improve humidity levels in dry indoor spaces. This can be particularly beneficial in air-conditioned or heated rooms where humidity often drops, potentially leading to dry skin, respiratory issues, and other discomforts.

Increasing humidity through plants like the ZZ plant is a gentle, natural way to maintain moisture in the air. When combined with other plants, the ZZ plant’s transpiration process can enhance the air’s moisture content, contributing to a more comfortable and balanced indoor environment.

4. Can the ZZ Plant Truly Purify the Air?

While plants can technically remove VOCs, the overall impact of a single plant in a typical room is relatively small. According to recent studies, a room would require an extraordinarily high number of plants—possibly dozens or even hundreds—to make a substantial difference in removing pollutants in real-time conditions.

However, this doesn’t mean the ZZ plant has no value in promoting a healthier environment. Every plant contributes a small degree of improvement to indoor air, but it’s best to consider plants as part of a holistic approach to air quality. Proper ventilation, air purifiers, and regular cleaning are still more effective methods to significantly improve indoor air quality. Yet, having plants like the ZZ plant adds an aesthetic and psychological benefit that many people find enjoyable.

5. Low-Maintenance Benefits for Health and Well-Being

Beyond air purification, the ZZ plant offers indirect health benefits through its psychological impact. Indoor plants have been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and increase productivity. The ZZ plant, in particular, is a great choice for people who want the benefits of greenery but may lack the time or experience to care for more demanding plants. Its low light requirements and tolerance for occasional neglect make it a suitable option for almost any indoor setting.

Additionally, exposure to plants like the ZZ plant can help improve focus and reduce anxiety, enhancing mental well-being in spaces such as homes and offices. These psychological benefits, while not directly related to air quality, contribute to an overall healthier indoor environment.

6. How to Care for Your ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is relatively easy to care for, which makes it accessible to people looking for low-maintenance greenery. Here are a few tips to keep it thriving:

• Light: While ZZ plants can tolerate low light, they grow best in indirect or moderate sunlight.

• Water: The ZZ plant is drought-resistant and only needs watering every two to three weeks. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

• Soil: Well-draining potting soil is ideal, as this plant does not like to sit in moist soil for extended periods.

• Temperature: The ZZ plant prefers average indoor temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).

Following these simple care guidelines will keep your ZZ plant healthy and allow it to contribute to your indoor environment for years to come.

While the ZZ plant may not dramatically purify the air in your home, it still provides a modest contribution to air quality through its natural processes of oxygen release and transpiration. Its presence enhances indoor humidity, which can benefit respiratory health in dry spaces, and it offers significant psychological benefits that promote well-being. Although more effective methods exist for air purification, the ZZ plant’s beauty, resilience, and low-maintenance care make it an appealing choice for indoor gardeners and green enthusiasts alike.

Adding a ZZ plant to your indoor space offers both aesthetic charm and subtle health perks—making it well worth considering, whether or not air purification is your primary goal.