Spider Plants and Smoke

Phytoremediation

• Phytoremediation is the process by which plant roots remediate, or clean, pollutants from air and soil. NASA research lists spider plant as one of the top 10 plants that remove airborne volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, in closed environments such as homes and offices. Formaldehyde, toluene and benzene are toxic vapors from household building materials and solvents that contribute to sick building syndrome. Contrary to commonly accepted belief, no credible research exists to prove spider plants and other houseplants remove tobacco smoke from the air.

Cigarette Smoke

• Plants breathe by transpiration, a process facilitating gas exchanges through pores along their leaves called stomata. Dirt accumulation, grease residue and cigarette tar clog stomata. Impaired plant respiration is a consequence of dirty foliage and can cause plant mortality. Heavy tobacco smoking in closed home environments causes tar to accumulate on spider plants' foliage, which harms the plants, according to North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. They recommend washing foliage routinely to unclog blocked stomata and maintain healthy plants.

Spider Plant Oxygen Production

• Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of combustion, and oxygen is a byproduct of photosynthesis. Growing healthy spider plants, which produce oxygen, can offset the depletion of oxygen by tobacco combustion. Dr. Curtis Smith, of New Mexico State University, says there is no pat answer for which plants, and how many, will produce the highest oxygen levels. Some tropical plants, such as spider plant, have lower light requirements and are able to produce more oxygen because of their photosynthetic efficiency in shade.

Research Results

• Spider plants contribute to the aesthetics of indoor gardening and release oxygen into the air. The Environmental Protection Agency cautions consumers against relying on early NASA studies that claim houseplants detoxify air in closed home environments. While spider plants tested positive for successful VOC removal, tests occurred in small-chambered laboratory settings that do not translate to home environments. Spider plants are successful in removing carbon dioxide from air as part of their photosynthetic process, but research doesn't support their success in detoxifying whole home environments.