Delhi Residents Turn to Air-Purifying Indoor Plants Amid Rising Pollution Levels

New Delhi:

As Delhi's air quality deteriorates to dangerous levels, residents are increasingly turning to indoor plants known for their air-purifying properties. Nurseries throughout the city are reporting a significant surge in demand for these natural air cleaners.

Ashok Kumar from Saini Plant Home in Connaught Place notes that sales of air-purifying plants have dramatically increased recently. "We previously sold around 50-60 such plants daily, but during pollution season, sales double to over 100 air-purifying plants every day," he told PTI.

"Customers are purchasing numerous indoor plants like Areca Palm, Kent Palm, and Chamaedorea Palm. The demand has increased substantially," he added.

With Delhi's air quality fluctuating between 'poor' and 'very poor' conditions, nursery owners observe that customers now arrive with specific requirements for plants that promise to improve indoor air quality.

The most popular varieties include Snake Plant, Peace Lily, Areca Palm, Money Plant, Spider Plant, Aglaonema, Rubber Plant, and Boston Fern.

At Greenways Nursery in Dera Village, staff report increased customer traffic coinciding with rising pollution levels. "It's been an extremely busy week," one worker mentioned. "People are purchasing various palms and indoor plants. This sales increase happens every year during pollution season."

Experts confirm that certain indoor and traditional plants can significantly help combat air pollution by absorbing harmful gases, filtering particulate matter, and enhancing overall air quality.

Professor Anand Sonkar from the Department of Botany at Hansraj College, University of Delhi, explains, "Plants such as spider plant, peace lily, and areca palm are excellent natural air purifiers that help mitigate pollution by absorbing harmful gases and releasing oxygen."

He elaborated that these plants absorb pollutants including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and ozone through their leaves and stomata. Their leaf surfaces also trap dust, smoke, and airborne particles, reducing particulate matter in the air.

"Through photosynthesis, they release oxygen, support respiratory health, and help regulate temperature, which in turn reduces the formation of ground-level ozone, a major pollutant," he told PTI.

At Sundar Nursery in Laxmi Nagar, pricing varies based on plant size and variety. "An Areca Palm ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 400. Peace Lilies start around Rs 150 for smaller specimens, and indoor plant combinations can cost up to Rs 1,500," a salesperson explained.

They noted that purchasing patterns depend on home size. "Some customers buy four to five plants, while others, particularly those with larger homes, select 30 or 40 at once. Spending ranges from a few hundred rupees to as much as Rs 10,000."

Zahirul Hasan of Rajdhani Nursery in Jor Bagh highlights the increased awareness about indoor plants. "People are learning about air-purifying plants through social media," he said.

Hasan explained that customers now arrive with specific references and images. "They show us posts and videos, requesting the same plants. They already know names like Areca Palm or Snake Plant. Previously we had to explain which plants were effective; now they come prepared to purchase."

"From snake plants to peace lilies, customers seek both aesthetic appeal and natural air purification for their homes. These plants effectively clean the air, and since many people live in apartments and urban areas without space for outdoor plants, they purchase plants for indoor benefits," he added.

At Balaji Nursery in Delhi's Rohini, Naina mentioned that indoor plant demand remains consistent year-round. "Air pollution in India is a perpetual issue, not limited to specific seasons. People buy indoor plants consistently throughout the year," she said. "I wouldn't characterize it as a sudden surge, but rather a steady stream of customers seeking air-purifying plants."

Professor Solanki further explained that different plants serve specific functions indoors. "Spider plants are known to absorb carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene, making them suitable for offices and enclosed spaces," he said.

"Areca palms help remove toxins and humidify the air, ideal for living rooms. Peace lilies, which thrive in low light, filter benzene and trichloroethylene effectively. Aloe vera absorbs carbon dioxide even at night and purifies the air when placed near sunny windows," he claimed.

Regarding Tulsi, or Holy Basil, he noted that this plant neutralizes harmful gases and possesses antimicrobial properties, making it excellent for balconies and courtyards.

"The popular Money plants help reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are easy to maintain indoors or in hanging pots. Snake plants are especially beneficial as they continue converting carbon dioxide to oxygen even during nighttime and are drought-resistant, making them perfect for bedrooms," he added.

Nursery owners observe this pattern repeating annually as winter pollution peaks and Delhi residents seek natural solutions for indoor air purification.

From affordable options like a Rs 150 Peace Lily to decorative palms costing Rs 1,500, or bulk purchases reaching Rs 10,000, residents are transforming their homes into green sanctuaries to combat Delhi's severe air pollution.