Does Monstera deliciosa Really Clean Indoor Air?

In countless living rooms, it has long been the centre of attention: Monstera deliciosa, widely known as the “Swiss cheese plant” or simply the split-leaf philodendron. Social media celebrates it as both a design statement and an air-quality marvel. Yet does this fashionable houseplant genuinely make a noticeable difference to indoor air, or is its effect largely symbolic?

What Monstera really does for indoor air

The basis for any effect on the air is straightforward: photosynthesis. A Monstera absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. Its large, perforated leaves provide a substantial surface area for this process. It therefore clearly contributes to a more pleasant indoor environment.

“Monstera improves the living environment – but it is no replacement for mechanical air purification.”

There is another benefit, too: its broad leaves act rather like dust collectors. Fine airborne particles settle on their surfaces instead of remaining suspended in the room. Wiping the leaves regularly therefore also removes some of the surrounding dust.

Can Monstera filter pollutants from the air?

Ever since the well-known NASA study of the late 1980s, houseplants as air purifiers have remained a popular subject. Researchers at the time tested various species in sealed spaces with high pollutant concentrations. Monstera was not among the plants originally examined, although more recent research has included it.

The finding is that the split-leaf philodendron can absorb certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to a limited extent. However, its impact remains modest, particularly in an ordinary living room where fresh air constantly enters, doors are opened and pollutant levels are far lower than under laboratory conditions.

Pollutant	Monstera effectiveness	Note
Carbon dioxide	Moderate uptake	Only in light, through photosynthesis
Formaldehyde	Slight reduction	A visible effect requires several large plants
Dust particles	Relatively good capture	Broad leaves trap particles effectively
Benzene	Very low effect	Other species perform considerably better here

A single specimen in a 20 m² room will not create “laboratory air”. Instead, the plant works more like a small supplementary component that operates continuously alongside ventilation, cleaning and mechanical filtration.

Monstera compared with established air-purifying plants

Anyone choosing houseplants mainly for air purification will often turn to established favourites such as snake plant, devil’s ivy or spider plant. Studies regard these species as especially hardy and efficient when processing certain pollutants.

• Snake plant (Sansevieria): Extremely easy to care for, filters various VOCs and copes with dry air.
• Devil’s ivy: Vigorous-growing, with good results for pollutant breakdown in laboratory tests.
• Spider plant: Known for consistently solid air-purification values and straightforward care.

Monstera is more of a useful addition than a top performer in this group. Its real strength lies elsewhere: combining oxygen production, mild humidification through evaporation and enormous decorative appeal.

More moisture, greater comfort

Monstera steadily releases water into its surroundings through its leaves. In homes affected by dry central-heating air, this can noticeably improve breathing comfort, reduce throat irritation and ease dry skin.

“Monstera plants act like small natural humidifiers – especially when grouped together.”

This increased humidity may indirectly help protect mucous membranes and lessen irritation. Anyone who speaks frequently while working from home or spends long periods at a computer is likely to notice such changes more quickly than abstract readings for individual pollutants.

How many plants does a room really need?

Experts assume that roughly two larger plants per 10 m² are needed before measurable effects on air quality can be achieved. With Monsteras, this is not entirely unrealistic, as they can grow to considerable sizes over time.

Anyone looking to improve their living room deliberately could, for example, combine:

• 1–2 large Monstera plants for moisture, oxygen and visual impact
• 2–3 demonstrably “strong” air-purifying plants, such as spider plants or snake plants
• Regular burst ventilation and, where needed, an air purifier with a HEPA filter

This creates a kind of “plant team” in which each plant fulfils a different role. The Monstera provides the focal point, while less conspicuous species quietly contribute in the background.

Healthy Monstera, better air: care makes the difference

Only a healthy, vigorous plant can photosynthesise effectively and add moisture to the air. To get the most from a Monstera, follow several simple principles:

• Water only once the top one to two centimetres of compost feel dry.
• Choose a bright position with indirect light, avoiding direct sun.
• Keep humidity at around 60 to 80 per cent, for example using bowls of water or a humidifier.
• Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth so dust does not effectively “block” them.
• Repot into fresh compost every two years to support the roots and nutrient supply.

Neglecting these points may still leave you with a decorative plant, but it will have a considerably weaker effect on the indoor environment. Yellow leaves, limp shoots or water sitting in the pot are clear warning signs.

Where a Monstera works best

Its position determines whether a Monstera is merely decoration or can genuinely contribute to the room climate. Areas where people spend extended periods are ideal, including the living room, home office or reading corner.

It can also be kept in the bedroom, although opinions often differ on this. Some people value the additional humidity there, while others dislike having large plants close to the sleeping area. If unsure, place it by the window opposite the bed or slightly to one side instead.

Plants, wellbeing and productivity

One frequently overlooked effect of Monstera has nothing to do with measurements: its psychological benefit. Research shows that even a small number of green plants in a room can reduce stress, improve concentration and lift mood.

“Many people feel more present, calmer and more creative with plants around them – without any measuring device.”

Monstera is especially well suited to this purpose because it is quickly perceived as a “housemate”: large, striking and with a slightly wild growth habit. That character makes it particularly appealing for home offices, open-plan kitchen-living spaces and studios.

How to combine Monstera cleverly with other plants

Those who take air quality and wellbeing seriously are best served by mixed planting. One possible arrangement for a 20 m² living room could look like this:

• One large Monstera near the window as a visual anchor
• One snake plant in the bedroom area or a shadier corner
• One spider plant on a shelf or hanging system to “work on” higher layers of air
• Smaller herbs or hardy foliage plants on the desk, close to the workspace

This spreads the effect across the room rather than concentrating it in one corner. At the same time, it creates small green zones that make the space feel more inviting.

Risks and limits: when plants are not the answer

Anyone with severe allergies, asthma or mould issues at home should not regard Monstera or other houseplants as substitutes for structural or medical measures. In these circumstances, professional remediation, filtration systems and medical support matter far more than any supposed “miracle plant”.

There is another consideration: excessive humidity caused by too many plants in small rooms can eventually lead to mould, producing precisely the opposite of the intended result. A hygrometer can help keep track of humidity levels.

A realistic conclusion: what to expect from Monstera

Monstera does clean the air, but only to a moderate degree. Anyone expecting a single pot to neutralise every pollutant will be disappointed. It works well, however, as part of a sensible overall approach: regular ventilation, an air purifier if required, and a handful of carefully selected houseplants.

That is exactly where the split-leaf philodendron shines: as a large, distinctive plant that supplies oxygen, adds moisture, captures dust and, incidentally, makes a home feel noticeably friendlier. For many people, that alone is enough to say: this plant improves my life – even if it cannot replace a medical device.