Peace Lily: air purification
Quick answer
NASA's Clean Air Study (Wolverton et al., 1989) found that Spathiphyllum (peace lily) removed volatile organic compounds including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia from sealed test chambers at rates of 0.069-0.134 mg/hour depending on plant size and VOC concentration.
Start here:
- 1. Position peace lilies in areas with limited air circulation to maximize exposure time to contaminated air
- 2. Use multiple plants (4-6) in a single room for measurable VOC reduction in open indoor environments
air purification for Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii
NASA's Clean Air Study (Wolverton et al., 1989) found that Spathiphyllum (peace lily) removed volatile organic compounds including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia from sealed test chambers at rates of 0.069-0.134 mg/hour depending on plant size and VOC concentration.
How to handle air purification on Peace Lily
- 1
Position peace lilies in areas with limited air circulation to maximize exposure time to contaminated air
- 2
Use multiple plants (4-6) in a single room for measurable VOC reduction in open indoor environments
- 3
Pair with ventilation (open windows) for faster air exchange and compound removal
- 4
Place near known pollution sources (new furniture, paint, cleaning products) for targeted absorption
- 5
Maintain plant health — stressed or wilting plants show significantly reduced VOC absorption rates
Ongoing Peace Lily notes
Place 1 peace lily per 100 square feet of floor space for baseline air quality maintenance in sealed environments.