Houseplants can decorate a room, but a few pots do not replace ventilation or air-quality measures. Choose them for the light, space and care you can provide.
Enjoy plants for the display
Houseplants offer foliage, flowers and an interesting care routine. Choose a plant for the light, temperature and space available rather than for a promised ranking as an air purifier.
Laboratory results need context
A sealed test chamber differs from an occupied room with changing air movement and pollutant sources. Results about a plant under controlled conditions do not justify a promise that one pot will quickly remove pollutants from a home.
Address air quality directly
Use appropriate ventilation, source control and other measures suited to the actual problem. Keep potting areas clean and avoid waterlogged containers. A plant can remain part of the room without being assigned the job of replacing air-quality equipment or protecting the occupants from exposure.
Related reading: Where to Put Houseplants: Light and Living Space.