Monstera deliciosa - often shortened to Monstera or called the “Swiss cheese plant” - has become a fixture in countless living rooms, offices and shared flats. Its reputation is clear: urban, stylish, and supposedly good for the air. There’s some truth to that claim, but far less than many Instagram posts imply.
What Monstera does to the air in your home
As a green plant, Monstera works in the same basic way as others: it photosynthesises, takes in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. Thanks to its large, perforated leaves, it has plenty of surface area for gas exchange.
"Monstera noticeably improves the indoor climate - but it doesn’t replace an air purifier with a filter."
There’s also an extra benefit many people only notice once they own several sizeable plants: Monstera releases moisture into the air via its leaves. This process (transpiration) raises humidity - a real advantage in dry, centrally heated homes or in a home office where a laptop runs for hours.
What about pollutants in the air?
Since the well-known NASA research from the 1980s, houseplants have been viewed as natural air cleaners. Researchers looked at how plants in enclosed spaces could break down certain pollutants. Monstera wasn’t the star of that work, but similar species illustrate what can be possible in principle.
What current research essentially shows is this: Monstera can absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde to a limited degree - for example, from furniture, paint, or cleaning products. The effect can be measured, but it is much smaller than marketing claims often suggest.
| Pollutant | Monstera’s effectiveness | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide | Medium uptake | Active during the day via photosynthesis |
| Formaldehyde | Limited reduction | Several large plants are needed for a noticeable effect |
| Dust particles | Good binding | Large leaves capture airborne dust |
| Benzene & similar | Low impact | Much weaker than well-known “filter plants” |
In a typical living room, a single Monstera will not “radically clean” the air. It’s better thought of as one component in a wider routine that includes ventilation, filtration and regular cleaning.
Monstera compared with true “air-cleaning stars”
Anyone choosing plants specifically as natural filters quickly ends up with species such as snake plant, devil’s ivy or spider plant. In studies, these repeatedly appear among the more effective options for reducing particular pollutants.
"In the race for the strongest air cleaning, Monstera isn’t in first place - it shines elsewhere."
While snake plant or devil’s ivy often process certain pollutants more efficiently, Monstera brings different advantages:
- it produces plenty of oxygen during the day,
- it measurably increases humidity,
- its large leaves trap a striking amount of dust,
- it looks decorative and can demonstrably improve wellbeing.
According to experts, achieving a noticeable effect on specific pollutants would require roughly two large plants per 10 square metres. With Monstera, that means several pots in one room rather than a single statement plant - and only healthy, vigorous plants will deliver.
How to get the most out of your Monstera
For Monstera to have any positive impact on indoor air, it needs to be in good condition. A struggling plant with yellowing leaves contributes very little to the room climate. Good care therefore makes a direct difference.
Positioning, light and watering
Monstera originates from the tropical forests of Central and South America. It prefers a bright spot without harsh direct sun, and it does best in warmth without draughts.
- Light: a bright location with indirect sun; avoid hours of intense midday sun in a south-facing window
- Watering: only water once the top 2 centimetres of compost feels dry
- Humidity: ideally around 60–80%; misting or bowls of water on radiators can help
- Fertiliser: in spring and summer, roughly once a month with a balanced liquid feed
- Repotting: every two years into fresh growing medium so roots and leaves can keep developing
One detail that’s easy to overlook: dust on the leaves blocks light and reduces photosynthesis. Wiping the leaves regularly with a damp cloth can immediately improve oxygen production and humidity effects.
Combine it with other plants
Rather than relying on one large Monstera, it can pay to build a “plant team”. Different species complement each other’s strengths. A practical living-room mix might look like this:
- 1–2 large Monstera for oxygen, humidity and dust capture,
- 1 snake plant, which releases oxygen at night too (useful in bedrooms),
- 1–2 devil’s ivy or spider plants, which have shown good results for certain pollutants in studies.
This kind of combination better reflects the diversity of a natural environment and spreads the “jobs” across multiple plants - from regulating moisture to reducing specific compounds.
Realistic expectations of plants as air purifiers
If you live in a city flat on a busy road, or in a new-build with lots of off-gassing from furniture and paint, houseplants alone won’t be enough. Mechanical systems with a HEPA filter, regular purge ventilation (opening windows wide for a short period), and dusting reduce exposure far more than any single plant.
"Plants are one building block for a better indoor climate - not a miracle cure for bad air."
Monstera’s biggest strengths are often elsewhere: people tend to feel more relaxed, focused and creative around greenery. Studies report lower stress levels and improved mood in planted rooms. The large, tropical silhouette of a Monstera can function almost like a living piece of furniture - noticeably changing how a room feels.
Risks, limits and sensible everyday use
Despite the benefits, it’s worth considering potential downsides. Monstera leaves and sap are mildly toxic, so young children and pets should not chew them. In most homes, placing the plant out of direct reach is enough.
If your home is prone to mould, keep an eye on added humidity. Too many large plants in a poorly ventilated room can push moisture levels too high. A hygrometer makes it easy to monitor.
In day-to-day life, Monstera fits best as:
- a large focal point in the living room or home office,
- a natural humidifier in winter,
- a complement to other plants that filter more strongly,
- a prompt to take indoor climate and ventilation more seriously overall.
What “air cleaning” by plants really means in practice
The term “air cleaning” suggests laboratory conditions: small chambers, defined pollutant concentrations, controlled airflow. In those settings, plants can sometimes produce impressive figures. Real homes are different: bigger rooms, continual new pollutant sources, and doors and windows opening.
That’s why Monstera’s impact is usually gradual and in the background. It:
- produces oxygen consistently,
- helps stabilise humidity,
- binds a portion of dust,
- absorbs small amounts of certain chemicals.
When combined with mindful ventilation, limited use of fragranced sprays, smoke-free rooms and a filtered air purifier, this can add up to a noticeably healthier overall setup. If you buy a Monstera with the right expectations - great looks, a moderate contribution to air quality, and a strong lift to mood - you’re likely to be very happy with this trend plant.
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