How do plant roots and microbes help detoxify pollutants absorbed by houseplants?

Houseplants contribute to indoor air quality by absorbing airborne pollutants through their leaves during their natural gas-exchange process. Once these toxins are taken in, the plant transports them down to its root system. In the soil surrounding the roots, microbes play a critical role by feeding on these pollutants, effectively breaking them down and detoxifying them.1

While the exact number of plants required to significantly improve air quality remains a subject of scientific debate, experts often recommend utilizing a variety of species to maximize this natural filtration effect. Plants such as the rubber plant and dracaena have been identified as particularly effective at clearing common indoor toxins, such as those found in cleaning products and upholstery, from the air.1