Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant present in various building materials and furniture, such as wood panels, glue, paint, and carpets.

Long-term exposure to formaldehyde can cause numerous health problems, including respiratory irritation, skin allergies, and even cancer. As a result, finding effective ways to remove indoor formaldehyde has become a priority for many people.

Aloe vera is a popular indoor plant known for its easy maintenance and multiple health benefits. Some people believe that aloe vera not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a room but also absorbs and decomposes harmful substances, including formaldehyde. But can aloe vera potted plants remove formaldehyde from indoor environments?

Basic Characteristics of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to Africa, now widely cultivated around the world. The plant has thick leaves containing a rich gel-like substance inside, which is widely used in beauty care, medicine, and food.

Aloe vera plants have low light and water requirements and strong drought tolerance, making them suitable for indoor cultivation.

Mechanism of Plant Absorption of Formaldehyde

Plants can absorb a certain amount of pollutants in the air through photosynthesis and respiration. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to synthesize organic substances (such as glucose) while releasing oxygen.

During this process, the stomata of the plant's leaves absorb various gases in the air, including pollutants.

In addition, the roots of plants and soil microorganisms can also decompose harmful substances to a certain extent. Some studies have shown that the root secretions of some plants and microorganisms in the soil can decompose formaldehyde into harmless substances.

Evidence from Scientific Research

The scientific community has conducted extensive research on whether aloe vera can effectively remove indoor formaldehyde. Some research results indicate that aloe vera does have a certain ability to remove formaldehyde.

For instance, a study by Wolverton, Johnson, and Bounds (1989) found that aloe vera could remove formaldehyde from the air under controlled conditions. This research is often cited to support the idea that aloe vera can contribute to cleaner indoor air.

However, it is important to note that most of these studies were conducted under laboratory-controlled conditions.

In actual living environments, the removal effect of plants on air pollutants may be influenced by many factors, such as indoor ventilation conditions, pollutant concentrations, the number and growth status of plants, and more.

Actual Effects and Limitations

Although some studies have shown that aloe vera can remove formaldehyde, its actual effect in a typical indoor environment is often limited. In an ordinary indoor setting, it is difficult to significantly reduce the formaldehyde concentration by relying on a few pots of aloe vera alone.

This is because plants are relatively inefficient at absorbing formaldehyde, while indoor formaldehyde is often released faster, especially in newly renovated rooms.

The ability of plants to absorb formaldehyde is also affected by their growth status.

Healthy and thriving plants have a stronger ability to absorb formaldehyde, while poorly grown plants have a reduced effect. Therefore, to ensure that plants can effectively absorb formaldehyde, it is necessary to provide appropriate light, water, and nutrients to maintain the plants' healthy growth.

In summary, indoor plants such as aloe vera do have a certain ability to remove formaldehyde, but their actual effect is often limited.

To effectively reduce indoor formaldehyde concentration, it is still necessary to take a variety of measures such as ventilation, use of air purifiers, and selection of low-formaldehyde materials. Aloe vera potted plants can be used as an auxiliary means to help improve indoor air quality while beautifying the environment.