Houseplants available online at bastbrothers.com

You may have heard that certain houseplants are "air-purifying." That idea comes from a well-known NASA study that found some common houseplants could absorb small amounts of airborne compounds, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in controlled laboratory settings.

In a typical home, however, the effect is much smaller than it was in those sealed research chambers. That's why experts still recommend using a quality air purifier or HVAC filter during periods of poor outdoor air quality, especially when wildfire smoke is present.

Think of your houseplants as a beautiful complement to clean indoor air, not a replacement for proper filtration.

Even if they aren't doing the heavy lifting when it comes to filtering wildfire smoke, houseplants offer plenty of benefits that make them worth bringing into your home.

They add natural beauty, soften indoor spaces, and create a calming atmosphere. Caring for plants can also become part of a relaxing daily routine, helping you reconnect with nature even when spending more time indoors.

And while researchers continue studying the relationship between plants and indoor environments, one thing is certain: healthy, thriving plants make a home feel more inviting.

Healthy plants are better equipped to do what they naturally do, so a little care goes a long way.

Here are a few simple tips:

• Place plants in the appropriate light for their variety.
• Water only when needed—overwatering is one of the most common mistakes.
• Wipe dust from broad leaves every few weeks to help them absorb sunlight efficiently.
• Rotate plants occasionally for even growth.
• Give them room to grow and enjoy them throughout your home.

When air quality is poor, your first line of defense should always be reducing smoke indoors. Keep windows and doors closed, use a properly sized air purifier or high-quality HVAC filter when possible, and limit activities that create additional indoor smoke or particles.

Once you've taken those steps, adding houseplants is a great way to make your indoor space feel greener, brighter, and more enjoyable while you're spending extra time inside.

Whether you're adding your first houseplant or expanding your indoor jungle,

there's never a bad time to bring a little more green into your home.

Browse our online collection of houseplants with free nationwide shipping, or stop by Bast Brothers Garden Center to explore hundreds of beautiful varieties in person. We think more plants is usually a pretty good idea!

Once you've found the perfect houseplant, it's time to give it a home you'll love just as much. From modern ceramics to classic terracotta and decorative planters in every style, the right pot helps showcase your new plant while complementing your space. Browse our selection of pots and planters to create a look that's uniquely yours.