A Paris-based startup has created a genetically engineered houseplant that can literally cleanse the air inside your home. The plant builds on the natural purifying properties that indoor plants already offer. So while it adds some color to any room you put it in, it also actively keeps the air cleaner than 30 air purifiers.
The company called Neoplants, modified both a pothos plant and its root microbiome to greatly increase the plant’s natural air-cleaning properties. Called Neo P1, the genetically modified houseplant was recently released and you can buy it right now.
Plants can offer a lot to your home. Not only can they improve your mood and help reduce anxiety, according to researchers, but they can also cleanse the air thanks to their natural air-purifying properties. However, with this genetically modified houseplant, you get more than just that basic level of purification. In fact, Neoplants says that Neo P1 is 30 times more effective than NASA’s best plants.
But how exactly does this genetically modified houseplant work better than an air purifier? Well, for starters, plants are better equipped to handle volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are highly reactive chemicals found in cleaning products, building materials, paints, and the list goes on. VOCs are notoriously terrible for human health and can cause irritation to the human body.
While air purifiers can help, they typically don’t tend to completely neutralize these harmful compounds, meaning they’re never really removed from the air. Do you see the problem? But plants like this genetically modified houseplant are better equipped to neutralize VOCs, which is why having houseplants in your home can help improve your indoor air quality.
Neoplants started with pothos because it is one of the most popular plants in North America. But the job wasn’t easy, as the company had to fully map the pothos genome, something a molecular biologist and the company’s chief technical officer likened to building an airplane while it flew. (via reverse) As a result, the genetically modified houseplant is better equipped to remove VOCs.
Additionally, Neoplants says the houseplant’s air-purifying efficacy is the only thing the company touched on. It does not grow faster and is not more resistant to pesticides than normal pothos. The genetically modified houseplant will retail for $179, making it more expensive than most typical houseplants.
But considering that he also acts as one of the best air purifiers out there, the price is quite justifiable.
