Plants can absorb toxic substances, but the effect is very limited

Recently, an article titled "The Complete Guide to the Best Toxin-Absorbing Plants" was fervently shared by netizens on WeChat Moments, with all 23 plants seemingly presented as "miracle tools." But when a reporter consulted relevant experts, they laughed and said: "Today's merchants really have vivid imaginations."

Eyeball-grabbing, with no scientific basis

When the reporter forwarded this article to Dr. Chen Zhilin, a botany PhD and director of the Flower Research Office at the Guizhou Horticultural Research Institute, Dr. Chen merely laughed and said: "These WeChat accounts and merchants really do have vivid imaginations. With the new functions they've dug up for these plants, they could go and win a Nobel Prize."

"Besides admiring the imagination of these WeChat accounts or merchants, we should also give them credit for their good intentions in encouraging everyone to grow plants. After all, planting flowers and greenery is very beneficial to people's physical and mental health. Besides having a certain air-purifying effect, it can also cultivate patience and beautify the environment. These are all very much worth encouraging," Dr. Chen told the reporter.

"You can take a look at things on WeChat Moments, but never take them as gospel. After all, much of it is just to grab attention and gain followers, some of the merchants' little tricks. Everyone still needs to keep their eyes open!"

Online-circulated varieties, experts' divine "mockery"

Afterwards, Dr. Chen offered professional interpretations of some of the plants in this article, with humor that could be called a "divine roast."

Alocasia (Alocasia macrorrhizos)

Has the effect of removing dust from the air.

Expert's roast: How does it remove dust? Does it transform into an air purifier?

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

This highly efficient air purifier among living things is native to the Mexican plateau. Because it can simultaneously purify benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from the air, it is very suitable for placement in newly renovated rooms. Newly laid flooring is just one of the sources that breed harmful substances.

Expert's roast: "Native to Mexico," huh, you just make things up as you go. Golden Pothos belongs to the genus Epipremnum, a tropical rainforest plant, native to Southeast Asia. All plants have an air-purifying effect, but it is extremely limited. Even if you filled a room with Golden Pothos, it still wouldn't be as good as opening the window for more ventilation.

Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)

Absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen day and night, and is easy to keep alive.

Expert's roast: Cacti and succulents, plants with the crassulacean acid metabolism pathway, reduce water evaporation during the day and open their stomata at night to absorb carbon dioxide. The release of oxygen when their stomata are closed during the day can only occur during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, so oxygen should be released during the day. Plant respiration releases carbon dioxide.

Don't make it sound like it's on "Stride" gum, releasing oxygen nonstop. Plants have their own rhythms.

Ivy (Hedera helix)

Can effectively resist the carcinogens in nicotine. Through tiny stomata on the leaves, it absorbs harmful substances and converts them into harmless sugars and amino acids.

Expert's roast: What are the carcinogens in nicotine? Isn't it just nicotine itself? Resist it? By shouting slogans and holding a protest march? What harmful substances can be converted into sugars and amino acids? Why not go run for the Nobel Prize?

Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

Releases oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide; suitable for warm, humid and well-ventilated environments, likes sun and tolerates shade, easy to manage and care for.

Expert's roast: Every plant absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen (photosynthesis), and also absorbs oxygen and releases carbon dioxide (respiration). Isn't that just stating the obvious?

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

An "expert" at suppressing waste gases exhaled by the human body, such as ammonia and acetone. It can also filter benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from the air. Its high transpiration rate can prevent nasal mucosa from drying out, greatly reducing the likelihood of illness.

Expert's roast: You can breathe out ammonia and acetone? Are you still a normal person?

"Plants themselves are very beneficial to us, but they haven't reached the exaggerated level where a tiny pot of flowers can purify the air, unless you move your office or home into a botanical garden, where the air is certainly much better!" Dr. Chen explained that we should not "deify" any plant. Ornamental plants are valued for viewing and appreciation; they can embellish life and delight body and mind, but they are not a panacea. Growing some plants at home that are easy to keep alive, have a long flowering period, or have bright colors and shapes lets people enjoy the beauty while also getting some physical activity, and that is the best thing. (Wang Biao)