Houseplants and Cancer Patients: Safety and Benefits of Indoor Greenery

Myth vs. Reality

There is no evidence that houseplants harm immunocompromised individuals. The myth that plants "steal oxygen" at night is false—plants release far more oxygen than they consume.

Benefits

• Remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air.
• Increase humidity naturally.
• Psychological boost: caring for plants reduces stress.

Precautions (Standard Hygiene)

• Wash hands after handling soil.
• Avoid standing water in saucers (mold/mosquitoes).
• Keep toxic plants (e.g., Dieffenbachia, Philodendron) out of reach if oral chemo causes nausea or curiosity.

Bring your plants in for winter—they'll help purify the air and lift spirits during treatment.