A houseplant is a plant that is grown indoors in places such as residences and offices, mainly for decorative
purposes, but studies have also shown them to have positive psychological effects. They also help with
indoor air purification, since some species, and the soil-dwelling microbes associated with them, reduce
indoor air pollution by absorbing volatile organic compounds including benzene, formaldehyde, and
trichloroethylene. While generally toxic to humans, such pollutants are absorbed by the plant and its
soil-dwelling microbes without harm.