Introduction to the AIRY system
What is the AIRY system?
The AIRY system is an innovative indoor air purifier – completely without electronics or chemicals. It uses the natural abilities of houseplants to filter pollutants from the air. At its core, it consists of a specially designed plant pot in which air circulates through the soil by passive ventilation – the chimney effect principle. This allows pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene to reach the roots, where they are broken down by plants and microorganisms. A clever mix of design, biology, and sustainability makes this system a real alternative to electronic air purifiers: silent, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly.
The basic idea behind the technology
The underlying idea is simple and powerful: improve indoor air – with plant power. In nature, plants continuously clean the air. However, in buildings, there is often a lack of air movement in the root zone. This is exactly where the AIRY system comes in: through its pot with ventilation openings, air is actively guided through the soil substrate. Air flows from bottom to top, comes into direct contact with microbes in the soil and roots, and is cleaned there. This creates a sustainable cycle without electricity consumption or filter changes. This makes the system especially resource-efficient and durable compared to conventional devices.
The role of plants in the AIRY system
Phytoremediation as a natural cleaning process
Phytoremediation describes the ability of plants to absorb and neutralize pollutants from air, soil, or water. In the AIRY system, air flows directly through the soil, allowing microorganisms and roots to absorb or break down pollutants. Pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, or toluene – commonly from paints, furniture, and adhesives – are effectively degraded this way. The combination of plant digestion of pollutants and microbial soil activity ensures clean, natural air purification – without the use of harmful chemicals.
Why houseplants are crucial
Not all plants are equally suitable – the AIRY system relies on robust, air-purifying species such as pothos, spider plant, dragon tree, or peace lily. These plants have strong root systems and a high tolerance to VOCs – the volatile organic compounds found indoors. Additionally, they improve humidity and well-being, promote concentration, and reduce stress. This makes the AIRY system not only functional but also decorative and health-promoting – ideal for living spaces, offices, and public areas.
Structure and components of the AIRY system
The special plant pot
The core of the system is a modular plant pot: a structured design made of robust plastic that prevents waterlogging and allows air circulation in the soil. A water drain at the bottom, ventilation openings at the top – this keeps the substrate loose, permeable to air, and well ventilated. In combination with an open bottom structure, the pot allows air to flow between substrate and roots. This cycle-based air guidance optimizes cleaning efficiency and plant growth over long periods – completely without mechanical parts.
The integrated ventilation system
Through the chimney effect, warm air rises upwards and creates a vacuum in the pot that draws fresh air through the ventilation openings. This passive air circulation through the substrate is silent, noiseless, and requires no energy. At the same time, the ventilation supplies oxygen to the roots – ideal for healthy plant growth. The continuous, passive air movement ensures effective room air purification – without electricity, without filters, without noise.
Scientific foundations and studies
Proven air purification by plants
The basis is a NASA experiment from the 1980s that demonstrated that plants like pothos and snake plant can remove pollutants from enclosed environments. Current measurements in test apartments with the AIRY system show: up to 75% of VOCs can be removed within 24 hours. Sensors in the room report noticeable improvements – after a few days, the air is measurably fresher. These results confirm: phytoremediation combined with targeted air guidance works effectively – without filter changes or technology.
Comparison with traditional air purifiers
Conventional air purifiers work with HEPA filters or activated carbon that need to be replaced regularly – often with power consumption and noise. The AIRY system relies solely on plants and passive air circulation: it is silent, low-maintenance, and sustainable. While classic devices deliver strong performance at specific times, AIRY works continuously – in an environmentally friendly way. In heavily polluted rooms or with acute pollutant sources, electric filter technology remains superior. But for everyday situations, AIRY offers a very attractive, elegant supplement or alternative.
Effect on pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde & co.
In modern rooms, pollutants often come from furniture, paints, and household products. VOCs like benzene, xylene, or formaldehyde are considered harmful: allergies, headaches, long-term risks. The AIRY system directs this air through the soil to the root zone, where microbes and plant cells break it down. Especially air-purifying plants are effective here because their large root systems and leaf volume quickly reduce the load. This continuously regulates and improves indoor air – without technical effort.
Application and possibilities
AIRY in living spaces
Bedrooms and living rooms especially benefit: insulated rooms with poor ventilation can accumulate pollutants. An AIRY pot brings fresh air, improves the indoor climate – and looks good doing it. Studies show that fresh air improves sleep quality and concentration. The plants also increase humidity, which is noticeably pleasant during heating periods. Thus, the AIRY system creates a completely healthy, cozy indoor environment – fully automatic and energy-saving.
Use in offices and public institutions
AIRY systems also perform well in offices, schools, libraries, or practices. These places often use a lot of plastic and are poorly ventilated. A single AIRY pot per room is often enough to improve air quality, calm the working atmosphere, and reduce stress. Plants have a positive effect on mood and productivity. Additionally, the systems are maintenance-free – ideal for places without constant supervision.
Integration into sustainable architecture
As part of sustainable building concepts, AIRY systems are already integrated as green walls or design elements. They also improve air quality without technology in passive or tiny houses. They save space and energy – perfect for modern, ecological room concepts.
Installation and maintenance of the AIRY system
Simple setup without technical know-how
Assembly takes only a few minutes: connect pot modules, fill substrate, insert plant – done! An open bottom and clear air openings ensure unobstructed ventilation. Choose location, keep substrate moist – and the system runs noiselessly in the background. It requires no electricity, no Wi-Fi, and no technology.
Care instructions for optimal performance
To keep the AIRY system effective, basic care is enough: watering and occasional fertilizing. All tips and tricks for plant care are available on the AIRY blog. And the best part: filter changes or repairs are never necessary.
Overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the AIRY system
Advantages at a glance
- Natural, chemical-free air purification
- Completely powerless and noiseless
- Low maintenance – no filters or spare parts needed
- Visually appealing and high-quality design
- Increases humidity, well-being, and concentration
- Cost-efficient for continuous use
Possible disadvantages and limitations
- Cleaning speed is lower than with high-performance air filters
- Care and healthy plants are prerequisites
- Not mobile – a pot stays in its designated place
- Higher initial cost than simple plant pots, but amortized in the long term
Natural air purification with a system
The AIRY system is much more than a plant pot – it is a cleverly designed air purification system based on natural mechanisms. Silent, sustainable, and effective, it improves indoor air quality – without technology, chemicals, or follow-up costs. Ideal for modern living spaces that combine design, health, and ecological responsibility.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many AIRY pots do I need for an apartment?
For rooms of 20–25 m², usually one AIRY pot is sufficient. For larger areas, a second unit is recommended to evenly distribute air quality.
2. Which plants are best suited for the AIRY system?
Especially suitable are pothos, spider plant, dragon tree, rubber plant, or peace lily – species with robust root systems, large leaf surfaces, and tolerance to indoor pollutants.
3. Do I need to maintain the AIRY system regularly?
No. It is low-maintenance. You only need to water, occasionally fertilize, repot once or twice a year, and keep ventilation openings clean.
4. Is the AIRY system suitable for allergy sufferers?
Yes! It effectively reduces VOCs and allergy-causing substances without dust or chemical filters – ideal for sensitive respiratory systems.