Sound-proofing with Plants!
In recent years, more studies have emerged highlighting the benefits of keeping houseplants. From physical benefits like improving air quality to psychological benefits such as elevating mood or improving sleep quality, plant owners have long been touting the advantages of keeping a greener work and living space, and it seems that they can add one more item to the list. Recent research has suggested that indoor plants can play a key role in the attenuation (dampening) of sound waves!
To understand exactly how this happens, we have to understand a little bit more about sound and soundproofing. Sound waves, like ocean waves, are a form of energy transfer, and when that energy hits a barrier - say, the wall of your apartment - two things will happen to the energy: some of it will pass through into your neighbor’s apartment, and some of it will bounce back into your own causing an echo. In the case of these echoes, the sound wave isn’t nearly as strong as it was before it hit the wall, as some of that energy was absorbed by the structure, and that’s where the plants come in!
Dense, bushy plants with broad leaves such as peace lilies, rubber plants, and weeping figs do an excellent job of reflecting these waves off of their large surface area until the wave dissipates, with the result being a natural, green, and cost effective form of soundproofing, perfect for musicians, loud snorers, loud roommates, or just people with thin walls. Care for these kinds of plants is relatively simple: regular waterings to keep the soil moist but not wet, and bright, indirect light. However, these plants do prefer humid environments so it could be worthwhile to invest in a humidifier.
Larger plants will obviously cost a little more than smaller plants that could fit on a tabletop. Weeping figs range from $100 - $300, while smaller peace lilies and rubber plants are more in the $50 range. To maximize your investment for the most effective soundproofing, I would recommend getting a mix of both large and mid-sized plants, placing the first few in the corners of the room before gradually spreading new plants through the rest of the space. The price point can seem intimidating at first, but imagine the cost and hassle it would take to professionally soundproof the same apartment, which in many cases violate the terms of tennant’s leases to begin with. Add in the aforementioned benefits of keeping plants - cleaner air, less stress, a more pleasant atmosphere - and soundproofing with plants might begin to seem like a bargain!
Written by:
James Sansevero