April 22, 2026, 3:45 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
A special plant is said to clean the air up to 30 times more effectively than conventional houseplants. It’s called “Neo P1” and comes from the Paris-based biotech startup “Neoplants.” About 20 scientists worked for several years on developing this extraordinary super plant. But what makes it so special?
What Can the Super Plant Do?
The super plant named “Neo P1” cleans the air, similar to a HEPA filter. Other houseplants can generally do this as well. However, “Neo P1” is so advanced that it filters as many pollutants from indoor air as 30 conventional houseplants would—such as the popular house and office plant Pothos, known for its air-purifying effect. “Neo P1” is a biotechnological advancement of Pothos.
After an initial version of “Neo P1” was extensively tested in 2023, the biotechnologically modified plant has since been revised to further improve its performance. It is currently in the second development phase, building on previous findings.
“Neo P1” Filters Carcinogenic Pollutants from Indoor Air
Moreover, “Neo P1” can do more than just clean bad air. According to the developers, the super plant also combats volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can occur throughout the household and can be concentrated indoors up to five times more than in outdoor air.
These pollutants are emitted from household cleaners, furniture, carpets, wallpapers, paints, or flooring. Particularly concerning are substances like formaldehyde, toluene, xylenes, or benzene. These four pollutants are suspected of causing heart and lung diseases as well as cancer. According to the developers, “Neo P1” is modified to efficiently capture and recycle these specific pollutants.
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How Much Does the Super Plant Cost?
“Neo P1” is not yet available in regular retail—despite being in development since around 2018. When it becomes available, the super plant would cost a hefty $179. This is roughly equivalent to the price of 30 “normal” Pothos plants. Interested parties can join a waiting list at “Neoplants.” In addition to the super plant, you receive a special plant pot designed to optimize air intake and the microbiome, meaning the entirety of important microorganisms in the soil.
However, “Neoplants” has also been working on another plant called “Neo Px”. It is also supposed to clean the air using biologically optimized microorganisms. The base is a “Marble Queen Pothos.” The system includes a stylish pot with an integrated water reservoir. The plant is available for $119. Included are three “Power Drops,” concentrated microorganisms that you dissolve in water and regularly supply to the plant.
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How to Care for “Neo P1”
Similar to a conventional Pothos. In the winter months, “Neo P1” should be watered every three weeks, and twice a month in the summer. However, the super plant requires additional treatment. The soil must be sprayed monthly with a special solution containing bacteria to maintain the microbiome balance.
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Who Is Behind the Super Plant?
A biotech company named “Neoplants” headquartered in Paris. The team consists of several Ph.D. students and other bioengineers. The startup has raised $20 million since its founding in 2018. Among other things, this funded a 12,000-square-meter research lab in Paris. According to the startup, the goal is to use bioengineering and “directed evolution” to create “plants with a purpose,” such as combating air pollution.