The idea of using plants for natural X-ray shielding might sound unconventional, but certain dense, heavy-foliage plants can indeed help absorb low-level radiation. While an outdoor plant box alone won’t provide complete protection, strategically selected plants can contribute to reducing ambient radiation in small spaces.

Plants like leadwort (Plumbago), sunflowers, and mustard greens have been studied for their ability to uptake and mitigate radioactive elements from soil and air. However, their effectiveness depends on factors like plant density, growth conditions, and proximity to the radiation source.

For practical shielding, combining an outdoor plant box with other shielding materials (like lead or concrete) would yield better results. While plants alone can’t replace professional radiation barriers, they offer a supplementary, eco-friendly layer of protection for low-exposure environments.

If you’re considering this approach, focus on fast-growing, thick-leaved species and maintain optimal growing conditions to maximize their potential benefits.