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In today’s world which is very much eco-conscious, growing indoor plants to clean air and provide oxygen is a common practice seen everywhere.
If you’re a plant lover with thriving indoor plants or a first-timer thinking about having some indoor plants, keep reading to find out all about how some plants could work better than others. It’s important to know which plants can effectively improve your indoor air quality so that you can choose the right plants to benefit your lifestyle.
In this article, we’ve put together a list of 10 indoor plants that release oxygen at night and we’ll take a look at the benefits they can provide for your health and well-being.
Indoor Plants for Clean Air
Having enough oxygen indoors is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being. Oxygen is essential for the human body to function properly, and a lack of oxygen can cause a range of health problems, including fatigue, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and even unconsciousness.
In indoor spaces, oxygen levels can be impacted by a variety of factors, including poor ventilation, high levels of indoor pollutants, and the presence of certain chemicals. This can be especially problematic in tightly sealed buildings, which can trap indoor pollutants and reduce the flow of fresh air.
Plants can be a helpful tool for improving indoor air quality and increasing oxygen levels. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which can help to counteract the effects of indoor pollutants and improve the air quality in indoor spaces.
Plants require minimal maintenance and can be a more cost-effective solution in the long run. However, they may not be as effective at removing certain types of pollutants, and the number of plants needed to achieve significant air purifying effects may be higher.
Plants are also natural air purifiers that can remove harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, and can also help to regulate humidity levels. In addition to their air-purifying benefits, plants can also improve mental health and create a more calming and soothing environment.
When Do Plants Release Oxygen?
While we know that plants release oxygen, it sits important to know how and when plants tend to do this.
Most plants release oxygen during the day through the process of photosynthesis and release carbon dioxide at night through respiration. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Some plants, like succulents, orchids, and aloe vera, are known to release oxygen at night.
Plants that release oxygen at night are typically called CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) plants, and they have a different process for photosynthesis that allows them to store carbon dioxide during the day and release it at night. This process enables them to continue releasing oxygen even in the absence of sunlight. This can be beneficial for improving air quality in indoor spaces while people are sleeping.
It’s good to note that while the amount of oxygen released by plants at night is generally not enough to significantly impact the oxygen levels in a room, having these plants in a bedroom can still be beneficial for improving air quality and creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Here are 10 plants that are known to release oxygen at night, although the amount of oxygen released is typically quite small, they do make a difference to your indoor spaces.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe vera is a succulent plant species that are native to North Africa, the Canary Islands, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It belongs to the family of plants known as Xanthorrhoeaceae.
The thick, fleshy leaves contain a clear gel-like substance, which is rich in nutrients and beneficial compounds such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes. Aloe vera gel is often used topically to soothe and moisturize the skin, relieve sunburn, and promote wound healing. It’s been known for its medicinal and cosmetic properties for thousands of years and is still widely used today in various forms, including gels, creams, lotions, and juices.
Aloe vera is an excellent plant for improving air quality and providing a source of fresh oxygen in indoor environments through the process of photosynthesis. By absorbing pollutants through tiny pores on the surface of its leaves and breaking them down into harmless compounds, aloe vera can purify the air and remove harmful chemicals and toxins such as volatile organic compounds (VOC) from sources like cleaning products, paints, and furniture.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are popular indoor plants that are known for their ability to purify the air. They’re easy to care for, can thrive in low light conditions, and have been shown to effectively remove a variety of pollutants from indoor air.
One of the key ways that snake plants are able to do this is through their ability to produce oxygen at night, making them especially beneficial for improving indoor air quality while you sleep.
During the day, snake plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen through photosynthesis, further contributing to improved air quality in indoor environments.
In the late 1980s, NASA conducted a study on the ability of various plants to remove pollutants from indoor air. Snake plants were found to be among the top air-purifying plants in the study, and were recommended by NASA as a plant that could help improve air quality in space stations and other enclosed environments.
Tulsi Plant (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
The tulsi plant, also known as holy basil, is a highly revered and sacred plant in Hinduism and Ayurvedic medicine. It’s native to the Indian subcontinent and is cultivated throughout Southeast Asia.
The Tulsi plant is a great air purifier that can generate 20 hours of oxygen in a 24-hour day. It can absorb carbon dioxide during nighttime. It said though that the tulsi plant will need light during the night to produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
Additional to its air-purifying qualities, the tulsi plant is considered a medicinal plant and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It’s also used in Indian cuisine as a flavoring agent for teas, soups, and curries and is an effective natural insect repellent grown in gardens to keep mosquitoes and other pests away.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
The Christmas cactus is a type of succulent plant native to Brazil. It belongs to the family Cactaceae and is popularly grown as a houseplant. It’s named “Christmas cactus” because it typically blooms in late fall to early winter, around the Christmas season, with beautiful flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and orange.
The Christmas cactus is known for its flattened, segmented stems and its ability to thrive in low light conditions, making it a popular choice for indoor gardens. It’s known to release oxygen at night, although the amount is relatively small compared to the amount of oxygen released during the day through photosynthesis. It’s still a great choice for anyone looking to add some color and beauty to their indoor space, and also improve air quality at night.
Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae family)
Bromeliads are a family of plants with over 3,000 species, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. They are known for their striking, often colorful foliage and showy flowers, and are popular as ornamental plants for gardens, indoor decoration, and landscaping.
These plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are also adapted to a range of growing conditions, from full sun to deep shade. Some well-known bromeliads include the pineapple (Ananas comosus), Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), and the colorful and popular Guzmania and Vriesea species, often grown as houseplants.
As an air-purifying plant, the bromeliad is said to produce oxygen at night making it a great plant to have in bedrooms to help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera jamesonii)
Gerbera daisies, known as one of the most beautiful flowers in the world, are a popular and colorful flowering plant native to South Africa. They belong to the family Asteraceae, which includes other daisy-like flowers such as sunflowers and asters.
Often grown as an ornamental plant, gerbera daisies are known for their large, bright flowers, which come in a variety of colors such as pink, yellow, orange, red, and white. They have a central disk of densely packed florets surrounded by petals that are often darker at the base than at the tip.
Gerbera daisies are flowering plants that release oxygen at night. While the amount of oxygen released by Gerbera daisies at night may be minimal, their ability to purify indoor air is impressive.
Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Peperomia is a genus of small, tropical plants native to Central and South America, with over 1,000 known species. They are a popular houseplant due to their low maintenance requirements and attractive foliage of thick, fleshy leaves that come in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures.
These plants typically grow slowly and have a compact, bushy growth habit, making them ideal for small spaces. They are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, although they prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Peperomia plants are often grown as houseplants or as ground covers in tropical gardens and are appreciated for their ornamental value as well as their air-purifying properties. They are known to release oxygen at night and are also considered great plants for your bedroom.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The Jade plant is a popular and easy-to-grow succulent houseplant that is native to South Africa and Mozambique. It’s known for its thick, fleshy leaves that store water, making it drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, and is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity in some cultures.
They have a tree-like appearance, with thick trunks and branches that can become woody over time. The leaves are glossy, oval-shaped, and range in color from light green to dark green, with some varieties having a red or yellow tinge around the edges.
Jade plants can grow up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) tall, and produce small, star-shaped white or pink flowers in the late winter or early spring. They are often grown as houseplants and can be easily propagated from stem cuttings.
Jade plants are excellent air purifiers and are known to release oxygen at night making them a great addition to your home.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a popular houseplant known for its lush, trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. It’s native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the Araceae family, which includes other well-known houseplants such as philodendrons and peace lilies.
Being a relatively low-maintenance plant, pothos makes a good choice for beginners or anyone looking for an easy-to-care-for plant. They have excellent air purifying qualities both day and night.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca palm, also known as the yellow butterfly palm or golden cane palm, is a popular indoor and outdoor plant that’s native to Madagascar and other parts of Africa. Its a tropical plant that can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall in its native habitat, but is typically much smaller when grown as a houseplant.
Areca palm is effective at removing indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene and is said to be a great plant to produce oxygen at night time while controlling humidity levels at night.
It’s important to note that while these plants are known to release small amounts of oxygen at night, their primary function is still to release oxygen during the day through photosynthesis. Additionally, the amount of oxygen released at night by these plants is not significant enough to make a noticeable difference in the air quality of a room.
FAQs about Plants That Release Oxygen at Night
Some plants that release oxygen at night include snake plants, aloe vera, golden pothos, spider plants, and peace lilies.
Plants release oxygen at night through a process called crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), which allows them to absorb carbon dioxide at night and store it for use during the day when they can carry out photosynthesis and release oxygen.
Yes, plants that release oxygen at night can help improve indoor air quality by absorbing toxins and other harmful compounds from the air and releasing clean oxygen.
No, not all plants release oxygen at night. Only some plants, such as those that use CAM photosynthesis, have this ability.
Yes, plants that release oxygen at night are generally safe to keep in the bedroom. In fact, some people believe that they can help improve sleep quality by increasing oxygen levels and reducing toxins in the air.
The number of plants needed to improve air quality in a room depends on several factors, such as the size of the room, the types of plants, and the level of pollutants in the air. Experts recommend having at least one medium-sized plant for every 100 square feet of space.
Plants that release oxygen at night, like all plants, need adequate light to grow. However, many of these plants can thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for indoor environments.
Some people believe that plants that release oxygen at night can help improve sleep quality by increasing oxygen levels and reducing toxins in the air. More research is needed to fully understand the potential sleep benefits of these plants.
The watering needs of plants that release oxygen at night can vary depending on the species and environmental conditions. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can usually tell if a plant needs water by checking the soil with your finger – if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
While the care requirements of plants that release oxygen at night can vary depending on the species, some general care tips include providing adequate light, watering regularly, and ensuring proper drainage.
The Take-Away
Having indoor plants that release oxygen at night is a great way to have clean air in your indoor spaces. While it’s true that most plants release oxygen during the day and not at night, there are plants that release oxygen at night. The 10 plants listed in this article will are exceptional in that they can release oxygen during nighttime.
It’s important to also note that the amount of oxygen released by these plants is generally not enough to significantly impact the oxygen levels in a room, so it’s still important to ensure adequate ventilation and fresh air in indoor spaces.
