Indoor plants serve an array of purposes that go beyond mere aesthetics. They play a crucial role in purifying the quality of the air we breathe and can provide oxygen even during the night hours. While it’s common for most plants to intake oxygen at night – a process scientifically referred to as respiration, there exist a few unique species that continue to produce oxygen, defying the norm. These remarkable plants work round the clock to maintain a steady oxygen level in your home, making them an excellent choice for bedrooms.
See also: Plants that are not good for home
Well-known plants that release oxygen at night
The snake plant
Fondly known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. This hardy plant is renowned for its resilient nature and its ability to survive in rather harsh conditions such as low light and drought. Remarkably, it releases oxygen at night while simultaneously intaking carbon dioxide – a product we naturally produce when breathing. Its sleek, upright shape makes it an ideal choice for interior decor, offering a subtle yet impactful design statement.
Aloe vera
Another exceptional indoor plant, known for its ability to release oxygen during the night. Renowned for its medicinal properties, it’s a resilient plant that requires minimal maintenance. It makes a stunning addition to any room and its intriguing shape adds a unique aesthetic touch to your home’s interior decor.
Orchids
Although often overlooked when considering air-purifying plants, they possess the unique ability to release oxygen at night. Orchids bloom in a variety of exotic and vibrant colours, making them a perfect centrepiece for a coffee table or desk, enhancing the beauty of your space.
Spider plant
This plant is one of the easiest to cultivate indoors, making it an ideal choice for beginners who are just getting into the world of indoor gardening. Additionally, the Spider Plant helps combat formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and other harmful air impurities, contributing significantly to the quality of your indoor air.
The peace lily
With its pleasing white blooms, it is not just a sight for sore eyes but also a known air purifier. This plant can increase room humidity by up to 5%, which is beneficial in homes where the air is dry. Furthermore, it’s known to cleanse the air of pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
Areca palm
Also known as the Butterfly Palm, it is another plant known for releasing significant oxygen at night. It’s also an excellent air purifier. The Areca Palm, due to its larger size, is a fantastic plant for filling up space or creating a natural partition in your home.
Jasmine
Another plant perfect for oxygen at night is, Jasmine, it is a genus of shrubs and vines belonging to the Oleaceae family, known for its fragrant and delicate white flowers. While renowned for its aromatic blooms and its common use in perfumery and tea, Jasmine also offers additional benefits as an indoor plant.
Benefits
Indoor plants that release oxygen at night have numerous benefits, making them an essential part of any household. They play a pivotal role in maintaining the air quality of your home by purifying it and providing a constant supply of oxygen, even during the night hours. This feature makes them an excellent choice for bedrooms, as they can enhance the quality of air you breathe while you sleep.
These plants do not merely intake carbon dioxide but also release oxygen, defying the common nature of most plant species. This unique ability ensures that they work round the clock, unlike other plant varieties which typically intake oxygen at night, a process scientifically referred to as respiration. They consistently work to maintain a steady oxygen level in your home, creating a healthier and more breathable environment.
Certain plants, such as the Spider Plant, go a step further in making your home’s air cleaner. They are known to combat harmful air impurities like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and other pollutants that can be detrimental to your health. This special attribute contributes significantly to improving the quality of your indoor air, leading to an overall healthier living environment.
The Peace Lily is another remarkable plant that not only purifies the air but also helps in managing the humidity levels in your home. It can increase room humidity by up to 5%, which can be extremely beneficial in homes where the air tends to be dry. This can help prevent the discomfort and health issues associated with dry air, such as dry skin, throat and lips and can even reduce susceptibility to colds, coughs and dry throat.
In addition to their health benefits, these plants also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Their unique shapes and vibrant colours can add a touch of nature to your living space, making it feel more comfortable and inviting. They not only make your home more visually appealing but also create a calming and soothing atmosphere, which can help in reducing stress and improving mood.
Selecting plants carefully
Selecting the right plants can not only bring a slice of nature into your living space but also significantly enhance the quality of air and provide a steady supply of oxygen during the night. Even if you don’t possess a green thumb, many of these plants are low-maintenance. So, why not add a dash of green to your interior decor and reap the manifold benefits these plants offer? However, remember to check the specific care instructions for each plant, as their water and light requirements may differ. Happy planting and enjoy the journey of transforming your home into a greener, healthier living space!
FAQs
Do all plants release oxygen at night?
No, not all plants release oxygen at night. Certain plants, known as CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) plants, continue the process of photosynthesis during the night, releasing oxygen.
How do indoor plants release oxygen at night?
Plants release oxygen during photosynthesis, a process where they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. While most plants perform photosynthesis during the day, some, like succulents and epiphytic bromeliads, do so at night as well.
Which are the best indoor plants for bedrooms to enhance oxygen levels at night?
A few suitable plants for bedrooms include Snake Plant, Aloe Vera, Spider Plant, Peace Lily and Jasmine, as they release oxygen even in low-light conditions.
How many plants are needed to improve indoor air quality significantly?
The number of plants required depends on factors such as room size, ventilation and the specific types of plants chosen. As a general guideline, having at least two or three medium-sized plants per 100 square feet is beneficial.
Can indoor plants replace the need for mechanical air purifiers?
While plants contribute to air purification, they may not entirely replace the need for mechanical air purifiers. A combination of both can be more effective in maintaining indoor air quality.
Is it necessary to keep the bedroom well-ventilated for plants to release oxygen at night?
While ventilation is beneficial for overall air quality, certain indoor plants, such as succulents and epiphytic bromeliads, can release oxygen at night even in low-light and well-enclosed spaces.
Do these plants require special care to release oxygen at night?
Generally, plants releasing oxygen at night require regular care, including adequate watering, proper lighting and occasional fertilisation. Understanding the specific needs of each plant ensures optimal oxygen production.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
Upasana Mandhata, currently in her final year of Law, is pursuing a BA LLB Degree at VIT University Chennai. Her interest in content creation dates back to her school and college years when she discovered a writing passion. Drawing from personal experiences, her writing style has been shaped by her journey and encounters. She enjoys experimenting with new recipes, painting, or swimming while clocking out of work time.
