Do Plants Release Oxygen at Night | Best Plants for Oxygen

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Last Updated: 02.01.2024
Sakshi Kasat
Written by
Sakshi Kasat, an indoor gardener and content creator from Indore, India, transitioned from teaching to follow her gardening passion during the pandemic. She's an expert in indoor gardening, with over 150 articles published. Her favorite plant, the Peace Lily, reflects her mission to inspire others. In gardening and writing, she finds pure inspiration and contentment.

If you are wondering do Plants Release Oxygen at Night? Can you grow them as houseplants for better indoor air? Find out the best ones in this article!

Whether Plants Release Oxygen at Night has been a heated topic of discussion for a long time. So, check out this article to know if it is true or just a myth!

Here are the most oxygen-producing trees in India


Do Plants Release Oxygen at Night?

During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the surrounding air to make food and release oxygen into the surroundings. However, plants need sunlight for this, and at night, in the absence of sunlight, the process reverses and the plants start to respire just like human beings, that is, inhaling oxygen and exhaling CO2.

But, on contrary, there are certain plants, especially those belonging to arid regions like cactus and some tropical epiphytes that perform CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism).

In CAM, plants open their stomata during nighttime to absorb CO2 to minimize water loss and store it in form of malate, which is utilized during the daytime in the kelvin cycle to make food in the presence of sunlight without the need for opening stomata.

Check out the best cacti with red flowers here


Do CAM Plants Produce Oxygen at Night?

There has been a lot of research and discussion on CAM plants releasing oxygen, as the stomata is closed during the daytime. Many researchers reveal that when the stomata opens at night time, it releases oxygen. While some say that the oxygen diffuses from the membrane throughout the day and night.

Whether the CAM plants elevate oxygen levels or not, there is one guarantee that they absorb plenty of carbon dioxide from the air during the nighttime, thus making the surrounding air in the room much safer to breathe.


Best Plants for Oxygen

1. Aloe Vera

Plants Release Oxygen at Night

Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis miller

The fleshy CAM plant absorbs co2 from the air and is also prized for several medicinal uses. It not only adds up to the beauty of the rooms but also improves the quality of air as it is approved by NASA too.

Here’s all you need to know about growing Aloe Vera at home

2. Peepal

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Botanical Name: Ficus religiosa

The tree is semi-epiphyte and uptakes CO2 at night as a part of the CAM process. Peepal is highly valued for its medicinal properties.

Fun Fact: Though the plant comes under the CAM plants, still many avoid sleeping under this tree due to superstition.

Check out some interesting peepal tree facts here

3. Snake Plant

Plants Release Oxygen at Night 2

Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata

This tough plant not only produces oxygen at night but also upgrades the air quality by removing VOCs like benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. If you are looking for an aesthetic plant themed bedroom, you must include this specimen!

Check out our article on growing snake plants here

4. Orchid

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Botanical Name: Orchidaceae

This epiphytic herb is famous for its spectacular blooms with a unique floral arrangement. The plant adds timeless charm to the interior beauty and elevates the level of oxygen in the air.

Have a look at the best Orchids here

5. Neem

Plants Release Oxygen at Night 3

Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica

Neem tree has anti-bacterial and antiviral properties that make it a great pest and mosquito repellent. The tree is a great oxygen producer and purifies air at night by sucking carbon dioxide. It is one of the best oxygen releasing plants at night.

6. Jade

Botanical Name: Crassula ovata

The cute fleshy leaves of this plant on the thick stems always make a statement. This plant enhances the oxygen level during nighttime and makes sure the air is not too carbon dioxide-laden.

Learn how to take care of jade plant here

7. Cactus

Plants Release Oxygen at Night 4

Like other CAM plants, the cactus also absorbs carbon dioxide in the nighttime to complete its kelvin cycle during day time. This plant is also popular to ward off misfortune and evil spells and also one of the best 24 hours oxygen plants you can grow.

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