Indoor plants work their magic through photosynthesis. The process of photosynthesis uses sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce energy and releases oxygen into the air. This oxygen makes the air indoors better, making your space feel fresher and healthier.
Bring in these special plants to clean up your indoor air. These plants bring natural beauty and also improve air quality which makes them ideal for any space. Here are some examples of oxygen-producing indoor plants – Snake Plants, Spider Plants, Peace Lilies, and Aloe Vera.
Benefits of Growing Oxygen-Producing Indoor Plants
Ever considered having nature’s helpers right in your home? Oxygen-producing indoor plants do more than just look pretty – they offer you a bunch of perks. These plants freshen up your indoor air and even make your sleep better. Let’s see what more benefits it gives us –
1. Breathing Boost
Indoor plants that produce oxygen are your secret to effortless breathing. As these plants begin their work through photosynthesis, they increase the oxygen levels around them.
These oxygen-producing plants act as natural air purifiers, helping to clear away dust, pollen, and other irritants too. They create a healthier environment where you can breathe with ease.
2. Air Purification
Indoor plants play a vital role in enhancing the quality of the air we breathe by eliminating harmful substances like formaldehyde and benzene. Indoor plants also reduce harmful pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOC) and carbon dioxide.
This cleaning action is achieved through the process of photosynthesis, where plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
3. Enhancing Focus
Oxygen-producing indoor plants help you concentrate better too. When they release oxygen, your brain gets a boost of freshness. This can make you think clearer and stay more alert, making work and tasks easier to do. Being around these plants can make you feel better and less tense. It’s like they bring a touch of calmness and happiness into our lives.
4. Stress Relief
Oxygen-producing indoor plants help us feel more relaxed and less stressed. This calming effect is really helpful, especially in places where stress is common like offices or hospitals. It’s like having a little piece of nature that brings us peace.
Top 10 Highest Oxygen-Producing Indoor Plants
If you’re considering adding a greenery touch to your home as well as improving the air quality then check out these 10 highest oxygen-producing indoor plants –
1. Spider plant
Keep your spider plant content with indirect light, well-draining soil, and a comfy spot away from extreme heat.
Guess what? Your spider plant is a natural air fellow. It gives oxygen and tackles harmful stuff like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. It’s like having a mini-cleaner for your air. So, enjoy its beauty and breathe easy with this simple yet super plant.
2. Snake plant
The snake plant also called mother-in-law’s tongue and an excellent houseplant with tall, bold leaves that stand out. Even before its oxygen-boosting fame, it is already a beloved choice for indoor spaces.
This plant takes in harmful substances like formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide, xylene, benzene, and trichloroethylene, giving you cleaner air to breathe.
Moreover, it’s a daytime photosynthesizer and a nighttime breather. While it releases oxygen by day, it takes it in at night. So, as much as we love it, it’s best to give it a different spot than your bedroom.
The snake plant is easy to handle. Put it in a sunny window or a spot with not too bright sunlight. You don’t need to water it all the time – it’s cool with dry soil. Just be careful not to overwater it.
3. Peace lily
With their stunning white blooms, peace lilies are more than just beautiful – they’re also considered lucky and a sign of good fortune. These captivating plants bring charm and a touch of prosperity. Not only are they beautiful but they can also improve your air indoors.
Peace lilies contribute to cleaner, oxygen-enriched air in your living space. Studies by NASA have shown that peace lilies are particularly effective in removing pollutants like benzene and trichloroethylene, which are common in homes and offices.
4. Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant is a silent air purifier and oxygen generator. Aloe Vera’s unique ability to eliminate toxins like aldehydes and benzene makes it a standout choice for cleaner air.
What sets Aloe Vera apart is its night time talent – while most plants rest, it’s busy releasing oxygen. That’s why it’s perfect for a bedroom. Having an aloe vera plant also means having a handy natural remedy. A quick snip of a leaf reveals the clear, soothing gel within, a natural balm for soothing burns and minor cuts.
5. Pothos
Pothos is a beautiful and easy-care plant that is also one of the best oxygen-producing plants for indoor spaces. Pothos is a great choice for people who are looking for an oxygen-producing plant as it can produce up to 20% more oxygen than other plants.
So, whether you place it in your living room, bedroom, or office, pothos is there, quietly purifying the air and ensuring you’re breathing in cleaner, purer oxygen.
Also Read: Why Are Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow?
6. Weeping fig
Weeping fig, also known as ficus – is a fantastic option to clean indoor air. Purify your air by removing trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde from your home. while it’s not more demanding than other plants, the weeping fig does crave a bit more attention.
Consistent bright light, without being too intense is ideal. It’s not a fan of cool spots or drafty corners, so keep that in mind to ensure its healthy growth.
7. Philodendrons
These plants are your natural air cleaners, helping to remove things like formaldehyde and other air pollutants for better air quality. What’s great is that philodendrons are easy to take care of. They’re not picky about light – whether your spot is sunny or not so bright, they’ll do fine as long as it’s not too hot. Just keep an eye on the soil – when it feels dry then it’s time to water.
8. Arcea palm
Golden palms, butterfly palms, and yellow palms – all of these are names for the same plant that is Areca palms. These tropical trees are like nature’s oxygen generators, giving your home a breath of fresh air.
when you put two big Areca palms close to each other, the oxygen in your home gets a major upgrade. They clear out bad stuff like formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and toluene from the air, making your space cleaner and healthier. So, having these palms around is like having your natural air-purifying team right at home.
9. ZZ plant
ZZ plant is an indoor air-purifying plant that flourishes in bright light and thrives in medium to high humidity. It’s like the perfect plant companion for a cozy and stylish indoor space.
The ZZ plant is not just about looks. It’s like your air’s natural purifier, working hard to cleanse your indoor environment. This plant gives your space a breath of fresh, clean air.
Check this: How Much Light Does ZZ Plant Need?
10. Chrysanthemum
With their vibrant petals in a variety of hues, chrysanthemums are the ultimate mood lifters. It’s like having a little burst of happiness right on your windowsill or table.
Chrysanthemums are like your air’s personal cleaners. They’re pretty skilled at removing harmful pollutants like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. So while they’re making your place look cheerful, they’re also giving you cleaner and fresher air to breathe.
Indoor Plants for Oxygen Without Sunlight
Who says you need sunlight for a breath of fresh air? These indoor plants are like your personal oxygen suppliers, even in low-light spaces.
1. Boston Fern
Boston fern plant clears the air by reducing small amounts of formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. When it comes to sunlight, it’s all about finding that perfect balance – not too bright, not too dim. And when the air gets a bit of moisture, this plant feels right at home.
Where should you put it? Well, it’s versatile enough to hang, stand tall, or simply put it on a shelf.
2. Bromeliad
When it comes to sunlight, most Bromeliad species thrive in the embrace of bright, indirect light. However, they prefer a little shade from the direct rays. That’s why you’ll often find these plants flourishing on shelves or adorning tabletops. A bit too much direct sunlight can harm their captivating leaves. So, give them a cozy spot with a gentle, filtered glow to keep them at their vibrant best.
3. Peace lily
Peace lilies are versatile when it comes to light. They do well in spaces with low to medium light levels, and they’re also quite adaptable to artificial lighting. If you offer them a bit more light, you’ll be rewarded with the beautiful white flowers they’re known for.
Moreover, as already mentioned above, peace lily effectively filters out small amounts of benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia from the surrounding air.
4. Chinese Evergreen
If you’re new to the world of indoor plants, Chinese Evergreen is your go-to choice. These plants are like the ultimate beginners’ guide – they don’t demand sunlight and need so much care. Plus, they help in clearing away small amounts of benzene and formaldehyde from the air. It’s like they’re here to make your plant-parenting journey a breeze.
5. Dracaena
Dracaena air-purifying plant that effortlessly cleanses your indoor space. This plant helps in getting rid of toxins to give you fresher air.
When it comes to light, they thrive in the gentle glow of bright, indirect light. But don’t worry if your space is a bit dim – these plants are survivors in low light too.
Also Read: Why Dracaena Leaves Turning Yellow and Brown?
6. Philodendron
Philodendron is a natural air purifier that effectively eliminates traces of formaldehyde from your surroundings.
Also, this plant thrives in moderate to low indirect light, making it easy to fit into various spaces. With its heart-shaped leaves and rapid growth, the Philodendron brings a touch of natural charm to your indoor environment.
Important Tips While Growing Oxygen-Producing Indoor Plants
When it comes to nurturing indoor plants that boost oxygen levels, a few key points can make all the difference. Let’s see what it is –
Water Wisely – Overwatering or underwatering can hinder their growth. Strike the right balance to keep your plants thriving and contribute to a fresher atmosphere.
Good Drainage – Proper drainage is a must. Use well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging which can further cause problems.
Avoid Overcrowding – Overcrowding can hinder air circulation and growth. Ensure that each plant has ample room to flourish and grow.
Prune and Trim – Prune dead leaves and trim excessive growth to encourage healthy development and maximize their oxygen-producing potential.
Humidity Matters – Some oxygen-producing plants thrive in higher humidity levels. Be mindful of your plant’s preferred humidity range to ensure optimal growth.
Feeding Routine – Provide appropriate fertilization according to the plant’s needs. Balanced nutrients contribute to vigorous growth and increased oxygen.
Pest – Keep an eye out for pests that can hinder growth. Regularly inspect and treat your plants to ensure they remain strong and vibrant.
The right amount of light – Most oxygen-producing plants need bright, indirect light. Nevertheless, certain plants can withstand low-light environments. It is important to find a spot in your home that gets the right amount of light for your plant.
Conclusion
Indoor plants that produce abundant oxygen, it’s clear they offer more than just showing off beauty. These special plants help clean the air and provide us with a fresh supply of oxygen, making our indoor spaces healthier and more vibrant.
Whether it’s the peace lily, spider plant, or snake plant, each one plays a crucial role in enhancing our surroundings.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting