What plants produce the most oxygen? This is a question my wife and I asked ourselves when looking for indoor plants to naturally improve the air quality of our home. So In this article, we share what we found and we'll highlight the top 10 highest oxygen-producing indoor plants to consider for your home as well. We'll also cover a little about how plants produce oxygen and a few tips to help them produce even more! Whether you're a seasoned indoor gardener or just starting out, these plants are easy to care for and will make any home more beautiful and improve your air quality.
What plants produce the most oxygen?
With the increasing awareness of the importance of indoor air quality, many people are looking for plants that can produce the highest amount of oxygen for their homes. So, we've put together a list of recommendations for you! However, before diving in, first we need to understand where the oxygen from plants comes from.
How plants produce oxygen
Plants produce oxygen through a process called photosynthesis. In photosynthesis, the plant takes in light from the sun, carbon dioxide from the air, water, and nutrients from the soil. Using these, the plant makes food (glucose) and releases oxygen into the air through small openings in the leaves called stomata. We breathe in this oxygen, and the plant takes in the carbon dioxide we breathe out, using it to make more food and oxygen.
Do plants produce oxygen all the time?
Well, no, not all plants produce oxygen 24 hours a day. Like most living organisms, plants have a circadian rhythm and perform certain functions during specific periods of the day. Simplifying it down to two groups and you could have a 24-hour flow of oxygen though!
Temperate Plants
During the day, when temperate plants are exposed to light, they perform photosynthesis and produce oxygen. However, at night, the plant enters a state of respiration where it consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.
This means that during the day, the plant is producing more oxygen than it is consuming, but at night, the reverse is true, and the plant is consuming more oxygen than it is producing.
Arid Plants
Many plants native to dry regions only breathe at night as a means of survival. By keeping their stomata closed during the day, they reduce the amount of water lost through transpiration and increase their chances of survival in arid conditions
Can I help my plant produce more oxygen?
As we mentioned earlier, plants produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. So knowing this, we can help our plants produce even more oxygen by giving them everything it needs to grow and turn those light rays into breathable clean air!
- Give your plant some TLC - Talk to your plant, give it a hug, and let it know you care. It will reward you with more oxygen! For real though, some studies have shown plant seeds under the influence of the positive words had a higher germination rate, and these plants grew taller, larger, and healthier than that in a negative environment.
- Give your plant some sun - Plants love sunlight, so make sure to keep it in a spot where it can get some rays.
- Feed your plant - Plants need food to survive, so give your plant some organic fertilizer every now and then for a boost of oxygen.
- Take your plant for a swim - Not literally, of course, but make sure to water your plant regularly. A well-watered plant will produce more oxygen.
- Let your plant breathe - Make sure your plant has enough room to grow. Prune it regularly and don’t overcrowd it to keep it healthy and producing oxygen.
So what plants do I buy to fill my home with oxygen?
Here are the top 10 highest oxygen-producing indoor plants you should consider for your home.
Maidenhair Fern
The Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.) is a group of delicate and graceful fern species that are popular as houseplants and for use in landscaping. They are native to moist, shady environments and are characterized by their delicate, feathery fronds that are light green or grayish-green in color. They are also prized for their air-purifying properties. They are able to absorb and filter harmful pollutants from the air, making them a great choice for indoor gardening. Whether grown in a terrarium, hanging basket, or as part of a larger indoor garden, Maidenhair Ferns are a great choice for those looking to add some natural beauty to their home or office.
Velvet Philodendron
The Velvet Philodendron, or Philodendron hederaceum, is a highly oxygen producing plant that is also known for its air purifying qualities. The plant is easy to care for and is known for its velvety, heart-shaped leaves that are usually green but can sometimes have a reddish or bronze tint. Whether grown as a houseplant or as a part of a larger indoor garden, this plant is a great choice for those looking to add some greenery to their home or office.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, also known as Sansevieria, is a low-maintenance and highly oxygen-producing plant that is perfect for people who are new to indoor gardening. Snake Plants are known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide at night and release oxygen, making them the ideal choice for bedrooms.
Rattlesnake Plant
The Rattlesnake plant, or Calathea Lancifolia, is considered to be an effective air purifying plant. It has the ability to remove harmful pollutants from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, making the air in your home cleaner and healthier to breathe.
In addition to its air-purifying properties, Calathea Lancifolia is also known for its beautiful, ornamental leaves that add a touch of nature and color to any room. Overall, it's a great plant to have if you're looking to improve the air quality in your home while also adding some greenery to your décor.
Palm Ponytail
Ponytail Palms (Beaucarnea recurvata) are another great pick as an effective air-purifying plant. They are known to remove harmful pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene from the air. Ponytail Palms are also very low maintenance, making them a great option for those who are new to indoor gardening or have busy schedules. In addition to their air-purifying properties, Ponytail Palms also have an attractive, unique appearance, with a bulbous base and slender, cascading foliage, making them a great addition to any home or office.
It's important to note, however, that Ponytail Palms prefer bright, indirect light and dry soil, so make sure to place them in a location that meets these requirements.
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily, or Spathiphyllum, is a beautiful and highly oxygen-producing plant that adds a touch of nature to any room. Peace Lilies are known for their ability to remove harmful chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air, making them a great addition to any home.
Areca Palm
The Areca Palm, or Dypsis lutescens, is a tall and elegant plant that is highly oxygen-producing. The plant is also known for its air-purifying qualities, removing harmful chemicals from the air. Areca Palms are easy to care for and maintain, making them a great choice for busy individuals.
English Ivy
English Ivy, or Hedera helix, is a high oxygen-producing plant that is also known for its air-purifying qualities. The plant is easy to care for and maintain, and its beautiful leaves add a touch of nature to any room. English Ivy is also known for its ability to remove harmful chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
Fiddle Leaf Fig - Ficus Lyrata
The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is considered a good air-purifying plant. It has been proven to remove harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Although it's important to note, the Fiddle Leaf Fig can be finicky to care for and may require specific light, humidity, and temperature conditions, so it's important to research its care requirements before bringing one into your home.
Blue Star Fern
The Blue Star Fern is a type of fern that is known for its ability to remove indoor air pollutants, and its lush, bright green foliage can help to enhance the overall aesthetic of a room, making it an attractive choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts. Additionally, ferns like the Blue Star Fern release moisture into the air, which can help to increase the humidity levels in a room, making it a good choice for dry indoor environments.
Final Thoughts
These are the top 10 highest oxygen-producing indoor plants that you should consider for your home. These plants not only improve the air quality by releasing oxygen and removing harmful chemicals from the air but also add a touch of elegance to your space. Whether you're a seasoned indoor gardener or just starting out, these plants are a great addition to your air-purifying collection. Also if you'd like some tips on how to decorate with plants check out how to design your house with plants.
