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Night Oxygen Plants: If you have ever been to a nursery or seen posts related to plants on social media, you must have heard that some plants release oxygen even at night. This is the reason why people recommend keeping them in the bedroom or inside the house. Is this completely true? Do all plants release oxygen at night? If some plants do this, which ones are they? Let us know.

Why do plants release oxygen during the day?

Most plants photosynthesize during the day. In this process, plants make their food with the help of sunlight, water and carbon dioxide (CO₂) and release oxygen (O₂). But at night when there is no sunlight, most plants are not able to photosynthesize. At such times, they also respire like humans and animals. That means they take in some oxygen and release some carbon dioxide. Respiration means the process of making energy (strength) from the food eaten.

Then how do some plants release oxygen at night?

In some special plants there is a different process called CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism). The special thing about these plants is that they open small holes (stomata) of their leaves at night instead of during the day. This saves water, hence they survive easily even in hot and dry areas. Due to this process, some CAM plants release limited amounts of oxygen at night. However, this amount is not as much as the photosynthesis that occurs during the day.

Major plants that provide oxygen at night

1. Snake Plant

Snake plant is considered among the most popular indoor plants. It grows even in low light. Survives even in less water. Being a CAM plant, it is counted among the plants that release oxygen at night.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is not only good for the skin but is also considered a good indoor plant. Grows with little care. Tolerates hot weather. Among the plants adopting CAM process.

3. Orchid

Some orchid species also adopt CAM processes. For this reason, they are preferred as ornamental plants inside the house.

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4. Christmas Cactus

This is a plant of cactus family. Grows in less water. Due to the CAM process, it is also kept in the list of plants that provide oxygen at night.

5. Jade Plant

Jade plant is an ornamental plant. It is also included in CAM plants and can survive for a long time in less water.

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6. Peace Lily

Peace lily is often counted among the plants that improve indoor air quality. Although it is not a complete CAM plant, it is considered good for indoor decoration and air quality.

7. Areca Palm

Areca palm is also widely planted in homes and offices. It releases good amount of oxygen during the day and helps in improving the air quality.

Is it safe to keep plants in the bedroom?

Yes. It is considered safe to keep small indoor plants in the bedroom, but their quantity should not be too much. Some people believe that plants use up all the oxygen at night, but this is not the case. The amount of oxygen used by plants at night is very less and in a normal room it does not pose any danger to humans.

Can plants replace air purifiers?

No, this is a misunderstanding. Although plants enhance the beauty of the house and can improve the environment to some extent, they are not a substitute for air purifiers. To keep the air of the house clean, good ventilation, regular cleaning and if necessary, air purifier is more effective.

Like you have a snake plant and an aloe vera in your house. These plants may release a limited amount of oxygen at night, but this will not cause any major change in the oxygen of the entire room. Their biggest advantage is that they remain green for a long time with less care and the environment of the house remains pleasant.