Houseplants do more than just beautify your home—they can also improve the air quality by producing oxygen and filtering out toxins. In fact, certain houseplants are particularly effective at increasing oxygen levels, making them ideal for creating a healthier living environment. Not only will these plants brighten up your space, but they’ll also promote a sense of well-being and contribute to a cleaner indoor atmosphere.
In this article, we’ll explore the seven best houseplants that produce oxygen and explain how they can benefit your home, as well as provide tips for growing and caring for them.
1. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, also known as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” is one of the most efficient oxygen-producing houseplants. These plants are exceptional for oxygen production because, unlike most plants that only photosynthesize during the day, they continue to release oxygen at night, improving air quality while you sleep. In addition, NASA’s Clean Air Study found that Snake Plants effectively remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making them an excellent choice for healthier indoor environments.
They thrive in indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light conditions, and it’s important to water them sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Snake Plants prefer warmer temperatures, ideally between 60-85°F (16-29°C).
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a succulent that not only has medicinal properties but is also known for its ability to improve indoor air quality. This hardy plant is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance oxygen booster. Additionally, it helps purify the air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene, which are often found in household cleaners.
It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires minimal watering—about every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It prefers temperatures between 55-80°F (13-27°C) and should be kept away from drafts or cold windows to ensure healthy growth.
3. Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is a popular houseplant, celebrated for its excellent air-purifying qualities and its ability to efficiently produce oxygen. Incredibly easy to grow, it’s an ideal choice for beginners. These plants are particularly effective at increasing oxygen levels while also removing harmful toxins such as carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent found in paints and adhesives, making them especially beneficial for homes with poor ventilation.
They grow well in moderate to bright indirect light and prefer consistently moist soil, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings. Optimal growth occurs in temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C) with moderate humidity.
4. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is not only a beautiful flowering plant with dark green leaves and elegant white blooms, but also a powerful air purifier that can enhance oxygen levels in your home. It’s particularly effective at absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, even in low-light conditions, making it ideal for indoor spaces. Additionally, they help remove harmful toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene, commonly found in household products.
These plants prefer to grow in low to moderate light, making them perfect for areas without direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering by ensuring proper drainage. They prefer temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) for optimal growth.
5. Areca Palm
The Areca Palm, also known as the “Butterfly Palm” or “Golden Cane Palm,” is an elegant plant that brings a tropical vibe to your home while boosting oxygen levels. This palm serves as a natural air purifier and is particularly effective at improving indoor air quality. It releases large amounts of oxygen, making it one of the top choices for enhancing air quality in your living space. Additionally, the Areca Palm removes harmful pollutants like toluene and xylene, commonly found in paints, gasoline, and cleaning products.
This plant grows happily in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Water it when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, and be cautious of overwatering to prevent root rot. The Areca Palm prefers temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) with moderate humidity for optimal growth.
6. Gerbera Daisy
The Gerbera Daisy is a vibrant flowering plant that not only brings a splash of color to your living space but also significantly enhances oxygen production. Known for its powerful air-purifying properties, it efficiently filters toxins from the environment, making it a healthy and beautiful addition to your home. Gerbera Daisies are particularly effective at removing toxins like benzene and trichloroethylene, which are often found in indoor air. They release high levels of oxygen during the day, making them perfect for areas where you spend a lot of time.
For optimal growth, give them bright, indirect sunlight—too little light can prevent them from flowering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring proper drainage to avoid root rot. They prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and benefit from good air circulation.
7. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen is a resilient houseplant known for its attractive, variegated leaves and its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance plant that also boosts oxygen levels. This plant is highly effective at increasing oxygen production, even in dimly lit environments, while also removing common air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene, contributing to a cleaner, healthier indoor atmosphere.
They like growing in low to moderate light, making them ideal for rooms with limited natural light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, allowing the top layer to dry slightly before watering again. For optimal growth, maintain temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and keep the plant away from cold drafts.
To maximize oxygen production from your houseplants, follow these essential care tips to ensure they thrive:
- Place Plants in Optimal Lighting: Make sure each plant receives the right amount of light for its needs. Plants like Aloe Vera and Gerbera Daisy require bright sunlight, while others, such as Snake Plants and Peace Lilies, can tolerate lower light conditions. Proper lighting boosts their ability to photosynthesize and produce oxygen efficiently.
- Maintain Proper Watering: Both overwatering and underwatering can harm plants, limiting their oxygen production. Regularly check soil moisture and water accordingly, ensuring your plants get the right amount of hydration to stay healthy.
- Provide Adequate Space: Giving your plants enough room to grow allows for better airflow around them, which can improve their air-purifying capabilities and overall oxygen output.
- Clean the Leaves: Dust and dirt can accumulate on leaves, blocking light and reducing photosynthesis. To keep your plants efficient at oxygen production, regularly wipe down their leaves with a damp cloth to clear away any debris.
- Rotate Plants: If you’re growing plants in lower light conditions, rotate them to brighter spots for a few days at a time. This gives them the chance to absorb more light, boosting their oxygen production and keeping them vibrant.