Growing indoor houseplants is indeed fun. But many people are worried that those indoor plants can bring more harm than good in the nighttime. It is because plants commonly produce CO2 at night because they could not do photosynthesis. There are some exceptions, however, including snake plants. According to a study published by Harvard University Extension, even during the night, the snake plant produces the most oxygen of any houseplant!
What makes it possible? Doesn’t that sound amazing? This article will discuss how snake plants exhale oxygen at night and other benefits that you probably don’t know yet.
How Snake Plant Exhale Oxygen At Night
It is difficult to believe that snake plants (and other plants) exhale oxygen continuously during the nighttime. This claim is not supported by any substantial evidence. Despite this, snake plants reduce CO2 even at night. The Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) makes this possible. Plants like succulents, which can flourish in dry climates, are CAM plants. CAM plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night.
After giving you the answer to how snake plant exhale oxygen at night, we also want to tell you other benefits of this plant. Here are several benefits that have been scientifically proven.
No More Air Pollutants
It is well known that snake plants help remove toxic pollutants from the air, which is one of the best health benefits they provide. Additionally to CO2, it is capable of absorbing benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. It is well known that these cancer-causing pollutants are harmful. NASA conducted an experiment on indoor plants in 1989 that proved that plants with more leaf surface area (larger, leafier plants) purify the air more effectively. Here are the types of pollutants that will be absorbed by snake plants.
Benzene
A significant amount of benzene is present in indoor air, making it a common allergen. Smoke, solvents, heat, and cool systems may be present. A benzene exposure can leave you with headaches, nausea, and vomiting. According to medical research, prolonged exposure to benzene causes cancerous changes in blood cells.
You can also grow snake plants at home, in addition to taking other measures. The plant is capable of absorbing benzene. The snake plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) eliminated 52.6 percent of the harmful chemicals in the NASA study. The P/M reading at the beginning of the 24 hour period was 0.156. It had been reduced to 0.074 by the end of the period.
Formaldehyde
Cooking, smoking, cosmetics, paints, fuel combustion from traffic, etc., are significant sources of formaldehyde emissions. Additionally, new appliances, flooring, and furniture are also to be considered. A survey of WHO guidelines for indoor air quality shows that formaldehyde is also present.
A high level of formaldehyde causes eyes, nose, and throat irritation as well as breathing problems. Rare cancers of the nose and throat can be caused by chronic exposure to it. Snake plants are excellent indoor plants that reduce formaldehyde levels! A single plant removed 31,294 micrograms during a 24-hour exposure in a NASA experiment.
Xylene
It has been reported that xylene is hazardous to humans. Paint, varnish, rust preventives, paint thinners, removers, and pesticides can expose you to it. As a result of xylene exposure, your nose, throat, and eyes will be irritated. Again, xylene can be removed from your home by many houseplants, such as snake plants, mums, and areca palms.
Trichloroethylene & Toluene
Inks, lacquers, paint removers, varnishes, adhesives, and varnish removers contain trichloroethylene (TCE). Here’s a list of some TCE products. As well as being carcinogenic, TCE can cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches. In addition to affecting mental health, toluene causes dysfunction in the nervous system. Necrosis is also known to be caused by long-term exposure to As well as being harmful to female reproduction, it can negatively affect children’s development.
The main sources of this poison are gasoline, paint solvents, plastic bottles, and paint cosmetics. Plant a snake plant in your home to reduce the risk of exposed to trichloroethylene and toluene. As a result of the experiment, 13.4% of the TCE was removed after 24 hours of exposure.
Allergy-Preventive Plants
By releasing oxygen, the plant reduces CO2 and absorbs harmful volatile organic compounds, which can certainly decrease the chances of airborne allergies. A snake plant is one of them! Bringing indoor plants into your home helps promote better air quality, even if you use air filters and purifiers. Learn more about how effective is snake plant at purification of air.
It Looks Great!
Don’t forget that besides how snake plant exhale oxygen at night, it also has aesthetics function. As well as being one of the best air-purifying houseplants, it also looks so beautiful and unique. In addition to the artificial-looking unsloped, thick, and tall foliage, the striped horizontal leaves in shades of yellow, green, or gray make it a desirable indoor plant.