Many people pause before adding houseplants to their bedroom due to the long-standing concern that plants might compete for oxygen during the night. This worry stems from a misunderstanding of plant biology and the scale of gas exchange in a typical room. Understanding the science behind plant respiration, along with the benefits and risks of indoor plants, can help you make an informed decision about your sleep environment.
Addressing Nighttime Oxygen Use
The idea that plants will steal your oxygen at night is a common misconception rooted in how plants process energy. Like all living organisms, plants engage in cellular respiration 24 hours a day, a process that uses oxygen and releases a small amount of carbon dioxide (CO2). During daylight, plants also perform photosynthesis, which consumes CO2 and releases significantly more oxygen, completely overshadowing the oxygen consumption from respiration.
When the sun goes down, photosynthesis ceases, but respiration continues, leading to a net release of CO2 and a net consumption of oxygen. However, the amount of oxygen consumed by a typical houseplant is extremely small. For context, an average human consumes roughly 17.5 grams of oxygen per hour, while a modest houseplant consumes only about 0.01 grams in the same time.
The difference is so vast that you would need hundreds of plants packed into a sealed bedroom to noticeably affect the oxygen level. The oxygen consumed by another person or a pet sleeping in the room is exponentially greater than the amount consumed by a handful of potted plants. Therefore, the oxygen depletion fear is unfounded and poses no risk to human health in a standard, ventilated bedroom.
How Plants Improve Indoor Air Quality
The primary benefit of keeping plants indoors is their ability to actively filter certain air pollutants. Houseplants engage in a process called phytoremediation, where they absorb Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the air. These compounds, such as formaldehyde and benzene, are emitted by common household items like furniture, paints, cleaning products, and carpets.
The plant’s leaves absorb these gaseous toxins, but a significant portion of the purification is performed by the microorganisms living in the plant’s soil and around its roots. These microbes transform the harmful VOCs into less harmful substances that the plant can use or store. The continuous removal of these irritants contributes to a healthier indoor environment, especially in modern, tightly sealed homes where VOC concentrations can be higher.
Certain species demonstrate a superior ability to filter specific toxins, making them excellent choices for a sleep environment. For instance, the Snake Plant and Peace Lily are recognized for their effectiveness at breaking down common VOCs like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Placing a few of these plants in your bedroom can provide a natural method for continuously reducing airborne pollutants.
Preventing Allergies and Mold Issues
While plants do not deplete oxygen, they can introduce other issues into the bedroom environment if not properly cared for, particularly relating to mold and allergies. The most common concern is the growth of mold or mildew in the damp soil of the potted plant. Mold thrives in continuously moist conditions and can release spores into the air, which can exacerbate allergies or trigger respiratory issues.
To mitigate this risk, it is important to practice careful watering habits and ensure excellent drainage. Only water a houseplant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, avoiding the mistake of overwatering on a fixed schedule. Using pots with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix prevents water from stagnating in the soil, which is a breeding ground for fungus.
Another factor that can contribute to allergy symptoms is the accumulation of dust on the plant’s leaves. Broad leaves can easily collect airborne particles, which can then be released into the air and act as an allergen. Wiping down the leaves regularly with a damp cloth helps minimize this dust buildup and keeps the plant’s pores clear, supporting its air-filtering function. Ensuring good air circulation around the plants helps prevent the humid, stagnant conditions that both mold and pests like fungus gnats prefer.