Do indoor plants give oxygen at night?

Most plants do not. Only a few like snake plant and aloe vera release some oxygen, and the amount is small.

Is it safe to sleep with plants in the bedroom?

Yes. I have kept plants in bedrooms for years. They are safe if you don’t overcrowd the room.

Do plants release harmful carbon dioxide at night?

They release a tiny amount, but it is not harmful and much less than humans release while breathing.

How many plants are okay in a bedroom?

2–5 plants are perfectly fine for normal bedroom size. Just keep airflow good.

Do indoor plants give oxygen at night?

Most plants do not release oxygen at night. Only a few like snake plant and aloe vera do, and even then the amount is small.

Is it safe to sleep with plants in the bedroom?

Yes, bedroom plants are safe. I have used them for years without any issue, as long as the room is not overcrowded.

Do plants release harmful carbon dioxide at night?

Plants release a tiny amount of CO2 at night, but it is not harmful and far less than what humans release while breathing.

How many plants are okay in a bedroom?

Generally, 2 to 5 plants are absolutely fine in a normal bedroom, as long as there is proper ventilation.

Do Indoor Plants Release Oxygen at Night? Myth vs Fact Explained (2026)

Deepak Kumar

14 Jan 2026, 05:08 AM IST

Indoor Plant Guides

Many people believe indoor plants give oxygen at night or become harmful in bedrooms. Here is the real truth based on simple science and practical home-growing experience.

Many people believe that indoor plants continue to release plenty of oxygen even at night. Others, however, think that plants are "bad" at night because they release carbon dioxide. Both of these ideas confuse new plant owners. In this article, I will share my real-world experience of growing plants indoors and explain what actually happens.

Do indoor plants really release oxygen at night?

Indoor plants mostly release oxygen during the day when they receive sunlight. At night, most plants begin respiration and release a small amount of carbon dioxide. However, this is normal and not harmful. I have kept plants in my bedroom for many years, and nothing dangerous has ever happened.

However, some plants can release small amounts of oxygen at night due to a special process called CAM photosynthesis. These include plants like snake plants, aloe vera, and orchids. Even so, the amount of oxygen released is not significant enough to drastically change the air in a room like a machine or air purifier would.

Photo : Indoor plants at night placed near a bedroom window under natural moonlight.

Why this rumor started and what actually matters

People often assume that plants act like 24/7 air purifiers. But in real homes, plants make rooms feel fresher, primarily by improving humidity, reducing dust accumulation, and creating a psychological sense of calm. But this fresh "feeling" isn't solely due to oxygen.

Also, some social media videos claim that plants make rooms unbreathable at night. But this is simply not true. The amount of CO₂ they release is very small and nowhere near harmful levels. I sleep in my room with plants, and like many plant lovers, I have never experienced any breathing difficulties.

Understanding Plants, Oxygen, and Nighttime – Simple Science for Homeowners

Plants breathe just like humans do. During the day, they perform photosynthesis and produce oxygen. At night, they primarily respire. This is natural. If you keep the right number of plants indoors, you won't notice any change in air quality.

Plants that release oxygen at night:

• Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – I keep this in my bedroom. It's easy to care for.

• Aloe Vera – Needs sunlight during the day, but is fine at night.

• Orchids – Look beautiful and are safe for the bedroom.

Photo : Indoor plants at night featuring a snake plant on a bedside table for calm bedroom decor.

Bedroom Plants: Safe or Dangerous?

From my own experience, bedroom plants are perfectly safe. Just don't overcrowd the room with them. A small room filled with 20-30 plants might feel humid and stuffy, not because of oxygen, but due to poor airflow. With 2-5 plants, you'll be perfectly fine.

If you have asthma or dust allergies, choose clean plants with smooth leaves and clean them regularly. Plants with overly moist soil can develop mold, and that's what can cause problems – not the oxygen or carbon dioxide.

Real-Life Mistakes People Make with Indoor Plants at Night

Here are some common mistakes I've seen people make and how to correct them for everyday use at home.

Problem / Myth	Real Cause in Home	Simple Fix
“Plants make room unsafe at night”	Misunderstanding plant breathing	Keep normal plant count. Relax.
Room feels heavy at night	Poor ventilation, closed windows	Open window sometimes, allow airflow
Plants dying indoors	Low light, overwatering	Use bright indirect light and water correctly
Moldy smell near plants	Damp soil	Improve drainage, avoid overwatering

So, should you have plants in your bedroom?

Yes, you can. Plants make rooms feel vibrant and peaceful. Just give them the right amount of sunlight each day and avoid overcrowding a room with too many plants. Let your room breathe too. I've been doing this for years, and it feels nice, calming, and natural.

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Final Thoughts

Indoor plants don't magically pump out oxygen all night, nor do they harm you by releasing dangerous carbon dioxide. They simply live normal lives, just like us. With proper care, adequate light, and the right placement, indoor plants are safe, comforting, and wonderful additions to any home.

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