ultimate Guide to 13 houseplants that actually boost oxygen
We grow many of these 13 oxygen-producing plants in our Brooklyn home — here’s which ones actually thrive indoors and how to choose the right one for your space
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Air purification, getting more oxygen inside the closed doors of your home, tends to be one of the primary reasons we buy and keep houseplants. And why wouldn’t that be? Who wouldn’t want to step into their home where the air feels fresher and the energy more vibrant?
Studies by NASA have shown that certain houseplants can significantly reduce indoor pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. But in truth, they don’t clean the air in the way most people think – they are much slower – and some plants are more efficient in cleaning air than others. Read our handy oxygen production chart that tabulates amount of oxygen 50 popular houseplants produce!
Over the years, we have grown an array of these indoor plants that produce more oxygen in our Brooklyn community household. Each of our rooms host its own collection, and this experience has taught us the nuances of how to make them thrive: from the thirsty peace lily to the resilient snake plant, that we would love to share.. In this article we will explore:
Let’s dive in.
Try our Best Indoor Plants tool for a personalized plant recommendation.
Summary
Which indoor plants are best for boosting oxygen at home?
Birds of Paradise, Monstera, Areca Palm, Snake Plant, Cast iron plant, Corn plant, Fiddle leaf fig are some of the top oxygen-producing indoor plants. These plants thrive indoors and improve air quality with minimal care, making them ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices.
Some tips to improve oxygen production in houseplants:
- Take into account effectiveness, room size, pet and child safety, light and water requirements, and aesthetics when choosing air-purifying houseplants. (Refer to indoor plants safe for pets, and indoor plants that thrive in low light for more information)
- Place plants in entrance areas, high traffic zones, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and near windows to enhance air purification.
- Use air purifiers for more effective air cleaning along with houseplants.
Snapshot of our Top 5 picks
1. Monstera deliciosa
2. Cast iron plant
3. Birds of Paradise
4. Areca palm
5. Snake Plant
Infographic of oxygen producing Houseplants
Here are our 13 Top Indoor plants that produce more oxygen
These 13 plants are the highest-output plants in our 50-houseplant oxygen dataset, based on modeled estimates rather than direct oxygen measurements. Under the conditions we modeled, each starts at roughly 3 liters of oxygen per day or more, although actual output varies with plant size, leaf area, light, and health.
1. Snake plant
Mildly toxic
Low light
Grows 2-4 feet
Any window direction
Mildly toxic
low light
grows to 2 -4 feet
any window direction
Snake Plants have thick, upright leaves and use CAM metabolism, meaning they take in much of their carbon dioxide at night and store it for later use in photosynthesis. This unusual metabolism is why they frequently appear on lists of bedroom and oxygen-producing plants.
Ours grows in a bright east-facing bedroom. It survives in much lower light, but brighter indirect light produces noticeably stronger growth—and a plant that is actively growing has more photosynthetic activity than one simply surviving in a dark corner.
Care: Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings.
Read also: Whale fin snake plant, and cylindrical snake plant
Care tip:
- Water every 2-3 weeks, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions.
- Watch for drooping or yellowing leaves, which can indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip:
- Cut a leaf into sections about 3-4 inches long, making sure each piece has at least one horizontal stripe – the node.
- Place the cut ends into a container filled with about an inch of water.
- No leaves should be submerged. Change the water weekly and roots will appear in about 3-4 weeks. When they are a few inches long plant in well-draining potting soil.
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- Symbolizes good luck, purity, and positivity. It’s often associated with the zodiac sign Taurus, reflecting their steadfast and resilient nature.
Pros and cons
$58
“This plant is almost indestructible! Perfect for beginners and looks great”
2. Peace Lily
Toxic
Low/medium light
Grows upto 3 feet
west/north Window
Toxic
Low/medium
grows to 3 feet
North/west facing windows
The Peace Lily (aka Spathiphyllum): this indoor plant, from the Araceae family, has glossy, deep green leaves and beautiful white spathes that bloom around the spadix. This one thrives in medium to low light, so it fits perfectly in our the west-facing room on the top floor. Peace Lilies are also easy to care for – moderate watering when the soil feels dry. This is one of the highest oxygen producing indoor plants!
They are toxic to pets, however, your pets could literally die when ingesting any part of this plant, so keep them out of reach of cats and dogs.
Their highlight is the beautiful white flowers they produce, with a gentle, refreshing fragrance that lasts for weeks. These blooms typically appear in spring and can reappear throughout the year with proper care. We have styled ours in a black ceramic pot to complement its lush foliage and clean lines. They will grow up to 3 feet tall
REad also: Variegate peace lily care
Care tip:
- Water about once a week. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- It enjoys higher humidity, and will droop to signal it’s thirsty but perks up quickly after watering.
- Watch for yellow leaves – they indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip:
- They are best propagated through division rather than in water.
- Remove the plant from its pot, and separate the root clumps into sections with at least 3 leaves each.
- Plant these sections in well-draining potting soil in bright, indirect light.
- Maintain moist soil. Wait 4-6 weeks for the roots to flourish!
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- Symbolizes purity, tranquility, and rebirth. Ideal for Libras, who are known for their love of harmony and balance
Pros and cons
$43
“Love the white blooms. It’s been doing great in my living room” – Amazon customer
3. Bamboo palm
Safe
medium light
Grows 4-12 feet
East/West Window
Safe
medium
grows 4-1 2 feet
East/west facing windows
The Bamboo Palm (aka Chamaedorea seifrizii): This indoor plant, from the Arecaceae family, has graceful, arching fronds and feathery green leaves that produce more oxygen than most plants. Our living room at once feels tropical with this large plant in it! It is currently placed ours in the west-facing living room in second floor where pets are welcome to roam around.
Bamboo Palms are also easy to care for. They don’t really have a notable fragrance, but they do occasionally produce small, yellow flowers. We have styled the Bamboo Palm in a tall, cream pot that complements its height. This one is a big plant – it can reach up to 12 feet tall – making it a stunning focal point.
Care tip:
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 1-2 weeks.
- Soil should drain well to prevent root rot. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip:
- Remove a clump with 2-3 stems and roots.
- Plant it in well-draining soil mixed with (ideally) perlite.
- Keep the soil moist, and place it in bright, indirect light. Roots come in 4-6 weeks!
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- Symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and resilience. Ideal for Capricorns who appreciate its hardworking and enduring nature
Pros and cons
$38
“This plant is a bit finicky but looks stunning when healthy. It’s definitely a statement piece”
4. Boston fern
Safe
Low light
North Window
Safe
Low
grows upto 5 feet
North facing windows
The Boston Fern (aka Nephrolepis exaltata): This indoor plant, part of the Nephrolepidaceae family, has lush, arching fronds with feather-like leaflets. We have placed ours in one of our North-facing room. This one thrive in low to medium light and prefer high humidity – so a bit more demanding, but worth it for their aesthetic appeal. These could also work great in bathroom as hanging plants!
They are non-toxic to pets, and their vibrant green foliage can grow up to 2-3 feet long. Keep the soil consistently moist and mist regularly to maintain its lush appearance. We recommend styling them in hanging baskets.
Care tip:
- Place it in indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, watering when the top inch feels dry.
- Mist regularly to maintain high humidity.
- When fronds turning yellow, it indicates low humidity or under-watering.
Propagation tip:
- Divide a healthy plant into sections which has fronds and roots.
- Plant them in well-draining potting soil.
- Keep the soil moist and place in bright, indirect light. Roots should establish in 4-6 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- Symbolizes sincerity and shelter. Ideal for Pisces known for their nurturing and empathetic nature
Pros and cons
$58
“Beautiful, lush plant that adds a lot of greenery to my home. Needs regular watering”
5. Rubber plant
mildly toxic
Low to Medium light
Grows upto 6-10 feet
East/West Window
mildly Toxic
Low to Medium
grows upto 6-10 feet
East/West facing windows
The Rubber Plant (aka Ficus elastica): This indoor plant, a member of the Moraceae family, has glossy, broad leaves that can range from deep green to burgundy that help produce more oxygen than a lot of other indoor plants. We’ve placed ours in the south-facing room on the top floor, where it gets medium bright, indirect light.
This plant needs only moderate watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Definitely keep this one out of the reach of your pets. When mature, the Rubber Plant can grow up to 8-10 feet tall indoors, adds stunning height and drama to your space especially if you have tall ceilings.
We’ve styled ours in a minimalist black ceramic pot to complement its bold foliage that in turn enhances its modern look.
Care tip:
- The Rubber Plant thrives in low to medium indirect light.
- Needs watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
- Mist occasionally to keep its bold foliage glossy!.
Propagation tip:
- Cut a 6-inch stem with at least two leaves, place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long (about 4-6 weeks), then transplant into well-draining soil
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- Symbolizes abundance and good fortune — perfect for Taurus, known for their patience and love for nurturing greenery
Pros and cons
$43
“The Ficus is a statement piece in my living room. The variegated leaves are stunning and it’s very easy to care for”
6. Dracaena
Toxic
low/medium light
Grows upto 10 feet
Any Window
Toxic
low/medium
grows upto 10 feet
Any window
The Dracaena (aka Dracaena spp.): This indoor plant, a member of the Asparagaceae family, has sword-like leaves that come in various shades of green, and often accented with red or yellow edges. This plant brings a touch of the tropics to our home! We have placed it in the east-facing room in top floor, where it gets bright, indirect light.
Dracaena is easy to care for — needs moderate watering and low humidity. Just be cautious if you have pets, it is toxic to cats and dogs. When mature, Dracaena can reach up to 10 feet tall indoors. We’ve styled ours in a big, gray pot that complements and enhances its modern, dramatic aesthetic.
Read also: Dracaena Reflexa care
Care tip:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn and watch for brown tips – a sign of overwatering or fluoride sensitivity.
- Prefers low humidity — not good for bathroom.
Propagation tip:
- Cut a 6-inch stem with a few leaves, place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long (about 4-6 weeks), then transplant into well-draining soil.
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- Dracaena is generally associated with resilience and adaptability — perfect for Capricorn!
Pros and cons
$43
“I love how the Dracaena Golden Heart brightens up my living room with all of its pointy foliage”
7. Areca palm
Pet safe
Bright light
Grows upto 10 feet
West/South Window
pet safe
Bright
grows upto 10 feet
West/South facing windows
The Areca Palm (aka Dypsis lutescens): This indoor plant, part of the Arecaceae family, has arching fronds that whisper of tropical climates, and are known for producing more oxygen than a lot of other plants. Their lush, light green leaves bring a soft, airy feel to your space.
We’ve placed our Areca Palm in the west-facing living room on the first floor where the bright, indirect light bathes its fronds, and where our furry animals roam around as this plant is not toxic. At the moment, it is styled in a large, white ceramic planter to go with its lush fronds. This tree is moderately easy to care for — needs regular watering to keep the soil lightly moist . But also needs occasional misting to replicate its native humid environment. it’s worth watching for spider mites or mealybugs.
When it matures, this palm can reach up to 6-7 feet, making a bold and dramatic vertical statement.
Care tip:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry — usually every 1-2 weeks.
- Drooping leaves signal overwatering or insufficient light. Consider misting it occasionally or placing a humidifier nearby to mimic its tropical origins.
Propagation tip:
- Separate one of the offshoots with its own roots and plant into potting soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and place it in bright, indirect light. Root development for the new plant can take several weeks, unfortunately.
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- The Areca Palm symbolizes peace and prosperity – apt for Libra’s appreciation for harmony and beauty in their environment.
Pros and cons
$41
“Easy to care for and looks tropical and fantastic. It’s a great addition to my home office”
8. Cast iron plant
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 2 feet
North facing Window
Pet safe
Low
grows upto 2 feet
North facing windows
The Cast Iron Plant (aka Aspidistra elatior): This indoor plant, from the Asparagaceae family has long, glossy, dark green leaves. This plant is incredibly tolerant and thrives in low light, surviving infrequent watering.
We’ve placed ours in the dining room on the first floor where it handles the low light beautifully. Styled in a classic terracotta pot, it brings a warm and rustic feel to our eating nook. The Best thing is that this beautiful plant is non-toxic to pets!
When it grows, it can reach up to 2-3 feet tall and wide — a perfect hardy and attractive plant that creates a sense of sanctuary with little to no effort.
Care tip:
- Thrives in low to medium light and needs watering only when the top inch of soil is dry — about every 2-3 weeks.
- Watch for yellowing leaves that can indicate overwatering. This is a hardy plant 🙂
Propagation tip:
- Divide the root clump with at least 2-3 leaves and healthy roots, and then plant divisions in well-draining potting soil.
- Keep in low to medium light.
- Watering only when the top inch of soil is dry. New growth will appear in a few weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- The Cast Iron Plant symbolizes endurance and resilience — it ideal for Capricorns who value perseverance and stability
Pros and cons
$78
“The Cast Iron Plant is perfect for anyone who wants a hardy, low-maintenance plant. Mine arrived in perfect condition and looks great” – thesill.com customer
9. Areca Palm
Pet Safety: safe
Size: 6 ft
Window: East / South
Care tip: Remove any brown fronds as they appear and provide bright light—this elegant palm is low-maintenance, but appreciates the occasional grooming to look its best.
10. fiddle Leaf Fig
Pet Safety: Toxic
Size: 10 ft
Window: East / West (Medium light)
Care tip: Keep near a bright window and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
11. Dumb cane
Pet Safety: Toxic
Size: 5 ft
Window: North / West (Low light)
Care tip: . Keep it in indirect light – too much sun can scorch its leaves, but too little can cause it to grow leggy. Don’t hesitate to prune it back – cut the cane and it will often sprout new growth from the cut stem base. You can even root the top you cut off to start a new plant.
12. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Pet Safety: Toxic
Size: 8 ft
Window: East / South
Care tip: Wipe its huge, split leaves occasionally to remove dust and help it soak up light. Provide a sturdy moss pole for support – it will happily climb and reward you with larger, fenestrated leaves.
Pet Safety: Safe
Size: 6 ft
Window: East / South (Bright light)
Care tip: Needs lots of light to flower; keep soil moist during growth and drier in winter.
How do Indoor plants produce oxygen?
Plants purify air primarily through a process called photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Inside the leaves CO2 is combined with water using energy from sunlight captured by chlorophyll which is the pigment that gives plants their green color.
This process converts the CO2 and water into glucose which is a type of sugar that plants use for food and growth and oxygen which is released back into the air.But there’s more—they can also remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Also, research from the Journal of American Society for Horticultural Science and the University of Technology, Sydney confirm that indoor plants reduce ozone levels and other VOCs in indoor environments.
A small nuance: Oxygen production is not the same as air purification
The well-known 1989 NASA study found that some houseplants could remove volatile organic compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air inside small, enclosed test chambers. Those results do not mean that a few houseplants will significantly clean the air in a normal home. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that there is currently no evidence that a reasonable number of houseplants removes significant quantities of pollutants from homes or offices. A later review of 12 chamber studies reached a similar conclusion, estimating that extremely large numbers of plants would be required for passive VOC removal to compete with normal indoor air exchange.
So while houseplants photosynthesize and contribute oxygen, we would not rely on them as a substitute for ventilation or a mechanical air purifier.
Do any houseplants produce oxygen at night?
Most houseplants carry out the bulk of their photosynthesis when light is available.
Plants such as Snake Plant and Aloe use CAM metabolism. They open their stomata mainly at night and take in carbon dioxide, storing it for use during photosynthesis when light is available.
This is why CAM plants are often described online as plants that “produce oxygen at night.” That wording is misleading. Their unusual carbon-dioxide cycle does not mean that a Snake Plant beside your bed will noticeably increase the oxygen level of your bedroom overnight.
For bedrooms, we would choose a Snake Plant because it tolerates indoor conditions well and requires little care—not because it can replace fresh-air ventilation
How to choose indoor plants that produce more oxygen for your needs?
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
1. Effectiveness In Air Purification
Some plants are better at removing toxins than others. Good options include spider plants – which are particularly good at removing formaldehyde and xylene – and snake plant – excelling at filtering out trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde.
But remember, if air purification is your number one and most important need, we recommend buying air purifiers. With plants, air purification is slow and should be be considered an added bonus along with an array of other benefits they provide.
2. Matching the size of the room:
Larger plants like the Areca Palm are suitable for bigger spaces such as the living room, or an open kitchen layout, and not just larger plants, but the ones with larger leaves are more effective in such spaces. While smaller plants like the Lemon Button Fern are perfect for smaller, compact spaces such as your office desk, or kitchen counters, or could even be best for your bedroom that gets some light.
3. Pet and Child Safety:
Houseplants are meant to provide you with a sense of safety and seclusion – including to your toddlers and furry animals. In the list below we have provided the toxicity levels of each plant as referred from the ASPCA, and also from our experience from having two cats roaming around our brownstone.
There are ways to include mildly toxic plants by keeping them out of reach and safely stowed. We also explore some ways to do so below. We also have a separate article for pet safe houseplants if you want to only consider them.
4. Light and Water Requirements:
Some plants need more water and other can go on for weeks without watering. Some plants need direct bright light, and other need indirect, and some can even thrive with a few hours of grow lights. It is important to decide where you want to place the plants based on their light requirements. Below in the list, we tell you not just the requirements, but also where in our house we have placed, including the direction it faces in relation to the sun.
5. Aesthetics and Well-being:
Plants like the variegated spider plant and the Hawaiian Sunshine Dragon Tree not only clean the air but also add a touch of beauty and vitality to your living spaces. You can consider hanging plants, colorful plants, flowering plants, plants with large leaves before you make a purchase, to best suit your requirements.
While large plants help provide a sense of enclosure around where you sit, small plants breathe life into lifeless objects. In the list below we cover all the above attributes to help you decide what to get.
Which houseplants are best for more oxygen?
Spider plants, snake plants, Boston ferns, and aloe vera are the best for purifying air. They also remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor environments.
Can high oxygen producing indoor plants replace air purifiers?
They work best when used alongside traditional air purifiers. Plants alone are not sufficient for removing all pollutants from indoor air.
Are there any high oxygen producing indoor plants safe for pets?
Yes: spider plants, Boston ferns, and areca palms are pet safe, to name a few.
Where should I place these high oxygen producing plants for maximum effectiveness?
Place air-purifying plants in high-traffic areas, near entrances, in bedrooms, and in bathrooms. These locations enhance photosynthesis, and which in turn helps with better purification of air as they absorb CO2 more effectively.
note on how we compile this list
This list wasn’t just pulled together—we grew it, lived with it, and double-checked it. We spoke to fellow community gardeners, including one of our own housemates, and drew from our experience caring for hundreds of houseplants in our Brooklyn community home. We also verified plant details with authoritative sources like The Spruce, Better Homes & Gardens, The Sill, ASPCA, and Garden Design to make sure every recommendation is trustworthy, accurate, and helpfu!
Conclusion
Choosing the right air-cleaning houseplants can tremendously enhance the air quality in your home. Consider plants above based on all the information we have provided and what suits your needs. Like we have said before, they don’t purify air dramatically, using air purifiers is best if that is your sole intention. But plants are amazing and we hope this article has pointed you in the right direction. Please write to us below if you have found it useful, or if you have any experience growing these so we can help the community!
