Is it true that plants release CO2 during night and that I should not have one in my room? (2024)

You are correct, plants do release carbon dioxide (CO2) at night, although they also release CO2 during the day.

Is it true that plants release CO2 during night and that I should not have one in my room? (1)

7 February 2023

This is a part of the process of respiration!
First though, you should know that during the day, when there is enough sunlight, plants undertake a process called photosynthesis. This is where they use CO2, water and sunlight to produce sugars to be used as food. Since plants can’t really move around to get food, they need to be able to make it themselves (see my previous answer if you want to learn more about this process).

To use the sugars that plants make through photosynthesis, they need to convert the sugar to energy. The process that plants use to do this is called respiration. Respiration releases energy from the plant’s sugars and as a part of this process the plant releases CO2 and water. So this is where the CO2 comes from.
You can do a little experiment at home if you would like to see plants carrying out respiration in action! See the experiment at the bottom of this link for more information.

Unlike photosynthesis which can only be carried out in the green parts of the plant, like the leaves and stems, respiration can occur throughout the plant. It is also a process that is happening all of the time, so during both the day and the night! Please do not worry though, although plants are releasing CO2 at night, it is not enough to be harmful to any people also in the room. Humans also release CO2 when we breathe out, one plant is not going to release anywhere near as much CO2 as one sleeping human. If we can safely share a room with our siblings, we can definitely share a room with our plants!


Plants are actually very good for our health and well-being. It has been shown that contact with nature can help to reduce negative feelings and boost positive feelings. Caring for plants can be very relaxing and it can be a rewarding experience to see something that you look after grow and thrive. Because of that, I would recommend having a plant in your bedroom. I have many in my room! I enjoy spending time watering them and getting my hands dirty when they need some new soil. Succulents are a kind of plant that can be an easy option to look after. They do not require much watering, but when placed in the right spot will grow very well.

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Is it true that plants release CO2 during night and that I should not have one in my room? (2024)

FAQs

Is it true that plants release CO2 during night and that I should not have one in my room? ›

Please do not worry though, although plants are releasing CO2 at night, it is not enough to be harmful to any people also in the room. Humans also release CO2 when we breathe out, one plant is not going to release anywhere near as much CO2 as one sleeping human.

Is it true that plants release CO2 at night? ›

So, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for preparing food. At night, photosynthesis does not occur hence they take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is said that during the daytime, plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen, and during the night it is vice-versa.

Is it bad to sleep next to a plant? ›

But in general, we'd say that plants are nothing to lose sleep over. They generally aren't harmful while we sleep, but don't go wild either – as they say, everything in moderation!

Can plants reduce CO2 in the house? ›

Additionally, some studies have suggested that the carbon sequestration potential of indoor plants may be greater than previously thought. For example, a study conducted by the University of Technology Sydney found that a single large indoor plant could sequester up to 1.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year.

Do indoor plants produce oxygen at night? ›

Adding plants to interior spaces can increase oxygen levels.At night, photosynthesis ceases, and plants typically respire like humans, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. A few plants –orchids, succulents and epiphytic bromeliads –do just the opposite, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Should you have plants in your bedroom? ›

The addition of houseplants to your bedroom can help create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, making it easier to drift off into slumberland. This promotes a deeper sleep, increasing productivity and general wellbeing.

How much can plants reduce CO2 indoors? ›

In conclusion, the same layer as the surface are 1 m2 leaf surface from Ficus benjamina on 1 m3 without air vent in which the amount of CO2 in one hour could be reduced to about the level from 2,000 ppm at 25ºC 480.74 ppm and 408.08 ppm at 20ºC.

What removes CO2 from a room? ›

Many of the key methods of controlling carbon dioxide in your home involve ventilation. This can range from simply cracking open a window or leaving doors ajar, to installing air conditioning or a ridiculous amount of plants (you need more than you think).

Which plant purifies air the most? ›

1. SNAKE PLANT. Snake Plant otherwise known as the Mother-In-Law's Tongue is unique for its nighttime oxygen production, and ability to purify air through the removal of benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene.

How much co2 do plants produce at night? ›

During daylight hours, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis, and at night only about half that carbon is then released through respiration. However, plants still remain a net carbon sink, meaning they absorb more than they emit.

Why do trees release co2 at night? ›

At night, since photosynthesis does not occur, oxygen is not being produced by the trees. In addition to this, the trees continue respiring thereby causing the amount of carbon dioxide to be increased and the amount of oxygen to be reduced.

Why is the idea that plants give out carbon dioxide only at night is incorrect? ›

This is an incorrect statement. All plants carry on respiration throughout 24 hours and thus give out carbon dioxide during the day as well as night. But photosynthesis happens only in presence of sunlight and so oxygen is released during daytime. Was this answer helpful?

Why does co2 rise at night? ›

While sleeping we create more co2 than during the day. Most people sleep with windows and doors closed, and no light in the room. Most people also have sleep troubles. By opening your window at night, and keeping a fan going you can greatly reduce the co2 levels in your bedroom.

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