30 Highest Oxygen Producing Indoor Plants (Some Remove CO₂)
Want to breathe better indoors? Adding oxygen-producing houseplants isn’t just an aesthetic choice, it’s a natural way to freshen your space. Some plants don’t just produce high amounts of oxygen; they also help remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) and improve overall air quality.
Some plants do more than just sit there looking pretty. They generate oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and even absorb indoor air pollutants. If you’ve ever wondered, What are the best plants that give off the most oxygen?—this is for you. Below is a list of the 30 highest oxygen-producing indoor houseplants that are also fairly easy to care for.
🌱 Top 30 Highest Oxygen-Producing Indoor Plants
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) – Areca Palm also known as the golden cane palm or butterfly palm, is one of the best oxygen producers. It removes toxins like formaldehyde.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – Snake plants use a unique type of photosynthesis called CAM which allows them to store carbon dioxide during the day and release oxygen at night. Since oxygenation happens at night, this plant can be ideal for bedrooms.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – Super easy to grow and care for. Removes toxins like formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. Spider plants prefer indirect light.
- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) – Oxygen producer plus air-purifying benefits. Bonus: Aloe Vera gel heals burns and is skin soothing.
- Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) – The Money plant or Pothos, is known for increasing oxygen levels while filtering toxins. It’s considered one of the best houseplants for producing oxygen efficiently while removing toxins like benzene and xylene.
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) – Bamboo or Areca Palm pumps out oxygen while removing airborne pollutants and toxins like benzene and formaldehyde according to a NASA study.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – Not just for peace; it’s an oxygen powerhouse, too.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) – Oxygen producer that thrives in humid environments. Could be good in a bathroom. The best plant for removing formaldehyde from the air.
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) – High oxygen output with toxin-removing benefits. It’s a popular houseplant because of its large, glossy leaves and ability to improve indoor air quality.
- Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) – A steady oxygen source that also fights air pollutants. Low maintenance plant that thrives in indirect, but bright light sources.
- Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) – Low maintenance and releases oxygen efficiently. Many philodendrons prefer bright, indirect light. All parts of philodendrons are toxic if eaten so keep away from children and pets.
- Areca Fern (Nephrolepis biserrata) – A lush, oxygen-boosting option that helps improve the air around you.
- Calathea (Calathea spp.) – Calathea Flamestars increase oxygen levels during the night and add tropical vibes to your home. Native to South America.
- Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) – Also known as a corn plant or lucky bamboo, the Dracaena is a strong oxygen producer that also removes benzene and formaldehyde indoor air. Dracaena are considered to be one of the top air-purifying plants.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Nearly impossible to kill making it a popular choice for beginner plant owners and great for oxygen output.
- Cactus (Various species) – Small but mighty in oxygen production.
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.) – Thrives in low light while increasing oxygen.
- Orchids (Orchidaceae) – Oxygen producers that also release moisture into the air.
- Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – Absorbs CO₂ and produces oxygen, making it a popular choice for indoor plants due to its ability to purify the air.
- Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) – A top nighttime oxygen producer. Gerbera Daisies remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.
- Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) –Also known as the Flamingo Flower due to its bright red leaf, it enhances oxygen levels while looking gorgeous.
- Pineapple Plant (Ananas comosus) – Boosts oxygen, particularly at night. They open their stomata at night to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.) – Produces oxygen and smells incredible. Lavender is also used as a remedy for many ailments, including anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) – The eucalyptus tree is a great oxygen producer. Eucalyptus leaves are best known for their powerful respiratory benefits.
- Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) – Releases oxygen while giving tropical beauty. The hibiscus also absorbs carbon dioxide, which helps improve air quality.
- Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) – Good oxygen producer, known for its air-purifying qualities and ability to filter indoor air pollutants. Non-toxic to dogs and cats.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) – Oxygen-producer with a dramatic, cabbage leaf-like look. During the day, the Fiddle Leaf Fig absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen through photosynthesis.
- Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) – A slow-growing but effective oxygen producer that can survive in low-light conditions, although it prefers bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
- Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa) – Known for its green aesthetics, the Swiss Cheese Plant’s large leaf surface area also contributes to high oxygen output. It has the ability to improve indoor air quality, produce oxygen through photosynthesis, and is considered a good air purifier.
- Tulsi plant (Ocimum sanctum) – Also known as Holy Basil, which is considered holy in the Hindu religion and has multiple medicinal benefits, producing oxygen for 20 hours a day.
🌄What About Outdoor Plants That Produce the Most Oxygen?
If you have space outside, trees and larger plants generate more oxygen than small houseplants. These are some of the best oxygen-producing outdoor plants that can generate higher oxygen levels:
🌿 Bamboo – Absorbs tons of CO₂ and releases large amounts of oxygen.
🌳 Peepal Tree (Ficus religiosa) – One of the top oxygen-producers in the world.
🌲 Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica) – Releases oxygen 24/7 or day and night.
🌿 Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) – Works indoors or outdoors.
🌳 Aloe Vera Plant – Grows well outside in warm climates.
🌱 Why Bother with Oxygen-Producing Plants?
Indoor air can get stale. Adding oxygen-producing indoor plants can actually improve air quality and make your home feel fresher.
If you work from home or spend a lot of time inside, you might notice the air feels heavy sometimes. That’s because carbon dioxide builds up, especially in closed spaces. Certain houseplants pump out more oxygen than others, making them an easy (and aesthetic) way to improve air quality.
If you want to breathe easier indoors, adding oxygen-producing plants is a smart move. They freshen the air, remove toxins, and make your space feel alive. Whether you’re filling your home with Snake Plants and Spider Plants or going big with an Areca Palm, these plants don’t just sit there—they work for you.
