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Outdoor Plants That Produce the Most Oxygen

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Plants do a lot apart from providing nourishment and keeping living organisms alive. Some plants also eliminate environmental toxins, while others produce oxygen and keep the outdoor air fresh and clean.

The oxygen plants produce is a result of photosynthesis, and you may find that certain plants release more oxygen than others.

Our detailed guide lists twenty common outdoor plants that produce the most oxygen. 

20 Plants That Produce the Most Oxygen

Some of the trees and plants that generate more oxygen include the following:

1. Maple

A beautiful gold maple tree and dark clouds  at Potato Creek State Park

The maple tree belongs to the Acer genus of the family Sapindaceae. While there are over 120 maple species, you’ll come across silver maple, sugar maple, bigleaf, boxelder, and red maple in North America as shade trees. 

A maple tree begins to bloom during spring but becomes dormant during the cold season. 

Maple trees produce enough oxygen for two people in a single day. It’s worth noting that although these trees disperse the most oxygen in the environment, they can also be messy. 

2. Douglas Fir

Path through Douglas Fir forest BC Canada

The Douglas fir tree is famous in western North America and eastern Asia. The tree got its name from a botanist, David Douglas, who discovered the tree.  

Being an evergreen tree means it can emit oxygen throughout the year, even with limited sunlight. 

3. True Firs

True firs comprise over 40 evergreen species native to Central America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. 

Fir trees have needle-like leaves that grow from the branches. Unlike other evergreen trees, true firs are attached to their leaves by something that looks like a suction cup at the base of the needle clump. 

4. Spruce

blue spruce tree in the city park

The spruce tree is an evergreen species common in cold regions. It has needle-like leaves attached to the branches. 

Although this tree requires extra care, it can produce 50 percent more oxygen than a beech tree.

5. Bamboo Plant

Bamboo plant in the forest with morning sunlight

Bamboo plants can grow up to twelve inches a day and thrive in a well-lit place. Members of this family are famous for colonizing sunny areas. Apart from creating a shaded area, the bamboo plant produces plenty of oxygen and purifies the air. 

Bamboo’s durability and sturdiness make it ideal for windy areas. 

When planting bamboo, you should note that it might attract birds as its leaves make the best nesting materials and can be considered invasive in some places due to its rapid growth. 

6. Snake Plant

Sansevieria (snake plant) in ceramic pots on a white table on the background of a bed with decorative pillows,

The snake plant belongs to the asparagus family and is also referred to as viper’s bowstring hemp. The plant is common in Africa. In the US, it is a common houseplant.

With the right conditions, the snake plant can grow up to six feet tall. Its leaves are six inches wide and up to three feet long. 

The plant is easy to grow and maintain. You’ll need soil that drains well and some sunlight. The snake plant produces the most oxygen during the night and is also effective in removing toxins from the air. 

Being a hardy plant, the snake plant doesn’t need a lot of water. Watering it once a week and planting it where there’s enough light is enough for it to reach its optimal growth. 

7. Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe Vera in pot on beige wall background.

Aloe vera is a succulent and perennial plant. It’s commonly found in semi-tropical and tropical climates.

The plant can grow over three feet long and produce a flower stalk several inches long. Aloe vera is used to clean the air by absorbing pollutants and toxins in the air.

Being a tropical plant, it requires well-drained soil, warmer temperatures, and partial to full sun to grow. 

8. Areca Palm

Decorative Areca palm in interior of room

Areca palm, or the golden cane palm, is commonly grown in south India and Madagascar. The plant can grow over 36 feet tall in its native habitat.

Although most people plant it outdoors for its ornamental features, it also produces a lot of oxygen during the night. An areca palm also absorbs pollutants like acetone and toluene, which helps with air purification. 

The plant grows in well-aerated soil and requires plenty of sunshine. You can grow it outdoors in warmer temperatures or indoors in the US. . 

9. Spider Plant

Spider Plant in a pot inside the house

The spider plant is a resilient plant that is nontoxic to pets and children.

Research by the University of Vermont found this plant to increase productivity and reduce stress. It’s also been shown to lower fatigue and depression. 

Growing spider plants is easy as it thrives in any climatic conditions. Spider plants also add lots of oxygen to the environment and filter out dangerous pollutants.

10. Tulsi Plant

Medicinal tulsi or holy basil plant on blurry green background

The tulsi, or holy basil, is common in southeastern Asia. 

The natives of southeastern Asia use this plant to treat sore throat, asthma, cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It’s also an excellent stress reducer. 

11. Gerbera Daisy

Closeup of yellow and pink gerbera daisies in green vase on desk with laptop next to window

The gerbera daisy or Gerbera jamesonii thrives in light soil and a lot of sunlight. It also requires frequent watering for it to keep blooming.

One striking feature of the gerbera daisy is its uniquely colored flowers. The plant produces lots of oxygen during the day and extra at night. 

Some people also plant these daisies in their bedrooms to help them sleep better. It has calming and antianxiety properties. It also removes toxins like formaldehyde, which makes the air breathable. 

A gerbera daisy requires 6 hours of direct sunlight and well-drained soil.

12. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen in a black pot near the white wall

The Chinese evergreen or Algaonema is a popular plant for its distinct pattern and colors.

It can grow up to two feet tall and is planted for its ability to reduce pollutants and other harmful gases in the atmosphere. Additionally, it produces the most oxygen at night and increases humidity. 

A Chinese evergreen thrives well in full shade and requires occasional watering to moisten the soil. 

13. Pygmy Date Palm

 pygmy date palm, miniature date palm or just robellini

NASA classifies the pygmy date palm as one of the top oxygen-producing outdoor plants. Apart from producing lots of oxygen, this date palm also eliminates harmful chemicals like benzene and carbon monoxide in the air. 

It’s also easy to grow and makes an excellent addition to any garden or warm zone backyard. 

14. Peace Lily

Peace Lily plant in a white pot on a wooden table

Although a peace lily is a common indoor plant, it can also be grown outdoors in the right climate.

A peace lily thrives in a warm climate that doesn’t get extra cold during the winter. Peace lilies bloom throughout the year and are simple to grow. All you need is a shaded area and moderate water.

A peace lily’s glossy leaves are large and produce a lot of oxygen, which is why most people plant them as air-purifying plants.

Peace lilies help remove pollutants from the air. Additionally, the flowers add freshness to the surroundings.

Note that the peace lily is poisonous and should be planted away from where kids and pets can easily reach it. 

15. Peepal Tree

The peepal tree or sacred fig is native to India and China and is considered a tree of enlightenment. The tree can live for up to 1,000 years and grows up to 98 feet tall.

Indians use peepal tree leaves to treat ailments like diarrhea, asthma, and other gastric issues. The tree is also known to purify the air. 

Growing peepal trees requires enough sunlight and regular watering. 

16. Money Tree Plant

A "Money Tree" plant (Pachira Aquatica). Green pachira aquatica leaves on beige background.

Pachira aquatica, or the money tree plant, is planted as both an indoor and outdoor plant for homes, offices, and public spaces. 

The money tree plant is a low-maintenance plant believed to bring fortune to the owners. It’s native to South and Central America. 

Money tree plants produce oxygen both during the day and at night. You need well-drained soil and bright light for the money tree plant to grow optimally.

Note that money tree plants grown indoors will have large leaves but won’t flower.

Keep the money plant out of reach of small children or pets. 

17. Boston Fern

Beautiful potted fern on book in living room

The Boston fern has beautiful leaves that produce a lot of oxygen. It’s one of the plants that doesn’t require much maintenance and still looks fresh daily. 

18. Pothos Ivy

Epipremnum aureum plant or golden pothos on wooden table in living room.

Pothos ivy reduces carbon dioxide and increases oxygen in the environment. This plant thrives in indirect, bright light and well-drained soil.

One noticeable feature is its golden heart-shaped leaves (the more light it gets, the lighter the color). You can plant pothos ivy indoors or outdoors in the right climate.

19. Ferns

closeup a large Fern hang on in a garden.

Ferns have a high leaf volume and are popular for removing pollutants like formaldehyde from the air. Ferns require plenty of water due to their leaf size. They also tend to shed.

20. Christmas Cactus

Blooming Pink Christmas Cactus schlumbergera in a pot on white background

Christmas cactus or Schlumbergera is another unique plant that grows on rocks or trees. Christmas cacti can grow up to five feet and live for up to 30 years.

Like the areca palm, the Christmas cactus absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen into the environment during photosynthesis. 

Christmas cacti need plenty of light and daily watering to bloom. 

Final Thoughts

Outdoor plants that produce the most oxygen grow fast and have a lot of leaves. The best part about these plants is that they also remove pollutants and other harmful chemicals from the air, thus acting as air purifiers.

Do your homework before buying any plant, as some plants thrive in a specific climate while others can grow in any environment. Hopefully, with our list above, you now understand what plants you can grow outdoors that produce the most oxygen.

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