Does the snake plant release carbon dioxide at night, and is it dangerous to keep it in our bedroom? Let’s correct our facts about them.
Snake plants are one of the most popular houseplants for bedrooms because of their low maintenance and air-purifying qualities. However, a common concern that often bothers our peers is whether snake plants release carbon dioxide at night and could that be harmful while we sleep?
Do Snake Plants Release Carbon Dioxide at Night?
Yes, they do—but so does every living plant. At night, when there’s no sunlight, plants pause photosynthesis and switch to respiration, which releases a small amount of carbon dioxide.
However, what makes snake plants special is their unique photosynthesis method called CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism). Unlike most plants, snake plants absorb carbon dioxide at night and store it. Then use it during the day to produce oxygen. Due to this, we can also call them plants that release oxygen at night.
So while a tiny amount of carbon dioxide is released due to respiration, snake plants also take it in during the nights, making their overall impact very different from typical houseplants.
So, is the Carbon Dioxide Release Dangerous in a Bedroom?
Well, simply putting it – No. The quantity of carbon dioxide given off by a snake plant during the night is negligible to the point that it’s a tiny fraction of what a human or a pet produces while sleeping. A typical bedroom with standard ventilation, along with a single snake plant or a few of its best friends growing together, is totally safe.
Having a snake plant in your bedroom is perfectly safe and harmless. It may be giving off a tiny amount of carbon dioxide at night, but it also takes in carbon dioxide and keeps on producing oxygen because of its wonderful nature and biology. So, there is nothing that you are missing out on, especially when we are talking about oxygen.
Benefits of Keeping a Snake Plant in the Bedroom
1. Improves Air Quality
Snake plants help filter certain airborne toxins and contribute to better overall air quality. While they are not a replacement for proper ventilation, they can support a healthier indoor environment.
Note: They are beneficial, but they should be seen as a complement, not a substitute, for good airflow and clean indoor habits.
2. Releases Oxygen at Night
Due to CAM photosynthesis, snake plants continue oxygen production during the night, unlike most plants. This is why they’re often recommended for sleeping spaces.
3. Low Maintenance and Allergy-Friendly
Snake plants require minimal watering, tolerate low light, and don’t produce strong scents or pollen, making them suitable for people with allergies or sensitivities.
4. Promotes Calm and Relaxation
Having greenery in the bedroom can reduce stress, improve mood, and create a calming atmosphere that supports better sleep.
Yes, like every plant, snake plants also release carbon dioxide at night, but the overall value is so little compared to the benefits it cultivates in your homely abode. So, let us know where you plan to keep your snake plant in the comments below!
