Does Money Plants Give Oxygen at Night?

Money plants (Epipremnum aureum) are often said to give off oxygen at night, but the simple truth is: they do not produce significant amounts of oxygen after dark. Like almost all houseplants, money plants rely on sunlight for photosynthesis, and at night they mainly release carbon dioxide through respiration. However, they are still excellent air-purifying plants for your home, and their overall benefits outweigh any nighttime concerns.

What is a money plant?

The money plant, also called pothos, devil’s ivy, or golden pothos, is a popular indoor vine. It has heart-shaped green leaves often streaked with yellow or white. People love it because it’s very easy to grow, even in low light. It’s not a real “money tree” – that’s a different plant (Pachira aquatica). The name comes from the belief that it brings good luck and prosperity.

Money plants are native to Southeast Asia. They grow well in hanging baskets, on shelves, or trained up a moss pole. They can also be grown in water. Their ability to thrive with little care makes them a common first plant for beginners.

How do plants produce oxygen?

During the day, plants use photosynthesis. They take in carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air, water from the soil, and energy from sunlight. They turn those ingredients into sugar for food and release oxygen (O₂) as a byproduct. That’s why we say plants “breathe out” oxygen.

At night, there is no sunlight, so photosynthesis stops. But plants still need energy to survive, so they do respiration. Respiration is like plant breathing: they take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. So during the night, most plants actually compete with you for oxygen, not give it to you.

However, a few special plants have a different trick called CAM photosynthesis (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism). These plants, like snake plants, aloe vera, and orchids, open their leaf pores at night to take in CO₂ and store it. During the day they use that stored CO₂ for photosynthesis. This means they release some oxygen at night, too. But money plants are not CAM plants.

Do money plants give oxygen at night?

The short answer is: no, not really. Money plants do not have CAM photosynthesis. They behave like most normal houseplants. At night, they respire and release CO₂, just like you do. The amount of CO₂ they release is tiny – much smaller than what your own breathing produces.

Some websites or videos claim money plants release oxygen at night, but this is a myth. It probably started because people confused money plants with CAM plants like snake plants. Another reason could be that money plants are excellent at removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air. That toxin removal continues 24/7, but it’s not the same as oxygen production.

If you must have an oxygen boost at night, choose a true CAM plant like a snake plant or a ZZ plant. But don’t worry about your money plant – it won’t hurt you, and it still cleans the air.

What does science say about money plants and night oxygen?

Scientific studies have tested money plants for nighttime oxygen. In one research project from 2015, scientists measured the CO₂ exchange of several houseplants including money plant (Epipremnum aureum). They found that money plants did not absorb CO₂ or release O₂ at night. Instead, they released CO₂ at a low rate, just like other common plants.

Another study from 2017 looked at volatile organic compounds (VOCs) removal. Money plants were great at removing formaldehyde and benzene day and night. But oxygen production was only during the day with light. So the plant’s air-purifying power is real – just not nighttime oxygen.

The bottom line: science does not support oxygen at night from money plants. If you see a claim online, it’s likely inaccurate or oversimplified. Stick with facts: enjoy your money plant for its beauty, easy care, and air cleaning, but don’t expect it to turn your bedroom into an oxygen factory after dark.

Can money plants survive in a bedroom?

Absolutely! Money plants are excellent bedroom plants – just not for the oxygen reason. They thrive in low to medium indirect light, which many bedrooms have. They also help remove indoor pollutants, so the air may feel fresher.

People often worry that having plants in the bedroom will steal oxygen at night. But the amount of CO₂ a money plant releases overnight is negligible. For a typical small bedroom, the plant’s respiration is like having a tiny extra person breathing – but so tiny you won’t notice. In fact, the improvement in air quality from removing toxins likely outweighs any tiny CO₂ increase.

Here are some tips for keeping a money plant in your bedroom:

• Place it near a window with filtered light, but not direct sun (which can burn leaves).
• Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry – usually once a week in summer, less in winter.
• Keep it away from drafts or air conditioning vents.
• Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
• If you want to be extra sure about air quality, add a snake plant or peace lily nearby.

For keeping your money plant healthy, you might consider a moisture meter to avoid overwatering. Also a small LED grow light can help in darker rooms, especially during winter.

Which plants actually give oxygen at night?

A handful of houseplants use CAM photosynthesis and can release oxygen during the night. Here are the most reliable ones:

• Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – Very tough, low light, releases oxygen at night.
• Aloe vera – Also a succulent, releases oxygen at night, plus has soothing gel for minor burns.
• Areca palm – Known for releasing oxygen at night and adding humidity.
• Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) – A blooming succulent that uses CAM.
• Orchids – Many orchids are CAM plants and release O₂ at night.
• ZZ plant – Very similar to money plant in looks and care, but actually a true CAM plant.

If you want a bedroom full of oxygen while you sleep, those are better choices than money plant. But money plant still wins for ease of propagation and air purification of toxins.

How to care for a money plant indoors

Caring for a money plant is simple, which is why it’s so popular. Follow these basic steps and your money plant will thrive:

• Light: Bright, indirect light is best. But it tolerates low light, though the leaves may become less variegated. Avoid direct afternoon sun – it will scorch leaves.
• Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Overwatering is the most common killer. Let the pot drain well. In winter, water less often.
• Soil: A well-draining potting mix works fine. You can use all-purpose indoor plant soil.
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. No need to fertilize in fall/winter.
• Pruning: Trim long vines to keep the plant bushy. You can root the cuttings in water to make new plants.
• Pests: Money plants can get mealybugs or spider mites. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap if needed.

If you're starting fresh, grab a bag of well-draining potting mix and a decorative pot with drainage to keep your money plant happy.

Simple checklist: Best houseplants for nighttime oxygen

Here’s a quick table to compare money plant with other common plants for oxygen at night.

If nighttime oxygen is your goal, pick one from the “Yes” column. If you just want a low-maintenance plant that cleans the air, money plant is still a fantastic choice.

Does having a money plant improve your sleep?

Indirectly, yes. Even though it doesn’t produce oxygen at night, money plants remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from your room. Cleaner air can help you breathe easier and sleep better. Many people also find the green leaves calming, which reduces stress. A calm mind leads to better sleep.

The plant also releases moisture through its leaves, which can slightly increase humidity. This is helpful in dry climates or air-conditioned rooms – dry air can irritate your throat and nose during sleep.

So while the oxygen claim is a myth, the sleep benefits are real. Just not from extra oxygen.

Common myths about money plants debunked

• Myth: Money plants must be kept in the bedroom for good luck. Truth: The good luck tradition is from feng shui, not science. You can keep it anywhere.
• Myth: Money plants absorb radiation from electronics. Truth: No evidence. They do clean VOCs but not electromagnetic radiation.
• Myth: You should not sleep with money plants because they steal oxygen. Truth: The tiny amount of CO₂ they release is harmless. You’d need hundreds of plants to affect oxygen levels.
• Myth: Money plants in water give more oxygen. Truth: Water-grown plants still need light for photosynthesis. No difference at night.

Stick with reliable sources. Your money plant is a wonderful indoor companion – just not a nighttime oxygen machine.

Can money plants grow under artificial light at night?

Yes, but if you give them artificial light at night, they will perform photosynthesis and release oxygen. However, that disrupts the plant’s natural day/night cycle. Most houseplants need a dark period to rest. Constant light can stress them and lead to yellow leaves or poor growth. If you want to boost nighttime oxygen, it’s better to add a CAM plant like snake plant, rather than keeping a money plant under a lamp all night.

If you are using a grow light for your money plant during the day, make sure you turn it off for at least 8 hours at night. The plant needs darkness for respiration and to process the day’s energy.

Final thoughts (but not Conclusion)

Money plants are hardy, beautiful, and clean the air of many pollutants. They are not, however, nighttime oxygen producers. Don’t let that myth discourage you – they still make a great addition to any room, including bedrooms. Pair them with a snake plant or aloe vera if you want both air purification and oxygen at night. Keep caring for your money plant with proper watering, light, and occasional trimming, and it will reward you with lush green vines for years.

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