The Snake Plant, known botanically as *Sansevieria trifasciata*, is a total superstar in the world of houseplants. Not only is this succulent incredibly hard to kill (perfect for us busy plant parents!), but it’s also famous for its ability to scrub the air of toxins and pump out fresh oxygen.
Photosynthesis 101
To understand how it works, we have to look at photosynthesis. Basically, plants take light energy and turn it into chemical energy. When you mix that with water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2), the plant creates carbohydrates to feed itself. The “waste product” of this process? Pure, wonderful oxygen that gets released back into your room.
The Oxygen Myth
Here’s the catch: photosynthesis needs light to work. Since it’s dark at night, that chemical process usually only happens during the day. This means your Snake Plant is mostly doing its heavy lifting—releasing oxygen—while the sun is up.
It’s also worth noting that while plants take in CO2, they don’t “breathe” it the way we do. Like every other living thing, plants actually need oxygen to breathe! However, most plants produce way more oxygen than they consume. That’s why a Snake Plant is still a fantastic choice for your bedroom decor, provided the spot gets enough natural light.
Natural Air Purifiers
Within the *Sansevieria* family, the *trifasciata* species is a heavy hitter when it comes to air purification. These types of houseplants act like living filters, absorbing nasty toxins from the air around them. When it comes to the Snake Plant, it’s specifically great at filtering out:
- Benzene
- Formaldehyde
- Trichloroethylene
- Xylene and Toluene
Common sense tells us that size matters here—a massive Snake Plant is going to filter more than a tiny pup. But how many do you actually need to make a difference? Two American researchers decided to find out.
Their 2019 study showed that while these plants are great filters, you’d actually need anywhere from ten to a thousand plants per square meter to truly “purify” the air in a room. So, while one plant is a great start, it’s the perfect excuse to turn your home into a total indoor jungle!
