Do Succulents Clean The Air? How They Do?

Succulents are one of the best ways to clean the air in your home. They are easy to care for and require very little maintenance. In addition, they are a beautiful way to add greenery to your home.

However, many people do not realize that succulents can also help to purify the air. Succulent potters can absorb toxins from the air, making them ideal for use in groupings where airflow is limited.

Additionally, succulents are often exposed to harsh environments and are more resistant to toxins. This means they can help remove toxins from the atmosphere and improve airflow in your home.

Consequently, succulents are an excellent way to clean the air and improve the quality of your home.

Do Succulents Clean The Air?

Succulents produce oxygen, which can help reduce levels of air pollutants and toxins. They also help to humidify the air, which can be beneficial in dry or desert climates. As a result, succulents can certainly play a role in improving air quality. Whether or not they can purify the air remains to be seen.

Do Succulents Clean The Air

Pros And Cons Of Succulents

Here, we outline the pros and cons of succulents as air purifiers.

Produce Oxygen

Succulents also have a number of benefits that make them ideal plants for the home. For example, succulents produce oxygen at night, making them ideal for bedrooms. 

In addition, succulents help to boost the quality of air in the room, providing refreshing and sleep-inducing benefits. As a result, succulents can be a great addition to any home.

Require Minimal Maintenance

Succulents are very low maintenance, requiring minimal attention and care. This means they can easily be incorporated into any home without hassle. 

Moreover, succulents are very resilient – meaning you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged or wilting away when exposed to the elements.

However, succulents may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, if you suffer from allergies or asthma, you should avoid keeping succulents in your home as their presence can worsen symptoms. 

Additionally, some studies suggest that succulents may also attract pests such as spiders and mites.

Absorb Toxins From The Air

Succulents can absorb toxins from the air. This means that if you have a lot of pollutants and dirt particles in your home, succulents can help reduce their levels. 

As such, they are an excellent choice for people who suffer from allergies or asthma as they can help to keep the air clean and free of impurities.

Improve Airflow In Your Home

Additionally, succulents will help to improve airflow in your home. They can be arranged in groupings to create airflow pathways and reduce stagnation. This is especially useful if you have pets or live in an area with a lot of air pollution.

Prevent Diseases

One of the most important is their ability to prevent diseases. Most indoor plants are good at filtering out harmful toxins and pollutants, but succulents are especially effective.

They can help improve air quality and prevent various diseases, including colds, sore throats and skin infections. According to a study conducted by the Telegraph, employees who had plants in their office were less likely to take sick days than those who didn’t. 

So if you’re looking for a way to boost your health, consider investing in some succulents.

Improve Concentration

Succulents can improve concentration and memory retention. In one study, office workers exposed to succulents showed increased attentiveness and improved brain function. Additionally, succulents can help to purify the air and improve indoor air quality.

Limited Ability To Purify Air

Despite the numerous benefits of having succulents in your home, it’s important to remember that they may need help to purify the air completely. 

While they can reduce levels of toxins and pollutants, more research is needed to determine their ability to cleanse the air completely. It would be best if you had an air purifier to clean the air in your home properly.

Possible Pest Infestations

Succulents can also attract pests such as spiders and mites, so it’s important to be vigilant about checking for any signs of infestation. If left unchecked, these pests could cause damage to your succulents or spread diseases.

Difficult To Maintain In Dry Climates

Succulents thrive in warm, humid climates, but if you live in an arid or dry area, they may be difficult to maintain. This is because succulents require more water and attention than other plants, so keeping them healthy and thriving in a dry climate could be tricky.

Best Succulents for Air Purification

Succulents are able to absorb harmful toxins and pollutants from the air, making them an excellent choice for those looking to improve the air quality in their home.

So, which succulents are the best for air purification? Here are five top contenders:

  1. Aloe Vera: Not only is Aloe Vera great for healing cuts and burns, it is also a powerful air purifier. It is able to absorb formaldehyde, which is commonly found in cleaning products and other household items.
  2. Snake Plant: Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant is a popular choice for air purification. It is able to absorb a variety of toxins, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene.
  3. Jade Plant: This popular succulent is not only easy to care for, but it is also great at removing toxins from the air. It is particularly effective at removing benzene, which is found in plastics and detergents.
  4. Spider Plant: The Spider Plant is another easy-to-care-for succulent that is great at purifying the air. It is able to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, making it a great choice for those living in urban areas.
  5. Sedum: This succulent is known for its ability to absorb toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde. It is also a great choice for those looking to add some greenery to their outdoor space, as it is able to tolerate some sun and dry conditions.

Is It good to Keep Succulents at Home Vastu?

While succulents are generally considered to be easy to care for, there are also some considerations to keep in mind when it comes to Vastu, the ancient Indian science of architecture and design.

In Vastu, plants are considered to be a source of positive energy and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the home.

Succulents, in particular, are believed to be particularly beneficial for the living room and bedroom. They are said to help purify the air and promote a sense of calm and tranquility.

It is suggested that succulents should be placed in the east and north-east direction of the house. These directions are considered to be the most auspicious and are believed to be the source of positive energy.

Succulents placed in these areas will help to bring in good luck and prosperity to the home. It’s also suggested that succulents should be placed in the living room or bedroom, as these are the areas of the home where people spend the most time.

When it comes to placement of succulents, it’s also important to consider the size and shape of the plant. Vastu experts recommend choosing small and compact succulents, as these are believed to be the most beneficial for the home.

It’s also important to avoid placing succulents in the south-west direction of the home, as this is believed to be the source of negative energy.

In addition to placement, it’s also important to take care of succulents properly. Succulents are known for being easy to care for, but they do require some basic maintenance, such as proper watering and sunlight.

Make sure to keep them in a well-lit area but avoid direct sunlight as it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Do Succulents Produce Oxygen At Night?

Succulents are a type of plant that is known for its ability to store water in its leaves, stem, and roots. This feature helps the plant to survive in climates with little rainfall.

Succulents are native to regions all over the world, including Africa, Asia, and North and South America. There are more than 60 different families of succulents, and they come in a wide variety of shapes and colors.

While most succulents prefer sunny locations, some can tolerate shady areas. Succulents are often used as ornamental plants in gardens and home landscapes.

One benefit of succulents is that they produce oxygen at night. Most plants rely on a process called photosynthesis to produce oxygen, but this only occurs during the day when there is sunlight.

However, succulents can also carry out a process called Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), which allows them to produce oxygen at night.

This makes them ideal for bedrooms or other rooms where people need to sleep, as they will help to improve air quality and prevent oxygen levels from dropping too low.

How Much Co2 Do Succulents Absorb?

Succulents are often lauded for their ability to purify the air and absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). While all plants help to improve indoor air quality by releasing oxygen and absorbing CO2, succulents are particularly efficient at these processes.

A small succulent can absorb up to 24 pounds of CO2 annually! In addition to improving air quality, succulents also help to counteract the greenhouse effect by absorbing harmful greenhouse gases like CO2.

As a result, these plants can play a key role in mitigating climate change. If you’re looking for a way to help the environment and improve indoor air quality, consider adding some succulents to your home.

Do Succulents Need Sun?

Many succulents are native to arid regions and can tolerate long periods of drought. As a result, they don’t need much water to survive and will often do just fine in indirect sunlight.

However, there are some exceptions. Certain types of succulents, such as echeveria and sedum, require more light to maintain their vibrant coloration.

If these plants are not exposed to enough sunlight, they will begin to fade and may eventually die. Therefore, if you’re growing succulents indoors, it’s important to give them access to a bright window.

If you need more clarification about how much light your plant needs, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and give it a little extra sun.

Frequently asked Questions

Yes, succulents can be an excellent addition to a bedroom. Succulents don’t require much light and are very easy to care for, making them perfect little additions that add beauty and life to any space. 

You’ll need to ensure they have enough sunlight—about 4-6 hours per day—and that they’re watered regularly. With proper care, they can be a beautiful addition to any bedroom.

Some people think that succulents don’t like to be touched, but this isn’t necessarily true. Succulents are generally very resilient and can handle a bit of handling without any issues. 

However, it’s important to remember not to overwater them or leave them too wet for long periods of time, as this can cause their leaves to rot. It’s always best to use your hands or a soft cloth when handling succulents.

Succulents need a few things to stay happy and healthy. They should be exposed to at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day and watered regularly. It’s best to use lukewarm water when watering your succulents, as cold water can shock their roots. 

Additionally, make sure that the soil is well-draining and doesn’t stay too wet for long periods. With these few simple steps, your succulents will be happy and thriving in no time!

Succulents are generally not toxic to humans or animals, so there’s no need to worry if you have pets or small children around your succulents. 

However, some succulent leaves may contain oxalates, which can cause skin irritation or discomfort if ingested. It’s best to keep succulents out of the reach of small children or pets to avoid any potential issues.

Succulents should be watered about once a week during the summer when temperatures are warmer and less often during the winter. When watering, ensure to water thoroughly until the soil is moist but not soggy. 

If you’re unsure how much water your succulents need, it’s best to stick your finger into the soil to check. If it’s dry, add a bit more water; if it’s wet, wait until the soil dries out before watering again.

Succulents don’t usually require fertilizers, but if you want to give them an extra boost, it’s recommended that you use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to about half strength. 

It’s best to fertilize during the active growing season, which typically runs from late spring to early fall. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for proper application and dosage.

Succulents are a great way to add life and beauty to any space. They don’t require much maintenance other than adequate sunlight and regular watering, making them an ideal choice for bringing some greenery into their home without the hassle of taking care of a full garden. 

Plus, they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can find one that suits your style perfectly.

Yes, succulents can help reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that plants, in general, can help reduce stress levels and improve moods by increasing oxygen levels and providing an aesthetically pleasing environment. 

Plus, caring for a succulent can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your mood. So if you’re feeling down, spending some time with your succulents can be a great way to lift your spirits.

Generally, the south side of a house is best for succulents since it provides lots of direct sunlight. However, if you’re unable to provide your plants with enough light on the south side, you can also place them in other areas that get at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. 

Just make sure they have plenty of airflows and are not in direct contact with any cold drafts.

Yes, succulents can do well in dark rooms if they receive some indirect light. Succulents still need some sunlight to survive, so it’s important to ensure that your plants get at least a few hours of indirect sunlight each day. 

You can also try using LED grow lights if you cannot provide them with the necessary light. This will help ensure that your succulents get the nourishment they need to thrive even in a dark room.

Kristen Park - Specialised Content Writer for Caresh Fresh


My name is Kristen Park and I am a senior writer specialising in how-to guides and home cleaning information at Cares Fresh. As a researcher, I take pride in digging deep to find every small detail on a topic and explaining it in a way that is easy for the reader to understand.