Do Cacti Produce Oxygen? How Much Oxygen Can Cacti Produce?

The cactus is genuinely an incredible work of nature. This hardy plant is capable of living and growing in the harshest environments. Its extraordinary abilities and unique shape sometimes confuse us. Many people wonder: Do cacti produce oxygen? How much oxygen can cacti produce? Let’s explore with us in this article!

Cacti – Do cactus produce oxygen?

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Do Cacti Produce Oxygen?

The answer is Yes. The cactus is an oxygen-producing plant like other plants. With its unique appearance, many people doubt its ability to produce oxygen.

Cacti produce oxygen through photosynthesis. This process means that plants use sunlight to make food.

Sunlight serves as an energy source to convert water and air into glucose. This sugar is a nutrient for plant growth.

Cacti can use tiny pores to release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. This plant has a unique stem structure that stores water inside its stem.

The growing areas of this plant are semi-arid or arid places that are difficult for ordinary people to access. In addition, many people use cacti as an attractive interior decoration item at home.

With its ability to absorb carbon dioxide, many people use cacti as natural air purifiers. In arid areas, the soil can be eroded rapidly during periods of drought.

Collection of various cactus and succulent plants in different pots

How Do Cacti Breath? Cactus Oxygen Production

Green plants use stomata for breathing. They are small holes in the leaves of plants. However, cacti have no leaves, and their stomata are located in the stem instead of the leaves.

As we all know, most plants breathe oxygen at night and vice versa. However, cacti or similar plants have a different process.

They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night. This process is selective evolution for more prolonged survival in the natural environment.

Cacti live in a desert with hot sun and high temperatures. This area also does not have too many sources of water to supply plants.

The normal respiration process in plants is using the leaves tiny pores to absorb carbon dioxide. Photosynthesis takes place during the day when plants are exposed to sunlight.

Because this sunlight can evaporate water, plants lose some water in the stem through these small holes.

However, the cactus is an exception because this plant often lives in dry areas. It evolved not to become dehydrated.

The plant can produce oxygen at night because this time is quite cool, and there is no sunlight.

The CO2 absorbed from the previous night will be stored inside the trunk. The following day, the cacti will use it to produce food when exposed to sunlight.

Thanks to this unique feature, cacti are great plants in your bedroom. Trees will help absorb toxic air and produce oxygen while you rest.

Bunny Ear Cactus

How Much Oxygen Does Cactus Produce?

You will almost be unable to tell the difference between the air when the cactus is breathing.

The amount of oxygen this plant produces is so small, which is quite reasonable considering its size.

The effect of this plant relative to the air in a large room is negligible.

You will need hundreds of cacti to bring more pronounced effects to the surrounding space. Otherwise, they don’t change too much.

Owning one or two cactus pots to provide oxygen and improve the air is impossible. Instead, it would help if you considered equipping an air purifier.

Even if you decide to use up to a hundred potted plants to improve the air in the room, the cost for it is not cheap.

You will also have to take the time to care for them all. In the long run, this process will make you feel tired.

Using too many plants in the room also increases air humidity sharply. When the room is too humid, you will also feel uncomfortable.

Adding cacti to a living space still has certain benefits. This plant can effectively absorb toxins in the air to improve human psychological health.

Besides using an air purifier, another valuable method to increase oxygen is to increase ventilation.

More air will circulate here. This method is straightforward but very effective.

Many people read NASA research citations and misunderstand the use of plants to increase oxygen content.

Even so, NASA only applies this method in places without land. They use a particular system to grow plants and prevent mold growth.

Since you don’t have to live in such an environment, follow the usual methods.

Cacti background

Do Cacti Purify Air?

Through photosynthesis, the cactus produces oxygen and expels it to the outside. This plant can regulate the air in the house space.

This effect is what makes cacti a top choice for those looking for houseplants. While many options are available, the cactus is the best detox plant.

Besides, many people are also interested in mini-cactus. This small plant will bring life to your home space.

This plant can prevent some harmful electromagnetic rays when placed on a computer or television set. Even better, cacti also can absorb many invisible chemical compounds around you.

Some types of mini-cactus can purify the air:

Christmas Cactus.
Peruvian Cactus.

You can combine multiple plants to increase your air purifier’s effectiveness.

Read more:

Do cactus give off oxygen?

Highest Oxygen-Producing Cactus

All types of cactus produce oxygen. However, some plants are more productive than others. Let’s explore the bright candidates in the list below:

Barrel Cactus

Barrel Cactus also has another name, Fierce Cactus. The rigid outer spine is a solid shield to protect the sweet, crunchy edible body inside.

If grown in an area with ideal conditions, the plant can grow up to 10 feet. It is suitable for both outdoor and indoor environments.

Barrel Cactus’ appearance is orange, yellow, or green. It needs enough sunlight and some water to grow.

Bishop’s Cap

Bishop’s Cap, also known as Astrophytum Ornate, is a plant with a unique shape.

They are spherical, with deep grooves and layers of stiff spines covering the outside.

Over time, you will notice a white, mold-like mist covering the outside. Don’t worry because this is the plant’s defense mechanism to protect itself from direct sunlight.

The primary colors are yellow and green. How to take care of it is very simple. You need to let them fully sunbathe and water just enough.

Old Lady Cactus

Another name for this plant is Mammillaria hahniana. It stands out with its very eye-catching appearance.

The Old Lady consists of small balls of thorns and feathers that range in size from nine to ten inches.

More wonderful are the bright red or bright roses at the top like crowns.

The recommended frequency of watering is once a month. It would help if you were also supplemented with adequate sunlight.

Saguaro Cactus

Saguaro is a plant characterized by its spherical structure with sturdy spines that decorate the outside. Its colors are white, yellow, and green in the center.

This plant is excellent for growing in pots, and you don’t have to worry too much about potting soil going bad.

Saguaro’s lifespan can be up to several decades. However, it requires a lot of care from the owner.

You need to water them about every ten days and give them lightly throughout the day.

Rat Tail Cactus

This plant is relatively thin and grows like a three-foot-long shrub. It is a cactus native to Mexico and can be used medicinally to treat heart ailments.

Its scientific name is Aporocactus flagelliformis. The colors are mainly red, purple, and green.

You must provide enough water and sunlight daily for the plant to grow. Add more fertilizer to encourage them to grow at first.

Angel Wings Cactus

Angel Wings, also known as Opuntia Albispinus, is a plant in the prickly pear family. Its primary color is yellow or green.

The characteristic appearance of the tree is the overlapping pads or branches. This Mexican plant can reach heights of up to five feet.

Angel Wings only need a basic amount of moisture. It also requires full sunlight to grow.

Conclusion

Do cactus give oxygen? The short answer is Yes. Cacti can ultimately produce oxygen and effectively detox the air.

The difference between them compared to other crops is the time of operation. Instead of breathing in carbon dioxide during the day, the cactus does it at night.

Thanks to their ability to purify the air, improve mood, and eye-catching appearance, cacti are the first choice for houseplants.

If you want to take care of them more carefully, pay attention to the time of watering, fertilizing, and providing adequate light.

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