Urn plants, also known as Aechmea fasciata, are popular houseplants due to their striking appearance and low maintenance requirements. They are native to the rainforests of Brazil and belong to the Bromeliad family. One of the many benefits of having plants in your home is the oxygen they produce through photosynthesis. In this article, we will explore how much oxygen urn plants produce.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose (sugar) and oxygen. Chloroplasts are the organelles in plant cells that contain chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy and uses it to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
The amount of oxygen produced during photosynthesis depends on various factors, including the intensity of light, the availability of carbon dioxide and water, and the type of plant. Some plants are better at producing oxygen than others.
Urn plants are relatively small compared to other houseplants, growing up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. They have long, narrow leaves that are arranged in a rosette pattern around a central stem. The leaves are shiny green with silver banding and have small spines along the edges.
While urn plants do produce oxygen during photosynthesis, they are not among the top oxygen-producing plants. According to research conducted by NASA, urn plants produce approximately 5.7 milliliters of oxygen per hour per gram of plant tissue. This means that a 5-gram urn plant would produce around 28.5 milliliters of oxygen per hour.
Compare this to other houseplants like snake plants (Sansevieria), which produce approximately 3 to 4 times more oxygen than urn plants. Snake plants produce around 17.4 milliliters of oxygen per hour per gram of plant tissue.
However, it’s important to note that the amount of oxygen produced by a plant can vary depending on various factors, including the size and age of the plant, the amount of light it receives, and the air circulation in the room.
While urn plants may not be the most efficient oxygen producers, they still have many benefits that make them a great addition to your home. Here are some reasons why you should consider getting an urn plant:
A: Urn plants prefer to be kept moderately moist. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
A: No, urn plants prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
A: While urn plants prefer bright, indirect light, they can survive in low light conditions. However, they may not produce as much oxygen or grow as quickly.
A: No, like other plants, urn plants stop producing oxygen at night and instead consume it through respiration. However, they still have air-purifying benefits even when they’re not producing oxygen.
A: Urn plants can live for several years with proper care. They may produce offsets (baby plants) that can be separated and grown into new plants.