WattWorth · Plants and oxygen

What can your plants really do with oxygen?

A transparent leaf-area model for daylight production, night respiration and a comparison with one mature tree.

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01 · Orientation estimate

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Adults at homeUseful light per dayhNet photosynthesis in lightμmol/m²/seditable averageNight respiration share%editable average

·Small plantsEstimated leaf area: 0.15 m²

♧Medium plantsEstimated leaf area: 0.4 m²

♣Large plantsEstimated leaf area: 1 m²

Mature treesO₂ per tree per yearkgeditable average

Houseplants do not replace ventilation. In ordinary indoor light, net photosynthesis can be near zero or even negative, and a reasonable number of plants does not meaningfully clean a normal room.

02 · Why this is only a thought experiment

The model converts an editable photosynthesis rate and leaf area to oxygen mass, then subtracts a simple night-respiration share.

Indoor-light photosynthesis study ↗US Forest Service tree oxygen study ↗EPA indoor air guidance ↗

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What can your plants really do with oxygen?

Average values are filled in. Edit any value to match your day.

The model converts an editable photosynthesis rate and leaf area to oxygen mass, then subtracts a simple night-respiration share.

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