How Much Oxygen Does Crossandra Plant Produce?

If you are interested in indoor plants, you might have already heard about crossandra. Crossandra is a beautiful flowering plant that is popular among gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts. But, apart from being aesthetically pleasing, crossandra plants are also known for their ability to produce oxygen. In this article, we will explore the question of how much oxygen crossandra plants produce.

What is Crossandra?

Crossandra is a genus of plants that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. There are about 50 species of crossandra plants, but the most commonly cultivated species is Crossandra infundibuliformis. This plant is native to India and Sri Lanka, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant.

Crossandra plants are evergreen shrubs that can grow up to 3 feet tall. They have glossy green leaves and produce clusters of bright orange or yellow flowers that bloom all year round in tropical climates.

How Do Crossandra Plants Produce Oxygen?

Like all plants, crossandra produces oxygen through photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (sugar) and oxygen. The process takes place in specialized organelles called chloroplasts, which are present in the plant’s leaves.

In addition to producing oxygen, crossandra plants also absorb carbon dioxide from the air. This makes them a great natural air purifier for your home or office.

How Much Oxygen Does Crossandra Plant Produce?

The amount of oxygen produced by a crossandra plant depends on various factors, such as the plant’s size, age, and growing conditions. However, on average, a mature crossandra plant can produce about 5-6 milliliters of oxygen per hour.

To put this into perspective, an adult human needs about 550 liters of oxygen per day, which is approximately 23 liters per hour. This means that you would need about 3,800 crossandra plants to produce enough oxygen for one person.

However, it’s important to note that you don’t need to rely solely on crossandra plants for oxygen. The air we breathe contains about 21% oxygen, and the rest is made up of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. So, even if you have a few crossandra plants in your home, they can still make a significant contribution to the oxygen levels in the air.

Benefits of Crossandra Plants

Apart from their ability to produce oxygen, crossandra plants offer several other benefits as well. Here are some of the key benefits of having crossandra plants in your home:

Natural Air Purifier

As mentioned earlier, crossandra plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis. They can also absorb other harmful pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. This makes them a great natural air purifier for your home or office.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Crossandra plants are known for their beautiful flowers that come in shades of orange and yellow. They can add a pop of color to any room and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your space.

Easy to Care For

Crossandra plants are relatively easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They prefer bright but indirect light and moderate watering.

FAQ

How many crossandra plants do I need to purify the air in my room?

The number of crossandra plants you need depends on the size of your room and the level of pollutants present in the air. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for at least one plant per 100 square feet of space.

Do crossandra plants release oxygen at night?

Yes, crossandra plants release oxygen during both day and night. However, the rate of oxygen production may be slower at night due to the absence of sunlight.

Can crossandra plants grow in low light conditions?

While crossandra plants prefer bright but indirect light, they can tolerate low light conditions as well. However, they may not produce as many flowers in low light.

Can crossandra plants be grown outdoors?

Crossandra plants are native to tropical regions and prefer warm and humid conditions. They can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, but they need to be protected from frost and cold temperatures.

Conclusion

In summary, crossandra plants are a great addition to any indoor space. They not only add beauty to your home but also help purify the air by absorbing harmful pollutants and producing oxygen. While they may not produce enough oxygen to meet all your needs, having a few crossandra plants can still make a significant contribution to the air quality in your home or office.