Pet Owners, Breathe Easy: Air-Purifying Plants Safe For Pets

Are you yearning for a lush, indoor jungle but anxious about your furry friends’ well-being? Well, we’re showcasing some fabulous pet-friendly air-purifying plants that are proven to bring an invigorating breath of fresh air into your home and can be around animals.

As dedicated pet owners and plant enthusiasts, we all know the struggle. You bring home a tropical plant, only to find your curious cat nibbling at the leaves. Or perhaps your dog decides that your newly purchased fern looks like an exciting chew toy! 

According to NASA’s list of best air-purifying plants and ASPCA’s list of pet-friendly plants, there are many different air-filtering houseplants for plant and pet parents to choose from. This means these particular indoor plants are non-toxic and won’t cause any adverse effects if your cat or dog nibbles on them. In this blog post, we’ll show you different air-purifying plants safe for pets that you can easily grow indoors and enjoy their benefits. We’ll also give you some tips on how to care for them and where to place them in your home too.

Wax Plants: Hoyas Here To Heal

Yes, there have been studies on the air-purifying abilities of wax plants. A study conducted by the University of Georgia identified the wax plant as one of the species with superior air filtering abilities. The study tested the ability of various plant species to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. They’re listed on the non-toxic list for both cats and dogs too! 

Bamboo Palm: Air-Purifying Plants Safe for Pets

Also known as the “reed palm” and Chamaedorea seifrizii, this tropical plant is a superstar when it comes to filtering air and creating a lush, tropical aesthetic in your home. Known to be tolerant of low light, it’s also adept at filtering out common toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Bamboo palm also prefers high humidity, so you might want to mist it regularly or place it near a humidifier. 

Spider Plant: Easy Pet Purifier

The Spider Plant, (Chlorophytum comosum), is one of the easiest plants to grow and care for, as it thrives on neglect and can adapt to a wide range of conditions. It has long, slender leaves that are green with white stripes and is pet-friendly! Spider plant is excellent at removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air. It can grow in low to bright indirect sunlight and likes to dry out between waterings.

Prayer Plant: Answering Your Clean Air Prayers

The Prayer Plant (maranta leuconeura) is a beautiful plant with green and yellow variegated leaves that fold together like hands. It gets its name from the way it moves its leaves in response to direct sunlight and temperature changes. Prayer plant is good at removing benzene and trichloroethylene from the air. It prefers low to medium indirect light and high humidity. You can mist it frequently or place it on a tray of pebbles with water. It can help provide the clean air your animals have been praying for! 

Boston Fern: A Filter Safe Around Boston Terriers

The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a lush, low-maintenance plant that enjoys frequent misting and indirect light. It has feathery fronds that can grow up to 3 feet long and create a natural air filter in your home. Boston fern is great at removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. It also loves humidity, so you might want to keep it in the bathroom or basement where it can get some moisture.

Barberton Daisy: Pet-Safe Filtration And Home Decor

close up shot of a gerbera daisy, air-purifying plants safe for pets

The Barberton Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is also known as the Gerbera Daisy. Liven up your indoor spaces with this cheerful plant. The Barberton Daisy isn’t just for show—it’s also effective at removing benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from your air. This brightly colored, pet-safe plant thrives in bright light and well-drained soil.

Ponytail Palm: The Drought-Tolerant Air Cleaner

This quirky plant, resembling a ponytail, is actually a succulent. The Ponytail Palm is effective at removing certain VOCs from the air and can survive even in drought-like conditions, making it a great choice for busy pet owners.

Chinese Evergreen: The Resilient Air Purifier

Aglaonema is a fantastic addition for those who prefer low-maintenance plants. Chinese Evergreen tolerates low light and can go for extended periods without water. Yet, it still manages to effectively clean benzene and formaldehyde from your indoor air.

Areca Palm: A Pet-Friendly Palm

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) is a feathery plant that adds a touch of tropical green foliage to any room. It can help to humidify the air and remove toxins at the same time. Areca palm is effective at removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. It prefers bright but indirect light and requires regular watering.

Swedish Ivy: The Robust Air Purifier

With its trailing growth and petite white flowers, Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis) is a delightful, pet-friendly choice for air purification. It can adapt to a range of indoor conditions and is particularly adept at cleansing the air of various pollutants.

Moth Orchids: Exotic Pet-Safe Purifiers

pink moth orchid, pet-safe air cleaning houseplants

Moth Orchids, with their stunning flowers and air-cleaning abilities, are an excellent addition to a pet-friendly household. They can help to filter out xylene and toluene. They’re also non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a safe choice for pet owners looking to improve indoor air quality.

Lipstick Plant: The Showy Purifier

Known for its striking, tube-like red flowers, the Lipstick Plant is a showstopper that is also beneficial for indoor air quality. It’s entirely safe for pets and will help filter out toxins from your air.

Money Tree: Unlucky For The Indoor Air Pollution

The Money Tree, often linked with prosperity and good fortune, is a pet-friendly plant that’s also effective at filtering out a range of toxins. It’s a great choice for pet owners seeking aesthetics, luck, and cleaner air.

Parlour Palm: Safe For Pets and Small Spaces

Perfect for smaller spaces, the Parlour Palm is efficient at filtering out indoor pollutants like benzene and trichloroethylene. It’s a fantastic, pet-friendly choice for apartments and smaller homes where space is at a premium.

Miniature Date Palm: Mini Oxygen Maker

Phoenix Roebelenii (Miniature Date Palm or Dwarf Date Palm) is a pet-friendly, non-toxic plant that pet owners can add to their homes without worry. It’s great at filtering the air and adds a lovely touch of the tropics to your indoor space.

Tips For Pet Owners Growing Air-Purifying Plants

cat on the couch with a large plant in the background, air purifying plants safe for cats
  1. Keep plants out of reach: Place your plants on high shelves, hanging baskets, or in rooms that your pets don’t have access to. This can help prevent your pets from nibbling on the leaves or digging in the soil.
  2. Train your pets: Train your pets not to chew on plants by providing them with plenty of chew toys and redirecting their attention when they show interest in your plants. You can also use deterrent sprays or bitter apple spray to make the plants less appealing to your pets.
  3. Know what to do in case of ingestion: Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Make sure you know what to do if your pet ingests a toxic plant. Keep the number of your veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handy. If you suspect that your pet has ingested a toxic plant, seek veterinary care immediately.
  4. Provide proper care: Make sure to provide proper care for your plants to keep them healthy and thriving. This includes providing the right amount of light, water, and nutrients. A healthy plant is less likely to attract the attention of curious pets.
  5. Always double check your resources:  I have found a couple of articles out there that have snake plants and rubber plants on lists like this and that is not correct.  Both of those are toxic to animals.  So, make sure to always reference the ASPCA’s lists.  They have a printable list of indoor plants that are safe for cats, dogs, and horses.

These are some of the best air purifying plants safe for pets that you can grow in your home and enjoy their benefits. They can help you create a healthier and happier environment for you and your furry friends. However, you should still keep an eye on your fur babies and prevent them from eating too much of any plant, as it can cause stomach upset or vomiting. You should also consult your veterinarian if you notice any signs of poisoning or allergic reaction in them.

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