Indoor air can contain many pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These chemicals come from building materials, furniture, cleaning products and more. While good ventilation helps, adding air purifying houseplants can further remove toxins.
Certain houseplants are natural filters that absorb pollutants. Their soil microbes and leaf structures breakdown and neutralize contaminants. This improves indoor air quality.
But which air purifying plants are safe to have around cats? Some popular choices like snake plant and peace lily are toxic if eaten. Make sure to select pet-friendly options.
Here are 12 of the best cat-safe air purifying houseplants:
1. Baby Rubber Plant
With shiny leaves and upright form, the baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) fits smaller spaces. It absorbs formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air. Native to Florida, it likes bright light and consistent moisture.
2. Bird’s Nest Fern
The bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus) has wavy, upright fronds that curl into a nest shape. This tropical fern thrives in humidity and medium-low light. It filters xylene, formaldehyde, and ammonia.
3. Cast Iron Plant
Nearly indestructible, the cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) tolerates low light and inconsistent watering Its long, pointed leaves remove benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde Great for problem areas.
4. Chinese Evergreen
An easy care option, the Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) handles low light and humidity Its patterned leaves come in various colors like silver, pink, and red. Filters benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene
5. Dragon Tree
With spikey, palm-like foliage, the dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) is a striking air purifier It prefers bright indirect light Removes xylene, trichloroethylene and benzene from the air.
6. English Ivy
Trailing or climbing types of English ivy make excellent houseplants. Their lush leaves reduce airborne fecal-matter particles. Prefers medium light and regular water.
7. Gerbera Daisy
Known for its bright, cheery blooms, the gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is also an air-cleansing plant. It prefers lots of indirect sunlight. Filters xylene and trichloroethylene.
8. Heartleaf Philodendron
The classic heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) has glossy, trailing leaves. Easy to grow, it’s a natural humidifier. Removes formaldehyde from indoor air.
9. Hoya
Also called wax plant, Hoya has waxy foliage and star-shaped flowers. These vining epiphytes grow well in hanging baskets, filtering xylene and formaldehyde. Provide bright, indirect light.
10. Love Palm
With graceful, arching fronds, the cat palm (Chamaedorea elegans) fits neatly into corners. It prefers medium-high light. One of the best at removing formaldehyde from indoor air.
11. Peace Lily
With its easy care nature and white “flowers,” the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular air purifier. Just note it is toxic to cats if eaten. Best in low-medium light.
12. Snake Plant
The snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria) has upright, sword-like leaves with yellow edges. Filters benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene. Low light. Toxic if ingested.
Other Tips for Reducing Indoor Air Pollutants
- Open windows regularly to circulate fresh air
- Use an air purifier with HEPA filter
- Vacuum and dust frequently
- Use low-VOC paints and building materials
- Limit use of chemicals and fragrances
- Ensure proper home ventilation
Houseplants are natural air fresheners that remove indoor pollutants around the clock. Choose air purifying varieties safe for your cat, and help create a healthier home environment for both you and your pet.
Plants that detoxify the air
- Many non-toxic plants help purify indoor air for pets
- Smoke from wildfires is very bad for our pets, especially those who already have breathing problems.
- There are other things you can do besides plants to improve the air quality inside for your animals, like leaving the windows open.
Eight appropriate plants for pets that detoxify the air
The Boston Fern plant is one of the best plants for pets, but some of the others on our short list are hard to say.
The Spider Plant makes oxygen and is known to clean the air in your home by taking in formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene. This plant is safe for dogs and cats to eat, but cats shouldn’t be able to chew on its leaves.
The Moon Valley Pilea plant is non-toxic and perfectly safe for cats and dogs. The friendship plant is a bushy, fast-growing plant with ovate leaves that grow in opposite pairs. The cuttings will root easily, so share them with friends. In addition, this plant detoxifies your home from airborne toxins and dust.
According to Costa Farms, Prayer plants help clear the air in your home by filtering indoor air pollutants. Although it’s best to avoid direct sunlight, it’s colorful and dependable. Prayer plants do well in any light.
Use the Wax or Hoya plant to remove pollutants. You can grow Hoya plants both outdoors and as houseplants. You can hang these plants or place them on objects like windowsills.
The Boston Fern is one of the best air-purifying houseplants. This is an example of an evergreen plant that helps clean your home of harmful toxins. It also raises the humidity by adding moisture to the air. So, if you have dry skin, nose, or throat, then hang one of these.
The Money Tree, or “Scindapsus aureus,” is known to purify air polluted with synthetic chemicals from cleaning products. Experts recommend this plant for anyone suffering from stress and anxiety. In addition, every home with animals needs this plant.
It is also called the Chamaedorea Elegans, the Neanthebella Palm, the cat palm, or the Bamboo Palm plant. It is a small, dark green indoor palm with long, graceful leaves. “It will turn your indoors into a little tropical paradise. It’s easy to clean and works well in homes or offices to remove germs. ”.
Different than the money tree, this is the money plant and may bring you good fortune. This pet-friendly, low-maintenance plant has excellent air cleaning properties, including removing formaldehyde from the air.
Indoor Plants – 11 NASA Approved Air Purifying Plants Safe For Cats
FAQ
What plants are good for air quality safe for cats?
Are air plants safe for cats?
Which plant purifies air the most?
What indoor air purifying plants safe for dogs and cats make house smell better?
What are the best air-purifying plants for cats & dogs?
The best air-purifying plants include the spider plant, pothos ( devil’s ivy ), Chinese evergreen, snake plant, peace lily, bamboo palm, dracaena, Barberton daisy, and weeping fig. I’m a master gardener and plant care expert, and in this article, I’ve listed the best air-cleaning houseplants with advice on safety for cats and dogs.
Are air purifying plants safe for cats & dogs?
We consulted a vet expert and a plant expert to compile this list of air-purifying plants safe for cats and dogs. Also known as the parlor palm, the bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is a hardy, low-maintenance air purifying plant with a high shade tolerance.
Which houseplants are safe for cats?
We have combined a list of houseplants, keeping in mind the famous NASA Clean Air Study and ASPCA ‘s non-toxic plant names. This means these indoor plants not only purify the air in your home but are also safe for your kitty! 1. Bamboo Palm 2. Boston Fern 3. Spider Plant 4. Gerbera Daisy 5. Areca Palm 6. Money tree (Guiana Chestnut) 7. Moth Orchid
Are air plants toxic to cats?
The short answer is no; air plants are not toxic to cats. In fact, many common houseplants are not toxic to cats. However, there are a few exceptions that you should be aware of. What Are Air Plants? Air plants (Tillandsia spp.) are a type of epiphyte, meaning they grow on other plants or objects.