If you’re a plant lover with furry friends, you know how important it is to choose indoor plants that not only make your home beautiful but are also safe for your pets. We have found 10 gorgeous, pet-safe indoor plants that have air purifying qualities and will look perfect in your home.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the perfect plants that are safe for your cats and dogs while also improving air quality in your home to keep your space fresh, clean, and toxin-free. You’ll find sections on:
- Can A Plant Really Purify The Air?
- Top Pet-Safe Indoor Plants That Help Air Quality
- Caring for Pet-Safe Indoor Plants
- Best Places to Put Your Plants When You Have Pets
Why Choose Pet-Safe Indoor Plants?
Indoor plants do more than add greenery and create a calming atmosphere they can also purify the air by filtering harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
However, if you’re a pet owner, you may not realise that many common houseplants can actually be toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. And we all know pets are curious about anything and everything. Your cat or dog could experience anything from mild digestive upset to severe reactions, depending on the plant and the amount they eat before you catch them. This is why it is crucial to choose plants for your home which are safe for your furry friends.
The good news is there are plenty of beautiful options out there that won’t harm your pets. With that said, we always advise that you discourage your pets from munching on the house plants by placing plants in harder to munch areas.
Can A Plant Really Purify The Air?
If you are feeling a little sceptical about whether a plant can really purify the air in your home, you are not alone. The truth is that one small plant is not going to make a huge difference to your air quality. But some indoor plants do actually have the air purifying qualities, and some are even pet safe.
In a much-quoted study from NASA that was published in September 1989[1], it was scientifically proven that certain plants could remove toxins from the air in a sealed environment. No home is sealed completely, as we open doors to get in and out, but the key thing to take away from it is the ability of plants to improve our air.
This study shows that a green spider plant (chlorphtum elatum) with a total surface area of 2,471cm2 can remove10,378 micrograms of formaldehyde from the air in a day. This is a toxin you can find in synthetic fabrics and paints.
Some plants help the air in your home, 1 plant is not going to change your air but it’s a little bit of goodness working for the benefit of your home. If you have a lot of plants with air purifying qualities, then you may start to notice a difference in the air at home.
All the plants in our list have air purifying qualities, but don’t expect one plant to suddenly change your home air quality.
Top Pet-Safe Indoor Plants That Help Air Quality
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum elatum)
If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that’s safe for pets, the Spider Plant is a star choice. Its long, arching green leaves and delicate white flowers make it an eye-catching addition to any room. It’s safe for cats and dogs, with no known toxins that will cause them harm. The long leaves are often tempting for animals to play with but, there’s no need to worry if they decide to take an unexpected nibble.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Bringing that tropical feel into to your home and keeping your pets safe is no problem. The Areca Palm is a gorgeous, pet-safe indoor plant that’s perfect for creating a lush, tropical vibe in your home.
Also known as the butterfly palm, this beautiful plant adds height to your décor and is a great tall plant you can add to your home that is safe for both cats and dogs. Non-toxic and safe for curious paws and noses. Plus, it’s easy to care for and is suited to low light areas as it requires only indirect light to grow. The watering schedule is also not high maintenance, so perfect for small spaces and busy people looking to add a touch of greenery to a corner of a room.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Boston Fern is a classic, elegant plant known for its feathery, cascading fronds. The dangling leaves have an artistic quality that grabs your attention no matter what room you place it in. It’s one of the best indoor plants for purifying air.
The Boston Fern loves humid environments and having moist soil, but because it does not need direct sunlight it can thrive in low light areas like corners. Non-toxic, so your cats and dogs can bat at the fronds without any risk. This fern will add a touch of serenity to any room.
Calathea (Ctenanthe)
Known for its stunning, intricately patterned leaves, the Calathea Ctenanthe is a true statement plant. The unique foliage and vibrant colors make it a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts as this species of Calathea is both vibrant and tropical.
They’re non-toxic to pets, so your plant-loving pets can safely explore this leafy beauty. It is a plant which can be quite temperamental about its environment so if your animals like to move your plants or dig in them, this could upset your sensitive Calathea.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm is a tall, elegant plant that’s not only pet-friendly but also one of an effective air purifying plant. This plant is great if you have a space where there isn’t too much light, as it will continue to thrive here. Safe for both cats and dogs, this evergreen palm will reach heights of up to 2m adding a tropical feel to any space at home.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Another pet-safe, low-maintenance indoor palm, the Parlor Palm is perfect for adding a touch of the tropics to your home without posing a risk to your pets. Like its cousin, the Areca Palm, the Parlor Palm helps purify the air by removing harmful pollutants.
This palm will enjoy being placed near a window in indirect sunlight and is non-toxic and safe for pets. That means when your cat decides to jump into it from the windowsill it will be safe as it falls down trying to eat the leaves.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant gets its name from its habit of folding its leaves together at night, like hands in prayer. It’s a stunning, low-growing plant with bright green and red-veined leaves that look beautiful in any setting. Great at increasing indoor humidity this plant likes indirect light and warmth. It’s non-toxic to pets and a fairly easy plant for beginners to take care of.
African Violet (Strepocarpus)
The African Violet is a beloved flowering plant that adds a pop of color to your home. Despite its delicate appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to care for, even though it needs quite a lot of direct light. It may benefit from being placed under a grow light if you want your plant to thrive.
Completely non-toxic to cats and dogs it’s a safe flowering option for pet owners, looking for a houseplant that flowers. Best watered from below, this plant has a phenomenal lifespan of up to 50 years if cared for properly.
Caring for Pet-Safe Indoor Plants
Once you’ve chosen the perfect pet safe indoor plants with air purifying qualities, it’s important to know how to care for them. Here are some quick general tips to keep your indoor plants healthy:
- Each plant has different light requirements. Make sure to check whether your plant thrives in low light, indirect sunlight, or bright light before you find a home for it in your house.
- Always avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. It’s best to give a little less water than you think as most plants will revive from signs of wilting. Check the soil regularly to see if it’s dry before adding more water.
- Most indoor plants prefer well-draining potting soil. Repot your plant every year or two to give it fresh nutrients and more space.
Pet Deterrence: If you find that your pets are too curious about your plants, consider placing them in harder-to-reach spots, or use a natural deterrent like citrus spray to keep pets away from nibbling.
Best Places to Put Your Plants When You Have Pets
Choosing the right spot for your pet-safe indoor plants is key to ensuring both your plants and pets thrive together in harmony. Pets, especially cats, are known to be curious explorers, while dogs might enjoy digging in the soil or nibbling on leaves. By strategically placing your plants, you can create a stylish, green environment while keeping furry friends safe and plants healthy and thriving. Here are the best places to put your plants when you have pets.
High Shelves or Wall-Mounted Planters
One of the most effective ways to protect your plants from curious pets is to place them up high. Putting plants on high shelves or in wall-mounted planters is a decorative and pet-safe solution that works well for dogs, and some cats:
- Floating Shelves: Install floating shelves or corner shelves in your living room, kitchen, or bedroom. This keeps plants safely above ground, and you can create a mini indoor garden by arranging different plants at varying heights.
- Top of Tall Furniture: Tall bookshelves, armoires, or cabinets are perfect spots for placing medium-sized plants like the Areca Palm or Boston Fern. This way, your plants are part of your room’s décor, and your pets can’t easily reach them.
- Wall-Mounted Planters: Create a vertical garden by mounting pots or planters directly to the walls. This adds a unique visual element to your room décor and ensures that your plants are out of paw’s reach.
Hanging Planters
Hanging planters are an excellent solution to keep plants safe from your both cats and dogs while adding a touch of greenery to your home:
- Ceiling Hooks and Macramé Hangers: Use ceiling hooks and macramé plant hangers to suspend plants like spider plants or ferns. This not only looks stylish but also keeps them safely above your pets’ heads.
- Hanging Baskets: If you have a porch or sunroom, consider hanging baskets for your pet-safe plants. They stay safely out of reach while getting plenty of light. Just be sure to make sure your plants will be happy in this location.
Terrariums
For small plants, terrariums can provide a stylish solution for keeping plants secure and pets safe.
- Closed Terrariums: If you love plants, but worry about your animals investigating even pet safe plants choose a closed terrarium. Animals cannot get in and if you place it securely out of reach they are unlikely to knock it off. It’s like having the best of both worlds without having the stress of worrying about your plants or your pets.
- Open terrariums: Open terrariums give some access to the plants inside but it is limited. If you place your terrarium high-up or in a location where it would be difficult to get in, particularly if the opening is at the top you will likely deter your dog from investigating. A curious cat however may still get a paw in.
Inaccessible Corners or Areas
If you’re working with limited space, using areas that are hard for pets to reach or explore can be effective:
- Behind Furniture: Tuck plants behind furniture like couches or tables, especially if you have larger plants in floor pots. This keeps them away from your pets’ direct line of sight.
- Bathroom Shelves: Bathrooms can make great spots for humidity-loving plants like spider plants or palms, and shelves or countertops here can be an ideal place to keep them out of reach.
Additional Tips to Keep Pets Away From Plants
- Natural Deterrents: If your pets are particularly persistent, try using natural deterrents like citrus peelsnear your plants. Pets often dislike these scents and will steer clear.
- Pet Grass: Consider growing pet-safe grass like wheatgrass or cat grass as a distraction. This gives your pets something to chew on while keeping them away from your precious plants.
- Training: Gently training your pets to avoid plants can also help over time. Use positive reinforcement and redirection to show them where they should and shouldn’t go.
Conclusion
There’s no need to compromise on style, safety, or air quality when you choose pet-safe indoor plants. From the graceful Spider Plant to the lush Areca Palm, these plants provide the best of both worlds: beauty and air purification while keeping your pets safe. So go ahead, add some greenery to your home and breathe easier, knowing your plant choices are good for you and your pets.
