Dog-Approved Greenery: 20 Air-Purifying Indoor Plants That Are Safe For Dogs
As urban living becomes the norm, air-purifying indoor plants are growing in popularity. While many city dwellers may lack spacious green yards, they can still bring the benefits of nature into their homes with these trendy and practical plants.
However, what if you have pets? You can’t just go and buy any indoor plant because your naive dog may chew on the plant, and get sick. So, here are the 20 best air-purifying indoor plants that are safe for dogs and cats.
1. Tillandsia
Tillandsia have recently gained a lot of popularity since they are extremely low-maintenance. They are also known as air plants. You can keep them just about anywhere because they do not need soil. The good news for pet parents is that these good air purifier plants are non-toxic to dogs and cats. A Reddit user, Lovetillys says, “Tillandsias are nontoxic to pets so definitely safe.”
2. Gerbera Daisy
If you’re wondering, “are gerbera daisies safe for dogs and cats?,” then you would be happy knowing that Kiersten Rankel, a certified naturalist states, “Gerbera daisies are a green light for pet owners.” With this plant, you will also get to have bright and stunning flowers that are also durable. However, keep in mind that these indoor air purifier plants have a maximum life span of 3 years.
3. Money Tree
One of the most popular indoor plants that purify the air are money trees. But are money tree safe for dogs and cats? Fortunately, the money tree plants or Pachira Aquatica are safe for your dogs and cats. According to certified health coach and founder of Sarah Blooms, “It is an especially good choice for anyone with asthma or lung issues or people who live in smoggy, polluted cities.”
4. Boston Fern
Another amazing house plant to purify air is Boston fern. This plant will be ideal for you to add it in your bathroom because it thrives in humidity. According to Met Life Pet Insurance, “Boston Ferns are perfectly safe if your dog or cat ingests part of a frond.”
5. Spider Plant
Dr Angelica Dimock, a veterinarian, says that spider plants are great air-purifying plants for homes with dogs and cats. If you are a beginner when it comes to caring for plants, you should get a spider plant because they do not need a lot of maintenance. They thrive in indoor spaces that get high to moderate indirect sunlight.
6. African Violets
Do you want a plant that makes your home feel lively and colorful? Then African violets is the best choice for you, which is safe for pets too. These plants have gorgeous purple flowers. “Just offer this plant a nice, sunny spot, and it will give you beautiful blooms year-round!,” as per Sarah Blooms.
7. Bamboo
Bamboo is a wonderful choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts. According to ASPCA, it is not toxic for cats and dogs so they can be a part of homes with pets without any worry. If you have the plant in a pot, the bamboo will only grow up to the size of the pot.
8. Prayer Plant
The enchanting Maranta Plant (Maranta leuconeura), affectionately known as the Prayer Plant, boasts stunning oval-shaped leaves that unfold like tiny wings, rising to an upright position at night in a gentle, prayer-like gesture. According to Sarah Blooms, these pet-friendly plants will beautify your home in hanging baskets and will require minimal maintenance.
9. Areca Plant
Areca plant has many names as it is also known as yellow palm, cane palm, butterfly palm, and golden feather palm. Plant information director for Monrovia, Megan McConnell, declares that this house plant not only purifies the air but is also safe for your pets. In fact, you can keep it near your pet’s bed to make a cozy spot for them to sleep.
10. Christmas Cactus
Despite its name, Christmas cactus is a plant that you can keep all year round and not just during the holidays. According to Sandra C. Mitchell, a veterinarian, these plants are safe for homes with pets. Moreover, she states, “The other important thing to know is that it isn’t actually a cactus at all; it’s a plant called an epiphyte, which doesn’t have the spines traditionally found with a cactus, so it won’t cause your pet any injury.”
11. Orchids
One of the most beautiful plants with air-purifying abilities is the orchids. But then the question arises, are orchids safe for cats and dogs? Then, the answer is yes. However, one thing to note with orchids is that they are quite high-maintenance. McConnell argues, “Most people have a hard time getting orchids to bloom again after they first get them.”
12. Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair ferns are great plants to amplify your home decor and also help reduce the indoor air pollution. They can be easy to care if you just remember to never let them dry out. According to Daniela Lopez and Dr. Alycia Washington, a veterinarian, “These plants flourish in the right conditions, and because they are non-toxic to dogs and cats, they make a wonderful addition to any home.”
13. Staghorn Fern
Staghorn ferns come with two varieties of leaves. One is heart-shaped leaves and the other type resembles the horns of a deer, which inspired the plant’s name. Lopez and Dr. Washington write about staghorn fern, “They are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, and they are easy to grow if you provide the right living conditions.”
14. Rosemary
As stated on Sarah Bloom, Rosemary “is an evergreen herb that is non-toxic to pets.” They are indoor plants but they do require 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. In addition, over-watering will kill them. Despite the maintenance required, they have a nice fragrance and add an appealing touch to your home.
15. Cast Iron Plant
ASPCA deems cast iron plants as safe for both your canine companions as well as feline companions. Living up to its robust name, the cast iron plant is incredibly resilient, making it a perfect pick for those with no knack for gardening! Its toughness ensures it thrives despite neglect, bringing effortless elegance to any space.
16. Some Succulents
Succulents are a wonderful choice for busy people, who can’t water their plants regularly because they store water. Sarah Bloom suggests researching each succulent before bringing it into your home because some succulents like Jade are not pet-friendly. Succulent plants that are safe for pets include rosettes, hens and chicks, and echeveria.
17. Cat Grass
If your cats and dogs tend to eat plants, cat grass is the perfect plant to keep within their reach. Also known as Wheat Grass, they are nutrient-rich and are supposed to be consumed by your pets, according to Sarah Bloom. In her words, “Cat grass can also aid in digestion, prevent hairballs, and help soothe upset stomachs.”
18. Venus Fly Trap
Add a touch of excitement to your home with carnivorous plants like the Venus Fly Trap, a fascinating and unconventional houseplant that is pet-friendly. According to a UK plant retail company, Garsons, “Don’t worry; these won’t eat your pets like they do with flies! Allow it plenty of direct sunlight and stand in a tray of water (include pebbles if you like) so the soil is constantly moist.”
19. Friendship Plant
Friendship Plant thrives in a terrarium environment, providing a safe and beautiful way to display this lovely plant while keeping it out of reach of curious pets. Its charming name and low-maintenance requirements make it an ideal gift for friends and family, spreading joy and greenery to those around you! Kiersten Rankel notes, “They lack the toxic properties that put our furry friends at risk, making them an excellent choice for a pet-friendly household.”
20. Gloxinia
A popular gift plant for Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, the Gloxinia plant is safe for your pets. Specializing in interior design and plant care, Erica Puisis explains this plant’s characteristics, saying, “The thick, ruffled leaves and single or double blooms (commonly seen in white, red, pink, lavender, purple, or blue) are non-toxic to dogs and cats.”