Here’s a list of 6 pet safe plants that clean the air because, did you know the air inside your home is more polluted than the air outdoors? Well, it’s a fact. Thanks to our advanced methods of household insulation, our houses can be more or less airtight if we want them to be. While this helps a lot in energy savings, it keeps bad air in, causing pollutants to accumulate.
I stopped by Home Depot last week and decided to impulsively buy a houseplant. I had been looking for something to go on the left side of my TV stand because it was kind of bare, and on the right side I have a Swedish clock hanging on the wall.
We had more than just a TV stand at our old house, we had an entire farmhouse-style entertainment center. It, however, did not fit in our new place so we kept just the part the TV sits on and decided to decorate around it.
At Home Depot I found the perfect plant, a dracaena cane, and knew right away I wanted it. After doing a little research I found out that it’s also a great air purifier. A little more research showed me that it is, however, not a safe plant if you have pets. Luckily, I’m pet free at the moment. And dealing with cancer, I could definitely use some cleaner air–we all could! But even though I don’t currently have pets, I decided I wanted to do a little more research to find some pet safe plants that clean the air too.
We know cigarettes are pollutants, and of course we should open up the windows after spraying insecticides–or not spray them at all, if possible! But you probably didn’t know that your household cleaners are also pollutants. Even your toaster emits many volatile organic compounds that could accumulate in your lungs. Although this might sound bad, especially for those of us with cancer, there is a bright side. Some household plants can convert these pollutants to food for themselves, cleansing the air in the process. NASA conducted a study on this and released a list of plants that are air purifiers.
There was, however, one catch. Some of those plants weren’t pet safe. Animal specialists found that if your new puppy nibbled on some of those plants, it might mean a trip to the vet. Some others were downright deadly. So, here’s a better list. These are pet safe plants that clean the air so you and your pet can breathe freely and without worry.
This lush, evergreen fern gets a spot on our list for a few reasons. All it needs is a lot of moisture and some indirect light, and it’s good to go. So, you can grow it in the shady porch where you and your trusty sidekick go out to relax. Forget Netflix; this is clean air and chill. Maybe leave a spray bottle out there for misting?
The first colorful addition to our list of air purifiers. This South African plant is usually grown just for its bright, cheerfully colored flowers. These flowers may be pink, orange, yellow, or white. However, this plant also has serious air-purifying abilities. All it needs is a lot of direct light and some misting in the mornings. The best part is that if your pet loves those bright flowers, he can chew them if he wants! It’s totally pet safe.
This plant has long shoots called spiderettes that dangle from the mother plant like the legs of a spider. It has long, narrow leaves that may be green or variegated depending on the variety. These plants are one of those that seem to thrive on neglect. Don’t bother misting it regularly; the spider plant loves periods of dryness. All it needs is bright, indirect sunlight. Who knows? Maybe it thrives on air-borne pollutants.
Everyone has probably seen an Areca palm at least once in their life. These bamboo-like plants have their green shoots bunched up at the top as all other palms do. When left on their own, these plants can grow quite tall. But they are hardy and take well to trimming, so they’re also kept as houseplants. This pollutant-sucking palm does have one catch: it doesn’t take well to neglect. Water it often in the summer and spring and less in the fall and winter.
Another palm graces our list today. This one’s leaves are thinner than the Areca palm and have a pinnate arrangement. They also sport some leaf sheaths around their stems. This plant will also do an excellent job as your very own air vacuum. And it’s even better than the Areca palm because it needs less maintenance. Water it a bit when the soil surface feels dry, taking care not to overwater, and you’re golden. We have two palms on this list but don’t take that to indicate that all palms are good. Sago palms are a definite no-no for your pet.
Alone, money trees aren’t much to look at. Long stems, with a bunch of green leaves at the top. But there’s one feature about this plant that’s mind-blowing; you can braid multiple plants together while they’re young (see above), and they’ll keep growing that way. Most Money trees are sold braided, giving you multiple plants for prime pollutant evacuation. All it needs is deep watering once in a while, with bright indirect light, and it will grow lush and beautiful.
The world outside might be full of pollutants, but your home shouldn’t be. Protect your lung and protect your health, all while doing the same for your pet with one of these 6 pet safe plants that clean the air.
*disclaimer* I am not a doctor or veterinarian. Always follow your doctor and veterinarian’s guidance regarding your and your pet’s health.
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