Indoor plants liven up spaces with their lush beauty. Some plants are toxic, while others have thorny parts that raise concern for pet owners. There are varieties of the best indoor plants for air purification safe for pets.
It is not easy to figure out houseplants. This blog suggests safe plants for nibbling cats and dogs. The plants also provide better air quality in residences.
Pets, Plants and the Air We Breath
Pet-friendly living spaces can have indoor plants. Such valuable plants rid the air of toxins, making living spaces relaxing and refreshing. Consider the following options for a healthy indoor garden.
READ ALSO: The Best Small Indoor Plants For Air Purification
Beginner-friendly Indoor Plants Safe for Pets
Some plants thrive easily to reward the efforts of pet owners trying out indoor gardening for the first time. They are also hard to kill indoor plants safe for dogs and other animals and include the following:
Boston Fern
The charming foliage of the colossal Boston fern encourages beginners’ gardening efforts. It is also a welcome sight for the playful and curious furry family members. These ferns are non-toxic and will not harm pets that ingest their fronds.
African Violet
The cute African violet is a beautiful sight to behold, with blooms that range from delicate pinks to eye-popping whites and attractive purples.
Their velvety foliage lifts the décor, and the whole ensemble is a come-hither to pets. Fortunately, they are non-toxic and easy to propagate, which makes it easy to recover the damage done by pets on any parts torn or chewed off.
READ ALSO: 17 Incredible Air-Purifying Bedroom Plants
Parlour Palm
The parlor palm is a miniature palm that brings the pristine elegance of the tropics indoors.
The waving fronds have a fun vibe that invites felines for grabs and nibbles. Unlike some types of palms, parlor palms are non toxic air-purifying plants.
Popular Yet Poisonous Household Plants
You can eat your cake and have it if you can enjoy the splendor of gorgeous indoor plants and the fun and love of pets.
However, the following gardening favorites are poisonous in various degrees, and some can cause serious health concerns for animals.
Aloe Vera
It is considered a versatile medicinal plant- for humans. The beautiful aloe can cause lethargy and gastro-intestinal complications in cats who chew its parts.
Daffodil
The eye-catching white and yellow daffodils herald exhilarating spring but earn no points as the best indoor plants for air purification safe for pets.
Their ingestion exposes animals to abdominal pain, severe vomiting, convulsions, diarrhea and palpitations.
Lily
The beautiful and popular lily is highly toxic for pets, yet it is an efficient air purifier.
Ingesting any of its parts, including its pollen, can cause kidney failure and a heartbreaking fatal outcome.
READ ALSO: 13 Best Hanging Plants For Bathroom That Do Well
Sago Palm
The sago is an ornamental plant guaranteed to dress a room with its ornate beauty.
It contains cycasin, whose toxic effects cause liver failure several days after its ingestion. All of its parts are severely toxic and can kill pets.
Herbal Plants and Pet Safety
Some herbs purify the air and even dispel harmful insects. The aromatic indoor herbal garden thriving on the windowsill that the cat owns can have varying effects on pets, as seen in the following varieties:
Lavender
Lavender contains linalool, which can poison cats and dogs. Danger sets in when pets ingest large amounts of lavender, and they need care from a vet.
Oregano
Some pet care proponents add oregano to pet food. Others say it has medicinal value as a dog dewormer and organic antibiotic.
However, the oregano plants can cause liver damage in cats and gastric disturbances like diarrhea and vomiting.
Basil
Basil is a power plant for animals. It is an antioxidant that prevents and manages many diseases, including cancer, arthritis, anxiety, and cellular damage. It is one of the best indoor plants for air purification safe for pets.
Sage
Sage is a safe plant for canines and felines. Still, animals with a knack for nibbling any of its plants should remain under observation to ensure they do not consume it in large quantities.
Fragrant Pet Safe Plants
Homeowners grapple with removing pet odors from their indoor spaces. The following are fragrant plants that cleanse the air without harming pets.
African Marigold
Marigolds add a pop of color, and dogs find their smells overwhelming, which is a deterrent.
The African marigold is only mildly toxic to dogs who manage to ingest its flowers. It has pyrethrins, which make it an insect repellent and a risk to cats.
Calendula
Calendula or pot marigold is safe for all animals and even remedies inflammation and bacterial issues.
However, it can induce premature labor in gestational pets. Calendula’s fragrance can mask odors from pet accidents on upholstery and floors.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are generally harmless to pets. However, cats that nibble on them can experience mild stomach upsets.
Dogs can have mild vomiting and diarrhea, which does not require a vet, except when the pet suffers severe allergic reactions.
Safe Plants that Thrive in Low Light
Plants that do not require plenty of light or direct sunlight can be tucked away in places that pets cannot access.
There, they can thrive and purify the air without tempting pets. The pet-friendly ones include the following:
Prayer Plant
The non-toxic prayer plant thrives in indirect light. It also thrives in kitchens, just like cats, because of the humidity and warmth.
Spider Plant
The prolific spider plant is a top option for pet lovers. The versatile and beautiful plant has no thorns, spikes, toxins or pollen that pose a risk to animals.
Chinese Money Plant
Some plants bring consistent good tidings to the person who gives them a home. Such is the fame of lucky plants like the trendy and resilient Chinese money plant.
It is non-toxic to pets. The no-fuss plant requires indirect light, is easy to care for, and has a remarkable propagation advantage.
Choose Plants Wisely for a Healthy Home and Pets
Creating a pet-friendly green space involves choosing from over 600 non-toxic and resilient houseplant varieties.
Some due diligence will reveal the best indoor plants for air purification safe for pets. Some plants are safe for cats but not dogs, and vice versa.
Learning to choose such plants is a sure bet when investing in an indoor jungle without compromising the safety of plants and pets.
Lucy is the writer and editor for Mybeautifulhaven.com. I am a mom of 3, a teenager, and 2 others under 5yrs. I love decorating, organization and motherhood and in this blog, you are going to find a mix of all this. I hold a degree in English and Literature with several years of teaching both in elementary school and high school.