Air-purifying plants are the perfect example of killing two birds with one stone.
I mean… They beautify your surroundings and purify the air you breathe in? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me!
Even though all plants absorb carbon dioxide and let out fresh oxygen for us to breathe, there are some that do this job especially well. These plants are ideal for toxic environments, moldy environments, and much more!
13 Air Purifying Indoor Plants (Pet Safe!)
The kind of plants we’ll be talking about in this article specialize in removing harmful toxins from the air and, turns out, they’re also pet-safe!
The list begins with:
1 – Spider Plant
Ever wondered why so many offices and indoor restaurants keep spider plants?
Well, it’s because they’re excellent air-purifying plants known to suck away pollutants like xylene and carbon dioxide from enclosed environments. What’s even better? They’re pet safe, meaning if your cat or dog were to munch on a spider plant, they wouldn’t face any adverse side effects!
2 – Areca Palm
Areca palms are typically known for their ability to add moisture to dry environments. However, one of their less-known abilities is actually purifying polluted air and absorbing toxins such as toluene so that it doesn’t reach your lungs and cause irritation.
3 – Rubber Plant
As the name suggests, the rubber plant produces a white milky sap that is used in the production of latex. Believe it or not, its large glossy leaves physically trap dirt and toxic pollutants, thus, effortlessly purifying the air you breathe in.
4 – Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm is perhaps the easiest plant to care for. It is pet-safe, can be kept indoors, and requires minimal attention. Having a bamboo palm in your house will keep away harmful toxins and pollutants like formaldehyde from hindering the quality of the air around you.
5 – Money Plant
Money plant is perhaps the most popular indoor plant ever. It does a pretty neat job of getting rid of harmful pollutants from the air and won’t negatively affect your pets if accidentally consumed.
6 – Sword Fern
We’ve got the first fern on the list – the sword fern. It is non-toxic to your furry friends and can be kept indoors to not only improve air quality but also boost humidity which helps bring up the overall ambiance of the house.
7 – Prayer Plant
The prayer plant is not only known for its turtle-shell-like leaves but also its air purification qualities. It can and probably should be kept indoors because it poses no threat to household pets.
8 – Christmas Cactus
Despite only blooming seasonally, the Christmas cactus is one hell of an air purifier. Keeping it indoors will bring up the aesthetics of your home while maximizing air quality and freshness.
9 – African Violet
Truth be told, African violets don’t possess any groundbreaking air purification qualities. However, they must still be considered in this list because they suck away pollutants like benzene from the air and add astonishing visual appeal to indoor nurseries.
African violets are also considered non-toxic to pets, so there won’t be any problem if your cat or dog decides to nibble at a petal.
10 – Aluminum Plant
The aluminum plant is not typically known for its air purification qualities but rather its visual aesthetic that brings up the aura of indoor spaces. Nonetheless, it still does a decent job of purifying toxins in enclosed environments.
Pairing aluminum plant with something like a spider plant may be the ultimate air purification combo if that’s what you’re after.
Some Honorable Mentions Worth Looking Into:
Final Words
Out of the 13 air-purifying plants I mentioned in this article, only some will fit the aesthetics and needs of your home or indoor space.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! If air purification is your only need, a money plant or areca palm is worth looking into, whereas people aiming to beautify their indoor space alongside should consider something like an African violet or Christmas cactus.
Even plants that seemingly serve a “similar” purpose are very different from one another. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consider every option.
