Many homeowners are switching to houseplants not just for aesthetic reasons, but to purify the air and improve well-being. However, if you have pets especially cats or dogs you must be extra cautious. Some popular air purifying pet-safe houseplants like Peace Lilies, Snake Plants, or English Ivy are toxic to animals.
What Makes a Plant Pet-Safe and Air Purifying?
To be included on this list, each plant must meet three main criteria:
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs (as verified by the ASPCA)
- Air-purifying properties backed by NASA or horticultural studies
- Easy to grow indoors
1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Air Benefits: Removes benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide
- Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Care Tips: Needs bright, indirect light and moist soil
Areca palms act as natural humidifiers. They’re perfect for large living rooms and make a tropical statement without the toxicity risk.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Air Benefits: Filters xylene and formaldehyde
- Pet Safety: Safe for both cats and dogs
- Care Tips: Loves humidity and indirect light
This feathery fern is a classic bathroom plant, offering lush foliage and great air-cleaning power.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Air Benefits: Removes carbon monoxide and formaldehyde
- Pet Safety: Non-toxic, though pets may nibble on the leaves
- Care Tips: Low-maintenance and thrives in indirect light
Spider plants are known for their resilience and ease of propagation. Great for beginners!
4. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Air Benefits: Excellent at filtering indoor air pollutants
- Pet Safety: Safe for animals
- Care Tips: Prefers low light and moist soil
Also called the Reed Palm, it’s both a style upgrade and a natural air filter for your home.
5. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
- Air Benefits: Improves air quality and adds humidity
- Pet Safety: Completely non-toxic
- Care Tips: Needs medium light and frequent watering
The bold patterns on Calathea leaves make them a visual treat in any room.
6. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Air Benefits: Improves air quality by absorbing CO2
- Pet Safety: Pet-safe and low-risk
- Care Tips: Moist, well-drained soil and indirect light
Their leaves fold up at night, making them a conversation starter.
7. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
- Air Benefits: Absorbs airborne toxins in small amounts
- Pet Safety: Safe for cats and dogs
- Care Tips: Requires very little care; drought-tolerant
Peperomias are perfect for small spaces like shelves, work desks, and nightstands.
8. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
- Air Benefits: Helps improve humidity and air freshness
- Pet Safety: Non-toxic and safe for pets
- Care Tips: Bright but indirect sunlight; avoid getting water on leaves
For a splash of color without compromising safety, this is a must-have.
9. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Air Benefits: Filters toxins while boosting oxygen
- Pet Safety: Completely non-toxic
- Care Tips: Low light and infrequent watering needed
Parlor palms are ideal for low-light rooms like bedrooms or home offices.
10. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
- Air Benefits: Removes toxins like formaldehyde
- Pet Safety: Totally pet-safe
- Care Tips: Bright, indirect light and moderate water
Different from the toxic Ficus Rubber Plant, this variety is adorable and harmless.
11. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
- Air Benefits: Adds humidity and aesthetic appeal
- Pet Safety: Safe for both cats and dogs
- Care Tips: Indirect light and occasional watering
This elegant plant brings refinement and cleaner air into any home.
12. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
- Air Benefits: Removes toxins and enhances indoor humidity
- Pet Safety: Non-toxic
- Care Tips: Prefers high humidity and moderate light
Its veined, colorful leaves make Fittonia a top choice for creative plant lovers.
Conclusion
A green home doesn’t have to be risky for your pets. With this list of the 12 best air purifying pet-safe houseplants, you can enjoy cleaner air, reduce indoor toxins, and create a serene, plant-filled environment without worrying about your pets’ health.
Whether you’re decorating your bedroom, kitchen, or living room, these plants combine beauty with purpose. So, breathe easy and bring the jungle home safely!
