12 Life-Changing Plants That Filter Your Air – Safe For Cats Too!

12 Life-Changing Plants That Filter Your Air – Safe For Cats Too!

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Sometimes when visiting other people’s homes, I get a thing that I call ‘plant envy.’ There is just something so relaxing about seeing these lush, green trees and flowers sitting by the window or in the garden that makes me want to get in on the plant action.

Unfortunately, us pet owners have to be VERY careful when selecting plants for our homes and backyards. One mistake with a peace lily, and we could lose our little best friends to what we initially thought would help them breathe better. I went ahead and did some research and have found some beautiful plants that help clean your air while keeping your fur babies safe. Please take special care to make sure you are getting the correct plants by closely examining the names!

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Found From DecorDemon

This elegant plant with long flowing leaves has been found to do great things for the air in your home while being pet-friendly. It filters out formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from your indoor air and is known to be one of the most effective air cleaners (according to NASA). What I really like about the spider plant is that it is resilient to people with poor gardening skills (like me) and it can be easily grown indoors. In fact, I have one on my bookshelf right next to me!

Find it on Amazon Here.

Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix Roebelenii)

Found From Fast-Growing-Trees

This palm is a plant you are likely to see in someone’s front or backyard. Like the Spider Plant, it is excellent at filtering out formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.

Find it on Amazon here.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’)

Found From Two Twenty One

This one is definitely one of my personal favorites as I find it to be absolutely stunning to look at. What makes this plant even more appealing is that it is suitable for growing indoors! The Boston Fern filters out formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.

Find it on Amazon here.

Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens)

Found From Media Cache

The Areca Palm is, as you guessed, a species of palm tree. It is characterized by its green leaves and yellow stems. It has actually been given the name “Golden Cane” because of its stem.

Find it on Amazon here.

Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.)

Found From Home Decorating

Personally, I am such a huge believer in orchids. They are one of the few flowering plants that actually don’t harm your cats if ingested. I can leave my home confident my fur baby is safe even if she decides to chomp on my beautiful flower. Haha!

Find it on Amazon here.

Banana (Musa Oriana)

Found From Apartment Therapy

Yes! You read that correctly!The banana plant is useful at cleaning formaldehyde from your air. As a bonus, you get to eat the king of all fruits!

Find it on Amazon here.

Kimberly Fern Queen (Nephrolepis Obliterata)

Found From Southern Soulmates

This plant is just so classy looking and can be placed either inside to vamp up a lifeless room or outside on your front porch to welcome guests.

Find it on Amazon here.

Lilyturf (Liriope Spicata)

Found From East Texas Gardening

A garden just does not seem complete without some beautiful flowers to add a pop of color to the scenery.

Find it on Amazon here.

Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea Seifrizii)

Found From Buzzfeed

If you are one of those people who are absolutely terrible with caring for plants, this is definitely one of the easier plants to maintain. Out of all my plants that I have attempted to care for, this one has lasted the longest.

Find it on Amazon here.

Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis Excelsa)

Found From Positive Med

I love the clean look of this palm. Be warned though, palms can easily become invested with pests so make sure to keep an eye out!

Find it on Amazon here.

Barberton Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)

Found From Gardening Know How

Isn’t this flower just too precious looking?

Find it on Amazon here.

Dendrobium Orchids (Dendrobium spp.)

Found From Flower Pictures

I think this orchid would add that wow factor to really any room you put it in!

Find it on Amazon here.

Toxic Substances Cheat Sheet

Formaldehyde

Found in: Facial tissues, paper towels, plywood paneling, paper bags, waxed papers, and synthetic fabrics.

Symptoms when exposed to it: Mouth, throat, and nose irritation as well as swelling of the lungs and larynx in extreme cases.

Benzene

Found in: Resins, detergents, drugs, lubricants, plastics, glue, tobacco smoke, and furniture wax.

Symptoms when exposed to it: Drowsiness, irritation to eyes, dizziness, headache, speeding heart rate, confusion, headaches, and in rarer cases unconsciousness.

Xylene

Found in: Leather, tobacco smoke, vehicle exhaust, and rubber.

Symptoms when exposed to it: Irritation to mouth and throat, heart issues, confusion, headaches, dizziness, coma, liver damage, and kidney damage.

Be careful to remember to ALWAYS double check the scientific name of the plant to make sure what you are really getting is what you wanted. Our little kitties are just so near and dear to our hearts that we have to make sure they are safe even when they feel like taking a tiny nibble from our plants (because we know this is what they love to do!). So take care and enjoy your fresh air! Let me know in the comments your favorite air purifying plant!

Source: NASA Clean Air Study

Original article and pictures take diybunker.com site