Are air-purifying plants safe for homes with pets?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Many common air-purifying plants have toxins that could harm a pet. Peace Lilies can irritate the mouth due to calcium oxalate crystals. Chrysanthemums are classified as pesticides because they contain pyrethrins that are toxic to the nervous system. I personally learned this lesson when my cat nibbled on a poisonous plant. Now, I'm on to only plants that I can verify are safe; for example, Spider Plants are known to be safe.
For pet safety, select and locate plants carefully. Always check toxicity before purchase. Place toxic plants 4+ ft (1.2+ m) off the ground. Utilize hanging planters or tall shelving. My floating shelves keep Peace Lilies within reach yet cat-safe. Keep an eye on your pets for any signs of chewing behavior.
Verified Safe Plants
- Spider Plant: Non-toxic and effective against carbon monoxide
- Bamboo Palm: Safe while removing formaldehyde efficiently
- Boston Fern: Pet-friendly mold reducer for humid areas
- Parlor Palm: Harmless variety with good oxygen output
Common Toxic Varieties
- Peace Lily: Causes oral swelling and digestive issues
- English Ivy: Leads to vomiting and diarrhea if ingested
- Chrysanthemum: Contains neurotoxic pyrethrins
- Pothos: Induces oral irritation and breathing difficulty
Emergency Response
- Identify plant: Take photo for vet identification
- Contact ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
- Monitor symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, or breathing changes
- Remove plant: Prevent further access immediately
Establish secure zones for hazardous plants. Use physical barriers like humidity-controlled cabinets. Place baby gates around plant groupings. My cat-free cabinet has toxic types of plants. This allows air purification and does not put any animals at risk.
Begin with three verified safe plants (like Spider Plant and Bamboo Palm) and start with high-traffic areas. Be sure to monitor pet interactions closely. Once you feel confident, you can expand your collection with trustworthy toxicity databases. I have twelve healthy varieties on my pet-safe plant wall.
Read the full article: Top Air Quality Plants for Cleaner Homes
