Purifying the air in your home sounds like a great idea, especially if anyone in your household experiences respiratory problems or allergies, and it’s easier than you think to do it.
Adding houseplants that naturally help purify and rejuvenate air, while eliminating significant amounts of formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia and more, according to a NASA Clean Air Study.
These chemicals can be found throughout your home in common products, such as paper towels, facial tissues, detergents, cleaning products, building materials and many more.
Cleaning up the air in your home results in health improvements like fewer respiratory problems, allergy symptoms and headaches. Plus these plants are safe for dogs, cats and kids! (While they are non-toxic for pets, don’t allow them to eat the plants because too much can lead to upset stomachs and vomiting, though they won’t cause lasting damage.)
Each of these air-purifying houseplants below are easy to find and affordable! Some of them can be cared for by those whose thumbs may not be the greenest.
Spider Plants
Easy to grow and care for, spider plants grow well in low light, and you can get even more plants from their clippings. Their wandering leaves tend to hang down over their pots, which is eye-catching, but may also catch the attention of curious pets. Hanging baskets are recommended to help keep them high and out of reach.
True Palms
Unlike sago and cycad palms, which are not a true palm and are highly toxic to pets, true palms are safe. They flourish in low light, making them a great indoor plant. Some of the pet-safe varieties include Areca, bamboo, ponytail and parlor palms. When selecting palms for your home, it’s recommended to double-check to make sure they’re safe!
Christmas Cactus
Though its name suggests otherwise, the Christmas cactus isn’t just appropriate for the holidays. In fact, with proper care, it can produce its pink and lilac flowers a couple times a year. These atypical cacti (they look quite different from what you’d associate with those in the desert) thrive in cooler temperatures and can make an interesting addition to your home.
Cast Iron Plant
Concerned about caring for plants? The cast iron plant may be the answer. It’s tough! As its name implies, cast iron plants are hardy. They feature dark green leaves and may even produce small purple flowers at their base. In addition to being pet-friendly, they are low maintenance, making cast iron plants a great place to start for first-time plant parents.
Potted Bamboo
Bamboo can add a tropical touch to your home, but it may need more care and attention than some of these other pet-friendly options. Most species can be grown in pots and containers, as they can reach tall heights even in small spaces. If they become root bound, they will need to be repotted or even divided. Once root bound, the plant will suffer due to lack of nutrients.
Rosemary
Love adding fresh herbs to your home-cooked dishes? Rosemary and other non-toxic herbs like oregano, parsley, cilantro, dill, thyme and basil can both purify your air and make your food more flavorful. Rosemary, for example, requires lots of sun and is sensitive to too much water. If you’re willing to start small, creating a windowsill herb garden is a great way to begin!
Bird’s Nest Fern
The bird’s nest fern isn’t your typical fern, but it makes for a nice (and safe!) conversation piece for your home. It gets its name from the fuzzy rosette in the center, which appears to be a nest, from which long, wavy leaves extend. Hanging planters show these off, and they’re ideal to add to bathrooms since their purifying properties filter chemicals from harsh cleaners, hairspray and nail polish remover, which are usually found there.
Did you know that the professionals at Sweet Home Cleaning Service can also help purify the air in your home? Upon request, we’ll be happy to use all-natural cleaning products when you trust us to clean! We take pride in adding our signature sparkle to homes on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, including Fairhope, Point Clear, Montrose, Daphne and Spanish Fort, as well as Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We’re also available for commercial and rental property cleainings in the same area. To get started, contact us today!
