Many homes are full of items that can unknowingly release harmful chemicals into the air, either due to chemical composition or the way in which they are manufactured. Luckily, houseplants can be cultivated to filter many of those chemicals right out of the air you breath and look great doing it. However, if you are a pet owner, then it is important to be selective about which houseplants to keep in your home. A curious canine or nibbling feline can get sick if they munch on the wrong type of plant.
Here at MaidPro, we went through a NASA Clean Air Study and crosschecked all of the houseplants with the ASPCA to provide you with a list of all of the pet-friendly ones -
FLOWERING PLANTS
- Dendrobium Orchids (Dendrobium spp.) With over 1,000 varieties, these flowering beauties filter airborne xylene and toluene particles. Light, temp, and watering requirements vary by type, so careful research for specific varieties is a must.
- Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) Also proven to filter xylene and toluene, moth orchids can bloom for up to eight weeks and will flower repeatedly with attentiveness and care.
- Turf Lily (Liriope spicata) Often used outdoors as a landscaping plant, turf lily works well inside to filter formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and ammonia. While it does not require direct sun, it does need abundant watering and relatively humid air.
- Gerber Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) Revered for oversized, vibrantly colored blooms, Gerber daisies filter benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. For spring through fall, Gerbers want lots of direct morning sun and regular watering plus fertilizer. In winter, less frequent watering and indirect sun are preferred.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) One of the easiest houseplants to grow, spiders also filter formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Spider plants thrive in well-drained soil and bright, indirect light. Mature spider plants will produce spiderettes, which you can easily propagate into even more air-filtering plants.
PALMS AND OTHER LEAFY PLANTS
- Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii) For indoor use, look for pygmy date palm, but don't be fooled by the name; mature plants can reach over six feet tall! Date palms prefer full sun and dry-ish, peat-based soil with lots of drainage. Filters: formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) Inside, areca palm grows to 6-7 feet and filters formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Areca prefers warm temps and moist, well-drained soil.
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) Filters formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene and will grow in low light conditions. Offer adequate drainage, high-quality potting soil, and filtered water at room temperature.
- Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) Filters formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and ammonia, but grows tall and wide, so reserve for large indoor spaces. There are many species, each with different cultivation requirements so research carefully.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis') These lacy green houseplants filter formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, but are rather finicky about their environment. They want cool temps, high humidity, indirect light, and soil kept consistently damp.
Remember - even non-toxic plants can cause digestive upset if consumed in large quantities. Keep plants out of reach of pets and small children to ensure their safety and protect your green companions from curious nibbling.
Enjoy the greenery and fresher air in your home, then give MaidPro a call to remove the dust, grime and clutter throughout. Our PROs follow our 49-Point Checklist to ensure a consistent and quality cleaning with every service. Give us a call or request an estimate to get started!
*This advice should be used as a guide, however please consult with your pet's veterinarian for any medical advice regarding your furry friends.
