Clean Air, Happy Pets, Healthier Home
Transform your indoor environment with plants that work around the clock to purify your air while remaining completely safe for your furry family members.
Remove Toxins
Filter harmful chemicals from indoor air naturally
Increase Oxygen
Boost oxygen levels for you and your pets
Improve Humidity
Natural humidification for better respiratory health
100% Pet Safe
No worries about curious cats or dogs
NASA's Clean Air Study: Science-Backed Air Purification
In the late 1980s, NASA conducted groundbreaking research to find the most effective plants for purifying indoor air in space stations. Their findings revolutionized our understanding of how houseplants can improve indoor air quality.
Key findings from NASA's research:
- Houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins within 24 hours
- Plants work continuously to filter harmful chemicals from the air
- Different plants target specific pollutants for comprehensive air cleaning
- One plant per 100 square feet provides optimal air purification
- Air-purifying plants also increase humidity and oxygen levels
We've carefully selected plants from NASA's list that are also verified as non-toxic to cats and dogs, giving you the best of both worlds: cleaner air and pet safety.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants These Plants Remove
Formaldehyde
Found in: Furniture, carpets, cleaning products, paper goods
A common indoor pollutant that can cause headaches and respiratory irritation. Plants like spider plants and Boston ferns excel at removing formaldehyde.
Benzene
Found in: Paints, plastics, synthetic materials, gasoline
A known carcinogen that can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Areca palms and bamboo palms are particularly effective at filtering benzene.
Xylene
Found in: Paints, adhesives, printing inks, rubber
Can cause headaches and confusion. Boston ferns and areca palms are excellent natural filters for xylene removal.
Toluene
Found in: Paints, nail polish, adhesives, synthetic fragrances
May cause fatigue and memory problems. Several palm varieties effectively remove toluene from indoor air.
Ammonia
Found in: Cleaning products, fertilizers, fabrics
Can irritate eyes and respiratory system. Boston ferns are particularly effective at neutralizing ammonia.
Carbon Monoxide
Found in: Gas appliances, fireplaces, car exhaust
A dangerous, odorless gas. While plants don't remove carbon monoxide, they increase oxygen levels to help counteract its effects.
Top Air-Purifying Plants Safe for Pets
These powerhouse plants made NASA's list for air purification while being completely safe for cats and dogs.
Spider Plant
Removes:
Formaldehyde, Xylene, Carbon Monoxide
One of the most effective and easiest air-purifying plants. Perfect for beginners and produces plantlets for propagation.
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Tolerates occasional neglect
- Safe for curious pets to nibble
- Produces adorable "babies" for sharing
Boston Fern
Removes:
Formaldehyde, Xylene, Ammonia
Excellent natural humidifier and air purifier. Adds lush, tropical beauty while cleaning your air continuously.
- Increases humidity naturally
- Thrives in high humidity environments
- Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens
- Non-toxic and pet-friendly
Areca Palm
Removes:
Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene, Toluene
NASA's top-rated air-purifying plant. Elegant palm that removes more toxins than almost any other houseplant.
- Top performer in NASA studies
- Elegant, tropical appearance
- Natural air humidifier
- Safe for pets and children
Bamboo Palm
Removes:
Formaldehyde, Benzene, Trichloroethylene
Compact palm perfect for smaller spaces. Excellent air purifier that tolerates lower light conditions.
- Compact size, big impact
- Tolerates low light
- Slow-growing and manageable
- Pet-safe and low maintenance
Ponytail Palm
Removes:
Formaldehyde, Benzene
Unique sculptural plant that's virtually indestructible. Stores water in its bulbous base, making it perfect for busy pet parents.
- Extremely drought tolerant
- Unique, sculptural appearance
- Perfect for sunny windows
- Completely pet-safe
Parlor Palm
Removes:
Formaldehyde, Ammonia
Victorian-era favorite that's been purifying indoor air for over 100 years. Thrives in low light and humid conditions.
- Thrives in low light
- Loves humid conditions
- Compact, elegant form
- Completely non-toxic to pets
Maximizing Your Plants' Air-Purifying Power
Optimal Placement
Place one plant per 100 square feet for maximum air purification. Position near pollution sources like printers or in high-traffic areas.
Keep Leaves Clean
Gently wipe leaves monthly with a damp cloth. Clean leaves can photosynthesize and purify air more effectively.
Proper Watering
Most air-purifying plants prefer consistent moisture but not waterlogged soil. Check soil moisture regularly.
Adequate Light
While many tolerate low light, most air-purifying plants work best in bright, indirect light for optimal performance.
Group Together
Clustering plants together increases humidity and creates a more powerful air-purifying effect throughout your home.
Regular Maintenance
Remove dead or yellowing leaves promptly to keep plants healthy and functioning at peak air-purifying capacity.
Start Breathing Cleaner Air Today
Transform your home's air quality with our curated collection of air-purifying plants that are completely safe for pets. Every plant is hand-selected for maximum air-cleaning power and verified pet safety.
Shop Air-Purifying Plants View All Pet-Safe PlantsFrequently Asked Questions
Sources & Research
This guide is based on peer-reviewed scientific research and authoritative sources to ensure accuracy.
1. NASA Clean Air Study (Primary Source)
Wolverton, B.C., Johnson, A., Bounds, K. (1989). "Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement." NASA Technical Report. NASA-TM-108061.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19930073077
2. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
"Plants Non-Toxic to Dogs" and "Plants Non-Toxic to Cats" - Pet safety verification databases.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list
3. Environmental Science & Technology Journal
"Indoor Air Quality and Plants" - Peer-reviewed research on houseplant air purification.
https://pubs.acs.org/journal/esthag
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
"Indoor Air Quality Guide: Introduction for Health Professionals" - Indoor air pollutant information.
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq
5. Journal of Environmental Horticulture
"Foliage Plants for Removing Indoor Air Pollutants" - Academic research on plant air purification mechanisms.
https://meridian.allenpress.com/jeh
6. Building and Environment Journal
"Indoor Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Control" - Scientific studies on optimal plant placement and effectiveness.
https://www.journals.elsevier.com/building-and-environment
7. Wolverton Environmental Services
Dr. Bill Wolverton's continued research on indoor air purification and plant effectiveness studies.
https://wolvertonenvironmental.com/
Last updated: July 2025. Information compiled from peer-reviewed scientific sources and authoritative databases. Plant selections verified for pet safety through ASPCA databases.