Clean Air, Happy Pets: 5 Pet-Safe Indoor Plants to Purify Your Air
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Time to read 6 min
DeWayne’s in Selma, NC – Boutique, Gift Shop, Men’s Clothing, Garden Center & More
Is it just us, or does January feel a little...gray?
The holiday decorations are packed away, the days are short, and the windows are sealed tight against the cold. It’s officially "Winter Blues" season. But here at DeWayne’s, we have a secret weapon against the gloom: Indoor Greenery.
Did you know that bringing plants indoors is scientifically proven to lower stress, improve focus, and boost your mood? It’s a concept called biophilia—our innate human desire to connect with nature. When we can’t get outside to the garden, bringing the garden to us is the next best thing.
Plus, because our homes are shut tight to keep the heat in, indoor air quality can actually suffer during the winter. Pollutants from cleaning products, carpets, and electronics get trapped inside with us.
The solution? Air-purifying plants.
We’ve rounded up 5 of our favorites that are tough enough for beginners ("Black Thumbs," we are looking at you!) and excellent at scrubbing toxins from the air. Best of all? Every single plant on this list is 100% non-toxic to cats and dogs. You can decorate without the worry!
1. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Looking for a plant with serious personality? The Ponytail Palm looks like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book! Despite its name, it's not actually a true palm but a succulent, featuring a bulbous trunk and a fountain of curly, hair-like leaves.
- The Air-Purifying Superpower: While it looks fun, it works hard. The Ponytail Palm is great at breaking down harmful gases in the air to keep your home fresh.
- Care Level: This is the ultimate 'set it and forget it" plant. Because it stores water in its thick trunk, it is extremely drought-tolerant and forgives you if you forget to water it for weeks.
- Watering Tip: Treat this like a succulent. Let the soil dry out completely (top to bottom) before watering. It loves a sunny spot, so place it near a bright window.
- Pet Status: Non-Toxic. It is completely safe for pets, though we have to warn you: cats love to swat at the swishy, curly leaves! It won't hurt them, but your plant might get a casual haircut if you aren't careful.
2. Rattlesnake Calathea (Goeppertia insignis)
If you want a plant that looks like a living piece of art, look no further than the Rattlesnake Calathea. This specific variety is famous for its long, wavy leaves that feature dark green spots resembling a reptile's skin
- The Air-Purifying Superpower: Its broad leaves provide a large surface area to trap dust and filter airborne particles like formaldehyde. but the coolest part? It exhibits nyctinasty, meaning its leaves fold up at night (showing off their purple undersides) and open again in the morning to catch the light.
- Care Level: Moderate. While it is one of the more "forgiving" Calatheas, it still loves humidity!
- Watering Tip: Like all Calatheas, this plant can be sensitive to the minerals in tap water (which can cause brown, crispy tips). If you can, water it with distilled water, rain water, or tap water that has been left out overnight.
- Pet Status: Non-Toxic. Safe for all furry friends.
3. The Boston Fern (Nephrolepix exaltata)
If your skin feels dry and itchy during the winter, the Boston Fern is your new best friend. With its lush, feathery fronds, it brings a soft, woodland vibe to your home decor.
- The Air-Purifying Superpower: This fern is ranked as one of the most efficient plant filters for removing formaldehyde (often found in wood glue, furniture, and carpets). Even better: It acts as a natural humidifier, releasing moisture back into the air to combat dry winter heat.
- Care Level: Moderate. This is the thirstiest plant on the list. It loves humidity!
- Watering Tip: Don't let the soil dry out completely. If you house is dry, keep this plant in the bathroom where it can soak up steam from the shower, or mist it a few times a week.
- Pet Status: Non-Toxic. Safe for cats and dogs.
4. The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Looking for a plant that is virtually indestructible? The Spider Plant is a retro classic that is making a huge comeback. It features arching, variegated leaves and looks beautiful trailing from a hanging basket.
The Air-Purifying Superpower: This plant is a powerhouse against carbon monoxide and xylene. It grows quickly and produces "spiderettes"—baby plants that dangle from the mother plant. You can snip these off and pot them to make free gifts for friends!
Care Level: Easy. It’s very forgiving if you forget a watering here or there.
Watering Tip: Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. If the tips turn brown, try using distilled water, as they can be sensitive to the fluoride in tap water.
Pet Status: Non-Toxic. Safe for cats and dogs (though some cats find the grassy texture irresistible, so you might want to hang it high!).
5. String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)
If you are looking for something small, trailing, and undeniably cute, meet the String of Turtles. This trendy vining plant gets its name from its tiny, succulent-like leaves that feature a beautiful pattern resembling, you guessed it, turtle shells!
- The Air-Purifying Superpower: While tiny, these leaves are mighty. Because it is a trailing plant, it is perfect for high shelves or hanging baskets, helping to purify the air in the upper corners of a room where air circulation can be stagnant.
- Care Level: Very Easy. It is semi-succulent, meaning the leaves store water. It is much more forgiving than other "String of" plants (like the finicky String of Pearls).
- Watering Tip: Treat this like a succulent. Let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings. It loves bright, indirect light on the top of the post to keep those turtle shell patterns defined!
- Pet Status: It is completely safe, though the dangling vines can be very tempting for cats to bat at, so you might want to hang this one high up!
4 Quick Rules for Winter Plant Care
If you are nervous about your "Black Thumb," follow these four golden rules for winter care:
- Chase the Light: Winter days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky. To keep your plants happy, move them closer to windows or rotate them every week so all sides get enough light to survive the gloomy days.
- Stop Fertilizing: Most plants go dormant (take a nap) in the winter. They don't need food right now; wait until the spring to fertilize.
- Use the "Finger Test": Before you water, stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels damp, walk away. Overwatering is the #1 killer of indoor plants, especially in winter!
- Dust the Leaves: Winter means dust. Wipe your plant's leaves gently with a damp cloth. This helps them breathe and photosynthesize better, keeping them healthy and strong.
We are a Pet-Friendly Place!
At DeWayne's, we aren't just plant experts, we are pet parents too! Being "pet-friendly" isn't just a slogan for us; it's our lifestyle. As you browse our atrium, you might bump into our resident supervisors, Ginger and Rosie. Since these two curious cats call our garden center home, we understand firsthand the struggle of keeping lush greenery safe from prying paws. We practice what we preach when it comes to plant safety, so you can trust us to help you find the perfect balance for your own furry family members.
Ready to Refresh Your Home?
Whether you need a lush Bamboo Palm, a trendy String of Turtles, or a striking Rattlesnake Calathea, we have an atrium full of options waiting for you. Come visit us at DeWayne's this week to soak up some warmth and pick out the perfect green companion to help you get through the winter!
A Note for Pet Parents
While the plants on this list are classified as non-toxic, every pet is different! Ingesting any plant material (even grass) can sometimes cause an upset stomach in cats and dogs. We always recommend checking a comprehensive toxic plant list (like the ASPCA's) or consulting your veterinarian before adding new greenery to your home, especially if you have a "nibbler" on your hands!