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The Top 10 Indoor Plants That Can Purify the Air in Your Apartment

Sep 20, 20236 min read

Updated: Mar 31, 2024


best plants for indoors, best plants to have in an apartment, best plants for dogs, best plants for cats
Plants for dorms & apartments - What are the best plants for indoor air quality

Is it good to have plants in an Apartment? Can plants improve air quality and health?

If you find yourself asking, "Should I have plants in my apartment?" The answer is usually yes but like many things, it depends. Having indoor plants not only elevates your living space but can improve air quality and offer a multitude of health benefits assuming you are not allergic. If you have a pet, then you do need to consider plants that may be harmful to cats, dogs or other pets that live with you. Also, if you are thinking of getting a cat in college, you may also want to read the article, Cats as Pets in College: Things to consider before buying a cat. But the question for now is, "what plants are best for an apartment? This article discusses some best plants for apartments, plants indoor air quality and some plants to avoid if you have cats or dogs. From plants that smell nice indoors to those that grow best in limited sunlight there is a lot to consider.


First Questions: Do you have a cat or a dog? If so, you want to know what plants are toxic to cats and dogs? You really want to know what plants are safe around your cat or dog.



While it’s tempting to beautify your home with lush greenery, if you're a cat or dog owner, you'll want to think twice about the types of plants you bring indoors. Cats and dogs are curious creatures, and their exploratory nibbling can lead to serious health risks if they ingest certain plants. There are certain plants that are known to be toxic to both cats and dogs. You definitely need to avoid these plants that can be poisonous to your loving dog or cat.


Cautionary Note: This article is not intended to be and should not be considered as a comprehensive list of plants which are toxic for pets, and it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian about plants that are safe to have around your cat, dog or other pets.


Consider the book below if you own a Cat or a Dog

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Lilies: One of the most toxic plants for cats is the lily. Just a few bites can cause kidney failure, and in some cases, can be fatal. The danger extends to all parts of the plant—leaves, petals, and even pollen. Lilies are also poisonous for dogs.


Pothos: A popular choice for indoor foliage, pothos are easy to care for but extremely harmful if ingested by cats or dogs. They contain calcium oxalates, which can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.


Sago Palm: Though it adds a tropical flair to your home, the Sago Palm is highly poisonous to both dogs and cats. All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, contain a toxin called cycasin, which can result in severe liver failure.


Oleander: Another toxic candidate is oleander. Ingesting even small amounts of this plant can lead to severe digestive upset, heart problems, and death in cats and dogs.


There are plenty of non-toxic options that can make both you and your pet happy. But remember, no plant is entirely safe for cats or dogs, as individual reactions can vary, so it's always best to keep an eye on your pet when you get a new house plant.

Best plants for apartments, Plants for indoor air quality” What Plants Grow Best Indoors? Consider Plants that can Improve Air Quality. The list below are good choices for plants that both improve air quality and purify the air.


best plants for air quality - best plants to purify air in apartment
Plants can be great to improve air quality

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)- A plant that can improve indoor air quality and purify the air

The Snake Plant is a champion when it comes to growing indoors. It thrives in various lighting conditions and is drought-tolerant. If you're wondering what the easiest plant to care for is, the Snake Plant is often at the top of the list. Bonus: it's also one of the plants that are best for air quality and is a plant that can improve indoor air quality.


Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)- A plant that can improve indoor air quality and purify the air

Ideal for: Air-Purification, Small Spaces If you're looking for the plant that purifies the air most efficiently, consider the Spider Plant. This low-maintenance plant is excellent for beginners and excels at removing pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene.

What Plants Smell Nice Indoors?

Lavender

Ideal for: Scent, Small Outdoor Balconies Are you interested in plants that smell nice indoors? Lavender is your best bet. Its calming scent makes it perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lavender is also great for small balconies and is among the best plants for apartment balcony gardens.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Ideal for: Air Quality, Aesthetics- A plant that can improve indoor air quality, purify the air and smell good too :)

Pothos is not just a pretty face; it's also a powerhouse when it comes to purifying air. Its attractive, heart-shaped leaves add aesthetic value to your apartment while making your air cleaner and healthier.


ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)- A plant that can improve indoor air quality and purify the air

Ideal for: Air Quality, Low Light Another excellent choice for improving air quality is the ZZ Plant. Its waxy, dark green leaves are not only visually appealing but also efficient at removing toxins from the air.

Aloe Vera- A plant that can improve indoor air quality and purify the air

Ideal for: Medicinal Uses, Air Quality Aloe Vera is another multifaceted plant. Apart from purifying the air, the gel inside its leaves has various medicinal properties, including soothing burns and cuts. Best Plants for Apartment Balcony

Herbs (Mint, Basil, Rosemary)- Plants that smell nice and can also enhance meals

Ideal for: Kitchen Windows, Cooking, Balconies If you have a sunny balcony and enjoy cooking, growing herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary can be both practical and enjoyable. These herbs are among the best plants for apartment balconies, offering you fresh, organic additions to your meals.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Ideal for: Statement Pieces, Moderate Light The Rubber Plant, with its large, glossy leaves, can serve as a statement piece for those who have a bit more space. It prefers moderate light but is relatively easy to care for.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Ideal for: Air-Purification, Low Light Peace Lilies are another great option for air purification. They require little care and can thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for apartment living.

Succulents Ideal for: Decor, Direct Light Succulents are a great choice for apartment dwellers who have access to plenty of sunlight. They come in various shapes and colors, providing an aesthetic boost to your space.

Conclusion:

Plants can be a game-changer when it comes to enhancing the quality of life in an apartment. The decision on what plants to grow in an apartment should take into account many factors. Most importantly, you want to have plants that are not toxic or poisonous to cats, dogs or your other pets. Also, "What plants grow best indoors in your area?", "What plants are best for air quality?" to help you make an informed choice. This article covered some best plants for apartments, plants to improve indoor air quality and some plants to avoid if you have cats or dogs. From plants that smell nice indoors to those that grow best in limited sunlight there is a lot to consider. So go ahead, bring home a green companion and transform your apartment.


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