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Indoor plants are a good idea for various reasons, namely to beautify, to purify air, and to trap and absorb pollutants. Horticulture magazine last fall shared other reasons, including that indoor plants:
— Help lessen stress
— “Have been shown to reduce coughing and dry, dehydrated throats and skin”
— Can increase productivity and creativity, especially in a work space

Some of the best household plants to clean indoor air, according to hgtv.com, are English ivy, bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, Gerbera daisy, dragon tree, mother-in-law’s tongue, pot mum, peace lily and the “Janet Craig” variety of dracaena fragrans.

Wellnessmama.com adds to that list plants most effective at removing indoor air toxins and contaminants: rubber plant, Boston fern and dwarf date palm.  

And, the site explains that while aloe vera is not one of the best houseplants to purify indoor air, “it does have the unique ability to release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide at night, making it a good choice for keeping in a bedroom.” Plus, its interior gel soothes scrapes and burns.

Herbs such as lavender, rosemary and basil are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they purify air, add flavor to foods and are enjoyable to smell.

The problem is, many plants are not pet- or child-safe. While adult dogs are less likely to find plants appealing, cats are notoriously curious and playful. Cats may not set out to taste or eat a plant, but by swatting, grabbing and pouncing on a plant they may get exposed to toxins or even poisons. The same principle applies to babies and toddlers.

Horticulture magazine suggests making plants less attractive to pets by misting or spraying them regularly, sprinkling them with cayenne pepper, or spritzing around the base or on the pot with a commercial animal repellant. An easy solution for pets and children is to display plants up high. Or, because cats are attracted to plants, the publication advises keeping oat grass, catnip and catmint in a pot for them to enjoy.

A few air-purifying and safe plants for homes with pets and children are money tree, spider plant, African violet, bamboo and Boston fern.