If you’re both a pet lover and a plant enthusiast, you might have worried about the potential dangers that some indoor plants can pose to your furry friends. Cats, dogs, and other pets often explore their surroundings, sometimes nibbling on leaves.
Many common houseplants are toxic and can cause a range of health issues if ingested. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful, non-toxic plants that you can enjoy without risking your pets’ safety. Here’s an extensive guide to the best 28 non-toxic indoor plants for pet-friendly homes.
Growing Houseplants That Are Safe For Pets
Growing houseplants that are safe for pets allows you to enjoy a vibrant indoor garden without worrying about your furry friends’ health. Many common houseplants can be toxic if ingested by pets, but there are plenty of beautiful, non-toxic options.
This guide explores pet-friendly plants like Spider Plants, Calatheas, and Parlor Palms, offering tips on how to nurture them effectively. Learn how to choose the right plants, and provide proper lighting, watering, and soil conditions to keep both your plants and pets healthy.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, discover how to create a safe, green sanctuary that your pets can explore freely. With the right care, you can maintain a beautiful indoor garden that purifies your home’s air and brings joy to your space—all while ensuring your pets remain safe and happy.
What Houseplants Are Safe For Pets To Eat?
I often get asked which houseplants are safe to grow around pets. Some even ask, ‘What houseplants are safe for my cat to eat?’
Well, I wouldn’t recommend letting your cat (or dog) munch on any of your houseplants! Even non-toxic plants can cause an upset stomach or vomiting if your pet eats too much.
However, don’t worry; there are plenty of pet-friendly houseplants that won’t harm your furry friends if they take a nibble. If you want to grow something safe (and even tasty) for your pet to eat, there are a few great options to consider!
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is a popular choice for both beginners and experienced plant lovers. Its long, arching leaves not only look elegant but also help purify indoor air. Spider Plants are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. They are hardy and can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, making them perfect for various spaces in your home.
2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
This palm, also known as the Butterfly Palm, has feathery fronds that bring a tropical vibe indoors. It’s safe for pets and helps purify the air. Areca Palms prefer bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower lighting. Keep the soil moist, but be sure to avoid overwatering.
3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are an excellent addition to humid environments, such as bathrooms. Their lush, feathery fronds are non-toxic to pets. They thrive in indirect light and need frequent misting to stay healthy, which keeps their leaves from turning brown.
4. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Known for their vibrant, patterned leaves, Calatheas are a stunning, pet-safe option. They thrive in low to medium light and need regular watering to maintain their striking appearance. The ‘Prayer Plant’ variety (Maranta leuconeura) is also a great choice due to its unique leaf-folding habit.
5. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
One of the most popular indoor palms, the Parlor Palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs. This slow-growing plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels, making it ideal for almost any room. Water it regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
6. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomias come in various shapes and sizes, from smooth, rounded leaves to textured foliage. They are non-toxic to pets and thrive in medium, indirect light with moderate watering. Their compact growth makes them perfect for small spaces, like desktops and shelves.
7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm adds a touch of the tropics to your home and is safe for pets. It’s also an excellent air purifier. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. However, ensure that the pot has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
8. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
With its whimsical, cascading leaves and sturdy trunk, the Ponytail Palm is an attractive pet-friendly plant. It’s not a true palm but is incredibly easy to care for. It thrives in bright light and only needs occasional watering, making it a perfect choice for busy plant parents.
9. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
African Violets bring a splash of color with their delicate blooms. These flowering plants are non-toxic to pets and flourish in moderate, indirect light. Regular watering is key, but avoid getting water on their fuzzy leaves to prevent damage.
10. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Known for their folding leaves that resemble hands in prayer at night, Prayer Plants are safe for pets. They prefer low to medium light and like their soil to be moist but not soggy. Keep them in a humid environment for best results.
11. Hoya (Hoya spp.)
Hoyas, or Wax Plants, have thick, waxy leaves and clusters of fragrant star-shaped flowers. They’re safe for pets and adapt well to various lighting conditions, though they thrive in bright, indirect light. Hoyas like to dry out between waterings, making them relatively low-maintenance.
12. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
As its name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible. It’s non-toxic to pets and can survive in low-light conditions and with infrequent watering. Its hardy nature makes it a great plant for beginners or those who struggle to keep plants alive.
13. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Add a pop of color to your indoor space with the Polka Dot Plant, which features speckled leaves in pink, red, or white. It is non-toxic to pets and thrives in indirect light with moist, well-drained soil.
14. Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Baby’s Tears is a delicate-looking plant with tiny, bright green leaves. It’s safe for pets and prefers bright, indirect light with high humidity. Water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
15. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
The Friendship Plant is known for its textured, quilt-like leaves. It’s a non-toxic choice that thrives in low to medium light and requires regular watering. Its compact growth makes it ideal for small spaces.
16. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis orchid)
Orchids add elegance to any room and are safe for pets. These beautiful blooms prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered about once a week. Make sure their roots are not sitting in water to prevent rot.
17. Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)
Bromeliads are known for their unique foliage and colorful flowers. They are pet-friendly and do well in bright, indirect light. These plants have a central “cup” that holds water, so be sure to keep it filled for optimal health.
18. Velvet Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
The Velvet Plant features fuzzy, purple leaves and is safe for pets. It prefers bright, indirect light and needs to be watered when the soil dries out. Its striking color and texture make it a unique addition to any plant collection.
19. Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa)
Zebra Plants are characterized by their striped leaves and vibrant yellow flowers. They are non-toxic to pets and thrive in bright, indirect light with high humidity. Keep the soil moist but ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
20. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
Despite its name, Swedish Ivy is not a true ivy. It’s safe for pets and has glossy, trailing vines that look beautiful in hanging baskets. It prefers indirect light and moderate watering, with well-draining soil.
21. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Known for its bright, festive blooms, the Christmas Cactus is non-toxic to pets. It flourishes in bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a favorite among plant lovers.
22. Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia)
A variety of Calathea, the Rattlesnake Plant boasts long, wavy leaves with unique patterns. It’s safe for pets and thrives in low to medium light with regular watering. High humidity will keep its leaves vibrant and healthy.
23. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)
With its delicate, feathery fronds, the Maidenhair Fern is a lovely addition to any indoor garden. It’s non-toxic to pets and prefers indirect light and high humidity. Keep the soil consistently moist to avoid brown, crispy leaves.
24. Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)
Pilea Peperomioides, or the Chinese Money Plant, is famous for its round, coin-shaped leaves. It’s safe for pets and thrives in bright, indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid root rot.
25. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Fittonia, also known as the Nerve Plant, features striking veined leaves that come in various colors. It’s non-toxic to pets and prefers low to medium light with high humidity. Water it regularly but avoid waterlogging the soil.
26. Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia)
Grape Ivy is a climbing plant with shiny, lobed leaves. It’s pet-friendly and thrives in moderate to bright, indirect light. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry, and it will reward you with lush growth.
27. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
The Kentia Palm is a stunning, non-toxic plant with elegant fronds that can adapt to various indoor environments. It prefers indirect light and should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
28. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)
The Lipstick Plant earns its name from its tubular red flowers that resemble lipstick. It’s safe for pets and grows best in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but well-drained to promote blooming.
Conclusion
These 23 non-toxic indoor plants are perfect for pet owners who want to keep their furry friends safe while enjoying the beauty of indoor gardening. With a variety of shapes, sizes, and care requirements, there’s a pet-friendly plant for every home. Happy Gardening!
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