If you’re a pet owner who loves houseplants, finding greenery that’s safe for your furry friends is essential.
Many common houseplants can be toxic to cats and dogs, so it’s important to choose non-toxic options for the sake of your plants and your beloved pet.
Below is a list of beautiful, pet-safe plants that are both stylish and safe for curious pets.
These pet-friendly houseplants, from true palms to ferns and succulents, are perfect for plant lovers who want a green space their fur babies can enjoy.
Let’s dive into some of the best pet-safe houseplants and how to care for them.
1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Why It’s Great: Also known as the butterfly palm, the Areca Palm adds a tropical vibe to your living space and is a true palm that’s non-toxic to pets.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil moist but avoid root rot by ensuring good drainage.
- Benefits from occasional misting to maintain high humidity.
2. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Why It’s Great: A classic house plant, the Parlor Palm is an excellent choice for pet owners, as it’s completely safe and thrives in a wide variety of indoor conditions.
- Care Tips:
- Grows well in low light to bright indirect light.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- A low-maintenance houseplant, perfect for corners or shelves.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Why It’s Great: Also called the airplane plant, Spider Plants are hardy, attractive, and completely safe for your furry friends. Their arching leaves and baby spider plants (“pups”) make them a fun and popular houseplant.
- Care Tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates low light conditions.
- Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering.
- Great for high shelves or hanging baskets.
4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Why It’s Great: This true fern is non-toxic and helps improve air quality, making it a great addition to any home.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light or partial shade.
- Loves moist soil—never let it completely dry out.
- Mist regularly or place near a humidifier to maintain high humidity.
5. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
- Why It’s Great: Known for their unique appearance, Calatheas (like the peacock plant and rattlesnake plant) are non-toxic to pets and make bold, decorative statements.
- Care Tips:
- Prefers medium to bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
- High humidity is key—mist frequently or use distilled water for best results.
6. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Why It’s Great: The Prayer Plant’s vibrant patterns and folding leaves make it a perfect plant for pet-friendly households.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Benefits from high humidity and occasional misting.
7. Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
- Why It’s Great: If you love succulents but worry about toxicity, Haworthia is a good choice. This small plant is compact, safe for pets, and a great addition to desks or windowsills.
- Care Tips:
- Needs bright, indirect light.
- Water sparingly, letting the soil dry completely between waterings.
- Plant in a succulent potting mix with good drainage to avoid root rot.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Why It’s Great: This elegant palm, sometimes mistaken for the majesty palm, is non-toxic and a popular houseplant for pet owners.
- Care Tips:
- Likes bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
- Keep the soil lightly moist, but never soggy.
- A low-maintenance option for busy households.
9. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Why It’s Great: Known for its durability, the Cast Iron Plant is a perfect plant for those with curious pets and low light spaces.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in low to medium light.
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Resistant to neglect and one of the easiest succulents to care for.
10. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
- Why It’s Great: A good option for smaller spaces, the Friendship Plant is safe for pets and has textured, eye-catching leaves.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light.
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering.
- Easy to propagate, making it a fun plant to share with friends.
11. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)
- Why It’s Great: With its delicate, lace-like fronds, the Maidenhair Fern adds a touch of elegance to any room. It’s a true fern that’s non-toxic to pets, making it a perfect plant for pet owners.
- Care Tips:
- Prefers partial shade or bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Loves high humidity—place near a humidifier or mist frequently.
12. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
- Why It’s Great: This unique fern has wavy, bright green leaves that resemble a bird’s nest. It’s a great addition to pet-friendly homes due to its non-toxic properties and unique appearance.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in partial shade to bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid letting it sit in water.
- Benefits from high humidity, so it’s ideal for bathrooms or areas with consistent moisture.
13. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
- Why It’s Great: The Christmas Cactus is a popular houseplant that produces stunning blooms during the holiday season. It’s non-toxic to pets and easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for plant lovers with fur babies.
- Care Tips:
- Likes bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
- Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Prefers cooler temperatures during its growing season to encourage flowering.
14. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
- Why It’s Great: Also known as the Pancake Plant, this trendy houseplant features round, coin-shaped leaves that make it a favorite among pet owners. Its pet-safe status ensures your furry friends can coexist with this stylish greenery.
- Care Tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Allow the top layer of soil to dry before watering.
- Easy to propagate by separating its offsets or “pups.”
15. Peperomia Argyreia (Watermelon Peperomia)
- Why It’s Great: The Watermelon Peperomia, with its striped, watermelon-like leaves, is a pet-safe plant that’s compact and perfect for smaller spaces.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
16. Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia)
- Why It’s Great: The Rattlesnake Plant, a type of Calathea, boasts striking, wavy green leaves with deep purple undersides. It’s non-toxic to pets and a beautiful addition to any indoor plant collection.
- Care Tips:
- Needs bright, indirect light and thrives in partial shade.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Loves high humidity, so mist regularly or place it near a humidifier.
17. Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis)
- Why It’s Great: This true palm adds a touch of elegance and height to your living space while being safe for pets.
- Care Tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.
- Keep the soil evenly moist and ensure good drainage.
- Place in a humid environment or mist occasionally to mimic its tropical origins.
18. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
- Why It’s Great: The Money Tree is a good luck plant that’s believed to bring prosperity. Its braided trunk and lush foliage make it a stylish, non-toxic option for pet owners.
- Care Tips:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
- Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Avoid overwatering, as it’s prone to root rot.
19. Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa)
- Why It’s Great: The Zebra Plant, with its bold striped leaves, is a unique pet-safe plant that can make a dramatic statement in your home.
- Care Tips:
- Requires bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil moist during its growing season, but let it dry slightly in winter.
- Benefits from high humidity, so mist frequently or place near a humidifier.
20. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.)
- Why It’s Great: This dramatic fern has antler-like fronds that make it stand out. It’s non-toxic to pets and a great option for hanging displays or mounting on walls.
- Care Tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade.
- Water by soaking the root ball in water once a week, allowing it to dry in between.
- Enjoys high humidity, making it a good choice for bathrooms.
21. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)
- Why It’s Great: Air plants are versatile and easy to care for, making them perfect for pet owners. These nontoxic plants don’t require soil, making them a fun addition to any space.
- Care Tips:
- Thrive in bright, indirect light.
- Soak them in water for 20–30 minutes every 1–2 weeks.
- Allow them to dry completely before placing them back in their display.
22. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
- Why It’s Great: For those who love carnivorous plants, the Venus Flytrap is a safe and unique choice. It’s non-toxic to pets and adds a fun, interactive element to your home.
- Care Tips:
- Requires bright light, including direct sunlight if possible.
- Keep the soil moist with distilled water or rainwater.
- Thrives in a humid environment, making it ideal for terrariums.
23. African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
- Why It’s Great: African Violets are small flowering plants that are completely pet-safe. Their vibrant blooms make them an excellent choice for adding color to your living space.
- Care Tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade.
- Water with distilled water when the soil feels dry.
- Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent spotting.
Final Thoughts
Finding pet-friendly houseplants doesn’t have to be a challenge!
With a little research and proper care, you can fill your living space with greenery that’s safe for your fur babies. Popular houseplants like the Spider Plant, Areca Palm, and Boston Fern are excellent choices for plant lovers who want to keep their furry friends safe.
Avoid toxic options like the sago palm and always provide bright indirect light, moist soil, and good drainage for the best results.
Whether you choose a Parlor Palm, Prayer Plant, or Haworthia, these pet-safe plants will thrive in your home with the proper care and attention. For the sake of your pets and plants, consider placing them on high shelves if your curious pets like to nibble.