15 Types Of Houseplants That Are Safe For Your Pets
Every homeowner is either a pet parent or a plant parent kind of person — it practically comes with the territory of buying or renting your first place. There's just something about waking up in the morning and taking the dog for a walk, or starting your day by giving your greenery a fresh watering session. But as any pet owner can tell you, there are so many hidden dangers when it comes to standard houseplants and potential toxins, so juggling a love for pets and plants can be a whole different story. For example, some popular options like aloe and ficus plants are actually toxic and hazardous to your pet's health, reports New York Magazine. Yikes!
Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful varieties that are safe for any of your furry friends. Whether you have a cat, dog, or both (in which case, consider us jealous), these houseplants are non-toxic and make for a gorgeous pop of color in your home.
1. Venus Flytrap
Ironically enough, the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is one of the safest houseplants to keep around pets — teeth and all. Venus Flytrap World explains that due to its small size, this strange plant won't actually hurt anything beyond a small fly or two. You can keep it stored in a terrarium for low-maintenance watering due to the humidity, but this one's safe to leave wherever you wish.
Venus flytraps are completely non-poisonous, but if possible, it's best to keep them out of arm's reach from pets. If your dog happens to find his way there, though, there's no need to panic!
2. Orchid
Orchids (Orchidaceae) are a gorgeous addition to brighten up your home, and most are totally safe for your pets, too. Whether your preference is a bold Tiger Orchid (Dendrobium gracilicaule) or timeless Lily of the Valley Orchid (Odontoglossum pulchellum), your pets will be in great hands around your newest non-poisonous greenhouse find, says Orchid Republic.
According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, orchids require regular watering with warm water, and bright, consistent sunlight, but nothing too direct — that'll burn out the leaves, which is a whole different problem!
3. Prayer plant
Pet-safe plants don't have to be boring and only green — and the prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is proof! Despite the myth that colored plants are poisonous for pets, this plant's yellow and red leaves are fair game to keep around the house. Any part of this plant is safe, all the way from the root to the small blooms, notes Plant Care Today.
The prayer plant performs best in low, indirect light, or the leaves may burn away. Don't skip the watering on this one, though — make sure it's moist around the clock with distilled water to prevent any fungal problems.
4. Spider plant
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is completely safe for dogs, and is mostly non-toxic for cats. While this plant is non-poisonous, it does contain a hallucinogenic component similar to catnip, warns Petsho. Too much of this wispy, grasslike plant may hurt your pet's stomach, so it's still best to hang this one up high. If there are any cat-climbing incidents, though, an emergency vet visit isn't a necessity!
If your plant is hanging, make sure it has consistent, indirect sunlight to encourage growth. Try to use filtered water to avoid browning of these delicate leaves, and always give it a fresh pour when the top of the soil is dried out (via Bloomscape).
5. Herbs
The words basil, sage, thyme, and cilantro are enough to make any kitchen connoisseur's mouth water, and we have some good news: Your pets can drool over them, too! Leaf and Paw reports that most herbs are non-toxic and safe to be left out right on the counter, where your cats and dogs will likely steal a bite or two.
Some other popular options like dill and rosemary should be kept to a minimum, though, so do your research about the exact type of herb you'll be cooking with (and proudly displaying) before introducing it in your pet-friendly home.
6. African Violet
These beauties command any room, and we're willing to bet that they'll have your pet's attention, too. The African Violet (Saintpaulia) is non-poisonous, so long as the fertilizer used is also pet-safe. As long as no harmful pesticides were used in growing, your cats and dogs can peacefully coexist with an African Violet, says Ohio Tropics.
Keep your violet regularly watered, but don't let any moisture sit on the leaves to prevent rot. You'll want to watch any direct sun to avoid burning the plant, but leave it in a bright location and stay on top of pruning any dead leaves (per The Spruce).
7. Watermelon Peperomia
Considering this one looks delicious enough to eat, we're thankful that our pets can chow down without a worry! The Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) is a unique addition to any greenery corner, with its rind-looking leaves reminiscent of a fresh summer. And according to North Carolina State University, it's completely non-toxic!
Watermelon Peperomia is an ideal houseplant for newbies because it thrives in low light (500-square-foot apartment with no decent windows? That's nothing!), but watering is key — the soil must be kept at a medium-dry level at all times.
8. Boston Fern
Boston ferns (Nephrolepis) are entirely safe for your pets, but that doesn't mean they're safe from your pets. While it's totally okay — and honestly expected — for your cats and dogs to bite down on these sprawling, lush leaves, they aren't the easiest to grow.
Apartment Therapy suggests keeping your Boston fern out of reach but in indirect light, just to preserve the integrity of your plant. Invest in a self-watering option to keep the soil moist without over-saturating it. If your pets do get into it, reviving it shouldn't be so hard — simply prune away the dead leaves and give it a generous watering to jumpstart more growth.
9. Bamboo
All bamboo plants aren't created equal, but some are 100% toxin-free to keep around your four-legged friends! So long as a bamboo plant is in the Bambusoideae family, it's completely safe to have at home. Just be wary of other varieties, like Lucky Bamboo, which isn't technically in the species — these may be poisonous and should not be left around where your pets can reach them, warns Lewis Bamboo.
Bamboo is actually fairly easy to grow indoors so long as it's in a sunny spot, claims UIC Heritage Garden. Don't be afraid to water, water, and water again — it's considered difficult to over-saturate the soil for bamboo.
10. Bromeliad
Your dogs are already begging for water left and right — why throw another rigid watering schedule in the mix with a needy houseplant? Instead, opt for a Bromeliad, a non-toxic tropical plant that will add a bit of color to your home with minimal maintenance.
According to Pet Poison Helpline, some Bromeliads are epiphytes, so they don't actually require regular watering. Instead, they extract their water directly from the surrounding air. Safe for your pups and they do most of the work? Sounds like a dream! However, other Bromeliads do require occasional watering, per the South Florida Plant Guide, and they enjoy the sunshine.
11. Aluminum plant
If you want another watermelon-looking plant to compliment your new Peperomia, but you don't want to sacrifice your pets' health in the process, look no further! The aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) has similar, gorgeous variegated leaves that are safe for your pups and kittens to gnaw on.
Granted, if you want to keep your Aluminum plant in tip-top shape and bite-mark-free, you'll have to move it to a separate area and care for it as needed. Fortunately, these plants grow perfectly in the shade, and won't die on you after one missed watering session, as noted by Better Homes & Gardens.
12. Friendship plant
The friendship plant (Pilea involucrata) is a close relative of the aluminum plant, which means it looks slightly different with its near golden, bushy leaves, but it also carries many of the same properties. That includes how pet-friendly it is — it's non-toxic and safe to keep indoors alongside your pets.
Ultimate Pet Nutrition suggests watering regularly whenever the soil is fully dried out, and leaving this small plant close to a window, but out of the direct sunlight (so, essentially, that little ledge that your kitten loves to nap on throughout the day).
13. Wheatgrass
Okay, so this one's a bit of a cheat, but wheatgrass is a great plant to keep around any of your pets without concern. It can be stunningly simple, and is actually considered a dietary aid and treat for cats and dogs alike.
Place a spread in a decorative planter as a centerpiece on the table that your cat can't seem to stay off of, and watch them go crazy! Daily watering and indirect sunlight are a must, but this plant is otherwise low-maintenance. Wheatgrass also neutralizes odors, so it'll help eliminate some of the inevitable pet smell in your place, says 1st Lake.
14. Hoyas
Succulents tend to be trickier to keep around pets since they often contain hazardous toxins. One of the few succulents that are both cat and dog safe, however, are Hoyas (Asclepiadaceae). These gorgeous, Chinese blooms are shaped like red and pink stars, and make a great complement for any corner of your home (yes, even the ones that the dog can somehow get into).
Garden Guides recommends watering your Hoya plants whenever the top of the soil starts to feel dry. Keep these succulents in a warm room in a spot that guarantees a few hours of direct sun for the best possible result.
15. Lipstick plant
The lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) offers an eye-catching pop of red in its tube-like blooms, but that's not even the best part! According to My Garden Life, this plant is far from a concern when it comes to the health and safety of your pets. Since it's entirely non-toxic, you can leave it indoors year-round, where the red flowers will bring some life into your space.
Another great perk of the lipstick plant is that it can handle higher temperatures and brighter, direct light — that means that it can also be placed on your front porch, or hung up in your backyard, the second your pets get a little too hands-on with this non-toxic beauty.