If you have pets, it’s essential to ensure that all your houseplants are safe for them. Pets often chew on indoor plants out of curiosity or mischief, and while some popular houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs, there are many pet-friendly alternatives that add greenery and purify the air in your home.
To protect both your plants and your pets, it’s best to keep houseplants out of their reach. For specific information on plant toxicity for cats, dogs, and horses, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is a valuable resource.
Here are 26 beautiful and non-toxic indoor plants that are safe for both cats and dogs.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis)
Boston ferns, also known as sword ferns, feature upright fronds that arch as they grow. They are non-toxic to cats and dogs, thriving in bright, indirect light and requiring regular watering to keep the soil lightly moist.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
African violets are beloved for their colorful flowers and are safe for pets. They prefer low light conditions and should be watered from the bottom to avoid wetting the leaves, which can cause damage.
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Baby’s tears form dense mats of small green leaves, making them a safe option for pet owners. They thrive in partial sun to shade and require consistently moist soil to maintain their lush appearance.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Known for its round, green leaves, the Chinese money plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. It does well in bright, indirect light and should be watered infrequently but deeply to ensure the soil dries out between waterings.
Banana Tree (Musa spp.)
Banana trees are safe for pets and add a tropical flair to indoor spaces. They need bright light and regular watering to thrive, mimicking their natural habitat conditions.
Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
Echeverias are safe succulents with plump rosettes ranging in colors from greenish-silver to lilac. They require full sun and infrequent watering, as they are prone to rot if overwatered.
Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)
Gloxinias are compact flowering plants that thrive in low-light conditions, making them safe for pets. They require frequent watering to keep the soil moist during their growing period.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)
Spider plants are non-toxic and easy to grow, tolerating a variety of light and soil conditions. They prefer partial shade and moderate watering to maintain their lush foliage and produce plantlets.
Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)
These carnivorous plants are safe for pets and thrive in full to partial sun. They require distilled water for irrigation to mimic their natural habitat and keep their traps active.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Also known as butterfly palm, the Areca palm is safe for pets and thrives in bright light conditions. It should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but allow slight drying between waterings.
Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas, also called zebra plants or peacock plants, feature large tropical leaves with striking patterns. They are safe for pets but require consistent moisture and indirect light to prevent leaf damage.
Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Haworthias are slow-growing succulents safe for pets, preferring bright light conditions. They should be watered weekly in summer and less frequently in winter to prevent overwatering.
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Known for its ornamental foliage with green, pink, red, or white splashes, the polka dot plant is safe for pets. It thrives in partial sun and requires regular watering to keep the soil moist.
Air Plant (Tillandsia stricta)
Air plants are safe for pets and grow without soil. They should be soaked in water biweekly or misted frequently to maintain their health and prevent drying out.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Prayer plants are safe for pets and feature leaves that fold each evening, resembling hands in prayer. They prefer indirect light and regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
The Friendship plant is safe for pets and thrives in high humidity environments. It should be kept consistently moist to maintain its lush appearance and growth.
Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomias are pet-safe plants with a variety of colors and textures. They tolerate occasional drought and prefer indirect light conditions with moist, well-draining soil.
Orchid (Orchidaceae)
Orchids are safe for pets and prefer partial shade with well-drained soil. They are known for their beautiful blooms and can thrive in root-bound conditions.
Mosaic Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
The mosaic plant, with its white- or pink-veined leaves, is safe for pets. It requires low light and consistently moist soil to maintain its vibrant foliage.
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
Bromeliads feature tough, strappy leaves and vibrant blooms, making them safe for pets. They thrive in bright light with occasional watering and can grow as epiphytes without soil.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Safe for pets, the ponytail palm features a swollen trunk and long, thin leaves. It prefers bright light conditions and should be watered moderately to maintain soil moisture.
Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)
With textured purple leaves, the purple waffle plant is safe for pets and thrives in bright, indirect light. It requires regular watering to keep the soil moist and promote healthy growth.
Purple Passion Vine (Gynura aurantiaca)
Known for its purple, velvety leaves, the purple passion vine is safe for pets. It prefers bright light conditions and regular watering to maintain its vibrant foliage.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor palms are safe for pets and thrive in indirect light with consistently moist soil. They are known for their resilience and ability to live indoors for several decades.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
Staghorn ferns feature antler-like leaves and are safe for pets. They prefer partial sun and should be watered weekly during the growing season to maintain their health.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
The money tree, believed to bring good luck, is safe for pets with its braided trunk and lush foliage. It thrives in bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.