Adding greenery to your home is a great way to brighten up your space, but if you have pets, you need to be careful about which plants you choose. Many common houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs, but plenty of safe options exist. Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or just getting started, these pet-friendly plants will let you enjoy lush greenery without worrying about your furry friends getting sick.
1. Spider Plant: A Low-Maintenance Classic
Spider plants are one of the easiest houseplants to care for, making them a great choice for pet owners. Their long, arching green and white-striped leaves look beautiful in hanging baskets, and they thrive in various light conditions. They also help purify the air, which is an added bonus. My cat used to bat at the dangling leaves, and luckily, I never had to worry about it making him sick.
2. Areca Palm: A Safe Tropical Vibe
Also known as the butterfly palm, the areca palm is completely safe for pets and brings a breezy, tropical feel to your home. It grows tall with feathery fronds, making it a stunning centerpiece in a bright corner. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and watch it flourish. It’s one of the first plants I ever owned, and it survived my early years of overwatering everything.
3. Boston Fern: A Lush, Pet-Safe Favorite
With its cascading fronds, the Boston fern adds a vibrant green touch to any space. This plant loves humidity, making it ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. Keep the soil consistently damp and mist it occasionally to prevent drying out. If your pets like to bat at the fronds, no worries—this plant is 100% safe for them.
4. Calathea (Prayer Plant): A Beautiful, Safe Choice
Calatheas are known for their stunning, patterned leaves that move up and down depending on the time of day. They’re completely non-toxic to pets and thrive in indirect light with consistent moisture. They can be a little fussy about humidity, so consider placing them near a humidifier or misting them regularly.
5. Parlor Palm: A Classic Indoor Palm
The parlor palm is a great beginner-friendly plant that’s also safe for pets. It tolerates low light and requires little maintenance, making it an excellent choice for busy plant lovers. Since it grows slowly, you won’t need to repot it often. Its lush green fronds add a touch of elegance to any room.
6. African Violet: A Flowering Favorite
If you want a pop of color, African violets are a safe and beautiful option. Their velvety leaves and vibrant flowers thrive in bright, indirect light. Water them from the bottom to prevent leaf spots, and they’ll bloom multiple times a year. My grandmother had these in every window, and now I do too—they’re practically indestructible.
7. Cast Iron Plant: Nearly Indestructible
As the name suggests, the cast iron plant is incredibly tough. It thrives in low light, tolerates neglect, and doesn’t mind irregular watering. This plant is perfect for pet owners who want something truly low-maintenance. Even if your dog accidentally knocks it over, it will bounce back without a problem.
8. Haworthia (Zebra Plant): A Pet-Safe Succulent
Haworthia is one of the few succulents that’s completely safe for pets. Its compact size and striking striped leaves make it a great addition to small spaces. It needs bright, indirect light and occasional watering. If you love succulents but have pets, this is a fantastic option that won’t cause any harm.
9. Bamboo Palm: Air-Purifying and Pet-Safe
Bamboo palms are pet-friendly and excellent air purifiers. They can grow quite tall, so they work well as statement plants in living rooms. Keep them in bright, indirect light and water them regularly. Their soft, feathery fronds add a calming vibe to any space, and since they’re non-toxic, they’re a worry-free choice for pet owners.
10. Ponytail Palm: A Unique, Hardy Choice
Despite its name, the ponytail palm isn’t a true palm. It features a thick trunk and long, curly leaves that give it a whimsical appearance. It’s easy to care for, thriving in bright light and dry conditions. My dog once chewed on a fallen leaf, and while I panicked at first, I quickly learned it was completely safe.
11. Peperomia: Compact and Colorful
Peperomia plants come in a variety of shapes and colors, all of which are pet-friendly. They have thick, rubbery leaves and require minimal care. They thrive in indirect light and only need occasional watering. If you want a small, easy-to-care-for plant that won’t harm your pets, peperomia is a great choice.
12. Swedish Ivy: A Trailing Beauty
Swedish ivy grows quickly and looks beautiful in hanging baskets. It prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering. Since it’s completely safe for pets, you don’t have to worry about it if your cat takes a nibble. Plus, its cascading vines make it a great way to add some greenery to bookshelves or high spaces.
13. Maranta (Red Prayer Plant): A Dynamic Houseplant
Marantas have stunning red-veined leaves that move up and down throughout the day. They’re completely safe for pets and thrive in humid conditions with indirect light. Keep their soil slightly moist, and they’ll reward you with vibrant foliage. If you love plants with movement, this one is a must-have.
14. Fittonia (Nerve Plant): Colorful and Safe
Fittonias, also called nerve plants, have striking veined leaves in shades of pink, red, or white. They love humidity and indirect light, making them ideal for terrariums. If your pets like to sniff around your plants, you can rest easy knowing that fittonias won’t harm them.
15. Baby Rubber Plant: A Hardy Houseplant
The baby rubber plant is a compact, pet-safe houseplant with thick, glossy leaves. It’s easy to grow and doesn’t need much attention—just some indirect light and occasional watering. If you want a small but sturdy plant that’s completely safe for your pets, this one is a solid pick.
16. Friendship Plant: Perfect for Sharing
Friendship plants grow quickly and are easy to propagate, making them great for gifting. They have soft, quilted leaves and thrive in moderate light with regular watering. Since they’re pet-safe, they’re a great option for households with curious cats or dogs.
17. Lipstick Plant: A Unique Bloomer
The lipstick plant gets its name from its tubular red flowers that resemble lipstick tubes. It’s completely non-toxic to pets and thrives in hanging baskets. Keep it in bright, indirect light, and it will bloom repeatedly throughout the year. This plant adds a fun, tropical touch to any home.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.