Pets and plants are two of the things that bring the most joy to our homes, but they aren’t always compatible with one another. Because so many dogs and cats love to claw, chew, and eat plants, it is critically important to only keep houseplants that are non-toxic to your furry friends. Here is a list of the XX best houseplants for you and your pets.
14 of the Best Pet-Safe Houseplants
1. African Violets
Lush-leaved and bedecked with showy flowers, African Violets are unfussy and easy to grow, even in low light situations. For best results, you may want to invest in special pots that keep the roots moist at all times. In addition to being easy on the eyes and almost effortless to grow, pets can eat all parts of African violets without suffering any ill effects whatsoever.
2. Areca Palm
The feathery fronds and delicate arcs of the Areca, or butterfly palm, evoke the beauty of the tropics with none of the toxic traits of other such houseplants. These showy plants enjoy bright rooms and intermittent waterings—letting the soil dry out before watering will keep the Areca palm happy.
3. Banana Trees
Bananas are slightly unusual houseplants, but offer the drama and beauty of a large, statement plant without posing any threat to pets at all. They prefer bright light and moist soil, and may even produce fruit under the right conditions.
4. Bromeliads
Another stunning family of pet-safe tropical plants are bromeliads. With tough, leathery leaves and flowers that last many months, these colorful plants are both pet-safe and low maintenance. Soil-free specimens can be found mounted onto logs, which means no dirt for curious cats to make a mess with.
5. Christmas Cactus
Many cacti and succulent-type plants are dangerous for pets, but Christmas cacti are relatively safe. Profuse winter bloomers, these fast-growing cacti generally prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering. They might give pets a bit of a stomach ache if eaten, but will do no serious harm.
6. Haworthia
This amazing family of plants offers a visual range that includes everything from aloe-lookalikes to exotic-leaved succulents with translucent tips. Found in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, haworthia is one of the best pet-safe succulents around. Aloe can actually be rather toxic to pets that munch on its leaves, but haworthia offers a gorgeous, safe alternative.
7. Ferns
The vast majority of true ferns are completely pet-safe. Bird’s nest ferns, Boston ferns, maidenhair ferns, staghorn ferns, and many others are easy to maintain, beautiful, and won’t harm your pets if they get munched on. Tropical-looking and attractive year-round, ferns generally prefer bright lights and ample humidity.
8. Friendship Plant
Also known by the name Pilea involucrata ‘Moon Valley,’ the pet-friendly friendship plant has unique textured leaves with a quilted, crinkly quality. A color gradient makes this fast-growing tropical appear to glow from the outside. Place on a window sill that receives bright indirect light and let the soil dry out between waterings.
9. Hoya
One of the easiest of all houseplants, hoyas make a fantastic substitute for pothos, which are highly toxic to cats and dogs. With thick, waxy leaves and seasonal clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers, these exotic vines love to be root bound and can be kept in the same pot for many years. In addition to being easy to care for, they also make a safe, stunning sight for all members of the family.
10. Lipstick Plant
Featuring bright red buds in a tubular shape, lipstick plants (Aeschynanthus humilis) are unmistakable, striking, and pose no threat to pets. They form long, trailing tendrils that can reach more than three feet long, making them excellent ornamentals for hanging planters or high shelves. Give them room to stretch out and you will not be disappointed.
11. Peperomia
Available in a dizzying array of shapes, sizes, and colors, all the plants in the peperomia species are non-toxic to pets. Perfect in terrariums and hanging baskets alike, plants in this family offer much beauty in exchange for extremely little care and maintenance.
12. Ponytail Palm
Playful and easy to love, the ponytail palm might attract some unwanted play from pet cats, but it is entirely nontoxic. Best in bright, indirect light, this low-maintenance stunner will thrive with less water than the average houseplant.
13. Purple Passion
Few houseplants match the exotic look of purple passion, formally known as Gynura aurantiaca. Perfectly happy in moderate to bright light, this unusual plant appears dark purple thanks to the deeply colored hairs covering its leaves. The velvety foliage is a favorite of plant lovers, and four legged roommates can take a bite out of it without suffering any harm.
14. Spider Plant
A retro classic, spider plants have been hanging around homes since at least the 1970s, when they hit peak popularity. Not only are they completely non toxic to pets and children, but they are naturally good at purifying the air. They send off baby plant shoots regularly, so you can easily propagate an army of these plants or share them with your friends.