Best 10 Pet Safe Houseplants

As spring approaches, many of us are looking to add new plants to our homes. I’m personally looking for houseplants to improve my apartment’s air quality, and to perk up the space. 

My downstairs neighbor smokes sometimes. I’ve bought an air purifier to assist with keeping the air clean for Roxxi, my dog who has a collapsing trachea, but plants will also help to spruce up the area. 

Sometimes I’ll catch the dogs nibbling on grass or plants if they have an upset stomach so I want to make sure there’s nothing toxic in our home so that I’m not having to watch their every move. 

There are some edibles such as cat grass that are safe to have in an animal's reach, but it’s best to keep houseplants inaccessible to pets. Thankfully, Maxx, Roxxi, and Sisi don’t chew on plants out of boredom or for fun, so I’m not concerned with their well being as much as someone with a puppy may be concerned, but you can never be too safe.

According to the ASPCA, the following plants are non-toxic to pets. Here’s a list of 10 Common Houseplants Safe for Cats and Dogs:

1. Areca Palm

   Also known as the butterfly palm, Dypsis lutescens Fronds from this plant may trigger your cats to swat and play with it so it's comforting to know that it’s nontoxic. Place it in a bright room, and allow soil to dry out between waterings.

2. Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis)

   This is another plant that may tempt cats to chew and swat. Boston ferns prefer humidity and lots of bright, indirect light.

3. Calathea Plants

   Also called zebra plants or peacock plants, bear large tropical leaves with stripes or stippling. Too much light can cause the foliage color to fade, so keep this plant in the shade. 

4. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

   This plant is easy to take care of. You won't need to worry about providing the perfect conditions to help it bloom in your home. Although this plant is non toxic, it may cause mild digestive upset if consumed in large quantities.

5. Orchid (Orchidaceae)

   Many orchids bloom for weeks in the winter when days are short, thriving in partial light and root-bound conditions. 

6. Mosaic Plant/Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

   This plant thrives in low light with moderate watering. 

7. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

   This is another plant that may tempt cats to swat at it. It thrives in bright light and doesn’t need to be watered too often.

8. Haworthia

   Succulents are always easy to take care of. Place this plant in a bright light, and water weekly. Although this plant looks like aloe, which is toxic to dogs, it’s not. In fact, all plants that are part of the Haworthia genus (jee.nus) are safe for cats and dogs. 

9. Purple Waffle Plant - (Hemigraphis 'Exotica')

   Bright indirect light will help to maintain the purple coloration without bleaching the leaves. Purple waffle plants are known as great air purifiers. (I think these are kinda ugly, but I’m going to pick up a few because of Roxxi’s condition. )

10. Friendship Plant

    Pilea involucrata is a trailing plant with fragile stems that thrives in high humidity. (ie: the bathroom)

There are many other plants that are safe for pets. Do your own THOROUGH research before purchasing plants that your animals may have access to. Let me know some other pet friendly plants in the comments, I’m forever looking to learn new things about animal safety.

As always, I hope this post helps! Let me know your favorite non-toxic plants to keep around the house!

Karyn, Maxx’s Mom