Looking for some pet-friendly plants to spruce up your home? Check out our list of the best (and safest) plants for your furry friend!
Having pets in the home can be a joy, but it can also present some challenges when you want to add some houseplants to your décor. Plants can bring life to a home and provide many health benefits, but when you’re a pet parent, you have to be extra mindful of the plants you choose. You don’t want to place any plants in your home that may be toxic for your pet, so you will need to find pet-friendly options. Many houseplants are toxic to animals, so it’s important to do your research before bringing any plants into your home.
Fortunately, there are many houseplants that are safe for both cats and dogs. From low-maintenance succulents to showy flowers, there’s something on this list for everyone. And don’t worry – we’ve included care instructions for each plant so you can be sure your pet will stay healthy and happy. Let’s take a look at some of the best pet-friendly plants out there.
Why it’s important to have pet-friendly plants in your home
Pet-friendly plants are an essential part of any home with furry inhabitants. Not only do they provide aesthetically pleasing foliage; some of them can come with added benefits for your pets. For instance, certain succulents, like live “hens and chicks,” can act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air in your home. Furthermore, pet-friendly plants offer mental stimulation to cats and other animals and can help keep them out of trouble by keeping their minds occupied. Last but not least, many pet-safe plants can even be beneficial to their health. For example, eating leafy greens from a Boston fern helps relieve upset stomachs in dogs or cats. By finding the proper pet-friendly plants for your home, you’ll create a safe haven not just for you and your family but also for your furry friends too.
Some of the best pet-friendly plants for your home
Taking care of plants and using them to decorate your home is a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature and show off your creativity. If you’re looking to find pet-friendly plants, there are a few options that come highly recommended. Succulents, ferns, and spider plants are all great choices since they are easy to care for and not toxic to animals. Unlike some other plants that cats or dogs may be tempted to eat, these varieties are non-toxic and won’t cause digestive problems in pets. Even though all of these varieties need some sunlight and regular watering, they are perfect for busy modern homes because they don’t need much care. Best of all, these plants have distinct looks that can bring a sense of color and life into any room or outdoor space.
Choosing plants for your home can be a tricky business. You want something that will look good but won’t be toxic to your beloved pets. Luckily, there are plenty of pet-friendly options out there that are both beautiful and safe for furry (and non-furry) friends. Here are fifteen of our favorites:
15 Pet-Friendly Plants for Your Home
1. Boston Fern – helps filter out toxins in the air and is safe for cats and dogs
Pet owners everywhere rejoice! There’s a new pet-friendly plant for your home, the beautiful Boston fern. Not only does this luscious green foliage provide an attractive look that fits into any room decor, but it also helps filter extra chemicals out of the air, especially in areas with high humidity. Plus, this fern requires minimal upkeep—it only needs to be watered once or twice a week and kept out of direct sunlight. So if you’re looking for an easy-care plant that has the added bonus of purifying your home’s air, then the Boston fern is definitely worth considering!
2. Spider Plant – also filters out toxins in the air and can be hung up out of reach of pets
The spider plant is a pet-friendly plant that is often recommended for pet owners looking to spruce up their home decor. Not only does it have attractive foliage, but this type of plant works to clean the air of toxins! Furthermore, they can also be hung out of pets’ reach. Not only is it incredibly easy to care for, but it’s also safe for cats and dogs. Plus, this plant is known for being able to tolerate extreme neglect—so you don’t have to worry about over-watering or over-fertilizing if you’re too busy to pay close attention. This makes them perfect for pet owners who are also looking for a plant that requires minimal upkeep. Spider plants are available in a variety of sizes and leaf shapes, so you can find the perfect one for your home! So if you’re looking for an easy-care, pet-friendly plant, the spider plant should definitely be near the top of your list.
3. Bromeliad Guzmania Hope – low maintenance plant, safe for cats and dogs
The Bromeliad Guzmania Hope is another pet-friendly plant that’s great for adding a splash of color to your home. This low-maintenance beauty has deep green leaves with bright pink, yellow, white, red, or orange flowers, making it an eye-catching addition to any room. Plus, it’s safe for both cats and dogs! This small tropical plant does require some extra care compared to other pet-friendly plants since it needs higher humidity levels, but overall, it’s fairly easy to maintain. If you’re looking for a beautiful plant that will add some life and color to your home without being toxic to your furry friends, the Bromeliad Guzmania Hope is definitely worth considering!
4. Lemon Balm – Aromatic herb, safe for cats and dogs
The Lemon Balm is an aromatic herb that makes an excellent pet-friendly addition to any home. Not only does it have a lovely lemon scent (hence the name) but it’s also safe for both cats and dogs. This plant requires minimal care—just water it once or twice a week and give it some occasional fertilizer. It thrives in indirect sunlight, so you don’t have to worry about keeping harsh rays away from your plant! So if you’re looking for an easy-care, pet-safe plant with a pleasant aroma, then the Lemon Balm should be high on your list of contenders.
5. Peacock Plant – Showy foliage, safe for cats and dogs
The Peacock Plant is a beautiful pet-friendly plant that’s perfect for adding some showy foliage to any home. This unique looking plant has bright green leaves with white veins that give it a peacock-like appearance. Plus, it’s safe for both cats and dogs! The Peacock Plant only requires basic care—just water it once or twice a week and make sure it gets plenty of indirect sunlight. It’s an easy-care option that can be placed anywhere in your home, from the living area to the bedroom. So if you’re looking for an attractive pet-safe plant that won’t require too much attention, then the Peacock Plant should be at the top of your list!
6. Orchids – beautiful and easy-care plants that are still safe for pets
Orchids have long been associated with beauty, but did you know they can also be pet-friendly? Orchids are often thought of as delicate and hard to care for, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Many types of orchids can actually be kept in a pet-friendly environment with minimal effort. These gorgeous blooms can even thrive in low light environments. Plus, orchids come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that fits perfectly into your home decor. Orchids also make great gifts, so if you’re looking for something special for a pet lover in your life, this might just be the perfect option!
7. The Olive Tree – is non-toxic and drought tolerant
The olive tree is another great pet-friendly plant for your home. This evergreen is known for its glossy foliage, and it’s also non-toxic to cats and dogs. It’s easy to care for, as well—it only needs bright light and moderate watering in order to thrive. Plus, it’s surprisingly drought-tolerant—so even if you forget to water it for a few days, this hardy plant won’t suffer! The Olive Tree makes an excellent addition to any room or patio, so why not give this pet-friendly option a try?
8. Calathea Rattlesnake Plant – beautiful foliage and safe for pets
The Calathea Rattlesnake plant is a real showstopper. Its deep-green foliage has distinct markings that look like rattlesnake skin, making it an eye-catching addition to any room. Not only is this pet-friendly plant aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also safe for cats and dogs. The plant requires minimal upkeep—just make sure you keep it in medium to low-light conditions and occasionally mist its leaves with water to increase humidity levels. So if you want a unique, pet-safe plant that will bring some life into your home, then the Calathea Rattlesnake Plant could be the perfect choice!
9. African Violet – beautiful flowers and easy to take care of
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, pet-friendly plant that also adds beauty to any room, then African violets are the perfect choice. The African violet is a pet-safe plant that grows colorful flowers. Its blooms come in pink, purple, and white—so it’s sure to add some bright accents to any room. Not only is this plant easy to take care of (it requires indirect light and frequent watering), but it’s also safe for cats, dogs, and even small furry critters like hamsters. Plus, its foliage is velvety soft—which means your furry friends can snuggle up next to it without worrying about getting hurt! So if you’re looking for a beautiful, pet-safe option with minimal upkeep, the African violet should definitely be on your list.
10. Haworthia – a drought-tolerant, pet-friendly succulent
Succulents are known for their easy care and low maintenance requirements, but not all of them are safe for cats and dogs. Enter the Haworthia! This attractive pet-friendly succulent is perfect for those looking to add a bit of greenery to their home without having to worry about harmful toxins affecting their pets. Plus, this particular variety is also incredibly drought-tolerant—so no need to worry about over-watering! It’s an excellent choice for pet owners who want something that looks great but requires minimal effort.
11. Cast Iron Plant – virtually indestructible and one of the most pet-safe plants around
The Cast Iron Plant (or Aspidistra elatior) is one of the most indestructible plants out there, and it’s also one of the safest for pets. This type of plant can survive in almost any environment, from low light to direct sun, and doesn’t require a lot of water or fertilizer. Its leaves are thick and leathery, making them difficult for cats and dogs to chew on. Plus, its deep green color gives a nice pop to any room! So if you’re looking for an easy-care, pet-safe plant that will last longer than many other options, then the Cast Iron Plant might be just what you need.
12. Bamboo Palm – requires very little care and is great for air purification
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly plant that provides gorgeous foliage and can help purify the air, then the Bamboo Palm could be a great option. These plants grow in clusters, so they can form an attractive backdrop or centerpiece for any room. Plus, they require very little care—just mist them with water every week or two and feed them with fertilizer once a year! Not only are these plants safe for most pets, but their air-purifying capabilities make them an ideal choice for households with animals living inside.
13. Herringbone or Prayer Plant – bright foliage that can be hung out of reach
The Herringbone, or Prayer plant is an excellent choice for pet owners looking to add some greenery to their home. This plant has bright, variegated foliage and can be hung from baskets or shelves out of pets’ reach. Not only does it bring a pop of color to any room, but this type of plant also helps purify the air in your home. Plus, it’s completely safe for feline and canine companions alike! So if you’re looking for a pet-friendly way to spruce up your space, then the prayer plant certainly should be on your list.
14. Chinese Money Plant – requires minimal care and can be kept out of pets’ reach
The Chinese money plant is a great pet-friendly choice for anyone looking to add some foliage to their home. It requires very little maintenance, with occasional watering being the only real need. Plus, it can easily be kept out of reach of curious pets! The smooth, round leaves make this plant particularly attractive, and the vibrant green coloration adds a pop of life to any room. If you’re looking for an easy-care plant that won’t harm your furry friends, then look no further than the Chinese money plant!
15. Rubber Plant – beautiful and safe for pets
For those looking to add a touch of beauty to their home without compromising the safety of their pets, the rubber plant is an ideal choice. Not only does it have unique foliage with striking colors, but it’s also completely safe for cats and dogs. Plus, it requires minimal upkeep—just water, fertilize occasionally, and keep out of direct sunlight. So if you’re looking for a pet-friendly way to spruce up your space with a bit of greenery, then adding a rubber plant could be just what you need!
Caring For Pet-Friendly Plants
Caring for pet-friendly plants is not difficult but does require a few simple steps. First, make sure to only use non-toxic soil for your plants and store it in a safe place out of reach from pets. When it comes to watering and fertilizing, remember that each plant has different needs. Generally, most pet-friendly plants will benefit from small amounts of water every 5-7 days, with extra hydration during hotter months. Fertilizers should be applied every 1-2 months, depending on the kind of fertilizer and type of plant. Additionally, keep an eye on leaves for signs of pests or disease to pick up any problems quickly before they have time to spread throughout the entire plant.
What to Do if Your Pet Eats a Plant That is Not Safe For Them
If you suspect that your pet has eaten a plant that is not safe for them, it’s important to take immediate action. Firstly, try to positively identify the plant that was ingested and research what potential effects it could have on your pet. If you cannot determine the type of plant, a veterinarian can often help with identification and provide advice on further steps to take. Secondly, if possible, try retrieving any remnants of the plant from your pet’s mouth or vomit. Lastly, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible for assistance in addressing the problem – they can advise on how to keep an eye out for concerning symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea and explain how best to ensure the safety of your pet in this situation. If you don’t have a personal vet available, contact the Pet Poison Helpline for help.
In Conclusion
When it comes to selecting houseplants that are safe around pets, there are plenty of options available! From spider plants that thrive in bright indirect light to Chinese evergreens that prefer low light conditions, pet owners can choose from a wide variety of attractive and non-toxic plants that will add color and life to their home without putting their furry friends at risk! So if you have cats or dogs at home but still want to enjoy some greenery indoors, then these pet-friendly houseplants might just be the perfect solution!
No matter what type of pet-friendly plants you choose for your home, it’s important to keep in mind that they should always be kept out of reach of curious animals. With some thoughtful consideration when selecting plants and careful maintenance, it’s possible to have a beautiful and pet-safe environment!
