Pet-Friendly Houseplants: 10 Safe Plants for Homes with Curious Paws
We love our furry friends, but we also love our plants. Unfortunately, not all plants love our pets back—some can be downright toxic. If you’re a plant parent AND a pet parent, you don’t have to choose between a thriving indoor jungle and your pet’s safety. We’ve rounded up 10 pet-friendly houseplants that are non-toxic and perfect for homes with curious cats and dogs. 🐶🌿🐱
1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) 🌴
A tropical beauty that adds a lush vibe to any space, the Areca Palm is completely pet-safe and helps purify the air. Bonus: it’s easy to care for and thrives in bright, indirect light.
✅ Light: Bright, indirect ✅ Water: Every 1-2 weeks (let soil dry between waterings) ✅ Pet-Friendly? Absolutely!
2. Calathea (Calathea spp.) 🌿
Also known as the Prayer Plant, this stunning foliage plant features vibrant patterns and loves humidity. Best of all? Zero toxicity for pets!
✅ Light: Low to bright, indirect ✅ Water: Keep soil slightly moist (not soggy) ✅ Pet-Friendly? Yes!
3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) 🌾
If you want lush, soft greenery, the Boston Fern is your go-to. This plant thrives in humid conditions and is safe for both cats and dogs.
✅ Light: Indirect, bright light ✅ Water: Keep soil consistently damp ✅ Pet-Friendly? 100%!
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) 🕷️
This low-maintenance plant is super easy to grow and loves bright, indirect light. It’s also known to help purify indoor air!
✅ Light: Bright, indirect to moderate ✅ Water: Every 1-2 weeks ✅ Pet-Friendly? Yes, but cats may be tempted to nibble on the leaves!
5. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) 🌴
This elegant, low-light-loving palm is non-toxic to pets and great for small spaces.
✅ Light: Low to moderate ✅ Water: Every 1-2 weeks ✅ Pet-Friendly? Yes!
6. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata) 🤝
With its cute, textured leaves, the Friendship Plant is perfect for pet-friendly homes. Plus, it’s super easy to propagate!
✅ Light: Indirect light ✅ Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy ✅ Pet-Friendly? Totally!
7. African Violet (Saintpaulia) 🌸
Want some pet-safe flowers? African Violets bloom beautifully without the risk of toxicity.
✅ Light: Bright, indirect ✅ Water: Keep soil evenly moist ✅ Pet-Friendly? Yes!
8. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) 🌿
Yes, your favorite cooking herb is also pet-friendly! Keep a pot in your kitchen for fresh seasoning and a safe snack for your pets.
✅ Light: Bright, direct ✅ Water: Water frequently ✅ Pet-Friendly? 100% safe!
9. Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) 🌱
This tiny, cascading plant makes a beautiful addition to hanging baskets and terrariums—and it’s completely pet-safe!
✅ Light: Bright, indirect ✅ Water: Keep soil consistently moist ✅ Pet-Friendly? Yes!
10. Haworthia (Haworthia spp.) 🌵
A small, easy-care succulent that’s non-toxic to pets. If you love aloe vera but need a pet-safe alternative, Haworthia is your best bet.
✅ Light: Bright, indirect ✅ Water: Every 2-3 weeks (let soil dry between waterings) ✅ Pet-Friendly? Yes!
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to compromise when it comes to plants vs. pets—you can have both! By choosing pet-safe houseplants, you can create a lush, green space without worrying about your fur babies getting sick.
Want to stock up on safe, stylish houseplants? Check out our selection at Pricks & Giggles—because every home deserves greenery that won’t send your pets to the vet! 🌿🐾