When it comes to bringing nature indoors, many pet owners worry about the safety of their furry friends. The good news is that pet friendly indoor house plants can give you the best of both worlds—a lush, vibrant home filled with greenery, without putting your pets at risk.
Whether you’re a new pet parent or an experienced plant lover, knowing which plants are safe and which ones to avoid is key to creating a harmonious space for both your plants and pets.
This guide will walk you through why it’s important to choose pet-friendly plants, offer a curated list of safe options, and highlight some popular but toxic plants that should stay out of reach. Let’s dive in and create a green, pet-safe haven!
Why You Should Be Concerned About Pet Friendly Indoor House Plants
If you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably heard that some common houseplants might not be so friendly to your furry friends. And, unfortunately, that’s true—some plants can cause serious harm to your beloved pets. According to the ASPCA, many plants can trigger adverse reactions, from mild gastrointestinal distress to severe, systemic effects.
This is why understanding which plants are safe and which are toxic is so important. If you want both a thriving plant collection and a safe environment for your cat or dog, it’s crucial to choose wisely.
Already own a plant that’s not pet-friendly? Don’t panic! You can still keep it, but place it in an area your pet can’t reach. High shelves or hanging pots can work wonders in avoiding accidents.
Be extra cautious, though—sometimes photos of plants online can be misleading, so always double-check the plant name and confirm its safety before bringing it into your home.
List of Pet Friendly Indoor House Plants
Here’s a handpicked list of pet-friendly indoor house plants that will let you enjoy greenery without worrying about your pets. These plants, approved by the ASPCA, are not only safe for cats, dogs, and even horses but are also beautiful additions to any home.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) Is Pet Friendly Indoor houseplant
Native to Central and South America, this low-maintenance plant is non-toxic and easy to care for. It enjoys moderate watering and thrives in indirect light. It’s known for its braided trunk and lush green leaves.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Is Pet Frindly House Plant
Also called the Ribbon Plant, it’s famous for its arching green and white striped leaves. It’s low-maintenance, enjoys bright indirect light, and is highly adaptable to indoor environments.
Blunt Leaf Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia) Is Pet Frindly House Plant
This plant, originally from South America, has fleshy, oval leaves. It prefers bright indirect light and needs watering only when the soil is dry, making it perfect for busy plant lovers.
Calathea (Calathea spp.) Is Pet Friendly Indoor Plant
Known for its striking foliage, this plant adds a tropical touch to your home. It needs regular watering and prefers humid conditions, making it an excellent bathroom or kitchen plant.
Pet Friendly Houseplant: Phalaenopsis Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
These beautiful orchids are not only pet-friendly but also a delight to the eyes with their long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, indirect light and need watering once a week.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) A Pet Friendly Indoor Houseplant
This easy-going fern is safe for pets and loves a humid environment. With its feathery fronds, it’s perfect for hanging baskets or placing on a plant stand.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) A Pet-Friendly Houseplant
Despite its sharp name, the Christmas Cactus is a soft, pet-safe plant that blooms around the holiday season. It thrives in low-light conditions and needs minimal watering.
Pet Friendly Plant: Thimble Cactus (Mammillaria gracilis fragilis)
This small, pet-safe cactus is native to Mexico and thrives in bright light. It requires very little water, making it ideal for a sunny windowsill.
Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) and Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) are Pet Friendly Indoor House Plants
Both palms are non-toxic to pets and add a tropical feel to any room. They enjoy indirect light and regular watering, with Kentia being slightly more drought-tolerant.
Blue Echeveria (Echeveria glauca) Popular Pet Friendly Succulent
Known for its rosette shape, this succulent is native to Mexico. It’s pet-safe and thrives in bright light with minimal watering.
Pet Friendly Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis)
This dwarf palm tree has a thick, bottle-shaped trunk. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and requires occasional watering.
Candle (Senecio articulatus) A Pet Friendly Indoor House Plant
With its unique shape and texture, the Candle Plant is non-toxic and easy to care for. It thrives in well-drained soil and bright light.
Maranta (Maranta leuconeura) Is Safe For Pets
Also known as the Prayer Plant, this species is safe for pets and known for its stunning foliage. It prefers moderate watering and bright indirect light.
Some Popular Plants to Avoid if You Have Pets
Not all plants are pet-friendly, and some can cause serious health issues for your four-legged friends. Here’s a quick list of common plants that you should avoid if you have pets:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) Is Not Safe For Pets
Also known as the Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, this popular plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested by pets. It prefers indirect light and minimal watering.
Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) Is Not Pet Friendly Indoor house plant
The Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dragon Tree, and Ribbon Plant are all varieties of Dracaena. They are toxic to pets, causing vomiting, loss of appetite, and even increased salivation.
Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus) Is Not Suitable For Pets
This plant, despite its delicate appearance, can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested. It prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) To Avoid if You Have Pets
Highly toxic to both pets and humans, this plant can cause severe irritation when touched or ingested. It thrives in bright light with minimal watering.
Caladium (Caladium spp.) Is Not Safe For Pets
Also known as Elephant Ears, this plant’s leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause burning, swelling, and severe digestive discomfort in pets.
Tail Flower (Anthurium spp.) Is Not Suitable Plant For Pets
The Tail Flower is toxic to pets and can cause severe discomfort if ingested. It enjoys bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) Is Not Pet-Friendly Plant
Popular as indoor plants, the Heartleaf Philodendron and others in the family are toxic to pets. They prefer low to medium light and moderate watering.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) Popular Plant But Not Safe For Pets
Although it’s a beloved houseplant, the Jade Plant can cause vomiting, lethargy, and a slow heart rate in pets. It prefers bright, indirect light and infrequent watering.
True Aloe (Aloe vera) Is Not Among The Pet Friendly Indoor House Plants
While beneficial for humans, Aloe vera is toxic to pets, causing vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea. It prefers bright light and infrequent watering.
Trumpet Lily (Lilium spp.) To Avoid if You Have Pets
These stunning flowers are highly toxic to cats, potentially causing kidney failure. They prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) Popular Plant But Not Safe For Pets
This dramatic plant can cause digestive upset and lethargy in pets. It thrives in bright light and regular watering.
Final Thoughts
Choosing pet friendly indoor house plants is not just about keeping your home beautiful—it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of your pets too.
By selecting safe plants and keeping toxic ones out of reach, you can enjoy the benefits of houseplants without worry.
Whether it’s the lush greenery of a Boston Fern or the charm of a Money Tree, there are plenty of options that can thrive alongside your pets. So, before you add another plant to your collection, take a moment to ensure it’s pet-friendly. Your pets will thank you, and your home will still look stunning!