If you have cats, dogs, or any other pets, it’s essential to be mindful of the plants you introduce into your home. Many common houseplants can be toxic to pets if ingested, leading to potential distress or stomach upset. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful and safe plants to choose from that will keep your home looking lush and green without putting your pets at risk!
For a full, comprehensive guide on toxic and non-toxic plants, we recommend checking ASPCA's toxicity list.
Common Non-Toxic Indoor Plants
Spider Plants: A common choice for plant lovers with pets, spider plants are rapid growers that can function as tabletop or hanging basket plants. They prefer bright, indirect light and drying out between waterings. Overtime and with proper care, you will notice your spider plant put out "pups" on their vines – small offshoots that you can propagate into new spider plants!
Ferns: Boston ferns, maidenhair ferns, bird's nest ferns, button ferns, blue star ferns and rabbit foot ferns are all examples of common indoor ferns that are non-toxic to pets.
It is important to double check your specific fern variety to make sure it is non-toxic. For example, the asparagus fern may be commonly referred to as a fern, but is not actually in the fern family and is toxic to pets.
Ferns prefer bright, indirect light but can be tolerant of lower light conditions. While they don't want to sit in wet soil, ferns do appreciate consistent watering. Once the soil is about 3/4 of the way dry, give your fern a good soak.
Palms: Areca palms, parlor palms, Chinese fan palms and majesty palms are are popular palm choices that are pet-friendly. Similar to ferns and other genera listed here, it is important to research the specific palm you are interested in as not all palms are non-toxic.
Palms generally need bright, indirect light to thrive indoors. Let the soil dry out between waterings, but do not let them sit dry for too long.
Calathea: Calathea lancifolia, calathea orbifolia, calathea medallion, calathea makoyana, calathea roseopicta, calathea ornata and calathea zebrina are all popular non-toxic calathea varieties you may find at your local plant store.
Calathea are beloved for their striking, unique foliage. Most calathea varieties are grown for their colorful leaves with bold patterns. This genus prefers bright, indirect light and lightly moist soil. For extra care, water your calathea with distilled or filtered water as their roots can be sensitive to the minerals found in tap water.
Peperomia: This genus contains many varieties, all with their own unique appearance. Some popular non-toxic choices include peperomia obtusifolia, peperomia rosso, peperomia caperata, peperomia watermelon, peperomia hope, peperomia prostrata.
Peperomia love bright, indirect light and to be watered when their soil is fully dry. An easy way to tell if your peperomia is in need of a watering is to lightly squeeze the leaves to see if they are flexible and dehydrated. When a peperomia is adequately hydrated, the leaves are full of water and become stiff.
Maranta: Also known as prayer plants, all maranta species are considered non-toxic. Common maranta varieties include maranta 'lemon lime,' maranta 'red,' and maranta 'kim,' a newer variegated maranta variety.
Maranta enjoy bright, indirect light. They can tolerate lower light but their colors may fade and the leaves may not open and close. Maranta prefer moist, but not soggy, soil and to be kept in a humid environment.
African Violets: Good news – Whether you’re into the classic purple blooms or the fancier hybrids in pinks and whites, all cultivated varieties of Saintpaulia (African Violets) are considered pet-safe.
They love bright, indirect light—think near a north- or east-facing window—and prefer to stay cozy in temperatures between 65–75°F. Keep their soil slightly moist, but avoid getting water on the leaves (bottom watering works great!). A well-draining potting mix and a little humidity will keep them happy.
Pilea: This includes popular varieties like pilea peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant), pilea involucrata (Friendship Plant), pilea microphylla (Artillery Plant), pilea cadieri (Watermelon Pilea), and pilea pumila (Clearweed). Lesser-known or newly cultivated varieties may be toxic to pets, so it is important to research your specific pilea to know its toxicity risks.
Pilea plants love bright, indirect light and thrive in well-draining soil with moderate watering—let the top inch dry out between drinks. They prefer warm, humid environments, so keep them away from cold drafts to see them thrive!
Cast Iron Plant: The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is non-toxic to both cats and dogs. These plants thrive in low to moderate light, making it perfect for lower light areas or corners of your home. It prefers well-draining soil and only needs to be watered when the top few inches of soil are dry, so we consider it quite low-maintenance.
Additional Pet Safety Tips
Placement Tips: Position plants out of reach from curious pets to prevent chewing or accidental ingestion. Hanging baskets and trees with high canopies are popular choices that keep foliage out of reach to most pets.
Pet-Safe Products: Choose fertilizers and sprays that are safe for pets.
Cleaning Plants: Regularly clean your plants with non-toxic products to avoid pests that could affect both the plant and your pets.
View our full pet-friendly collection to shop online for plants you and your furry friend can enjoy or stop by in-store for personalized help from one of our associates!
