IWhether it’s their mischievous nature or their curious instincts, dogs and cats might feel tempted to nibble on and consume houseplants. Therefore, you should pay attention to pet-friendly houseplants to make sure that your furry friends are safe and sound. If you wonder which one is a good investment, these are 20 indoor plants that are completely safe for your beloved cats and dogs.
#1. African Violet
African violets are among the most favorite pet-friendly houseplants that are safe for pets. They are also in high demand because they grow well in environments that people enjoy, such as average humidity and moderate temperatures, and they bloom in low light.
#2. Baby’s Tears
The tiny green leaves of baby’s tears form a spreading carpet that gives charm to small hanging baskets, terrariums. Pets who prefer to dig in your houseplants may be deterred by baby tears plants, which cover the dirt. This is a safe option for pet owners and an excellent option for novice gardeners. To grow it, select a spot with 70–80 degree Fahrenheit temps, filtered light, and wet soil.
#3. Chinese Money Plant
Chinese money plant is a good option for homes with dogs or cats. Its round, meaty, vivid green leaves are its signature. Although it may thrive in moderate-to-low light, it is best suited for an area in your house that receives strong, indirect light.
#4. Banana Tree
The banana tree is one of the most popular pet-friendly houseplants which can make a dramatic statement in your house. Although dwarf versions only reach a maximum height of two to four feet, it can reach a height of six feet or higher. In some tropical cuisines, the long, wide leaves that arise from a central stem are utilized to cook or serve food.
#5. Echeveria
Because it is non-toxic, this kind of succulent is a safe choice whether you live with dogs or cats. The plump rosettes that the echeveria plant produces might be greenish-silver, blue-green, or even lilac in tint. This indoor houseplant doesn’t require lots of attention, unlike other succulents, but it does need to be placed in an area that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day.
#6. Spider Plant
Veterinarians love this plant because it’s easy to cultivate inside and very hardy—it can withstand even a black thumb. Spider plants can help remove toxins from your home as they are excellent air purifiers. Spider plants dislike direct sunlight which scorches their leaves. Even though they can withstand lower light levels, they thrive best in 60–80 degree Fahrenheit indirect bright light.
#7. Venus Fly Trap
Although carnivorous plants are an interesting and stylish addition to any houseplant collection, what happens if your cat decides to jump on one of the traps before they close? Venus fly traps don’t harm cats or dogs, so if one of them nibbles one, there’s no need to visit the vet.
#8. Areca Palm
The Areca palm also referred to as the butterfly palm, transports any interior space to the tropics. Your cat’s playful swatting and biting tendencies are sometimes triggered by palm fronds, so it’s relieved to know that areca palms are safe for both cats and dogs to consume. This type of indoor palm tree requires high light, lots of it. It should ideally be placed in a window that faces west or south.
#9. Boston Fern
The lovely Boston fern, which attracts pets with its shaggy fronds, is also at the lower end of the maintenance scale. This plant is safe for both cats and dogs, so your cat can playfully bat at the ferns and your puppy can even have a bite out of it.
#10. Calathea
Calathea, sometimes known as peacock plants or zebra plants, have tropical leaves with eye-catching stippling or stripes. Calatheas are great for shaded spots in the pet-friendly home because they don’t fade in color when exposed to too much light. Watering them on a regular basis is necessary, but you must take care not to overwater them.
#11. Haworthia
Haworthia is a non-toxic, slow-growing succulent that requires little maintenance. When a plant reaches maturity, it will be three to five inches tall, have fleshy green leaves in rosettes marked with white bands or warts, and produce offsets. You can divide haworthia clusters to increase the number of these pet-friendly houseplants in your collection.
#12. Polka Dot Plant
The polka dot plant’s splashing foliage in shades of green, pink, red, or white is so beautiful that you won’t have to worry about giving it the ideal growing environment that many houseplants require to bloom. While the polka dot plant and other non-toxic plants are safe for cats and dogs to eat, excessive consumption by sensitive pets may cause minor upset stomach.
#13. Air Plant
Air plants are epiphytes and cannot grow in soil. Attaching them to a board or other solid surface mount is what you should do instead. Tighten this bromeliad’s stiff leaves to its mount with twine, wire, or glue to protect your plant and keep your cat from noticing it.
#14. Prayer Plant
You and your pet will undoubtedly be drawn to the prayer plant’s striking foliage. Depending on the variety you have, prayer plants require different care, but in general, they like temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and bright, indirect sunlight.
#15. Friendship Plant
The friendship plant is a trailing plant that grows well in extreme humidity. It thrives in a terrarium, which further reduces the likelihood that your dog or cat would nibble without permission. It’s among the most pet-friendly houseplants to have on full show in any space of your house.
#16. Peperomia
The Peperomia species are among the most popular houseplants because of their wide range of colors and textures. They look excellent in pots, are safe for cats and dogs, and will forgive if sometimes you forget to water them.
#17. Orchid
Few plants have a more refined appearance than orchids. Fortunately, you can get one for your house without endangering your dog. Orchids can live up to four months with the right care. They thrive in dim light. In the winter, water it once a week and twice in the summer.
#18. Nerve Plant
This native of the rainforest, with its gorgeous pink or white-veined leaves, is safe for dogs and cats. Nerve plants need regular maintenance and low light to thrive. It does, however, need an extremely humid atmosphere, so a bathroom is an ideal location for it to thrive.
#19. Bromeliad
A vibrant bromeliad is the ideal plant to add a tropical feel to any area. With blooms that can persist for several months, bromeliads are a great way to add color and vibrancy to any space. An open space like a living room, kitchen, or bedroom that has windows and indirect sunlight is perfect for bromeliads because they require a lot of air flow.
#20. Ponytail Palm
The ponytail palm is a well-liked indoor tree that is simple to grow. It is frequently referred to as elephant’s foot because of its round, smooth trunk. This plant only require fertilization two or three times a year. Be careful not to overwater them since they need dry soil.
Having pets and plants in your home does not have to be a risky combination. There are many beautiful and pet-friendly houseplants that are safe for cats and dogs, and can add color, texture, and freshness to your space. However, even if a plant is non-toxic, it is still advisable to keep it out of reach of your pets, as they might cause digestive upset or damage the plant if they nibble on it. Last but not least, if there’s any plant in this list that is your pick, don’t forget to let us know in the comment.