Finding the best indoor plants that are pet-safe means you can enjoy greenery without stressing over your furry friends getting sick. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful, non-toxic options to choose from.
But which plants are truly safe for cats and dogs – and how can you make them thrive in your home?
Let’s explore the top pet-friendly indoor plants that are perfect for any space.
Table of Contents
Quick Care Guide for Most Common Houseplants 💚
⭐ How to start? Easy, hard-to-kill plants like Monstera or Pothos are usually a great starting point.
💧 Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, but avoid letting them sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix designed for indoor plants - I personally use this one. A mix with peat, perlite, or coco coir is great for avoiding soggy roots.
☀️ Light: Most houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light. Too little light can cause leaf drop, while direct sun may scorch the leaves.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep them between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and away from drafts, heaters or air conditioners.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) once a month during spring and summer. Hold off during fall and winter.
1. Areca Palm
The Areca Palm is a great choice for a pet-friendly indoor plant. It’s non-toxic to cats and dogs, so you won’t have to worry about your furry friends. These palms are easy to care for and can add a tropical vibe to any room.
They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and require regular watering to keep the soil moist. Make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot. Trim any brown fronds to maintain a lush appearance.
Areca Palms also act as natural air purifiers. They help remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from your home environment. If you’re looking for greenery, this plant offers both beauty and safety.
2. Spider Plant
Spider plants are excellent indoor choices that are safe for pets. These hardy plants are known for their vibrant green and white-striped leaves and arching stems. They thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, making them easy to care for.
Place your spider plant in a moderately bright spot to help it grow best. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. They’re also known for their air-purifying abilities, adding freshness to your space.
Spider plants can produce “babies” or plantlets that dangle from the parent plant. You can replant these to create new spider plants. This makes them not only pet-friendly but also budget-friendly, as they can be easily propagated at home.
3. Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are safe for pets, easy to care for, and known for their lush, arching fronds. They thrive in indirect light and prefer humid environments, making them great for bathrooms. Regular misting will keep them happy and healthy.
You’ll want to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. They can be sensitive to dry air, so if the leaves start to brown, consider a humidity boost. Placing the pot on a tray with water and pebbles can help.
4. Calathea Orbifolia
Calathea Orbifolia is a beautiful houseplant that’s safe for pets. Its large, silver-striped leaves make it a stunning addition to any room. This plant thrives in indirect sunlight and high humidity.
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Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, as this plant prefers a bit of moisture. It’s a good idea to wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and vibrant. If the air in your home is dry, consider using a humidifier nearby.
5. Bamboo Palm
Bamboo Palms are excellent choices for homes with pets. They’re non-toxic to dogs and cats and can grow well indoors. These plants are great for adding a hint of tropical flair to your home.
Bamboo Palms adapt well to indoor environments. They thrive best in indirect sunlight and need consistently moist soil. You’ll love how these palms enhance your living space with their lush green leaves.
Their maintenance is relatively easy. Regular watering and occasional pruning are all they need. Place them in a spot that gets filtered light, and they should do just fine.
6. Parlor Palm
The Parlor Palm is a great choice if you’re looking for a pet-friendly plant. It’s non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about your furry friends. Plus, it adds a nice tropical touch to your space.
This plant thrives in indirect light and can handle low-light conditions too. It’s fairly low-maintenance and doesn’t need frequent watering. Just let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. Parlor Palms can grow up to 4 feet indoors, adding a touch of green wherever you place them.
7. Peperomia
Peperomia is a great choice if you’re looking for a pet-safe plant. It’s non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it ideal for pet-friendly homes. There are many varieties with different leaf shapes and colors, so there’s sure to be one that suits your style.
These plants don’t need much sunlight and can thrive in indirect light. They’re also low maintenance, requiring minimal watering. Just let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering.
Peperomia also helps purify the air in your home. It’s a wonderful addition to your living space, adding greenery without posing a risk to your pets.
8. Ponytail Palm
The Ponytail Palm is a great choice if you’re looking for a pet-safe indoor plant. Its long, arching leaves and bulbous trunk give it a unique appearance that fits well in any room. Despite its name, it’s not a true palm, and it’s non-toxic to your pets.
This plant thrives in bright light but can tolerate lower light conditions. It’s also drought-tolerant, so you won’t need to water it constantly. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings; overwatering can cause root rot.
9. Lady Palm
The Lady Palm is a great choice for indoor greenery that’s safe for pets. It’s known for its fan-like leaves, adding a touch of elegance to any room. You’ll find it easy to care for, thriving in bright, indirect light.
This plant prefers a little humidity, making it ideal for kitchens or bathrooms. Just make sure not to overwater it – letting the soil dry out a bit between waterings works best. Lady Palms can handle low-light conditions, though they won’t grow as quickly as in brighter spots.
If your space allows, the Lady Palm can grow up to several feet tall. It’s a popular choice for offices and homes alike. Regular dusting of the leaves can help keep them looking their best.
10. Haworthia
Haworthias are a great option if you want a small, pet-friendly indoor plant. They belong to the succulent family, making them easy to care for and requiring little maintenance. These plants usually thrive in low-light conditions, so you don’t need to place them near windows.
Their rosettes with thick, fleshy leaves come in various patterns and colors, adding visual interest without taking up much space. Watering needs are minimal – just enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Overwatering can be an issue, so allowing the soil to dry out between waterings is crucial.
They’re often mistaken for aloe plants due to their similar appearance, but they are distinct and much smaller. This quality makes them perfect for desktops, shelves, or even small pots. You can enjoy their beauty without worrying about your pets getting harmed, as they’re non-toxic to cats and dogs.
11. Lipstick Plant
Lipstick plants are great for brightening up your home and are a safe choice for homes with pets. They have vibrant, tubular blooms that resemble lipstick tubes, hence their name.
These plants can thrive in indirect light and prefer to stay consistently moist without being waterlogged. They’re ideal for hanging baskets, allowing their trailing vines to cascade beautifully.
12. Watermelon Peperomia
Watermelon Peperomia is a small, pet-safe houseplant loved for its unique, round leaves. The leaves have a striking pattern resembling a watermelon rind, making it visually appealing. It’s easy to grow, making it perfect for any home.
You’ll want to place it in bright, indirect sunlight. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry – it doesn’t like being overwatered. This plant doesn’t need much fuss, so it’s great for busy plant lovers.
Keep it in a humid environment for the best results. This plant adds a touch of greenery without risk to your pets.
13. Bird’s Nest Fern
Bird’s Nest Fern is a great choice for indoor spaces. It’s pet-safe, so you won’t have to worry about your furry friends. Its bright green, wavy leaves add a touch of nature to your home.
This plant thrives in medium to low indirect light, making it versatile for various room settings. Keep its soil moist but not soggy, and avoid placing it in direct sunlight. It’s perfect for adding a bit of indoor greenery without the hassle.
Also, it helps improve air quality, contributing to a healthier living environment. The unique fronds add texture and interest, making it a popular pick for indoor gardens.
14. Rattlesnake Plant
The Rattlesnake Plant is a great choice for pet owners. It has unique, wavy leaves with dark green spots and purple undersides. This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it’s safe for them.
It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers slightly humid conditions. Regular watering keeps it healthy, but avoid overwatering. It’s a striking addition to your indoor plant collection, offering visual interest without the worry of harming your pets.
15. Friendship Plant
The Friendship Plant, also known as Pilea involucrata, is a great option for homes with pets. It’s non-toxic to both cats and dogs. This makes it a safe addition to your indoor plant collection.
You’ll appreciate its textured, quilted leaves, which add a unique touch to your home. This plant thrives in indirect sunlight. Moist, well-draining soil is best for it.
Water it regularly but avoid letting it sit in water. This helps prevent root rot. With proper care, the Friendship Plant can flourish indoors, offering a lively green presence that’s safe for your pets.
16. Rabbit’s Foot Fern
The Rabbit’s Foot Fern is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a pet-safe plant. It doesn’t pose a threat to cats or dogs, so you can enjoy your greenery without worry. This fern is known for its unique, fuzzy rhizomes that resemble a rabbit’s foot.
This plant thrives in indirect sunlight and prefers a humid environment. It’s relatively low maintenance, making it perfect for beginners. Ensure the soil is kept slightly moist and avoid overwatering.
With its distinctive appearance and easy care requirements, the Rabbit’s Foot Fern adds a unique touch to any indoor space.
17. Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. It’s non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making it a great choice if you have pets at home. This hardy plant can endure neglect, so it’s ideal if you’re not great at keeping plants alive.
It prefers indirect light but can tolerate shady spots. You’ll want to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. Despite its name, it doesn’t require any special maintenance to keep it looking healthy and green.
18. Banana Plant
Banana plants are pet-safe, so you don’t have to worry about your furry friends nibbling on the leaves. They’re known for their large, lush foliage that can add a tropical vibe to your home. These plants enjoy bright, indirect light and like to stay moist, without sitting in waterlogged soil.
A banana plant can grow several feet tall indoors, making it an eye-catching feature. You might notice new leaves unfurling regularly, which adds some dynamic movement to your living space. Keep them in a room with lots of light, and they’ll thrive.
19. Swedish Ivy
Swedish Ivy is a popular choice for indoor gardeners who are also pet owners. This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe addition to your home. It’s easy to care for with its trailing vines and bright green leaves that add a lively touch to any room.
Keep it in a spot where it gets bright, indirect light. It doesn’t need a lot of water, so let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. You’ll find it thrives in average indoor temperatures, making it a low-maintenance option for busy households.
20. Gloxinia
Gloxinia is a vibrant indoor plant that’s safe for pets. This flowering plant is famous for its large, bell-shaped blooms in a range of colors. These flowers can add beauty to any room in your home.
You don’t need to be an expert to care for Gloxinia. It prefers indirect sunlight and well-drained soil. Regular watering keeps it healthy, but avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent rot.
Remember, this plant enjoys humid environments. Placing it on a tray of pebbles and water can help maintain the necessary humidity.
21. Baby’s Tears
Baby’s Tears is a small, lush plant with tiny, delicate leaves that’s great for keeping indoors. It’s safe for pets, which is a huge plus for households with curious cats and dogs. They enjoy bright, indirect light and need their soil to be kept moist.
This plant grows quickly and can fill up a pot with its dense foliage. Their creeping growth habit makes them excellent for hanging baskets or containers on shelves. You’ll need to trim them occasionally to maintain their shape.
Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. It’s not a high-maintenance plant, though, and it’s an unobtrusive, charming addition to your space.
22. Purple Waffle Plant
The Purple Waffle Plant is a safe choice for homes with pets. It’s known for its textured leaves and lovely purple hue. This plant can thrive in indirect light, brightening up your indoor space.
You’ll want to keep the soil moist but not soggy, ensuring proper drainage. It’s not too fussy about humidity, but a little extra won’t hurt. Just be wary of too much sunlight, which can damage the foliage.
This plant also helps improve air quality by removing toxins. It’s a great addition to your pet-friendly plant collection.
23. Hoya Carnosa
Hoya Carnosa is a charming choice for indoor spaces and is safe for your pets. It features thick, waxy leaves that can brighten up any room. You’ll love its fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters.
It doesn’t demand much – just give it moderate light and let the soil dry out between waterings. It can adapt to lower light levels, making it versatile for different spots in your home. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or small pots, adding a touch of greenery without posing a threat to your pets.