Are you a pet parent who loves houseplants? If so, finding the right one that looks great in your home and is also safe for your furry family member can seem challenging. Many popular houseplants are toxic to pets and should be avoided in a Fido-friendly home. But, there are several pet-friendly plants that you can grow and enjoy without worry. Here are some options!
*Please note: While the following houseplants are considered safe for pets, that doesn’t mean they should be allowed to nibble on the leaves or flowers. Ingesting a houseplant (even one that’s deemed safe for pets), may lead to GI upset. So, be mindful of your plant placement and monitor your pets.
1. Money Tree
Yes, there is such a thing as a money tree. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sprout actual dollars. (Bummer, right?!) But, for many, these trees are still viewed as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. They feature a gorgeous braided trunk and long green leaves. Money trees kept indoors will typically grow about six feet tall. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water your money tree once the soil is dry to the touch.
2. Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm is another popular choice for pet-filled homes. Its stems resemble bamboo stalks and the top provides a lush, tropical appearance. Plus, it offers air-purifying qualities. It’s known as a hardy plant that’s relatively easy to maintain. Bamboo palms love bright, indirect sunlight and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Don’t overwater.
3. Ponytail Palm
The ponytail palm is a unique-looking houseplant that can bring a tropical touch to your home. It has a wide base with a more narrow trunk. At the top, you’ll find long, thin, curved green leaves that demand attention (from both people and pets). If you have cats, they may have some fun batting around the leaves! The ponytail palm is low maintenance and can thrive with minimal watering. It prefers bright light.
4. Parlor Palm
The parlor palm is known for its hardy nature and stunning fan-shaped leaves. Like the last few plants mentioned on this list, it brings a nice tropical touch to any space. The parlor palm can tolerate lower light conditions than many other houseplants, which is very appealing to some. It’s easy to care for and will thrive in moderate temperatures and humidity levels.
5. Majesty Palm
The Majesty Palm is known for its elegant fronds and – once again – tropical appearance. When kept indoors, they will typically grow to about 10 feet tall. Majesty palms prefer bright, indirect light. Don’t let the plant’s soil get too dry between waterings or you may start to lose lower leaves. Generally, you’ll water about once a week, when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry.
6. Boston Fern
Most true ferns are considered safe for pets. If you’re searching for one to add to your Fido-friendly home, the Boston fern gets a green light. It doesn’t flower, but it does have lush, feathery fronds. So, if you’re looking for a lot of green that can take up a good amount of empty space then this plant may be perfect for you. Boston ferns prefer indirect light and humid conditions. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
*Please note: Asparagus ferns are toxic to dogs and should be avoided.
7. Phalaenopsis Orchids
These orchids are an elegant addition to any pet-friendly home. They feature long stems and delicate flowers (which come in a variety of colors). They require indirect, bright light and need water once a week, but do not like to be overwatered.
8. Spider Plant
With long, narrow leaves that protrude from all sides (kind of like a spider’s legs), this popular houseplant is another great addition to dog-filled homes. Not only are they non-toxic, but they’re also easy to care for. They thrive in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They also prefer to be kept on the drier side, so avoid overwatering.
9. African Violet
The African Violet is known for its vibrant colorful flowers (usually shades of purple or pink) and attractive foliage. This easy-to-care-for plant can also help to purify the air in your home. They grow best in indirect sunlight and require a well-draining, moisture-rich soil. African Violets also need regular watering and fertilization to keep them healthy and thriving. With a little TLC, these beautiful houseplants will flower and produce lush foliage for years to come.
10. Watermelon Peperomia
Peperomias come in a variety of leaf shapes and colors, but the watermelon peperomia is a great choice! One look at the leaves and you’ll understand the name. Watermelon Peperomias are easy to care for and thrive in medium to low light levels. They require moderate watering.
11. Polka Dot Plant
The Polka dot plant is a perennial flowering plant known for its distinctive foliage. It comes in a variety of colorful patterns and can bring a fun touch to your home. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a plant that’s both attractive and relatively low maintenance. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered regularly.
12. Lipstick Plant
The lipstick plant is a beautiful flowering houseplant with unique flowers (that resemble a tiny, bright red tube of lipstick) that arise from long, trailing stems. This lipstick plant is easy to care for and can thrive in any well-drained soil. It grows best in bright, indirect sunlight and should be watered regularly.
