Best Pet Friendly Indoor Plants

Best Pet-Friendly Indoor Plants for a Safe and Stylish Home

Best Pet Friendly Indoor Plants. A common question I get from customers is whether we have pet-friendly indoor plants. The answer is yes, we do carry some! However, availability can vary depending on the season and stock levels, so it’s always a good idea to check in with us before planning your purchase. Not all pet-safe plants are in-store year-round, but we’re happy to help you find options that work for your space and your furry friends.

Some plants can be harmful to pets, causing health issues if chewed or ingested. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful, non-toxic options that let you enjoy greenery without the worry.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best pet-friendly indoor plants to keep your furry friends safe while refreshing your home with nature’s touch. Ready to make your space both pet-safe and plant-perfect? Let’s get started.

Incorporating these plants into your home does so much more than just brighten up a room. They enhance every aspect of life inside your walls—yours and your pet’s.

Best Pet-Friendly Indoor Plants

I always fill my home with plants, but safety comes first for my furry companions. Fortunately, there’s no need to sacrifice style for safety. Several great-looking indoor plants are not only non-toxic to pets but also add life and character to your space. Here are some top pet-friendly indoor plants you can confidently place in your home.

Here is a list of ten plants that are non-toxic to pets.

Areca Palm

Best Pet Friendly Indoor Plants — Acrea Palm plants with comfortable couch in room interior

The Areca Palm is a good choice for any pet-friendly household. Known for its non-toxic nature, it’s completely safe for dogs and cats. Aside from being harmless, this palm boasts a graceful appearance with feathery, arching fronds that make any room feel more vibrant.

Easy Maintenance: Areca Palms thrive in indirect light and require watering only when the topsoil feels dry, making them super low-maintenance for busy plant-parents.
Air Purification: They’re also excellent at improving indoor air quality, helping you and your pets breathe better.

More about its care and features can be found here.

Spider Plant

The easy-going, Spider Plant is a favorite among pet owners—and for good reason. Its cascading green-and-white leaves look stunning while offering health benefits.

Pet-Safe Air Purifier: This plant is great at removing toxins from the air, creating a healthier environment for both you and your pets.
Tough as Nails: It’s hard to kill, even for a beginner. They thrive in bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light levels.
Propagation Magic: Spider plants produce little “pups” that you can pot and grow into additional plants.

Wondering why Spider Plants are so popular? Check out their benefits. Care of Spider Plants

Parlor Palm

Scientific name (Chamaedorea elegant) If you’re looking for an indoor plant that’s as easy on your pets as it is on your eyes, the Parlor Palm won’t disappoint. It will grow 3-6 ft. tall. Soft, glossy fronds give any space a tropical vibe without worrying about toxicity.

Thrives in Low Light: Unlike some plants, the Parlor Palm is perfectly happy in low-light areas, making it an excellent fit for apartments or offices.
Low-Maintenance and Hardy: It doesn’t need constant attention, thriving on occasional watering and care.

Learn more about this laid-back beauty here.

Calathea Plants

With whimsical patterns and vivid green leaves, Calatheas are more than just pet-friendly—they’re statement-makers. Known for their vibrant foliage, these plants add a pop of color and personality to your home.

Non-Toxic Beauty: Your curious cat or dog can safely sniff around this plant with no worries.
Care Details: Calatheas love humidity and indirect light, so they’re right at home in kitchens or bathrooms. Keep their soil moist, but not soggy.

Need some tips on keeping Calatheas looking their best? Take a look here.

Boston Fern

Indoor Fern Plant Care — Ferns for indoor decoration – Pet Safe

Boston Ferns are a classic choice, blending timeless charm with pet-safe peace of mind. Their delicate, arching fronds bring a soft, lush look to any room.

Air Quality Booster: These plants excel at filtering pollutants, keeping your indoor environment fresh and clean.
Pet-Safe and Durable: Boston Ferns are non-toxic and can handle curious pets who may brush up against them.
Caring for Boston Ferns: They enjoy high humidity and indirect sunlight. Keep the soil consistently damp to prevent them from drying out.

Find out how to make Boston Ferns thrive in your home here.

Are all Herbs Safe for Pets

Non-Toxic Varieties
Many common herbs like basil, parsley, and dill are non-toxic to pets, making them a worry-free option to grow indoors or outdoors.
Health Benefits
Some herbs, such as parsley, can offer health benefits for pets, like freshening breath or adding vitamins to their diet when used in moderation.
Natural Environment Enrichment
Herb plants can provide sensory stimulation for pets, such as sniffing or interacting with safe-to-touch leaves, creating a more enriching and engaging environment.
List of unsafe herbs. “Allspice, bay leaf, cloves, curry, hops, marjoram, mustard seed, and paprika are all unsafe”. Learn more here.

Baby’s Tears Plant

Aesthetic Appeal: Baby’s Tears plants have dense, tiny leaves that create a lush, cascading look. They work great in hanging baskets, terrariums, or as ground cover in indoor planters, adding a soft, natural vibe to any space.
Air Purification: Like many indoor plants, Baby’s Tears help purify the air by filtering toxins and improving indoor air quality, making your environment healthier and fresher.
Low Maintenance: These plants thrive in indirect light with minimal effort. They don’t need constant attention, making them perfect for busy plant enthusiasts or beginners.

Cat Grass

Entertainment for Cats: Cat grass provides a safe, natural outlet for your cat’s chewing instincts, helping keep them engaged and preventing them from nibbling on toxic houseplants.
Aids in Digestion: Cat grass contains fiber, which can help improve your cat’s digestion and reduce hairballs, promoting better overall health for your pet.
Air Purification: It enhances indoor air quality by producing oxygen and filtering out pollutants, while also adding a touch of greenery to your space.

Pony Tail Palm

Non-Toxic and Safe: Ponytail Palms are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a safe decorative plant for pet-friendly homes.
Low Maintenance: This plant thrives with minimal care, needing watering only occasionally, so you can easily balance plant and pet care.
Pet-Safe Design: Its tough, leathery leaves aren’t as tempting for pets to chew on, reducing the risk of accidental plant damage or ingestion. More on the Ponytail Plam Plant.

Chinese Money Plant

Indoor Houseplant Names — Chinese money plant

Non-Toxic to Pets
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) is pet-friendly and non-toxic, making it a safe choice for homes with cats or dogs.
Compact and Easy to Manage
Its small size and manageable growth make it ideal for indoor spaces where pets roam, as it’s less likely to get knocked over or damaged.
Air-Purifying Benefits
It filters toxins from the air, creating a healthier indoor environment for both you and your pets.

Tips for Keeping Pets and Plants Safe

Creating a home that’s friendly for pets and plants requires some planning. It’s all about striking that perfect balance—your plants thrive without becoming playthings for your furry pals, and your pets stay out of harm’s way. From smart positioning to setting boundaries, here are actionable tips to help you keep the peace between plants and pets.

Proper Placement of Plants

Keeping plants out of your pet’s reach is an essential step. Cats love to climb, and dogs can be surprisingly curious, so where you place your greenery makes all the difference. Here’s how you can keep things safe while maintaining a stylish setup:

High Shelves: Place smaller plants on high bookshelves or mantelpieces, far from wagging tails or curious noses.
Hanging Planters: Opt for hanging planters to keep plants completely out of a pet’s range. They add a vertical element while protecting your greenery.
Room Barriers: Use baby gates or close doors to parts of your home where more sensitive plants are located.

Plants Reduce Stress on People and Pets

The presence of greenery has a calming effect on humans, but it works wonders for pets too. Ever noticed how your dog or cat relaxes near plants or spends time napping close to them? That’s because plants have been shown to reduce stress through their connection to nature. Read more here.

Training Pets to Respect Plants

Even with proper placement and sturdy pots, a curious pet might still get into a plant now and then. Training them to understand boundaries can save both your plants and your sanity.

Basic Commands: Teach your pet commands like “leave it” or “no” for when they approach plants. These commands establish clear boundaries.
Repellents: Spraying pet-safe deterrents like diluted lemon juice onto plants can discourage chewing or pawing.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your pets when they ignore plants or maintain good behavior. Treats and praise go a long way.
Distraction: Provide alternatives, like chew toys for dogs or cat grass, to redirect attention away from your plants.

By combining good placement, the right pots, and a bit of training, you can create a home where pets and plants live peacefully together. The effort is worth it for a beautiful, safe space everyone can enjoy.

The Symptoms of Plant Poisoning in Pets

If your pet has had a close encounter with a toxic plant, the signs can appear quickly or gradually, depending on the plant and the amount consumed. Recognizing these signs early on is crucial for your pet’s safety.

Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch for:

Vomiting or Diarrhea: These are frequent indicators that something they’ve ingested isn’t sitting right.
Drooling or Foaming at the Mouth: Excessive salivation is often a reaction to irritation or toxins.
Lethargy or Weakness: If your typically active pet appears sluggish, it could be a red flag.
Tremors or Seizures: Certain toxic plants can cause neurological symptoms, so immediate care is required here.
Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: Swelling in the mouth or throat can make these tasks harder for an impacted pet.

Emergency Steps and Veterinary Care

No one wants to think about emergencies, but it’s always best to be prepared. If you suspect your pet has ingested a harmful plant, acting quickly can make all the difference. Follow these steps:

Remove Access: Immediately move your pet away from the plant to prevent further ingestion or contact.
Collect Evidence: Take note of the plant involved. If possible, snap a picture or bring a sample with you for identification.
Check for Symptoms: Observe your pet closely for unusual behavior or physical changes, even if they seem fine at first.
Call Your Veterinarian or a Pet Poison Helpline: Provide as many details as possible, including your pet’s size, symptoms, and the suspected plant.
Follow Instructions: Your vet may guide you on first aid steps or advise heading straight to an emergency clinic.

For more on pet-first aid and emergency care, visit ASPCA Emergency Care for Your Pet.

Avoiding Fertilizers and Chemicals

While focusing on pet-friendly plants is a great start, don’t overlook the risks posed by fertilizers and other chemicals you use to care for your greenery. Some substances, though natural-sounding, can be hazardous if ingested. Here’s how to minimize risks:

Choose Pet-Safe Fertilizers: Always opt for organic or pet-friendly options that don’t contain harmful chemicals like nitrogen or iron. Learn about pet-safe fertilizers here.
Keep Chemicals Out of Reach: Store fertilizers, pesticides, and other garden products in sealed containers far from your pet’s play areas.
Clean Up Spills Immediately: Even a small amount of spilled fertilizer can pique your pet’s curiosity and lead to ingestion.
Rinse Treated Areas: After applying fertilizers or pesticides, thoroughly water the treated area to dilute residues. Wait until it’s completely dry before letting pets roam freely.

By making safe choices and staying vigilant, you can ensure that your indoor garden remains a haven for both you and your pets. For additional safety tips on managing chemicals around animals, explore this handy guide to reducing chemical exposure in pets.

Best Pet Friendly Indoor Plants

Conclusion

Choosing the right pet-friendly indoor plants not only enhances your home but also keeps your furry companions safe. By selecting non-toxic options, you create a welcoming space where pets and greenery can coexist without worry. Plants like the Areca Palm, Spider Plant, and Boston Fern bring color, fresh air, and calm into your home—all while being safe for curious paws.

Which of these plants will you bring to your home first? Share your ideas and create a space where both you and your pets can thrive.