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28 Pet-Friendly Houseplants You Can Grow Without Worry
These beauties have been recognized as non-toxic by the ASPCA.
You love your fur baby and your houseplants, but unfortunately, many popular houseplants—such as Monstera (or Swiss cheese plant), aloe vera, and pothos—are toxic and can make your pet sick if he or she nibbles on them. Sadly, ingesting some plants, such as sago palm, can be fatal to your beloved pet. Even drinking water out of a vase of cut lilies can cause irreversible kidney damage in cats.
You can try to keep all plants away from your pets by placing them on high shelves or in hanging baskets, but that's not always possible—and that's easier said than done with cats, who always find a way to get something you don't want them to have.
That doesn't mean you have to get rid of all your houseplants though—there are many that are recognized as non-toxic by the ASPCA. If you know you have a nosher, a curious pet, or a new pet whose habits you aren't accustomed to yet, you can choose pet-safe plants for peace of mind. And remember to look for the botanical name when shopping because many common names of plants can be misleading—you want to make sure you're actually purchasing what you think you are.
Finally, remember that any plant can cause tummy upset if your pet eats enough of it. If your cat or dog has ingested a plant—even if you're unsure if it's toxic—call your vet ASAP. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Pro tip: Keep both your vet's number and the ASPCA's pet poison hotline saved in your phone.
Here are the best pet-friendly plants for homes with cats and dogs.
Yes, you do need this adorable pet-safe plant that looks just like a striped watermelon! Give watermelon peperomia bright to moderate indirect light and water when the top few inches of soil are dry.
The slightly fuzzy foliage and ruffled pink, white or purple flowers make this a fun old-school houseplant that's pet-safe. Give it bright, indirect light, and water from the bottom by setting it water in the sink for about 30 minutes.
This plant earns its name: It's almost indestructible! The upright glossy green leaves don't mind low light levels, and you only need water when the soil dries out slightly.
This one has soft, delicate needles, a handsome upright shape, and makes a great small indoor tree. It needs bright light and slightly moist soil.
Crinkly leaves and striking red veins make this plant irresistible. As it matures, it will trail, making it a great plant for hanging baskets—which is another way to keep it away from your fur babies.
This charming fern has delicate and feathery fronds, and as it gets larger, its fuzzy rhizomes look like—you guessed it—tiny rabbit's feet.
Not all succulents are safe for pets, but this one is. Its cute little bumpy foliage can dangle up to three feet long, making it a fun hanging plant.
This plant goes by a variety of colorful common names, including angel's tears and mind-your-own-business plant! This low, creeping plant forms a dense mat—and it likes bright, indirect light and slightly moist soil.
If you're looking for a striking plant with tropical flair, grow a banana tree (yes, this does produce bananas, though probably not indoors). Give it bright light and water when it feels slightly dry on top.
The peacock plant has gorgeous, colorful leaves that make it spectacular in any room. This pet-friendly plant likes medium to bright light—and keep the soil lightly moist.
Also called moon valley plant, this type of pilea has wrinkly leaves that give it a unique texture. It loves bright, indirect light and lots of humidity, so it will do well in a terrarium—another way to keep your pet away from your plants!
This popular pet-friendly plant has pretty glossy leaves and a handsome upright form. Give your money tree bright light, and let it dry out between waterings. Plus, legend says it will bring good luck and energy to your home.
The parlor palms is a handsome plant that has been popular since Victorian times for its elegant and tropical appearance. Give it bright indirect light, though it will tolerate lower light levels than most other palms. Keep this pet-friendly palm lightly moist.
With strappy, arching leaves, this is a great pet-friendly plant for hanging baskets. Give your spider plant bright light, though it will tolerate lower light levels. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not sopping.
Also known as cliff brake, this adorable fern has the most ethereal-looking foliage. Give it bright, indirect light and water every two weeks or so.
This adorable plant has shiny heart-shaped leaves and keeps a compact form, so it's ideal for small spaces. This type of peperomia tolerates low to moderate light, but let it dry out before watering again.
Ponytail palm, with its cute messy "ponytail" form, is a forgiving plant if you forget to water it, because it stores water in its bulbous base. Heads up—it likes bright light.
While not all succulents are safe for pets, echeveria is one that you can actually keep around your fur babies. It likes bright light, and should be watered every two to three weeks.
A bromeliad is an interesting plant with unique foliage and bracts, or flowers. This plant needs tons of bright light and it must be watered by occasionally pouring a few tablespoons into its urn—or water-holding leaves.
Rosemary is a beautiful culinary herb you can plant in your garden, but it also makes a lovely indoor plant. Give it bright light and let it dry out a bit between waterings. Fortunately, most herbs are pet-friendly.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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