For anyone that's a fur parent, we know the importance of keeping our pets safe. Often times, pets will try to lick or even eat certain houseplants which can be very dangerous when ingested. These 15 pet friendly houseplants are non-toxic, will add color and texture to your home, but are also low maintenance. While these pet friendly houseplants ARE relatively safe for your pets, it's always best to place them out of reach. If you see your pet ingesting any plant, keep a close eye and watch out for any signs of negative reactions.
15 Pet Friendly Houseplants
#1. Air Plants
Air plants are a great choice for pet owners because they're small, can be kept out of reach, and are also very low maintenance. Most air plants are about 12 inches or smaller, and only require indirect sunlight and to be soaked in water once a week.
#2. Some Fern Varieties
There are hundreds of fern varieties, so it can be a little tricky to distinguish them. Plus, there are lots of plants that contain the word “fern” in them, and are not actually true ferns. True ferns, such as “Maidenhair” and “Boston” are great indoor houseplants that are also pet friendly. Place them in indirect sunlight, high humidity, and evenly moist soil.
#3. Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant, also known as Calathea, is about 6 to 8 inches in height and perfect for small spaces such as bookshelves or bathrooms. It is called the prayer plant because at night, its leaves curl up! This low maintenance plant doesn't need much light and is tolerant of drought. Plus, it's absolutely pet friendly!
#4. Lace Flower Vine
Also called the Chocolate Soldier, the Lace Flower Vine is a stunningly visual houseplant that does best in hanging baskets. This is a bonus because your pets can't get to them. But, if they do – no harm done there! Place your hanging houseplant in bright, indirect sunlight and water only when soil is completely dry.
#5. African Violets
These small flowers pack a big punch that'll add some color to your home. African Violets give gorgeous blooms in pink and purple hues, are pet friendly, and also low maintenance. They don't need bright light and soil should be kept moderately moist.
#6. Friendship Plant
The Friendship Plant gets it name due to the ease with which it can be divided and shared. These plants are very safe for your fur babies, even if they do decide to munch on the crinkly leaves. These small plants usually don't grow taller than 12 inches, tolerate low to medium light, and love humidity.
#7. Parlor Palm
Parlor palms are great houseplants because they're low maintenance and add a little bit of a tropical feel to your home. Pet friendly, parlor palms can grow as tall as 8 feet, though most of them reach about 4 feet in height. It grows best in bright, indirect light, but will also do well in low light areas. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
#8. Some Succulent Varieties
Succulents are great houseplants to have because they're very low maintenance, meaning they don't require much light and only need to be watered when soil is dry. That being said, there are hundreds of succulent varieties and some can be poisonous to pets, such as Jade. Some succulent varieties that are pet friendly include hens and chicks and echeverias. It's best to research each succulent variety before placing in your home.
#9. Moth Orchids
The Moth Orchid is probably the most common orchid, and the one you're most likely to see in stores. These beautiful flowers need bright, indirect sunlight and only need to be watered once a week or once every two weeks. Although not dangerous if ingested by pets, do keep an eye out if your pets get into the soil which contains bark.
#10. Lipstick Plant
This fun looking plant has blooms that look like lipstick tubes, but unlike lipstick, it's completely safe for both cats and dogs. This tropical plant can grow up to 20 inches in height, and should be placed outdoors in the warm summer months. They like bright light and to have their soil consistently moist, so don't forget to water!
#11. Polka Dot Plant
The Polka Dot plant adds texture and color to your mini gardens, and of course, it's pet friendly. These plants come in pink or white and can grow up to 3 feet in height, though they usually stay on the smaller side. Place in bright, indirect sunlight and keep soil consistently moist.
#12. Watermelon Plant
The Watermelon Plant is also called the Aluminum Plant, and it makes a very attractive and pet friendly houseplant. This plant goes to about 12 inches in height, thrives in low light, and only needs water when the top inch of soil is dry.
#13. Some Varieties of Herbs
If you're a fan of growing your own herbs, then you need to make sure that whichever herbs you're growing are safe for your pets. Lavender and oregano are a no-go, but other herbs such as thyme, sage, and basil are pet friendly. Most herbs need bright, indirect sunlight and regular waterings.
#14. Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus is a festive plant that is relatively safe for pets, but you should still keep the plant away as ingesting some of the leaves can cause mild intestinal discomfort. Often confused with the Thanksgiving cactus, which is also safe for pets. The plant is about 12 inches in height, and requires regular waterings and bright, indirect light.
#15. Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is one of the easiest and most low maintenance plants you can grow, plus it's pet friendly. Place your plant in bright, indirect sunlight, or even medium to low light – they're pretty resilient!
