26 Indoor Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs

Pin

If you share your home with pets, it’s important to make sure that all of your houseplants are safe for cats and dogs. Whether it’s mischief or curiosity, pets can be tempted to chew on plants indoors. And while some popular houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs, there are plenty of pet-friendly options to add greenery and purify the air in your home.

Of course, for the sake of your plants and your pets, you’ll want to keep all houseplants out of the general reach of your pets. If you have a specific plant in mind, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is a good resource for learning about plant toxicity for cats, dogs, and horses.¹

Here are 26 beautiful non-toxic indoor plants that are safe for cats and dogs.

• 01 Boston Fern (Nephrolepis)Pin The Spruce / Kara Riley Boston ferns (Nephrolepis) are an enduring houseplant favorite, but their shaggy fronds might tempt cats and dogs to chew on them. Sometimes known as a sword fern, it has foliage that shoots straight up from the center of the plant, then arches as the frond grows longer.The foliage is non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it’s fine to brighten up your guest room or bathroom with these lush plants. Boston ferns prefer humidity and lots of bright, indirect light.
  • Light: Partial sun
  • Water: Keep lightly moist with weekly waterings
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
• 02 African Violet (Saintpaulia)Pin The Spruce / Letícia Almeida African violets (Saintpaulia) are one of the most popular flowering safe houseplants for pets. They bloom in low light and thrive in moderate temperatures and average humidity. 
  • Light: Partial sunWater: Water from bottom, do not allow to sit in waterSoil: Well-drained but moist, acidic, neutral
  TipWhile the leaves and flowers of the African violet are non-toxic to pets, they can absorb any fertilizer you choose, and that could be harmful if the leaves are then ingested. So if your cat or dog has a track record for eating your houseplants, find a non-toxic or natural fertilizer to use for your African violets. 
• 03 Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)Pin The Spruce / Letícia AlmeidaThe creeping mat of tiny green leaves of Soleirolia soleirolii adds character to terrariums, small hanging baskets, and as a companion plant around the base of indoor trees. Baby tears plants cover the soil and might discourage pets that like to dig in your houseplants.
  • Light: Partial sun to shade
  • Water: Should stay consistently moist
  • Soil: Rich, moist loam, slightly acidic
• 04 Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)Pin Benjamin Toegel / Getty ImagesThis easy-keeper with round, fleshy leaves in vibrant green is part of the nettle family (Urticaceae) but is a safe choice for homes with cats or dogs. Ideally, you’ll place it in a location in your home that receives bright, indirect light but it can survive in moderate-to-low light conditions too.When it comes to watering, do so infrequently but deeply. The soil should dry out in between watering sessions. The plant’s disc-like leaves will give you an indicator if you’ve neglected watering for too long because they’ll begin to droop.
  • Light: Partial sun
  • Water: Water well, let dry out between waterings
  • Soil: Well-draining, acidic, neutral
• 05 Banana Tree (Musa spp.)Pin The Spruce / Phoebe CheongThe large pet-friendly banana tree (Musa spp.) is a dramatic accent plant that grows to a height of six feet or more, though dwarf varieties top out between two and four feet. A central stem splits into long, wide leaves that are sometimes used in tropical cuisine to steam or serve food. Safe enough for serving human food, it’s not surprising this plant listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA, making it a safe houseplant for cats and dogs. This tropical houseplant needs conditions that replicate its natural habitat in order to thrive, including rich soil, bright light, and regular watering.
  • Light: Full
  • Water: Water regularly and keep moist
  • Soil: Loamy, well-drained, acidic
• 06 Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)Pin Warunporn Thangthongtip / Getty ImagesThis type of striking succulent is safe for cats or dogs because it’s non-toxic. The echeveria plant grows plump rosettes, ranging in color from greenish-silver to blue-green or even lilac-hued.Like other succulents, you won’t have to hover around this indoor houseplant, but you should place it in a location that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of sun each day. Water when the soil is completely dry; typically every 1 to 2 weeks. This plant will suffer if overwatered but it also doesn’t do well with extended periods of drought.
  • Light: Full
  • Water: Water when leaves begin to wrinkle
  • Soil: Well-draining, acidic
• 07 6Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)Pin MariaBrzostowska / Getty Images Gloxinia hybrids are a compact, flowering houseplant with a height between six and ten inches. It is a low-light plant and should be kept out of bright, direct light. It requires frequent watering; the soil should be kept moist during the growing period. It will eventually drop its petals and leaves. If you’re looking for a blooming houseplant that is dog- and cat-safe, gloxinia is a stunning choice. The thick, ruffled leaves and single or double blooms (commonly seen in white, red, pink, lavender, purple, or blue) are non-toxic to dogs and cats. Because most of these plants are Sinningia speciosa hybrids, there is great variety in the shape and colors of the flowers. The plants are frequently sold as gifts and have a bloom cycle followed by a dormant period.
  • Light: Shade
  • Water: Water from bottom
  • Soil: Moist, well-draining, slightly acidic
• 08 Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)Pin The Spruce / Krystal SlagleThe cascading nature of the spider plant’s foliage means it’s a natural fit for elevated spaces like floating shelves and hanging baskets. Also known as ribbon plant or airplane plant, it’s non-toxic to cats and dogs and has a reputation as a hardy houseplant. The spider plant is tolerant of a wide range of light, moisture, and soil conditions. Pot it in loose, loamy soil and water regularly. The spider plant prefers partial shade; too much sun can scorch foliage and full shade might stunt growth. As the plant grows, it sends out shoots with small plantlets, giving this houseplant its common name of spider plant.
  • Light: Partial shade
  • Water: Maintain moist, but not soggy soil
  • Soil: Loamy, well-drained, neutral
• 09 Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)Pin The Spruce / Kara RileyCarnivorous plants make a fun and funky addition to a houseplant collection, but what happens when your kitty wants to pounce on one of those traps when they snap shut? Venus fly traps (Dionaea muscipula) are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so a curious nibble won’t result in a trip to see a veterinarian.Bright light and irrigation with distilled water will keep these pet-friendly plants in fly-catching condition.
  • Light: Full to partial sun
  • Water: Water from bottom with rainwater
  • Soil: Sandy, moist, acidic
• 10 Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)Pin The Spruce / Alonda BairdAlso known as the butterfly palm, Dypsis lutescens makes any interior feel like a trip to the tropics. Sometimes palm fronds can trigger a cat’s playful swatting and biting instincts, so it’s comforting to know that the areca palm isn’t toxic for cats or dogs. This indoor palm tree requires bright light and should be placed in a south- or west-facing window. A well-draining pot is a must and you should allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Take note that the areca palm is sensitive to fluoride in water, so you should ideally water it with distilled water or collected rainwater.
  • Light: Full to partial sun
  • Water: Keep moist, but let slightly dry out between waterings
  • Soil: Moist but well-drained, acidic, neutral
• 11 Calathea (Calathea spp.)Pin The SpruceCalathea spp. plants, also called zebra plants or peacock plants, bear large tropical leaves with fascinating stripes or stippling. A calathea is an excellent choice for a shady spot in the pet-friendly house because too much light can cause the foliage color to fade. However, they’re not the most low-maintenance houseplant. Calatheas prefer temperatures to remain constant between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (and never below 60 degrees). They need to be regularly watered but you must be careful not to overwater them. Because it’s a tropical plant, calatheas thrive in humid environments, so placing it on a pebble tray with water might be necessary to add more moisture to the air around the plant.
  • Light: Partial sun to shade
  • Water: Maintain consistently moist soil
  • Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained, acidic, neutral
• 12 Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)Pin The Spruce Haworthia is a slow-growing, non-toxic succulent with minimal care requirements. Mature plants measure three to five inches tall, have rosettes of fleshy green leaves spotted with white warts or bands, and produce offsets. Clusters of haworthia can be separated to multiply your houseplant collection; these container plants usually need repotting every two or three years.  Unlike the similar-looking aloe plants, all members of the large Haworthia genus are safe for cats and dogs. Ideally, you should place your haworthia in bright light and water weekly in the summer and less frequently in the winter. It can tolerate moderate-to-low light conditions, too, but if the leaves start to lose their green coloring, that’s an indicator that the plant is receiving insufficient light.
  • Light: Full to partial sun
  • Water: Water when top inch of soil dries out in spring and summer, water to keep leaves plump in fall and winter
  • Soil: Sandy, well-drained, neutral
• 13 Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)Pin The Spruce / Leticia AlmeidaThe green, pink, red, or white splashed foliage of Hypoestes phyllostachya is so ornamental that you won’t need to worry about providing the perfect conditions to trigger blooming that many houseplants need.Although non-toxic to cats and dogs, sensitive pets might experience mild digestive upset if they consume large quantities of the polka dot plant or other non-toxic plants.²
  • Light: Partial sun
  • Water: Water when top half inch of soil dries out
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, neutral
• 14 Air Plant (Tillandsia stricta)Pin Westend61 / Getty ImagesAir plants are not your typical houseplant; as epiphytes, they don’t grow in soil. Instead, you’ll want to attach them to a board or other solid surface mount. For the sake of your plant and to prevent the stiff leaves from attracting your cat’s attention, secure it using glue, wire, or twine to its mount.Just keep in mind that to water the air plant, you’ll have to submerge it in water for 10 to 30 minutes every week or two. If it’s too challenging to soak the plant with your choice of surface mount, you can heavily mist the plant several times each week.
  • Light: Partial sun
  • Water: Soak biweekly or mist throughout the week
• 15 Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)Pin ÐžÐ»ÑŒÐ³Ð° Симонова / Getty ImagesThe prayer plant has a unique habit: it folds its leaves each evening, giving the impression of hands folded in prayer. It’s non-toxic for pets and makes a popular houseplant choice, given its tropical foliage. It adapts well to a range of light conditions, though it prefers bright, indirect light. It will grow in moderate-to-low light conditions, too. This is not a plant that tolerates dry conditions. The top of the soil should feel dry to the touch but completely dried out soil spells trouble for this plant. To prevent problems, water it as soon as the top layer of soil is dry.
  • Light: Partial sun to shade
  • Water: Water frequently, but do not let it get soggy
  • Soil: Moist but well-drained, neutral, acidic
• 16 Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)Pin emsiegel / Getty ImagesPilea involucrata is a trailing plant with fragile stems that thrives in high humidity. It does well as a terrarium specimen, making it even more unlikely that your cat or dog will take an unauthorized nibble. It’s one of the best pet-friendly plants to put on full display in any room in your home.
  • Light: Partial sun
  • Water: Keep consistently moist
  • Soil:  Loamy, moist but well-drained, acidic, neutral
• 17 Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)Pin The Spruce / Leticia AlmeidaThe diversity of colors and textures across the Peperomia species keeps them on the short list of popular houseplants. They are non-toxic to cats and dogs, look great in containers, and don’t mind if you occasionally forget to water them.
  • Light: Full or partial sun
  • Water: Allow top two inches of soil to dry out between waterings
  • Soil:  Moist but well-drained, neutral to acidic
• 18 Orchid (Orchidaceae)Pin The Spruce / Viktoriya StoevaIf you have a passion for orchids (Orchidaceae), you can safely add them to your go-to list of pet-safe plants. Many orchids bloom for weeks in the winter when days are short and thrive in partial light and root-bound conditions.
  • Light: Partial shade
  • Water: Allow to dry out between waterings
  • Soil:  Well-drained, acidic
• 19 Mosaic Plant (Fittonia albivenis)Pin The Spruce / Alonda BairdBesides mosaic plant, one of the common names of Fittonia albivenis is nerve plant, which has the ominous sound of something that affects the nervous system. However, this rainforest native with lovely white- or pink-veined leaves is non-toxic to cats and dogs.This small and safe houseplant thrives in low light with moderate watering. However, it requires a very humid environment. With this in mind, a bathroom is a good indoor location.
  • Light: Partial sun
  • Water: Keep moist and do not allow to dry out
  • Soil:  Moist but well-drained, acidic
• 20 Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)Pin The Spruce / Letícia AlmeidaThe tough, strappy leaves of the bromeliad and the curious cone-shaped blooms make bromeliad plants (Bromeliaceae family) favorites as houseplants. These pet-safe plants are easy to maintain, needing only a bright window and a humid environment. The appearance and specific care needs vary depending on the bromeliad you choose; many varieties grow as soil-free epiphytes attached to a log. You can secure them to the log by tying them in place or using glue. The advantage of a soil-free houseplant like a bromeliad is that it eliminates the potential for a soil disaster if your dog or cat tends to dig in your potted plants or knock them over.
  • Light: Partial sun
  • Water: Drought tolerant but prefers moist soil
  • Soil:  Well-draining, acidic
• 21 Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)Pin The Spruce / Lisa RuschioniThe ponytail palm, which is sometimes called elephant’s foot because of its round, smooth trunk, is a popular indoor tree that is easy to grow. The thin, swinging fronds of this palm are attractive to household pets, especially cats, but, fortunately, these plants are non-toxic. The only damage done will be to the palm fronds.If you encounter this issue, try moving your ponytail palm out of your pet’s reach or provide an edible alternative—like cat grass. If you do move the ponytail palm to a new indoor location, keep in mind that these non-toxic plants thrive in bright light and like to be watered when they’re on the dry side.
  • Light: Full sun
  • Water: Water weekly to biweekly during growing season
  • Soil:  Sandy, well-drained, neutral
• 22 Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)Pin pimonpim / Getty ImagesThe textured leaves of the purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis ‘Exotica’) offer all-season interest for those who don’t grow flowering houseplants. Bright indirect light will help to maintain the purple coloration without bleaching the leaves. Purple waffle plants are known as great air purifiers, keeping the environment healthy for you and your pet.³
  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Water: Water once to twice a week
  • Soil:  Rich, well-draining
• 23 Purple Passion Vine (Gynura aurantiaca)Pin prill / Getty ImagesGynura aurantiaca plants are a unique addition to your dog- or cat-safe houseplant collection. They feature velvety hairs on the leaves. The brighter the light conditions, the deeper the color of the purple leaves. These plants grow very fast, but be forewarned that they only have a lifespan of a few years. One way to maximize the plant’s lifespan is to water them only when the soil is dry, which prevents root rot.
  • Light: Partial sun, morning sun
  • Water: Regular watering during growing season
  • Soil:  Well-draining, loose, neutral
• 24 Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)Pin The Spruce / Krystal SlagleParlor palm is a perky and vibrant tropical plant that’s a beloved houseplant of money. Its long fronds are an appealing toy for curious cats, but, luckily, this plant is non-toxic to dogs and cats alike. If you decide to spring for a parlor palm, make sure you’re ready for a commitment. They can live several decades indoors.
  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Water: Keep consistently wet but do not overwater
  • Soil: Peaty soil-based potting mix, neutral
• 25 Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)Pin The Spruce / Krystal Slagle Staghorn fern grows on other plants for support, and its leaves, which resemble deer or elk antlers, make it a dramatic choice to mount on a piece of wood. Often, these are hung high on a wall, out of the reach of pets, however, their non-toxic leaves don’t pose a threat. Staghorn ferns can grow up to three feet indoors, so make sure you have plenty of room available for them to spread.
  • Light: Partial sun
  • Water: Water once a week during summer, every two to three weeks in cooler months
  • Soil: Acidic
• 26 Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)Pin Matthew Lloyd / Getty ImagesMoney tree soared in popularity in the 1980s in part due to its reputation for bringing good energy into a home according to feng shui practices. It also brings a non-toxic, lush look into your home, and you won’t have to worry if your pet takes a bite out of one of its leaves.One of its most striking characteristics is the braided trunk, which is often made of three, five, or seven stems. This is done when the tree is young, but it continues to grow in this pattern creating a unique and sculptural look.
  • Light: Full to partial sun
  • Water: Water once top inch of soil is dry
  • Soil: Moist but well-drained, acidic, neutral

FAQ

• Can you keep toxic plants with cats and dogs?If you have a plant that’s toxic to your pet, move the plant out of its reach. That might mean putting it on a high shelf that’s inaccessible to your pet or growing it outside as a potted outdoor plant where your pet doesn’t go.
• Are succulents safe for cats and dogs?Many succulents, such as haworthia, are safe for cats and dogs. But it’s important to know your specific succulent species, as they aren’t all pet-friendly.
• Is lavender safe for cats and dogs?Lavender is not considered a safe outdoor plant for cats and dogs. It does have chemical compounds that are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses and can cause digestive issues.