Top 10 Pet-Friendly Houseplants for Cats & Dogs
Adding greenery to your home doesn’t have to mean worrying about the safety of your furry friends. Many houseplants can thrive indoors without posing any danger to cats or dogs. Here’s our top 10 list of pet-safe houseplants that bring beauty, texture, and life to your living spaces.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a classic favorite for its long, arching leaves and small offshoots, often called “spiderettes.” Not only is it non-toxic to pets, but it’s also incredibly easy to care for. Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect light and only need occasional watering. Bonus: they’re excellent air purifiers.
2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Also known as the butterfly palm, the Areca Palm adds a tropical, elegant feel to your home. Its feathery fronds grow in clusters and can reach several feet in height, making it perfect for living rooms or corners. Areca Palms are safe for cats and dogs and prefer bright, indirect light with regular watering.
3. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is a slow-growing, low-maintenance plant that’s perfect for beginners or for darker spots in your home. Its delicate fronds create a soft, tropical atmosphere without any risk to your pets. This palm does well in low to medium light and requires moderate watering, making it an ideal indoor plant.
4. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas are known for their striking, patterned leaves and unique colour variations. They are non-toxic to pets and thrive in indirect light with consistent moisture. Calatheas also enjoy higher humidity, making them perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or areas near a humidifier. Their dramatic foliage adds a bold touch to any room.
5. Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Haworthias are small, compact succulents that are perfect for windowsills or desktops. They’re slow-growing, resilient, and safe for pets. These plants prefer bright, indirect light and need minimal watering, making them a perfect choice for busy plant lovers or small spaces.
6. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm is a tall, graceful plant with clustered stems and long, narrow fronds. It’s non-toxic to cats and dogs and works beautifully as a statement piece in a living room or office. Bamboo Palms enjoy indirect light and consistent watering, and they can also help purify the air in your home.
7. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are lush, full plants that bring a classic, soft greenery to your indoor spaces. They are safe for pets and add a natural, calming vibe. These ferns prefer bright, indirect light, consistent moisture, and high humidity, making them ideal for hanging baskets or decorative pots.
8. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Named for its unique habit of folding its leaves up at night, the Prayer Plant is non-toxic and very decorative. Its striking leaf patterns make it a standout piece in any room. Prayer Plants thrive in medium to bright indirect light and enjoy moderate watering with well-draining soil.
9. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
The Ponytail Palm is a unique, architectural plant that’s perfect for floor display. It grows slowly and stores water in its bulbous trunk, making it very low-maintenance. Ponytail Palms are safe for pets and enjoy bright light and occasional watering, making them perfect for sunny corners.
10. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomias are compact, easy-care plants with a wide variety of leaf shapes and colours, from textured green to deep purple. They are non-toxic to pets and perfect for small shelves, desks, or tables. Peperomias prefer bright, indirect light and allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.