Houseplants are an excellent way to bring nature indoors, enhancing your living space with vibrant colors and foliage. However, if you have pets, it’s crucial to ensure that your houseplants are safe for them. Some plants are toxic to pets, causing anything from mild irritation to severe issues. Here’s some help choosing pet-safe houseplants to ensure your furry friends are safe and your home looks amazing.

Why Pet-Safe Houseplants Matter

Pets, particularly cats and dogs, are naturally curious creatures. They might nibble on leaves, dig in the soil, or even knock over plants. Choosing pet-safe houseplants helps prevent potential poisoning and other health hazards. Toxic plants can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the tongue and throat, lethargy, and, in severe cases, organ failure or death.

Top Pet-Safe Houseplants

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

This leafy plant is a classic that is pet-safe and incredibly easy to grow. Locate your spider plant in bright, indirect light and give it well-draining soil. Water moderately, as this plant stores water in its thick rhizomes, making it somewhat self-sufficient.

Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

The button fern is a non-toxic charmer. Its wiry stems and dainty foliage give this houseplant a unique style. For best results, keep the soil damp and the humidity high.

It’s worth noting that ferns are a diverse group of plants that fall into many different genera, so always evaluate each plant’s safety or toxicity. Do not assume that all ferns are safe because this one particular fern is pet-friendly.

African Violet (Saintpaulia)

The flowers are often the main draw of the African violet, and for good reason. This low-maintenance beauty easily blooms. Most plants cannot bloom indoors, and the ones that can often need exacting care to do so. It’s clear why this easy-to-care-for plant that’s almost guaranteed to bloom is well-loved and has a loyal following. African violets are also pet-safe, which is a lovely bonus that makes this already appealing plant even better. 

Calathea

Calathea are a challenge for many plant owners, but they will thrive once you get the hang of them. It may be discouraging, but stick with it, and your hard work will pay off. These leafy plants have stunning foliage, often with geometric-like patterns. 

Calatheas are pet-safe, so while it’s disappointing if your pet nibbles on the leaves, the good news is your pet will not be in harm’s way. Find a sunny, humid location for calathea, use well-draining soil, and always remove excess water from the cachepot.

Calatheas were reclassified, so you may see them labeled as Goeppertias when shopping. Prayer Plant is an umbrella term often used for Geoppertias, as well as Marantas and Stromanthe. All of these plants are pet-safe. 

Orchid

Enjoy the elegant good looks of an orchid without fear of harming your pets. These graceful blooming plants are somewhat tricky to maintain, but their long-lasting flowers are worth the effort.

Decorating with Pet Safe Houseplants

Choosing pet-safe houseplants is essential when you have pets in your home. By selecting non-toxic plants, you can rest easy knowing your pets are safe should they come into contact with or chew on a houseplant. 

Always do your research before introducing new plants into your space. The ASPCA is a good resource for learning more about the safety of plants.