Key takeaways:
- Discover pet-friendly indoor plants that are safe for both cats and dogs
- Learn about low-light options, hanging plants, and outdoor choices
- Get tips on how to keep both houseplants and pets happy
- Find out what to do if your pet ingests a plant
As pet parents and plant enthusiasts, we often find ourselves torn between our love for greenery and ensuring the safety of our furry friends. The good news is that you can have both! This comprehensive guide will introduce you to 22 beautiful indoor plants that are safe for cats and dogs, allowing you to create a lush, pet-friendly oasis in your home.
You're reading: 22 Best Indoor Plants That Are Safe for Cats and Dogs
Flowering Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs
Let’s start with some gorgeous blooms that will brighten up your space without putting your pets at risk.
1. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Beautiful Rose of Sharon flowers
The Rose of Sharon is a stunning flowering shrub that’s perfect for adding a pop of color to your home. With its large, showy blooms in various shades, this plant is not only safe for pets but also attracts beautiful pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
Care tips:
- Prefers sunny areas
- Requires well-draining soil
- Easy to maintain
2. African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
Delicate African Violet blooms
These charming little plants are known for their velvety leaves and delicate flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. African Violets are perfect for small spaces and add a touch of elegance to any room.
Care tips:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Prefers well-drained soil
- Can be propagated from leaf cuttings
3. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
Fascinating Venus Flytrap
For a unique addition to your pet-friendly plant collection, consider the fascinating Venus Flytrap. This carnivorous plant is not only safe for cats and dogs but also provides endless entertainment with its insect-trapping abilities.
Care tips:
- Requires bright light and high humidity
- Use distilled or rainwater only
- Avoid feeding human food
4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Elegant Areca Palm
The Areca Palm brings a tropical feel to any room with its graceful, feathery fronds. This air-purifying plant is an excellent choice for creating a lush atmosphere in your pet-friendly home.
Care tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Benefits from occasional misting
Low-Light Indoor Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs
Don’t let limited natural light stop you from enjoying greenery. These pet-safe plants thrive in low-light conditions.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Vibrant Spider Plant
Spider Plants are not only safe for pets but also incredibly easy to care for. Their long, arching leaves and ability to produce “spiderettes” make them a fun and interactive choice for your home.
Care tips:
- Tolerates low to bright indirect light
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Great for beginners
6. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Unique Prayer Plant leaves
The Prayer Plant, named for its leaves that fold up at night, adds a touch of whimsy to any room. Its striking leaf patterns make it a standout choice for pet-friendly homes.
Care tips:
- Prefers moderate to low light
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Enjoys high humidity
7. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Lush Boston Fern
The classic Boston Fern brings a touch of elegance to any space with its lush, feathery fronds. It’s perfect for creating a verdant, pet-safe environment in your home.
Care tips:
- Thrives in indirect light
- Prefers high humidity
- Keep soil evenly moist
8. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Colorful Fittonia leaves
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Fittonias, also known as Nerve Plants, are compact plants with vibrant, veined leaves. They add a pop of color to low-light areas and are safe for curious pets.
Care tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light
- Enjoys high humidity
- Keep soil consistently moist
Hanging Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs
Elevate your plant game with these pet-friendly hanging options that add visual interest and keep greenery out of paws’ reach.
9. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Charming Polka Dot Plant
The Polka Dot Plant’s colorful, spotted leaves make it a charming addition to any pet-friendly home. Its compact size is perfect for hanging baskets or small spaces.
Care tips:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Pinch back to encourage bushiness
10. Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum spp.)
Beautiful Orchid Cactus blooms
For a stunning display of color, the Orchid Cactus is hard to beat. Its large, vibrant blooms will be a talking point in your home while keeping your pets safe.
Care tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Provide support for climbing stems
11. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
Trailing Swedish Ivy
Swedish Ivy is a delightful trailing plant with small, round leaves and a pleasant fragrance. It’s perfect for hanging baskets and safe for your furry friends.
Care tips:
- Adaptable to various light conditions
- Water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Pinch back to encourage fullness
12. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
Textured Friendship Plant leaves
The Friendship Plant, with its unique textured leaves, adds interest to any hanging display. It’s compact, pet-safe, and easy to care for.
Care tips:
- Thrives in moderate light
- Keep soil evenly moist
- Enjoys high humidity
Outdoor Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs
Extend your pet-friendly garden to the outdoors with these beautiful and safe options.
13. Jasmine
Fragrant Jasmine blooms
Jasmine’s fragrant blooms and climbing habit make it a beautiful addition to any outdoor space. It’s safe for pets and attracts pollinators too.
Care tips:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade
- Keep soil lightly moist
- Provide support for climbing
14. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Colorful Christmas Cactus flowers
The Christmas Cactus brings festive cheer with its colorful blooms. It’s a great choice for outdoor areas in mild climates and is safe for pets.
Care tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Protect from direct sunlight
15. Cat Grass
Lush Cat Grass
Cat Grass is not only safe but beneficial for your feline friends. It helps with digestion and provides a natural chewing outlet for cats.
Care tips:
- Grows well in full sun to partial shade
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Trim regularly to encourage new growth
Large Indoor Plants Safe for Dogs
For those looking to make a big statement, these large, dog-friendly plants are perfect.
16. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Lucky Money Tree
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The Money Tree, with its braided trunk and lush foliage, is believed to bring good fortune. It’s a great choice for pet owners looking for a larger, safe indoor plant.
Care tips:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Rotate regularly for even growth
17. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Unique Ponytail Palm
The Ponytail Palm, with its distinctive swollen trunk and cascading leaves, adds a quirky touch to any room. It’s drought-tolerant and safe for dogs.
Care tips:
- Prefers bright light
- Allow soil to dry out between waterings
- Tolerates neglect well
18. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Glossy ZZ Plant leaves
The ZZ Plant is known for its resilience and glossy, dark green leaves. It’s perfect for busy pet owners who want a low-maintenance, dog-safe plant.
Care tips:
- Tolerates low light conditions
- Water sparingly
- Resistant to pests and diseases
19. Umbrella Tree (Schefflera spp.)
Lush Umbrella Tree
The Umbrella Tree, with its glossy, palmate leaves, makes a bold statement in any room. It’s generally safe for dogs but keep an eye on any excessive chewing.
Care tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Prune to maintain desired shape
Vine Plants Safe for Cats
Add some vertical interest to your pet-friendly home with these safe and beautiful vines.
20. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Trailing Pothos vine
Pothos is a versatile vine with heart-shaped leaves that come in various shades and patterns. It’s easy to care for and safe for cats in moderation.
Care tips:
- Adaptable to various light conditions
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Can be grown in water or soil
21. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Trailing Swedish Ivy
The Sweet Potato Vine is a fast-growing plant with vibrant foliage. It’s safe for cats and adds a pop of color to any space.
Care tips:
- Thrives in full sun
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Trim regularly to maintain shape
22. Silver Vine (Actinidia polygama)
Textured Friendship Plant leaves
Silver Vine is not only safe for cats but can provide stimulating play and exercise. It’s a great alternative to catnip and can be grown indoors or out.
Care tips:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Provide support for climbing
How to Keep Both Houseplants & Cats/Dogs
Creating a harmonious environment for both your plants and pets is easier than you might think. Here are some tips:
- Research pet-safe plants using reliable sources like the ASPCA.
- Place plants out of reach using high shelves or hanging planters.
- Remove any toxic plants from your home.
- Provide alternatives like cat grass for your pets to chew on.
- Train your pets gently and consistently to leave plants alone.
Remember, every pet is unique, so always supervise interactions between your pets and plants.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Plant
If you suspect your pet has ingested a plant:
- Stay calm to help your pet remain calm.
- Remove your pet from the area to prevent further ingestion.
- Identify the plant if possible.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.
- Monitor your pet for any signs of distress or illness.
By following these steps, you can create a beautiful, green oasis that’s safe for all members of your household, furry or not. Remember, while these plants are generally considered safe, it’s always best to supervise your pets and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Happy planting, pet parents!
Source: https://thelittle.garden
Category: Air-purifying plants