The Best Indoor Plants For Pet Owners
Hey there fellow pet lovers! Are you tired of having to choose between owning beautiful houseplants and keeping your furry friends safe? Well, fear not! I've rounded up 25 gorgeous houseplants that are totally safe for your precious cats and dogs, all of which have been approved by the ASPCA!
But before we dive into the list, let's go over some important tips and tricks to keep in mind when it comes to having plants and pets coexisting peacefully in your home:
How to:
- Do your research - always check if a plant is safe for your pet before bringing it home. The ASPCA has a great database that you can use to cross-reference.
- Keep plants out of reach - if you have a curious kitten or playful pup, consider placing your plants on high shelves, in hanging baskets, or behind closed doors.
- Use soil covers - covering soil with pebbles, rocks or other decorative items will prevent pets from digging around in it, potentially knocking over the plant at the same time.
- Keep an eye out for toxic plants outside - even if you have a fully indoor pet, they may come across toxic plants while on walks or when exploring new areas. Be sure to familiarize yourself with common toxic plants in your area and keep your pet on a leash when out and about.
Tips & Tricks:
- Pet-friendly doesn't mean indestructible - just because a plant is safe for pets to be around, doesn't mean they won't find a way to destroy it. Keep an eye out for chewing or digging.
- Train your pets - reward your pets for leaving the plants alone, and discourage bad behaviour with gentle correction.
- Consider herb gardens - if you have a green thumb but are worried about the risks of indoor plants, consider growing a herb garden in a pet-safe area of your home. Not only are herbs safe for pets, but they're also great for cooking and adding fresh flavours to your meals.
With those tips and tricks in mind, let's get to the list! Keep in mind that some of these plants are toxic in large quantities, so be sure to still monitor your pet's behaviour around them.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are some of the easiest plants to care for, making them perfect for first-time pet owners or people who don't have much time to devote to their plants. They're also known for their air-purifying properties - a win-win!
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are a great way to add a pop of green to your home. They do require slightly more maintenance than some of the other plants on this list, as they need both bright, indirect light and a consistently moist soil. But the payoff is worth it!
3. Calathea (Goeppertia spp.)
Calatheas, with their large, showy leaves patterned with stripes and spots, are a sight to behold. They're fairly low-maintenance and do best in indirect light and consistently moist soil.
4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Areca palms are a great choice for adding a tropical vibe to your home. They can grow quite tall, so be sure to give them enough room to thrive.
5. African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
African violets are some of the most colourful and unique plants on this list, with flowers blossoming in pink, purple, blue, and white. They need bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
6. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Money trees, with their braided trunks and fan-like leaves, are a popular choice for those looking for indoor trees that aren't toxic to pets. They like bright, indirect light and a consistently moist soil.
7. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomias come in a huge variety of shapes and colours, and require very little maintenance. They do best in bright, indirect light.
8. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor palms are a classic choice for anyone looking for a pet-safe houseplant. They prefer bright, indirect light and soil that's kept moist but not waterlogged.
9. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
Despite their name, Christmas cactuses can bloom at any time of year. They need bright, indirect light and a slightly drier soil than most other houseplants on this list.
10. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Polka dot plants are some of the most visually striking plants you can add to your home, with their leaves covered in speckles of pink, red, or white. They do best in bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil.
11. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo palms are another great choice for anyone looking for a pet-safe indoor tree. They need bright, indirect light and soil that's kept consistently moist.
12. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus spp.)
Lipstick plants, with their cascading vines and bright red or pink flowers, are sure to add a touch of drama to any room. They do best in bright, indirect light and soil that's kept evenly moist.
13. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
Friendship plants are named for their tendency to quickly propagate and grow new plants from cuttings. They prefer bright, indirect light and soil that's kept consistently moist.
14. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Baby rubber plants are another type of peperomia, and are known for their glossy, almost plastic-like leaves. They need bright, indirect light and soil that's kept consistently moist.
15. Easter Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri)
Easter cactuses, also known as Whitsun cactuses, are a type of cactus that needs bright, indirect light and soil that's kept moist but not waterlogged.
16. Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus spp.)
Goldfish plants, named for their uniquely shaped, orange flowers, do best in bright, indirect light and soil that's kept consistently moist.
17. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Prayer plants, with their unique leaves that fold up at night like hands in prayer, need bright, indirect light and soil that's kept consistently moist.
18. Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Bird's nest ferns, with their crinkly, vase-shaped leaves, are a great choice for anyone looking for a slightly larger indoor plant. They prefer bright, indirect light and soil that's kept consistently moist.
19. Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)
Aluminum plants are named for the silvery-white stripe that runs down the center of each leaf. They need bright, indirect light and soil that's kept consistently moist.
20. Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)
Purple waffle plants are known for their uniquely shaped, crinkly leaves that are a purplish-pink colour. They need bright, indirect light and soil that's kept consistently moist.
21. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Cast iron plants, with their dark green, glossy leaves, are practically indestructible. They can thrive in low-light situations and don't need much water.
22. Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Haworthias are a type of succulent that are perfect for adding a touch of green to your home without taking up too much space. They prefer bright, indirect light and soil that's allowed to dry out between waterings.
23. Baby's Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Baby's tears, also known as mind-your-own-business, are a type of groundcover that are great for filling in empty spaces in your home. They need bright, indirect light and soil that's kept consistently moist.
24. Baby Toes (Fenestraria spp.)
Baby toes are a type of succulent that are named for their unique, toe-like growths. They need bright, indirect light and soil that's allowed to dry out between waterings.
25. Orchids (Orchidaceae spp.)
Rounding out our list are orchids. While some species of orchids are toxic to pets, many common ones are totally safe. They need bright, indirect light and soil that's allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
There you have it - 25 gorgeous houseplants that are totally safe for your beloved pets. Remember to keep your pets' safety in mind at all times, and happy gardening!
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