23 Safe Indoor Plants for Cats and Dogs

Of course, for the sake of both your plants and your pets, the best approach is to keep houseplants out of reach whenever possible. Still, some cats and dogs are persistent, and certain plants can be toxic if chewed. That is why it helps to check each plant carefully before you buy it, so you can feel confident if a curious pet decides to take a bite. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is a reliable resource for learning which plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Below are 23 beautiful indoor plants that are non-toxic and generally considered safe for homes with pets.

• African Violet (Saintpaulia)

  African violets (Saintpaulia) are among the most popular flowering houseplants that are safe for pets. They are also valued because they bloom in low light and thrive in conditions many people find comfortable: moderate temperatures and average humidity.

  For best results, use a soilless potting mix and a balanced fertilizer. Keep in mind that while the leaves and flowers are non-toxic to pets, fertilizer can still be absorbed by the plant and may cause harm if a pet ingests part of it. If your cat or dog has a habit of eating houseplants, choose a non-toxic or natural fertilizer for your African violets.

• Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

  The delicate carpet of tiny green leaves produced by Soleirolia soleirolii adds charm to terrariums, small hanging baskets, and the base of indoor trees. Baby’s tears can also serve as ground cover and may discourage pets that like to dig in pots.

• Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

  This easy-care plant belongs to the nettle family (Urticaceae), but it is a safe choice for homes with cats or dogs. Its signature feature is its round, fleshy leaves in a vivid green. Ideally, place it in a location that receives bright, indirect light, though it can also tolerate moderate to low light. Water it deeply, but not often, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. The plant’s disc-shaped leaves will tell you when it has gone too long without water, as they begin to droop.

• Banana Plant (Musa spp.)

  The large, pet-friendly banana plant (Musa spp.) makes a dramatic accent and can grow to six feet or more, although dwarf varieties usually stay between two and four feet tall. A central stem branches into long, broad leaves, which are sometimes used in tropical cooking to steam or serve food. Since the plant is safe enough for human use, it is no surprise that the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic, making it a suitable indoor plant for cats and dogs.

  This tropical houseplant needs conditions that mimic its natural environment in order to thrive. That means rich soil, bright light, and regular watering. And while dogs and cats can eat bananas as a treat, do not expect an indoor banana plant to supply fruit, since trees kept inside rarely produce any.

• Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)

  This type of succulent is a safe choice if you share your home with dogs or cats, since it is non-toxic. Echeveria produces plump rosettes in shades ranging from silvery green to blue-green or even lilac. Like other succulents, it does not require constant attention, but it should be placed where it receives at least four to six hours of sun each day. Water only when the soil is completely dry, usually every one to two weeks. It can suffer if overwatered, but it also does not handle long periods of drought well.

• Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)

  Gloxinia hybrids are compact flowering houseplants that usually grow between six and ten inches tall. They work well as a single plant on a stand or as a centerpiece on a dining table. Wherever you place one, remember that it prefers low light and should be protected from bright, direct sun. It needs frequent watering, and the soil should be kept moist during the growing period. Eventually, it will drop its petals and leaves.

  If you are looking for a flowering houseplant that is safe for dogs and cats, gloxinia is an excellent option. Its thick, velvety leaves and single or double flowers, often seen in white, red, pink, lavender, purple, or blue, are non-toxic to pets. Since most of these plants are Sinningia speciosa hybrids, flower shape and color can vary widely. They are often sold as gifts and typically bloom, then enter a rest period.

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

  The cascading foliage of the spider plant makes it a natural fit for high spaces such as floating shelves, hanging baskets, or a bright windowsill, as long as it does not receive too much light. Also known as ribbon plant or airplane plant, it is non-toxic to cats and dogs and has a reputation for being especially tough.

  Spider plants tolerate a wide range of light, humidity, and soil conditions. Plant it in loose, loamy soil and water regularly. It prefers partial shade; too much sun can scorch the foliage, while full shade may slow growth. As the plant matures, it sends out runners with tiny plantlets, which is how it earned its common name.

• Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

  Carnivorous plants can be a fun and unusual addition to a houseplant collection, but what happens when a curious pet wants to poke at one of those snapping traps? Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) are not toxic to cats or dogs, so an exploratory nibble should not lead to a veterinary emergency. Bright light and watering with distilled water help keep these pet-friendly plants healthy and ready to catch flies.

• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

  Also known as the butterfly palm, Dypsis lutescens brings a tropical feel to any room. Palm fronds can sometimes trigger a cat’s instinct to bat and bite, so it is reassuring that the areca palm is not toxic to cats or dogs.

  This indoor palm needs plenty of bright light and does best in a south- or west-facing window. A well-draining pot is essential, and the soil should dry out between waterings. The areca palm is sensitive to fluoride in water, so distilled water or collected rainwater is ideal.

• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis)

  Boston ferns (Nephrolepis) are classic houseplants, though their lush fronds can tempt cats and dogs to chew on them. Sometimes called sword fern, they send their foliage upward from the center of the plant before the fronds arch outward as they mature. The foliage is non-toxic to pets, so these plants are a good choice for brightening a guest room or bathroom. Boston ferns prefer humidity and plenty of bright, indirect light.

• Calathea (Calathea spp.)

  Calathea species, also called zebra plants or peacock plants, feature large tropical leaves with striking stripes or variegation. They are a great choice for a shaded, pet-friendly spot in the home, since too much light can cause the colors to fade. That said, they are not the easiest houseplants to maintain.

  Calatheas prefer temperatures to stay between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and never below 60 degrees. They need regular watering, but care must be taken not to overwater them. Because they are tropical plants, they also do best in humid environments, so placing one on a pebble tray with water may help raise the moisture around the plant.

• Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)

  Haworthia is a slow-growing, non-toxic succulent with minimal care requirements. Mature plants measure three to five inches tall and form rosettes of fleshy green leaves marked with white spots or bands. They also produce offsets. Clumps of haworthia can be divided to expand your collection, and these container plants usually need repotting every two or three years.

  Unlike similar-looking aloe plants, all members of the large Haworthia genus are safe for cats and dogs. Ideally, place haworthia in bright light and water it weekly in summer, then less often in winter. It can also tolerate moderate to low light, but if the leaves begin to lose their green color, that is a sign the plant is not getting enough light.

• Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

  The green, pink, red, or white foliage of Hypoestes phyllostachya is so decorative that you do not need to worry much about encouraging flowering, as many houseplants require. Although it is not toxic to cats and dogs, sensitive pets may experience mild digestive upset if they eat large amounts of polka dot plant or any other non-toxic plant.

• Air Plant (Tillandsia stricta)

  Air plants are not typical houseplants because, as epiphytes, they do not grow in soil. Instead, they are usually attached to a board or other solid support. For the plant’s sake and to keep its stiff leaves from attracting a cat’s attention, secure it to its mount with glue, wire, or twine. To water an air plant, soak it in water for 10 to 30 minutes every week or two. If soaking is difficult with your chosen mounting style, you can mist the plant thoroughly several times a week.

• Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

  The prayer plant has a distinctive habit: it folds its leaves each evening, creating the impression of hands folded in prayer. It is non-toxic to pets and a popular houseplant because of its tropical foliage. It adapts well to a range of light conditions, although it prefers bright, indirect light. It will also grow in moderate to low light.

  This is not a plant that tolerates dry conditions well. The top layer of soil should feel dry to the touch, but completely dry soil can cause problems. To avoid issues, water it as soon as the surface of the soil has dried out.

• Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)

  Pilea involucrata is a delicate-stemmed plant that thrives in high humidity. It works well as a terrarium specimen, which also makes it less likely that your cat or dog will take an unauthorized bite. It is one of the best pet-friendly plants to display in any room of the house.

• Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)

  The wide range of colors and textures found in Peperomia species keeps them near the top of the list of popular houseplants. They are non-toxic to cats and dogs, look attractive in containers, and do not mind the occasional missed watering.

• Orchid (Orchidaceae)

  If you love orchids (Orchidaceae), you can safely add them to your list of pet-friendly plants. Many orchids bloom for weeks during winter, when days are short, and they do well in partial light and with root-bound conditions.

• Mosaic Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

  One of the common names for Fittonia albivenis is nerve plant, which sounds more ominous than it is. This tropical forest native, with its lovely white- or pink-veined leaves, is not toxic to cats or dogs. This small, safe houseplant does well in low light with moderate watering, but it needs a very humid environment. For that reason, a bathroom can be a good indoor location.

• Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)

  The bromeliad’s tough, strap-like leaves and unusual cone-shaped flowers make it a favorite houseplant. These pet-safe plants are easy to maintain, needing only a bright window and a humid environment.

  Appearance and 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 wood by tying them in place or using glue. One advantage of a soil-free houseplant like a bromeliad is that it removes the risk of spilled potting mix if your dog or cat tends to dig in containers or knock them over.

• Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

  The ponytail palm, sometimes called elephant’s foot because of its round, smooth trunk, is a popular and easy-to-grow indoor tree. You might think its thin, dangling leaves would be tempting to pets, especially cats, and you would not be wrong. Fortunately, the plant is not toxic. The worst damage is usually limited to the foliage. If that becomes a problem, try moving the ponytail palm out of reach or offering a pet-friendly alternative such as cat grass. If you relocate it indoors, remember that this non-toxic plant thrives in bright light and likes to be watered only when the soil is on the dry side.

• Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)

  The textured leaves of the purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis ‘Exotica’) provide year-round interest for people who do not grow flowering houseplants. Bright, indirect light helps maintain the purple color without bleaching the leaves. Purple waffle plants are often considered excellent air purifiers, helping keep the environment healthy for both you and your pet.

• Purple Velvet Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)

  Gynura aurantiaca is a distinctive addition to any collection of houseplants that are safe for dogs or cats. Its leaves have soft, velvety hairs, and the brighter the light, the deeper the purple foliage becomes. These plants grow quickly, but they are short-lived, typically lasting only a few years. One way to extend their life is to water only when the soil is dry, which helps prevent root rot.