9 Non-Toxic Houseplants Safe for Dogs & Cats

Being a responsible pet owner means making sure there's nothing in your home that might be toxic to your beloved fur baby. That's why you want to make sure your home is filled with non-toxic houseplants that won't harm your dog or cat. Here's a look at nine non-toxic plants¹ that are safe to keep in your home, whether you have dogs or cats.²

1. African Violet

African violets (Saintpaulia spp) are not only safe, but they also produce beautiful flowers that you will love having in your home. These are really easy to grow, which is an added bonus.

2. Orchids

Orchids (of the family Orchidaceae) are safe to have around dogs and cats.³ If you thought orchids were toxic, you might have confused them for Easter lilies, which are extremely toxic to cats (but not dogs).⁴

3. Spider Plant

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) has ribbon-like long leaves with lighter stripes. These are safe for dogs and cats, and they thrive in a variety of conditions.

4. Gloxinia

This beautiful flowering plant (Sinningia speciosa) is safe for dogs and cats and may remind you a bit of the African violet. It only needs indirect sunlight to flourish, but it requires a lot of moisture.

5. Lipstick Plant

If beautiful red flowers are your preference, the lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus humilis) is a great choice. This plant loves lots of sunlight and can grow quite tall if kept well-watered.

6. Purple Waffle Plant

The purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis alternata) is another safe option. This unique plant has green leaves that fade to purple. It purifies the air too.⁵

7. Cast Iron Plant

The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) grows taller than many other plants on this list and needs little sunlight.

8. Calathea Rattlesnake

This beautiful plant (Calathea insignis) with uniquely dark stripes is a great addition to a home with pets. This "prayer" plant also raises and lowers its leaves with the sun.

9. Haworthia

Haworthia is a little succulent that's non-toxic to dogs and cats. It has thick leaves covered in white dots or stripes, and it grows close to the ground.

All these plants are safe for cats and dogs. But don't let your pet eat the leaves until he's feeling sick—too much of a safe thing can still leave an upset tummy.

Some Plants Can Be Mixed Up with Toxic Plants, So Do Your Research

Some non-toxic plants have similarities to toxic ones. Many varieties of true ferns are safe for your pets, like the Boston fern or the maidenhair. However, some "fake" ferns may actually be toxic, like the asparagus fern, which isn't a fern at all. Other plants may look like ferns but really aren't.⁶ So be cautious and make sure you know what you're purchasing.

You also want to be careful with herbs, succulents, and palms, since some are safe while others can be very poisonous. The same can be said for daisies (which are toxic to dogs and cats) while African daisies aren't. It's important to double-check before getting a new plant.

Plants are a great way to create a calming, peaceful atmosphere. You can enhance that effect with a comfy bed for your pet, like the K&H Self-Warming Hut or the Self-Warming Nuzzle Nest. For younger pets, consider adding one of the Mother's Heartbeat items for your dog or cat.

Adding plants can help with the air quality and ambiance in your home. While this list of safe plants isn't all-inclusive, it's a great place to start if you want to grow some fresh, green plants in your home that are safe for your dog and cat.

1. ASPCA. "Poisonous Plants." ASPCA.org, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.

2. BH&G Garden Editors. "15 Pet-Friendly Houseplants That Add Life Without the Worry." Better Home & Gardens, 8 May 2020, https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/15-pet-friendly-houseplants-that-add-green-without-the-worry-281474979610304/.

3. ASPCA. "Easter Orchid," ASPCA.org, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/easter-orchid.

4. Coleman, Liz. "Are Easter Lilies Poisonous to Dogs?" Rover.com, https://www.rover.com/blog/are-easter-lilies-poisonous-to-dogs/.

5. McIntosh, Jamie. "Best Indoor Plants for Clean Air." The Spruce, 9 March 2020, https://www.thespruce.com/best-indoor-plants-for-clean-air-4177660#.

6. Jones, Carlye. "Are Ferns Bad for Cats?" The Nest, https://pets.thenest.com/can-dogs-eat-carnation-stems-11640.html.