10 Nontoxic Houseplants That are Safe for Your Pets
Updated: Jul. 30, 2023
If you're eager to fill your rooms with houseplants but don't want to risk harming your pets, check out these amazing nontoxic houseplants options, each deemed safe by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Houseplants are trendy, and many of them do double duty as decor and air cleaners. But if you have pets, you need to find plants that are safe for them. We’ve consulted with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to find some pet-safe house plants for you.
Spider Plant
Spider plant is a funky plant features thin, bright green leaves that spill over whatever container it lives in. This is one of the more popular pet-safe house plants, though placing it on a high shelf would be ideal for not only displaying its overflowing nature but also keeping its characteristic long leaves intact around cats.
Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus gets its name because it blooms mostly during winter, around Christmas time. Unlike most cacti, it does not have sharp spines, which means it won’t scratch your dog or cat if they touch it. And it’s also nontoxic, should your pets ingest it.
Haworthia
We considered this funky little houseplant, also known as the Zebra Plant, one of the coolest succulents out there. It has white horizontal stripes across its dark green, spiky leaves, which gives it a striking, unique look. While Haworthia is nontoxic for cats and dogs, it would definitely be unpleasant for your pets to chomp on its prickly leaves.
Blushing Bromeliad
This colorful, tropical-looking plant would make a beautiful addition to any home—even one with curious pets, as it’s nontoxic for both cats and dogs. Blushing Bromeliad grows vibrant green leaves that turn bright red in the center when it’s about to bloom. It is also naturally drought tolerant and very easy to care for.
Burros Tail
This quirky plant would make an interesting addition to any room where pets roam. It’s light green, beadlike leaves are definitely eye-catching. Plus, this houseplant will provide you with peace of mind, as it’s safe for dogs and cats.
African Violet
For a more flowery option, African Violet is a beautiful plant that has dark green leaves and blooms deep violet flowers. It can survive year round in any part of your home that receives plenty of sunlight during the day, and it is completely safe for your pets.
Watermelon Peperomia
This fun leafy plant grows variegated foliage in many green, red and silver shades. It looks beautiful bursting out of an indoor planter, and there is no need to keep it out of the reach of your pets, as it is safe if they happen to chew on it.
Phalaenopsis Orchid
This incredible flower, though pet-safe, is worth keeping out of the reach of your furry friends. It’s nontoxic, but that doesn’t mean it can withstand an encounter with your playful kitty or rowdy pup.
Lipstick Plant
Though Lipstick Plant is safe for cats and dogs, should they give it a taste test, it’s perfect for keeping up high in a hanging planter in your home. Its dark green leaves grow long, spilling over the edge of the container, and tubular red flowers that resemble lipstick bloom at the ends.
Areca Palm
The areca palm makes a fantastic floor plant for homes with pets. It’s readily available, grows tall and full with little maintenance and, best of all, it’s nontoxic for cats and dogs. Because the areca palm is safe for cats and so easy to care for, it’s one of our favorite pet-safe house plants.
