Yes, You Can Have a Lush, Green Home—Without Worrying About Your Pets
If your household includes curious cats or playful pups, choosing the right houseplants is crucial. Some popular indoor greens may pose a health risk to animals—but thankfully, many stunning varieties are completely safe to grow around pets.
To keep both your plants and your furry companions happy, consider placing houseplants in elevated spots or hanging containers. When in doubt, the ASPCA’s plant toxicity database is a reliable resource to confirm a plant’s pet-safety status.
Ready to grow a pet-friendly jungle at home? These 26 houseplants are beautiful, low-risk, and non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Known for its lush, feathery fronds, the Boston fern is a classic indoor favorite that poses no risk to pets. This tropical beauty thrives in warm, humid environments with filtered light—think bathrooms or kitchens with indirect sun.
Make sure the soil stays consistently damp but not soggy, and give it a little extra misting if your home tends to be dry.
- Light: Partial sun
- Water: Weekly; keep lightly moist
- Soil: Moist, acidic, well-drained
2. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Want a pop of color without the risk? African violets are a safe, flowering option that pets can sniff without harm. Their velvety leaves and charming purple blooms make them a windowsill favorite.
These plants do best with gentle light and bottom watering to avoid leaf damage. For extra safety, choose a natural fertilizer, since plants absorb what you feed them.
- Light: Partial sun
- Water: From bottom only
- Soil: Moist, acidic to neutral
3. Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Tiny leaves, dense coverage—baby’s tears add a carpet-like effect to terrariums or pots. Bonus? This plant may discourage your pet from digging in the dirt due to its full foliage coverage.
Keep it somewhere slightly shaded and consistently moist. It loves high humidity and does well near humidifiers or grouped with other plants.
- Light: Partial sun to shade
- Water: Frequently; don’t let it dry out
- Soil: Moist, slightly acidic loam
4. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
With its quirky round leaves and minimal care needs, the Chinese money plant is a charming, pet-safe option. It’s known to symbolize good fortune, too!
Let the soil dry between waterings and give it bright, indirect light. If its coin-like leaves droop, it’s asking for a drink.
- Light: Partial sun
- Water: Deeply, when soil dries
- Soil: Acidic or neutral, well-draining
5. Banana Plant (Musa spp.)
Want a bold, tropical vibe? The banana tree is a safe, statement-making houseplant for pet owners. Its oversized leaves create instant visual impact.
Banana plants need rich soil, full sunlight, and consistent moisture to thrive. Dwarf varieties are great for smaller spaces.
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Soil: Loamy, acidic, well-drained
6. Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
This low-maintenance succulent grows in tight, rosette shapes and comes in dreamy shades like dusty blue and lilac. It’s entirely non-toxic to pets.
Echeveria prefers lots of sunlight and sparse watering. Let the soil dry completely between waterings to avoid rot.
- Light: Full sun
- Water: When leaves wrinkle
- Soil: Acidic, well-draining
7. Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)
With its velvety leaves and striking blooms, gloxinia brings tropical flair to any space. It’s safe around cats and dogs, making it ideal for tabletop displays.
It enjoys shade and bottom watering to protect its sensitive leaves. Watch for its dormancy cycle after blooming.
- Light: Shade
- Water: Water from base
- Soil: Slightly acidic, moist, well-drained
8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
This resilient plant is a popular pick for new plant parents. Its cascading green and white leaves are safe for pets and make a stylish statement in hanging baskets.
It’s tolerant of a range of conditions, but it thrives in indirect light with regular watering.
- Light: Partial shade
- Water: Keep soil lightly moist
- Soil: Loamy, neutral, well-drained
9. Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)
This carnivorous plant may look intimidating, but it’s surprisingly safe for pets—even if they decide to poke at its snap-traps.
Give it bright light and distilled or rainwater. It’s sensitive to tap water and prefers sandy, acidic soil.
- Light: Full to partial sun
- Water: Use rainwater; water from bottom
- Soil: Sandy, moist, acidic
10. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Also called the butterfly palm, this elegant plant adds a tropical touch to any room. Cats might be tempted by the fronds, but they’re completely safe.
Bright light and consistent moisture keep this palm looking lush. Use fluoride-free water when possible.
- Light: Full to partial sun
- Water: Keep moist, allow slight drying
- Soil: Acidic to neutral, well-drained
11. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas are true showstoppers, with boldly patterned leaves that fold up at night—hence their nickname, the “prayer plant’s cousin.” The best part? They’re completely safe for your pets.
These tropical beauties are a bit finicky. They dislike direct sun, need steady humidity, and prefer warm, draft-free corners. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Light: Partial sun to shade
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Soil: Loamy, acidic to neutral, well-drained
12. Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Looking for a small but stunning succulent that won’t harm your furry roommates? Haworthias are perfect. Their spiky, architectural shapes are eye-catching, and they’re as low-maintenance as they come.
Place them near a sunny window and water only when the top inch of soil dries. They’re slow growers, so they’re ideal for desks, shelves, or tight spaces.
- Light: Full to partial sun
- Water: Let top inch of soil dry out
- Soil: Sandy, neutral, well-drained
13. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Bring some whimsy to your indoor plant setup with the polka dot plant’s speckled leaves. With shades of pink, red, or white against green, it’s a playful addition to any plant shelf—and non-toxic to pets.
Sensitive animals might get an upset tummy if they eat a lot of it, but generally it’s a safe choice. Keep it in a bright spot and let the top of the soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Light: Partial sun
- Water: When top half-inch of soil dries
- Soil: Neutral, moist, well-drained
14. Air Plant (Tillandsia stricta)
Air plants are soil-free wonders that can be mounted on walls or placed in glass terrariums. Since they grow without soil, they’re easy to place out of reach from pets. And even if they get nibbled, they’re non-toxic.
Soak them in water for 10–30 minutes every week or mist regularly to keep them happy. They enjoy bright, filtered light.
- Light: Partial sun
- Water: Soak biweekly or mist often
- Soil: None
15. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
This plant is named for its leaf movement—it “prays” by folding its leaves upward at night. Not only is it visually captivating, it’s also safe for cats and dogs.
Prayer plants enjoy humid conditions and bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but never soggy, and avoid placing it near cold drafts.
- Light: Partial sun to shade
- Water: Frequent watering; avoid soggy soil
- Soil: Moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained
16. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
Soft, textured leaves and low-growing vines make the friendship plant a sweet and gentle houseplant for pet-friendly homes. It’s perfect for terrariums or tabletop pots.
This plant enjoys warmth and humidity. Keep its soil moist, but be sure to use well-draining soil to avoid rot.
- Light: Partial sun
- Water: Keep consistently moist
- Soil: Loamy, moist but well-drained, acidic to neutral
17. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomia plants come in dozens of adorable leaf shapes and colors, and they’re all non-toxic. Their compact size makes them a favorite for small spaces or desk plants.
These forgiving plants tolerate a bit of neglect and don’t need frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to keep roots healthy.
- Light: Full or partial sun
- Water: Let top 2 inches of soil dry
- Soil: Neutral to acidic, moist, well-drained
18. Orchid (Orchidaceae)
Known for their exotic blooms and delicate stems, orchids are a sophisticated addition to your indoor plant collection—and completely safe for pets.
Orchids love indirect light and like their roots to breathe, so avoid heavy soil. Water sparingly and let the potting medium dry out between sessions.
- Light: Partial shade
- Water: When soil dries out
- Soil: Acidic, well-drained
19. Mosaic Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
This rainforest-native is beloved for its vividly veined leaves in pink or white. It adds a splash of texture to low-light spaces and is completely pet-safe.
Fittonias crave humidity and need consistently moist soil. They’re prone to wilting quickly if neglected, but they usually bounce back after a good drink.
- Light: Partial sun
- Water: Keep soil moist at all times
- Soil: Acidic, moist, well-drained
20. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
With their rosette shapes and vibrant centers, bromeliads are standout plants that are also pet-friendly. They’re surprisingly easy to grow indoors, especially in humid spots.
Bright, indirect light and consistent—but not soggy—moisture will keep them healthy. Like air plants, many bromeliads take in water through their central “cups.”
- Light: Partial sun
- Water: Moist soil; drought-tolerant once established
- Soil: Acidic, well-draining
21. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Despite the name, this plant is technically a succulent, not a palm. Its bulbous base and long, curly leaves make it a conversation piece, and it’s non-toxic to pets.
While cats may find its dangling fronds irresistible, you can keep it out of reach if needed. This plant loves bright light and needs infrequent watering.
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Every 1–2 weeks during active growth
- Soil: Neutral, sandy, well-drained
22. Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)
This plant is a texture-lover’s dream. Its crinkled, deep-purple leaves add a bold pop of color and dimension to your plant shelf—and it’s totally safe for pets.
Place it in bright, indirect light, and water once or twice weekly to maintain its vibrant look.
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: 1–2 times per week
- Soil: Rich, well-draining
23. Purple Passion Vine (Gynura aurantiaca)
With shimmering purple fuzz on its leaves, this vine is a stunner. While short-lived, it’s fast-growing and safe around pets, making it great for seasonal indoor flair.
To maintain its vivid purple hue, place it in bright light and water only when the soil dries.
- Light: Partial sun or morning light
- Water: Regularly during growing season
- Soil: Neutral, loose, well-draining
24. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
If you’re after an elegant, slow-growing palm, the parlor palm is a timeless choice. Its fronds sway gently in the breeze, and it’s pet-safe too.
It enjoys consistent moisture and bright, indirect light. With proper care, these palms can live for decades indoors.
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist
- Soil: Neutral, peaty potting mix
25. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
Mounted on walls like living art, staghorn ferns resemble antlers and make an unforgettable statement. Thankfully, they’re safe for pets, even if hung low.
These ferns prefer weekly watering during warm months and less in winter. They thrive in bright, indirect light and benefit from misting in dry spaces.
- Light: Partial sun
- Water: Weekly in summer; every 2–3 weeks in winter
- Soil: Acidic (often grown on wood or moss)
26. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Symbolic of good fortune and often gifted for new homes, the money tree features a braided trunk and glossy green leaves. It’s a safe, pet-friendly choice for any space.
Place it where it gets lots of light, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It prefers consistency over surprises, so avoid moving it too often.
- Light: Full to partial sun
- Water: When top inch is dry
- Soil: Moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained