In this guide to pet friendly houseplants, you’ll find our top 10 suggested plants with recommended care tips. The addition of houseplants to your interior space not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also contributes to a healthier environment for both you and your family. However, for pet owners, the concern of plant toxicity can make selecting houseplants a daunting task. Fortunately, there are a large number of pet friendly houseplants that can coexist harmoniously with our pets, bringing nature indoors without compromising their well-being.
Understanding Pet Friendly Houseplants
Creating a pet friendly indoor jungle in your home involves knowing which plants pose no threat to curious noses and playful paws. Some plants, while visually appealing, can be harmful or even toxic to pets if ingested. So, opting for non-toxic varieties is crucial.
Top Choices for Pet Friendly Houseplants
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Known for its air purifying qualities, the spider plant is safe for both cats and dogs. This popular plant is one of the most recognised plants with beautiful cascading foliage to add a touch of elegance to any space. These plants are also great for beginners because they are particularly easy to care for. They do not require a lot of attention and will thrive in almost any home. So, if you are looking for a low maintenance houseplant that’s safe for your pets – a spider plant should be top of your list!
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
This beautiful fern with lush, feathery fronds is certainly a favourite. This plant is non-toxic and helps maintain humidity levels indoors. They are wonderful houseplants to have. But the rule is – never let a Boston Fern dry out. So, ensure you keep the soil moist and humidity at a high level, bathrooms are great places for this plant. Don’t forget to feed them with Westland Houseplant Feed once a month in spring and summer. Place them in an area of indirect sunlight for the best environment.
3. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
A resilient and low maintenance palm, with long stems and lush green feathery foliage. They look great and also act as an air purifier at the same time. The parlor palm is safe for pets and thrives in indirect light, making it an ideal choice for various rooms. It will tolerate low light and infrequent watering, but you’ll have a much happier plant if you treat it well. The parlor palm appreciates a feed with houseplant feed once a month during spring and summer.
4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Another palm variety, the Areca palm, boasts graceful green fronds. The large and leafy plants are tall and can transform your space into a tropical paradise. Even better, it’s safe for pets, making it an excellent addition to larger spaces. These plants are easy to care for, just water regularly. You should be able to get years of enjoyment out of this beautiful palm.
5. Calatheas (Calathea spp)
The Calathea family offers a wide range of visually striking plants with vibrant foliage. Most varieties are pet friendly and can bring colour and texture to your home. They require a bit more attention than some other plants, but once you get used to it, it’s not complex. Just make sure you give it the correct light level, as too much sun can make the leaves fade. Pop it near a window, but not in direct sunlight, and ensure you feed it monthly during spring and summer.
6. String of Hearts (Ceropegia)
String of Hearts is an easy to care for houseplant because this plant is semi-succulent. The pretty heart shaped foliage gives it this lovely name. A surprisingly robust plant, it can be grown in almost all homes and are great for hanging. It prefers indirect light, and just be sure to let it dry out in between watering. It’s also known for its air purifying properties and can even aid relaxation and boosting your mood. String of Hearts is safe for pets and children, making it an ideal choice.
7. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum or S. arachnoideum)
These houseplants (also known as a common houseleek) are great for either indoors or outdoors as part of a container garden. They are fun and easy succulents that are safe for pets. This vigorous perennial has clusters of fleshy rosettes with leaves that can range from blue/green to red/purple. They prefer a well drained soil and love full sun.
8. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
This attractive plant also has the nickname “friendship plant” and is commonly given as a gift for luck. It thrives in bright, indirect light with warm temperatures. Treat it as a common succulent, watering only when the soil has completely dried out. It has beautiful bright green pad shaped leaves on succulent stems and is ideal for pet owners and those new to owning houseplants.
9. Bunny Ears Cactus (Cactus opuntia microdasys)
This is a great looking plant, with the pads resembling cute bunny ears, with spines almost resembling fur, hence the great name! It prefers light and bright indirect light and would appreciate drying out in between watering. It’s non-toxic to pets and ideal for those new to having houseplants. It’s also a great food source for tortoises. However, because of the spikes, we would recommend keeping it out of reach from your pets.
10. Herringbone Plant (Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura)
A beautiful variegated ornamental houseplant with oval-shaped leaves. This plant looks incredibly unique with dark green centres going to light green with alternate light patterns down the centre. It has eye-catching red veins to give it a stunning herringbone style pattern. Preferring indirect, yet bright light, try to avoid direct sunlight as it could scorch the plant. It prefers having moist soil, but don’t overwater it. Herringbone is non-toxic and therefore safe around both children and pets.
Tips for a Pet Safe Plant Environment
Research
Always verify a plant’s safety before purchasing. Resources like the ASPCA’s database of toxic and non-toxic plants for pets can guide you.
Placement
Consider elevating plants out of reach or using hanging pots to prevent pets from nibbling on leaves. Additionally, designate pet free zones for delicate or toxic plants.
Monitor Your Pets
Observe your pet’s behaviour around plants. Some pets might be more curious or prone to exploring new objects.
Regular Maintenance
Remove dead leaves and fallen plant parts promptly. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or disease to maintain a healthy environment for both pets and plants.
