10 Pet Safe Houseplants to Freshen Up Your Home Without the Worry

When brightening your home with greenery, selecting pet safe houseplants that are visually appealing and harmless to your pets is essential. With a wide array of options available, these plants can add a natural touch to your space and ensure the safety of your furry companions. This guide will walk you through 10 pet safe houseplants that enhance your home’s aesthetics and purify the air while requiring minimal maintenance.

Key Takeaways

• Many houseplants can be toxic to pets, but numerous safe options can coexist with cats and dogs.
• Selecting low-maintenance plants that require little water and care is ideal for busy individuals and ensures a thriving indoor garden.
• Houseplants can improve air quality by filtering toxins and increasing oxygen levels, contributing to a healthier living environment.
• It’s essential to protect plants from pets by placing them out of reach or using hanging pots to prevent any plant-pet mishaps.
• Incorporating pet safe houseplants into your decor beautifies your space, enhances your well-being, and creates a lively atmosphere.

1. Spider Plant

Meet the Spider Plant, the superhero of pet safe houseplants! With its striking green and white striped foliage, it’s not just a pretty face; it’s also a champion of clean air, zapping Formaldehyde and Xylene like a boss.

But wait, there’s more! This plant is so pet friendly that even your fur babies can take a nibble without any drama. That’s right, it’s one of those rare pet friendly indoor plants that won’t cause a midnight trip to the vet.

If your cat’s a plant muncher, rejoice! The Spider Plant is as non toxic indoor plants come. Its long, grass-like leaves are like a salad bar that’s always open, minus the sneeze guard.

And for those with a black thumb, fear not. This plant is more challenging than a two-dollar steak, making it perfect for the horticulturally challenged and the overzealous waterers. So, if you’re looking for pet safe house plants that are also pet friendly house plants, look no further. The Spider Plant has got you covered.

2. Gerbera Daisy

Brighten up your living space with the vibrant Gerbera Daisy, scientifically known as Gerbera jamesonii. These daisies aren’t just a feast for the eyes with their warm shades of joy; they’re also champions at being non-toxic to your furry friends.

No need to tiptoe around these beauties—your pets can sniff and explore without any pet-parent panic.

Regarding care, Gerbera Daisies are as easygoing as a Sunday morning. Just remember to keep them in well-drained soil and give them plenty of sunlight. They’re like the sunbathers of the plant world, always chasing those rays!

Here’s a quick tip to keep pests at bay, courtesy of our friends at Gardener’s Supply: Soak cotton balls in a 2:1 mixture of water to vinegar or rubbing alcohol, and place them lightly on the soil surface. This will help keep your Gerbera Daisies looking fresh without resorting to harsh chemicals.

3. Spotted Star

Meet the ‘Spotted Star’, the unsung hero of the houseplant world. It’s like having a silent monk in the corner of the room, whispering mantras of peace and clean air. This little green guru is more than just a pretty face with its variegated leaves; it’s a full-time oxygen factory and part-time humidity hero—no cape needed!

In the chaos of daily life, the ‘Spotted Star’ is your personal slice of serenity, subtly reminding you to breathe and be present.

Let’s not forget about our furry friends. While some plants play the villain with pets, the ‘Spotted Star’ is the sidekick they deserve. It ensures that your four-legged family members stay safe and sound. It’s the plant equivalent of a superhero, minus the spandex.

Here’s why the ‘Spotted Star’ deserves a spot in your home:

• Purifies air day and night, even when the sun takes a break.
• Adds a dash of humidity to keep your skin and sinuses happy.
• It is non-toxic to pets, so fur babies can sniff around without worry.
• Low maintenance means it’s perfect for plant parents with a lot on their plate.

So, if you’re looking for a plant that brings good vibes, clean air, and peace of mind, the ‘Spotted Star’ is your go-to green companion. It’s the zen master of foliage, teaching us all to take a deep breath and enjoy the little things.

4. Boston Fern

Meet the Boston Fern, a fluffy green roommate who won’t nibble on your pets! This frond-tastic plant is not just a pretty face; it’s a natural air purifier, zapping those pesky pollutants without a second thought.

While some ferns can be finicky, the Boston Fern is like that easy-going friend who doesn’t need much to thrive—just some bright, indirect light and a bit of humidity. Think of it as the perfect bathroom buddy, loving the steam from your showers as much as you love singing in them.

Here’s a quick care checklist for your Boston Fern:

• Bright, indirect light
• High humidity (mist regularly)
• Keep the soil consistently moist
• Loves a good bathroom or kitchen spot

Not all ferns are pet-safe, but this is a green thumbs-up for furry friends. So let your pets frolic fearlessly while your Boston Fern cleans the air!

5. Areca Palm

Meet the Areca Palm, a lush addition to your indoor jungle that’s as easy-going as a Sunday morning. Its botanical Name is Dypsis lutescens. This tall, tropical charmer is a breath of fresh air—literally! It’s a natural air purifier, waving goodbye to indoor villains like xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde, its arch-nemesis.

With its smooth, downward-arching green fronds, the Areca Palm is not just a pretty face. It’s a hardy hero that stands tall, bringing a piece of the tropics to your living room without the worry of harming your furry friends.

Here’s a quick care guide to keep your Areca Palm thriving:

• Use well-draining potting soil and repot every 2-3 years.
• Give it a little ‘snip snip’ now and then for some light pruning.
• Please place it in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight and watch it grow!

Remember, this low-maintenance plant needs little—just a little love, water, and the occasional chat about the weather (plants like small talk too!).

6. Bamboo Palm

If you’re looking for a towering green friend that won’t become a foe for your furry companions, look no further than the Bamboo Palm. This leafy giant, scientifically known as Chamaedorea seifrizii, is a member of the Arecaceae family and is as pet-friendly as they come.

The Bamboo Palm is a champion at purifying the air without the risk of poisoning your pets. It’s happy to grow in indirect light and can reach impressive heights, making it a popular choice for indoor spaces.

Here’s a quick rundown of why Bamboo Palms are the ultimate pet safe houseplants:

• They’re free from saponins and other toxic chemicals.
• Known for cleaning Benzene, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene, and Toluene from the air.
• They are tall, which can add a dramatic touch to your decor.

Remember, while the Bamboo Palm is not toxic to dogs, it’s still best to discourage your pets from turning it into a chew toy. After all, you want your palm to thrive and your pets safe!

7. African Violet

If you want to add a pop of color to your home without turning it into a danger zone for your furry friends, look no further than the African Violet. These charming little plants are not only non-toxic to pets but also come in various colors and patterns that can brighten up any room.

African Violets are perfect for those who want to keep their green thumbs busy without the worry. They thrive in indirect sunlight and with a consistent watering schedule, making them ideal for that sunny kitchen windowsill.

Here’s a quick care guide to keep your African Violets blooming:

• Bright, indirect light is best.
• Keep the soil consistently moist.
• Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent spots.
• Fertilize every couple of weeks during the growing season.

Remember, while African Violets are safe for pets, they still deserve to be treated with care. So, keep them out of reach if your pet is known to have a nibble on your houseplants. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

8. Cast Iron Plant

Meet the Cast Iron Plant, the superhero of the houseplant world! This plant is so tough it might just survive a zombie apocalypse. But don’t worry; it’s also as pet-friendly as they come, so your furry friends can frolic without fear.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• It’s more challenging than a two-dollar steak.
• Thirsty? Forgetful? No problem! It’s drought-tolerant.
• Low light? It practically thrives in the dark.

The Cast Iron Plant is the low-maintenance companion you never knew you needed. It asks for so little yet gives so much green goodness in return.

So, if you’re looking for a plant that won’t keel over the second you turn your back, the Cast Iron Plant is your horticultural hero. Just remember, while it’s hard to kill, it’s not a challenge—show it some love every now and then!

9. Christmas Cactus

Regarding pet safe houseplants, the Christmas cactus blooms with cheer without the fear of harming your furry friends. Unlike its prickly cousins, this festive plant is known for its segmented leaves and beautiful winter flowers, making it a perfect, non-toxic addition to your holiday decor.

• Thrives in bright, indirect light
• Prefers well-draining soil
• Requires moderate watering

Keep in mind that while the Christmas cactus is safe for pets, it still deserves to be treated with care. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Lively Root’s selection of pet-friendly plants includes spectacular bloomers, like the Christmas cactus, and stylish air purifiers like the Money Tree. From the vibrant blossoms to its easy-going nature, this plant is a hassle-free companion that won’t leave you worrying about your pet’s safety.

10. Swedish Ivy

Last but not least, let’s give a round of applause for the Swedish Ivy, a plant that’s more social than a golden retriever at a dog park! This lush, trailing vine is a champion at being non-toxic to pets, and it’s as easy to care for as a cactus, but way less prickly.

Swedish Ivy, also known as Plectranthus australis, isn’t actually from Sweden and isn’t a true ivy. But don’t let its identity crisis fool you; it’s a star at purifying the air and jazzing up your space with cascading greenery.

If you’re looking for a pet-friendly plant that thrives on neglect, Swedish Ivy is your go-to green buddy. Just give it some indirect light and watch it grow faster than a puppy’s love for treats.

Here’s a quick care guide to keep your Swedish Ivy in tip-top shape:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
• Water: Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
• Temperature: Enjoys a warm environment; keep it away from drafts.
• Feeding: Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced houseplant food.

Remember, while Swedish Ivy is a low-maintenance plant, it still enjoys a good chat and some TLC. So, talk to it, sing to it, or even share your latest gossip – it’s all in a day’s work for this friendly foliage!

The Grand Finale of Foliage and Fur

And there you have it, folks! The top 10 pet safe houseplants that won’t turn your fur baby into a furball of regret. Remember, with great plants comes great responsibility—so while you’re turning your home into an oxygen-rich jungle, make sure it’s a jungle that’s safe for your four-legged Tarzans. Now go forth, plant parents, and create that lush, air-purifying oasis. Don’t be surprised if your cat becomes a leaf critic or your dog starts considering himself a part-time gardener. Happy planting, and may the paws be ever in your favor!

Frequently Asked Questions