10 Best Pet Safe Indoor Plants for a Healthy Home

Creating a serene and healthy home environment often includes adding a touch of greenery. However, for pet owners, the challenge is finding plants that are aesthetically pleasing and safe for their furry friends. This article provides a curated list of the 10 best pet-safe indoor plants that enhance your living space and ensure your pets’ well-being. These plants have been chosen for their ease of maintenance, non-toxicity to pets, and ability to thrive indoors, making them perfect for any pet-friendly household.

Key Takeaways

• The selected indoor plants are easy to maintain, making them suitable for novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
• All plants on this list are non-toxic to pets, ensuring the safety of your furry family members when adding greenery to your home.
• Certain plants, such as Lilies, aloe vera, and Philodendrons, are toxic to pets and should be avoided in pet-friendly homes.
• Plants such as jasmine, lavender, and tea rose begonias add beauty and provide a soothing fragrance to your living space.
• Consulting with experts and considering factors like light requirements and potential allergies can help you choose the best plants for your bedroom.

1. Spider Plant

Meet the Spider Plant, the superhero of pet safe indoor plants! Not only does it have the power to jazz up your living space with its funky, variegated leaves, but it’s also one of the most laid-back roomies you’ll ever have. Just give it a sip of water once a week, a cozy spot away from that blazing sun, and it’ll thrive faster than you can say ‘chlorophytum comosum’!

Spider plants are the peacekeepers of the plant world, making sure both your furry friends and your green sanctuary coexist in harmony. They’re the epitome of pet friendly plants, and they won’t throw a fit if you forget to water them now and then.

But wait, there’s more! These pet-safe plants are not just pretty faces. They’re known to throw a little fiesta with small white flowers, and they can rock a pot or hang out in style as a hanging plant. Just be mindful: If you have a curious kitty, spider plants can be like a feline happy hour—non-toxic, but they might lead to some wobbly walks and tummy rumbles.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes spider plants great pet friendly indoor plants:

• Easy to grow: They’re practically the definition of low-maintenance.
• Adaptable: Whether potted or hanging, they’re happy as a clam.
• Growth: They’re quick growers, so get those pruning shears ready.

And for the detail-oriented plant parents, here’s the nitty-gritty on these pet safe house plants:

Size	Light	Water	Soil pH
Up to 24 inches high and 36 inches wide	Bright, indirect light	Once a week or when topsoil is dry	6.0 to 7.5

Remember, while spider plants are champions among pet-friendly house plants, they have a penchant for growing faster than your pet’s hair. So, keep an eye on them, or you might find your living room turned into a spider plant jungle!

2. Bamboo Palm

Meet the Bamboo Palm, the feathery friend that’s more than just a pretty frond! This tropical beauty thrives indoors and is an absolute sucker for medium sunlight. But don’t let its lush leaves fool you; it’s as sturdy as they come and can shoot up to a towering 12 feet—talk about a plant with ambition!

Bamboo Palm is non-toxic to dogs, posing no serious health risks. So, no need to panic if your furry friend has a taste for the tropics. Though it’s not a snack for Spot, it might cause a mild GI upset if he’s not used to such exotic cuisine. To keep those nibbles at bay, consider some strategic plant placement or training to teach your puppy that palms are pals, not food.

Bamboo Palm doesn’t just sit there looking pretty—it’s a hardy, long-lasting indoor plant that’s safe for your four-legged family members. And let’s be honest, it’s nice to have a plant that doesn’t require a pet-proof fence around it.

Here’s a quick care guide to keep your Bamboo Palm happy:

• Size: A lofty 4 to 12 feet, depending on how much it loves your home.
• Water: Thirsty in the heat, it likes a drink up to three times a week. It’s more of a casual sipper in the cooler months—every two to three weeks will do.
• Light: He prefers low light to bright indirect light, like a morning sun enthusiast who avoids the harsh afternoon rays.
• Food: Treat it to some food once a month during spring and summer—think of it as a seasonal feast.

3. Miniature African Violets

If you want to add a pop of color to your home without turning it into a feline salad bar, Miniature African Violets are your go-to buddies. These tiny floral gems come in a kaleidoscope of colors, from the softest lavenders to the deepest violets, and they’re just the right size to create a charming tableau on any surface.

What’s even better? They’re like the low-maintenance friends we all wish we had. They only ask for a drink once a week—talk about easygoing! But remember, they’re a bit like Goldilocks; they prefer their environment not too hot, not too cold, but just right, with temperatures cozying between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Miniature African Violets can be quite the divas when it comes to their lighting needs, demanding a solid 10-hour spotlight session daily. If you can provide that southern exposure they crave, you’ll be rewarded with year-round blooms that’ll make every day feel like spring.

Just a heads up, while these plants aren’t toxic, they can cause a bit of a tummy upset if your furry friend decides to take a nibble. So, placing them just out of paw’s reach might be wise. After all, nobody wants to deal with a pet with a case of the ‘violet vomits’.

4. Jasmine

Imagine a plant that not only jazzes up your home with its elegant flowers but also keeps your furry friends safe. Jasmine is that plant! Its sweet scent can turn your bedroom into a serene sanctuary, perfect for those who love a hint of nature’s perfume as they drift off to dreamland.

But wait, there’s more! While some plants are a no-go for pet owners, jasmine joins the ranks of pet-safe greenery. According to the wisdom of Greg App, Winter Jasmine is not toxic to dogs, making it a worry-free choice for households with curious canines. Mild reactions might occur if your pooch decides to take a nibble, but it’s not due to toxicity. Training and strategic garden design can keep those paws off your plants.

So, why not add a touch of jasmine to your indoor jungle? It’s like having a live-in air freshener that gets two paws up for safety!

5. Lavender

Ah, Lavender, the Swiss Army knife of the plant world! Not only does it have a scent that could soothe a caffeinated squirrel, but it’s also a colorful addition to any pet-friendly abode. Just picture it: your furry friend lounging in the sun while you enjoy a stress-free nap, all thanks to this purple wonder.

Lavender’s soft, gentle aroma is perfect for turning your bedroom into a zen sanctuary. Just remember to prune it twice a year to keep it looking like it belongs on the cover of ‘Plants Monthly’.

While it’s generally safe for your four-legged companions, keeping it out of reach is best. The plant contains Linalool, which, in a twist of fate, is not a fantastic new dance move but a substance that’s not so great for pets in large quantities. So, let’s keep the Lavender munching to a minimum, shall we?

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know about Lavender:

• USDA hardiness zone: Thrives in zones 6 through 9.
• Soil condition/pH: Prefers a slightly alkaline touch, with a pH of 6.7 to 7.3.
• Watering: Daily watering is a must. Think of it as a thirsty little plant with a big fragrance payoff.

While Lavender is a feast for the eyes and nose, it’s not so much for the tummy, especially for your pets. Please keep it on a high shelf, bask in its glory, and enjoy the good vibes (and even better sleep) it brings to your home.

6. Tea Rose Begonias

If you’re looking for a plant that’s as finicky as your cat when it comes to drinking, meet the Tea Rose Begonias! These divas of the indoor garden demand their soil to be just the right kind of dry—like a good martini. Water them when the soil is 50% to 75% dry, or roughly every fortnight, and they’ll reward you with their stunning presence.

Here’s the lowdown on their care:

• Size: A petite 12 inches tall
• Light: They love medium to bright indirect light
• Sun exposure: Anywhere but direct sunlight, please
• USDA zone: Zone 10, but they’re indoor royalty
• Soil: Peat-based with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0
• Price: Wallet-friendly at $11.99 – $16.50

Remember, these plants are like that one friend who always cancels plans—they’re sensitive to change. So keep their environment stable, and they’ll stick around longer than your friend’s latest excuse.

And don’t forget, like your furry friends, Tea Rose Begonias needs their monthly feed during the spring and summer. It’s like their version of brunch but with fertilizer instead of mimosas. Keep them happy, and they’ll keep your home looking fabulous!

7. Ficus

Ah, the Ficus, a plant as easy-going as a Sunday morning. Don’t let its chill vibe fool you, though; this green buddy is a powerhouse for purifying your air. Remember, while it’s more challenging than a two-dollar steak, it still needs your love and care.

Ficus plants are like that friend who’s always cool under pressure, but give them a consistent spot with indirect light, and they’ll thrive like a boss.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your Ficus and furry friends in harmony:

• Watering: Keep it consistent, but don’t drown the poor thing. Think of it as a plant that enjoys a good sip, not a gulp.
• Light: Loves indirect sunlight. Direct sun is a no-no; it’s like kryptonite to Superman.
• Growth: It’s a grower, not a shower. Expect a steady climb, not a sprint to the ceiling.

Remember, a happy Ficus is a happy home. With just a bit of attention, this leafy companion will be your pet’s non-toxic BFF.

8. Jade Plant

Meet the Jade Plant, the succulent that’s as chill as a cat lounging in a sunbeam. It’s the low-maintenance buddy that won’t judge you for forgetting water day. With its plump, coin-shaped leaves, it’s like having a piggy bank that grows (minus the cash, sadly).

What We Like:

• Round green leaves that could make you feel like you’re hoarding treasure.
• Related to the Pothos and Jade plants, it’s like the cool cousin in the plant family.
• A once-a-week watering schedule. Perfect for the forgetful or the busy.
• It’s a pet-safe charmer, so no worries about your fur babies.

What We Don’t Like:

• It’s a bit of a Goldilocks regarding sunlight, shunning direct rays like a vampire.
• Finding that perfect semi-shady spot is like a mini treasure hunt in your home.

The Jade Plant: a perennial that’s easy on the eyes and the watering can. It’s a non-toxic gem for homes with pets and little adventurers.

Remember, while it’s a tough cookie, the Jade Plant still needs your love in the form of light (not too much!) and a sip of water now and then. Keep it happy, and it might just bring you some Feng Shui fortune!

9. Boston Fern

Meet the Boston Fern, the frilly green diva of the indoor plant world! These elegant plants are like the perfect guests at a garden party—they’re low-maintenance and pet-friendly. But don’t let their easy-going nature fool you; they have their quirks.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your Boston Fern thriving:

• Water: These thirsty plants love a good drink. Water them twice a week and mist them on their off days.
• Light: They adore bright indirect light, so place them where they can bask in the morning glow but avoid harsh southern windows.
• Soil: They crave rich, nutrient-packed soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.0 and 5.5.

Remember, while Boston Ferns are easy to care for, they do grow quickly and will need regular trims to keep them looking their best.

If you’re considering taking one of these beauties home, be prepared to pay anywhere from $21.99 to $22.99. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not hang them up? They grow horizontally, making them perfect for a stylish aerial display.

10. Cast Iron Plant

Meet the superhero of the indoor plant world: the Cast Iron Plant. It’s more challenging than a two-dollar steak and thrives on neglect. Forget to water it? No problem. It’s like the plant version of that one friend who can sleep through a rock concert.

Here’s the lowdown on this hardy hero:

• Size: Up to 24 inches high and wide enough to hide your least favorite decor.
• Water: Loves a good thirst-quenching every fortnight or when the soil feels like a dry debate—about 50% to 75% dry.
• Light: He prefers the spotlight of medium to bright indirect light, but he won’t throw a tantrum in lower light.
• Soil: Enjoys a peat-based mix with a more balanced pH than your last diet—6.0 to 7.0.

If you’re worried about pests, just rinse the foliage to send them packing. For stubborn gatecrashers, a little insecticidal soap should do the trick. Remember, it’s a plant that’s as resilient as it is easy-going, so it’s perfect for both the green-thumbed and the not-so-green-thumbed.

The Root of the Matter

So, there you have it, folks – the ultimate list of pet safe indoor plants that won’t turn your home into a flora-fauna battleground. Remember, the only thing worse than a plant that’s hard to keep alive is playing ‘The Hunger Games’ with your fur babies. With these green amigos, you can breathe easy (thanks to their air-purifying superpowers) and not worry about Mr. Whiskers taking a toxic nibble. Keep those non-pet-friendly plants labeled as ‘forbidden fruit’ or, better yet, in a pet-proof greenhouse. Happy planting, and may the paws be ever in your favor!

Frequently Asked Questions