Bringing greenery into your home adds warmth, texture, and a sense of serenity—but if you live with pets, you’ve likely discovered that not all houseplants are created equal. Many common indoor plants can be toxic to cats and dogs, causing anything from mild digestive upset to serious health issues.
The good news? You can still create a lush, plant-filled home without the worry. With a thoughtful selection of non-toxic plants, you can safely combine your love of nature with your love for your furry companions. Below is a curated list of 20 houseplants that are widely recognized as pet-safe—each offering its own unique aesthetic and personality.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
One of the most forgiving houseplants around, the spider plant thrives in a range of light conditions and is famous for producing “pups” that can be replanted. Its arching, striped foliage creates a soft, cascading effect, and best of all, it’s entirely safe for cats and dogs—even if they’re tempted to chew on it occasionally.
2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Also known as the butterfly palm or golden cane palm, the Areca palm adds a breezy, tropical element to indoor spaces. It does well in bright, indirect light and can grow tall, making it an excellent floor plant for living rooms or entryways. Its non-toxic nature makes it ideal for homes with curious pets.
3. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Celebrated for its dramatic, patterned leaves that look almost hand-painted, Calathea is a striking addition to any room. Its leaves often move with the light—folding up at night and unfurling during the day. Calatheas require slightly higher humidity and filtered light but reward you with stunning foliage—and zero toxicity concerns for pets.
4. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomia comes in a wide range of shapes, colors, and leaf textures. These small, low-maintenance plants are perfect for shelves, desks, or windowsills and are incredibly versatile in terms of décor. They’re non-toxic to cats and dogs and thrive in indirect light.
5. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant earns its name from its unique leaf behavior: its foliage folds upward at night, resembling hands in prayer. With rich green leaves and pink or red veins, it’s an eye-catching plant that enjoys medium to low light. It’s also completely pet-safe.
6. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Not to be confused with the toxic rubber tree (Ficus elastica), the baby rubber plant is actually a variety of Peperomia. It features thick, glossy leaves and grows in a compact form, perfect for smaller spaces or tabletop displays. Non-toxic and easy to grow, it’s a great beginner plant.
7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
A more upright alternative to the Areca palm, the bamboo palm features slender, cane-like stems and soft green leaves. It prefers medium to bright light and helps improve indoor air quality. Its pet-safe profile makes it an elegant choice for plant-lovers with animals.
8. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Lush, full, and feathery, Boston ferns are ideal for hanging baskets or pedestal planters. They enjoy humid environments and indirect light, making them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Though many ferns can be problematic for pets, this one is a safe, classic option.
9. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
A charming and compact flowering plant, African violets produce clusters of soft, velvety blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white. They prefer consistent watering and filtered light. Safe for pets and perfect for adding color without worry.
10. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
This slow-growing palm is often found in classic interiors and historic homes, hence the name. It thrives in low light and doesn’t require much attention—ideal for low-maintenance greenery. And yes, it’s safe for both cats and dogs.
11. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Known for its vibrant spotted foliage, the polka dot plant adds a playful touch to your collection. It’s best kept in bright, indirect light and should be pinched back to avoid legginess. Its vivid pink, red, or white accents provide visual contrast, and it’s entirely non-toxic.
12. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
This plant features textured leaves with deep green veins and a compact, bushy habit. It’s easy to propagate and share—hence the name. It does well in moderate light and is safe for all pets.
13. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
As its name suggests, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. It tolerates low light, neglect, and irregular watering with grace. Its upright, dark green foliage creates a clean, architectural feel—while posing no harm to pets.
14. Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)
With its round, silver-striped leaves resembling the rind of a watermelon, this variety of Peperomia is a showstopper. It’s small enough for tabletops and shelf displays and grows well in moderate light. Like its relatives, it’s non-toxic and easy to care for.
15. Mosaic Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
Fittonia, or the nerve plant, is known for its intricate vein patterns on soft green leaves. It thrives in humid environments and lower light, making it a favorite for terrariums and bathrooms. Completely safe for pets and visually stunning.
16. Bromeliads
These vibrant, tropical plants often bloom in shades of red, orange, pink, or yellow and feature thick, strappy leaves. They’re epiphytes, meaning they can grow in soil or mounted decoratively. Despite their exotic look, most bromeliads are non-toxic to pets.
17. Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Often mistaken for aloe, Haworthias are small, rosette-forming succulents that are both ornamental and pet-safe. They’re ideal for sunny windows and require minimal watering, making them excellent starter succulents.
18. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Technically a succulent, the ponytail palm features a bulbous base and long, curly leaves that drape down like a fountain. It’s slow-growing, highly ornamental, and safe for cats and dogs alike.
19. Herbs: Basil, Rosemary, and Thyme
Growing herbs indoors not only adds flavor to your cooking but also provides safe greenery around pets. Basil, rosemary, and thyme are non-toxic when grown organically and can thrive on sunny windowsills.
20. Spiderwort (Tradescantia zebrina)
While it should still be kept out of reach for pets with sensitive stomachs, Spiderwort is generally considered pet-safe in moderation. Its striking purple and green striped leaves make it a beautiful trailing plant for hanging baskets or elevated shelves.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right houseplants doesn’t mean sacrificing style or creativity—especially when there are so many pet-safe options that offer beauty, texture, and variety. Whether you’re looking for bold statement plants or dainty tabletop greenery, there’s a pet-friendly plant that fits your space.
As always, monitor your pets around any new plant, even those labeled “safe.” Non-toxic doesn’t always mean entirely risk-free, especially if ingested in large amounts. However, with this list, you can confidently create a welcoming, plant-filled home where every member of the family—two- or four-legged—can thrive.