One consistent characteristic of our four-legged family members, particularly in their younger years, is a tendency towards exploration. Without opposable thumbs, our canine and feline companions often rely on their mouths to explore the world. Their curious nature and tendency to chew or ingest unfamiliar objects begs the question of what plants are safe to keep around your pet.
Toxic Plants
To begin our discussion of pet-friendly plants for your home, we must first touch on the plant varieties that are toxic to pets. While all plants can trigger GI issues for pets upon ingestion, here are some examples of those that can be life-threatening to our four-legged family…
Cats - Aloe, Cherry, English Ivy, Geranium, Lemon Grass, Marijuana, Primrose, Stargazer Lilly
Dogs - Aloe, Holly, Daisy, Garlic, Marijuana, Mums, Parsley, Winterberry
While not conclusive, the plants listed are common and toxic. For a more comprehensive list of plants toxic to dogs, cats, or both, see the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' complete list.
Pet-Friendly Plants for the Home
Now that we’ve taken a look at some common houseplants that are toxic to pets, let’s explore some safer options from our friends at Spruce Pets!
- Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are a low maintenance plant, only requiring weekly waterings and partial sun, and they make a wonderful addition to any home since its foliage is non-toxic to both dogs and cats.
- African Violet
This flowering pet-safe houseplant adds a unique pop of color to any room and thrives in partial light.
- Baby’s Tears
If your cat or dog has a tendency to dig around in your houseplants, try planting Baby’s Tears! This tiny, green-leaved plant is a great addition to potted plants since it helps cover and protect the soil from curious pets.
- Chinese Money Plant
A low maintenance plant that only requires partial sun, infrequent watering, and adds more character to your home with its vibrant green leaves.
- Banana Tree
This tall, pet-friendly tree is tropical in origin, requiring rich soil, frequent watering, and plenty of light for optimum health.
- Echeveria
A beautiful succulent that doesn’t require constant attention, the Echeveria will thrive with about 6 hours of sunlight a day and thorough watering every 1-2 weeks.
- Gloxinia
For those seeking a vibrant, blooming pet-friendly houseplant, the Gloxinia is a perfect option. Doing well in shade, the Gloxinia presents thick ruffled leaves with either single or double blooms.
- Spider Plant
This hardy houseplant with cascading foliage has the ability to thrive in partial shade with moist, but not soggy soil. Small shooting plantlets during its growth give the plant its name.
- Venus Fly Trap
A carnivorous plant (you heard that right), but don’t worry, your pets are not at risk! This plant does well with a range of sun exposures and can help with fly control.
- Areca Palm
Bringing a tropical feel to any interior, the Areca Palm does best kept slightly moist but allowed to dry out between waterings. Palm fronds can trigger playful instincts in pets which makes the Areca’s non-toxicity a fun addition to your home!
Tips When Adding New Plants to the Home
When choosing houseplants, the first priority is making sure they’re safe for your four-legged family. After that, considerations include the amount of care needed to keep the plant healthy as well as how much space and sunlight is required. Don’t forget to assess the level of curiosity your pet may have towards the plant, as some may be tempting to nibble or climb onto! A pet-friendly home can absolutely include greenery and pairing it with mindful nutrition, like RAWZ’s minimally processed options, helps support your pet’s health from all angles.
