Pet-Friendly Indoor Plants. 12 easy to maintain pet friendly indoor plants

Pet friendly Indoor Plants

Creating a green indoor space doesn’t have to come at the cost of your pet’s safety. With the right plant choices, pets and houseplants can thrive together. Many non-toxic indoor plants are perfectly safe for curious cats and playful dogs who may occasionally nibble on leaves. Even better, these pet-friendly plants add natural beauty, help freshen indoor air, and contribute to a calmer, cooler home environment.

If you’re designing a pet-friendly, sustainable home, here are 12 safe indoor plants to consider.

1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis)

Boston ferns are lush, classic houseplants with soft, feathery fronds that are safe for both cats and dogs. They love humidity and indirect light, making them great for bathrooms and shaded balconies.

Care: Partial sun • Keep lightly moist • Well-drained, slightly acidic soil

2. Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

This delicate, mat-forming plant features tiny green leaves and works beautifully in terrariums, hanging planters, or as ground cover around larger indoor plants.

Care: Partial sun to shade • Consistently moist soil • Rich, slightly acidic loam

3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

One of the easiest and most resilient houseplants, spider plants are pet-safe and ideal for shelves and hanging baskets thanks to their cascading leaves.

Care: Bright indirect light • Moderate watering • Well-drained soil

4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Also known as butterfly palm, this plant brings a tropical look indoors and is non-toxic to pets. Its arching fronds can attract playful cats, so placement matters.

Care: Full to partial sun • Keep moist with slight drying between watering • Well-drained soil

5. Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Calatheas are known for their bold leaf patterns and are completely pet-friendly. They prefer softer light and reward proper care with vibrant foliage.

Care: Partial sun to shade • Keep soil evenly moist • Loamy, well-drained soil

6. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Loved for its colorful, speckled leaves, the polka dot plant is safe for cats and dogs and adds a cheerful accent to indoor plant collections.

Care: Partial sunlight • Water when topsoil dries • Moist, well-drained soil

7. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

Prayer plants are adaptable and pet-safe, with attractive patterned leaves that fold slightly at night. Avoid overwatering.

Care: Partial sun to shade • Regular but controlled watering • Well-drained soil

8. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)

A textured, trailing plant that enjoys humidity and indoor warmth. It’s a safe choice for multi-pet homes.

Care: Partial sun • Consistent moisture • Loamy, well-drained soil

9. Mosaic Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

Fittonia features striking white or pink veins and thrives in humid environments. It’s non-toxic and perfect for small spaces and terrariums.

Care: Low to partial light • Keep evenly moist • Well-drained soil

10. Staghorn Fern

Often mounted on boards or wall displays, staghorn ferns are naturally kept out of reach and are non-toxic if pets do get close.

Care: Bright indirect light • Weekly watering (less in cool months) • Acidic growing medium

11. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

Popular in mindful and feng shui interiors, the money tree is pet-safe and known for its braided trunk and glossy leaves.

Care: Full to partial sun • Water when top inch dries • Well-drained soil

12. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

A compact, elegant palm that tolerates lower light and is safe for pets, making it ideal for apartments and small rooms.

Care: Bright indirect to low light • Water when topsoil dries • Well-drained soi

Quick Pet-Safe Plant Tips

• Place even non-toxic plants slightly out of reach to prevent damage

• Use organic, chemical-free fertilizers

• Avoid pesticide sprays indoors

• Rotate plants for balanced growth and safer pet access

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