10 Best Indoor Plants That Are Safe For Pets

Hey there, plant and pet lovers! Ever found yourself gazing at a beautiful indoor plant, only to wonder if it's safe for your furry friend? You're not alone. Many of us adore the greenery inside our homes, but it's crucial to ensure they're safe for our pets. Some plants, though gorgeous, can be harmful if ingested by our four-legged companions. Let's dive into the world of pet-safe indoor plants and discover why they're so essential.

Why Pet-Safe Indoor Plants Matter

Ever caught your cat nibbling on a leaf or your dog sniffing around a potted plant? It's a common sight! Our pets are naturally curious creatures. But here's the catch: not all indoor plants are pet-friendly. Some can cause stomach upsets, while others might lead to more severe health issues.

Pros:

• Safety: Ensuring your plants are pet-safe means peace of mind. No more worrying about emergency vet visits!
• Harmony: A home where both plants and pets coexist harmoniously is a happy home.

Cons:

• Limited Choices: You might have to skip some popular plants known for their toxicity.
• Extra Research: It requires a bit more effort to ensure every plant you bring home is safe.

Top 10 Indoor Plants Safe for Pets

Alright, plant enthusiasts, let's dive into some of the most pet-friendly indoor plants out there. These beauties won't just brighten up your space; they'll also keep your furry pals safe and sound. Ready? Let's go!

1. Christmas Cactus 

The Christmas Cactus, with its vibrant and colorful blooms, is a holiday favorite. Unlike other cacti, it has smooth, segmented stems and requires more water. Place it in a spot with indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Good news! The Christmas Cactus is non-toxic to both cats and dogs. So, even if your curious kitty takes a nibble, there's no need for a holiday panic.

2. Boston Fern (Sword Fern) 

The Boston Fern, with its lush, feathery fronds, is a classic choice for homes. It thrives in humid conditions, so consider placing it in bathrooms or using a humidifier. Ensure it gets indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist.

Apart from being safe for pets, Boston Ferns act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins like formaldehyde from the air. Plus, their elegant appearance adds a touch of green sophistication to any room.

3. African Violet 

African Violets are compact, flowering houseplants known for their velvety leaves and vibrant blooms. They prefer bright, indirect light. Water them from the bottom to avoid getting their leaves wet, which can cause spotting.

Their petite size makes them perfect for tabletops, desks, or window sills. The rich hues of their flowers, ranging from purples to pinks, can complement any interior design, adding a pop of color and charm.

4. Peperomia 

Peperomias are small, easy-to-care-for plants with thick, succulent-like leaves. They come in various colors and patterns, making them a delightful addition to any space. Place them in bright, indirect light and water sparingly, letting the soil dry out between waterings.

Not only are Peperomias non-toxic to pets, but their compact size also means they can fit in various spots around the home, away from curious paws if needed. Their diverse appearance also means there's a Peperomia for every style and taste!

5. Zebra Calathea 

Zebra Calathea, also known as the 'Zebra Plant', boasts strikingly patterned leaves with alternating dark and light green stripes, resembling a zebra's coat. This plant prefers low to medium light and high humidity. It's essential to keep the soil moist but not soggy. If you notice the edges turning brown, it might be craving more humidity, so consider misting it or placing it on a tray with pebbles and water.

The contrasting stripes on the Zebra Calathea can catch the eye of your pets, especially cats who might be intrigued by the plant's gentle movement as it "prays" by raising and lowering its leaves between day and night.

6. Catnip, Silver Vine, or Cat Thyme

Catnip, a member of the mint family, is well-known for its euphoric effect on cats. Silver Vine, often considered a more potent alternative to catnip, and Cat Thyme, with its strong aroma, are also favorites among felines. These plants can stimulate playfulness and provide an energy outlet for indoor cats.

All three plants are relatively easy to grow. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Regular watering, without letting the plants sit in water, is key. If you're growing catnip, be prepared for it to spread, as it can be quite invasive!

7. Impatiens 

Impatiens, often called 'Busy Lizzies', are popular bedding plants known for their bright, cheerful flowers. They thrive in partial to full shade, making them perfect for those tricky low-light areas in your garden or home. Keep the soil consistently moist, as Impatiens don't like to dry out.

Impatiens come in a rainbow of colors, from soft pastels to vivid reds and purples. Their continuous blooms can brighten up any space, and their non-toxic nature makes them a safe choice for homes with pets.

8. Money Plant

The Money Plant, often referred to as the 'Golden Pothos' or 'Devil's Ivy', is a popular indoor plant with heart-shaped, green leaves that can have streaks of yellow or white. It's incredibly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of light conditions, though it prefers indirect light. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure it has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Many cultures believe that the Money Plant brings wealth and prosperity to a household. Its vibrant, coin-shaped leaves are thought to symbolize financial growth. Feng Shui practitioners often recommend placing this plant in the southeast corner of homes or businesses to attract positive energy and abundance.

9. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

The Areca Palm, sometimes known as the 'Butterfly Palm', is a graceful, feathery palm that can grow several feet tall indoors. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers a humid environment. Water it moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

The Areca Palm is not just a beautiful addition to homes; it's also an excellent natural air purifier, known to remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. Best of all, it's non-toxic to pets, making it a safe and stylish choice for any home.

10. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

The Spider Plant, with its arching green and white striped leaves, is one of the most adaptable houseplants. It's tolerant of a variety of conditions, though it prefers bright, indirect light. Water it moderately, and it will reward you with baby 'spiderettes', which dangle from the mother plant like spiders on a web.

Apart from its distinctive appearance, the Spider Plant is known for its air-purifying abilities. It can remove pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. While cats might be attracted to the playful spiderettes, pet owners can breathe easy knowing that this plant is non-toxic, though it's always best to keep plants out of pets' reach to avoid any potential digestive upset.

Tips for Introducing New Plants to Your Pets

Alright, so you've got a new plant, and you're excited to place it in your living room. But wait! Before you do, consider these tips:

1. Place the plant in a temporary spot and watch how your pet reacts. If they show too much interest, it might be best to find a safer location.
2. Ensure everyone, especially the young ones, knows which plants are off-limits to pets. Knowledge is power, after all!
3. Place your potted plants in areas that are less accessible to your pets. High shelves or hanging planters can keep plants out of reach from curious paws. Remember, some pets are climbers, so ensure the plant's location is secure.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, our homes are sanctuaries for both us and our pets. And while plants add beauty and purify our air, it's our responsibility to ensure they coexist safely with our furry friends. Always do your homework before bringing a new plant home. Remember, a pet-safe home is a happy home! 

References

ASPCA. (n.d.). Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Alvarez, D. (2021, February 10). 11 Pet-Friendly Houseplants Safe for Cats and Dogs. Insider. https://www.insider.com/guides/home/pet-safe-houseplants

Puisis, E. (2023, May 22).Pet-friendly Houseplants. Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/safe-houseplants-for-pets-4588752