fourteen houseplant species deemed safe for feline and canine companions by veterinary professionals.
Enhancing your home's ambiance by incorporating greenery is a fantastic idea, especially if you share the space with a beloved pet. However, you need to be cautious while choosing houseplants, as some can be harmful to our furry friends. Luckily, there exist several non-toxic plants that can add tranquility and relaxation to your abode without posing any risk to your pets.
To help you out, we spoke with three experts - a veterinarian, a toxicology specialist, and a medicinal plant expert. They provided us with a list of reliable, pet-friendly houseplants.
- Liza Cahn, DVM, veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance
- Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT, senior director of toxicology at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- Jennifer Blanchard, medicinal plants instructor and PhD candidate at Louisiana State University
Here is a compilation of their recommendations:
01of 14## African Violet
Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT, and senior director of toxicology at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, suggests African violets as a fantastic, non-toxic, and pet-friendly option. Also known as the cape marigold, it is an excellent choice for a lively, flowering indoor plant.
Size: The size of African violets can vary depending on the variety, ranging from 6 to 16 inches tall and wide.
Growth conditions: African violets thrive in bright, indirect light for 10 to 12 hours a day and require well-drained soil.
02of 14## American Rubber Plant
Also known as pepper face or baby rubber plant, this pet-friendly pick has more than 1,000 species, according to Wismer. Jennifer Blanchard, a horticultural instructor specializing in medicinal plants, also endorses the American rubber plant as a good option for dog and cat owners.
Size: This plant typically grows to 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, though it can grow taller if space permits.
Growth conditions: American rubber plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-drained soil.
03of 14## Aluminum Plant
According to the ASPCA, aluminum plants are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. These unique plants are low-maintenance and require even watering, although you may need to water more frequently during the spring and summer.
Size: Aluminum plants generally grow to 6 to 12 inches tall and 4 to 10 inches wide.
Growth conditions: Bright, indirect sunlight, well-drained soil.
04of 14## Blue Echeveria
Wish to add a splash of color year-round? Then consider adding a blue echeveria to your decor. This succulent thrives indoors and can bloom at any time of the year, according to Wismer, with flowers lasting as long as four to six weeks. It requires minimal watering, approximately every three weeks. And don't worry - this beautiful, colorful plant is completely safe for pets.
Size: Blue echeveria is typically 1-6 inches tall and 1-6 inches wide.
Growth conditions: This succulent prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
05of 14## Boston Fern
If you're looking for a non-toxic plant that performs well indoors and outdoors, consider the Boston fern. Wismar notes that this species boasts tall, beautiful fronds, making it an elegant statement piece that can coexist harmoniously with your furry friends.
Size: Boston ferns can grow up to 2 to 3 feet tall and wide.
Growth conditions: Boston ferns prefer bright, indirect sunlight and require consistently moist soil with adequate drainage.
Keep in mind that not all varieties of ferns are compatible with pets. Although the Boston fern is non-toxic, several others, such as the asparagus fern and the lace fern, are harmful to dogs and cats. Always consult the toxicity profile of a fern before introducing it in your home.
06of 14## Cast Iron Plant
Many plants on our list require at least indirect sunlight, but the cast iron plant adapts well to low-light conditions. This low-maintenance plant boasts elegant, lance-shaped leaves and takes another spot on Wismer's list of non-toxic plants. It is also a great option for a housewarming gift for pet owners.
Size: Cast iron plants usually grow from 1 to 3 feet tall and allow to 3 feet wide.
Growth conditions: Prefer low-light, north-facing environments and well-drained, rich soil.
07of 14## Calathea
The calathea was one of the first pet-friendly plants recommended by Blanchard. Known for its striking, tropical leaves, the Calathea family includes numerous species, each with an unique leaf pattern. It has a beautiful, variegated leaf and can easily survive in any location that receives bright, indirect light. When watering, consider using filtered water, since calathea are sensitive to fluoride.
Size: Calathea grow from 1 to 3 feet tall and allow to 3 feet wide.
Growth conditions: This plant thrives in medium to bright indirect light and requires well-drained potting soil or mix.
08of 14## Christmas Cactus
Although poinsettias are popular during the holiday season, they can be harmful to cats and dogs. However, there is a non-toxic alternative- the Christmas cactus. Wismer suggests that these plants typically bloom during winter, around December, and with proper care, they can continue to flower for several decades.
Size: Christmas cacti usually grow to heights ranging from 8 to 24 inches.
Growth conditions: Christmas cacti prefer bright, filtered light and well-drained soil.
Dimension: Branches can grow up to 3 feet in length, boasting flowers that typically measure around 3 inches.
Growth Requirements: Requires bright, indirect light and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
This unique succulent, often referred to as a Burro’s tail or horse's tail, is renowned for its plump, bead-like leaves that hang over pots and planters. Wismer states that when grown indoors, this plant seldom blooms; however, external growth might result in the emergence of flowers.
Dimension: Ranges from 1 to 2 feet in height and width.
Growth Requirements: Thrives in high light levels; prefers well-drained potting mix.
The gerbera daisy, commonly referred to as a gerber daisy, provides an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a vibrant plant that enhances the ambiance of spring or summer bouquets without presenting any risk to their feline or canine friends.
Dimension: Grows to be 6 to 8 inches tall, with a width of 2 to 2.5 inches.
Growth Requirements: Requires full sunlight for optimum growth; thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
For pet owners with cats that have a penchant for munching on leaves, finding a suitable floor plant can pose a challenge. However, both Wismer and Blanchard highly recommend the parlor palm, which is non-toxic to both dogs and cats.
Dimension: Grows between 2 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide.
Growth Requirements: Thrives in low to bright indirect light and well-drained soil.
Pet owners searching for a delicate, non-toxic household plant often gravitate towards lilies during the spring. But according to Liza Cahn, DVM, they are highly toxic to pets, especially cats. A non-toxic alternative would be the delicate phalaenopsis orchid.
Dimension: Ranges from 9 inches to 3 feet tall and 6 inches to 2 feet wide.
Growth Requirements: Prefers low-light conditions and well-drained soil mix.
If you want to introduce a tropical feel to your home while keeping your pets safe, consider a ponytail palm. This non-toxic plant is another popular recommendation from both Wismer and Blanchard for pet owners.
Dimension: Grows up to 10 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide.
Growth Requirements: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and prefers dry soil.
Spider plants are an additional easy-to-tend-to, non-toxic plant that is well-suited for pet owners, especially those suffering from allergies. According to Blanchard, spider plants won't release pollen, making them ideal plant choices.
Dimension: Grows between 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide.
Growth Requirements: Thrives in low to bright indirect light and well-drained houseplant soil mix.
Keeping Pets Safe
Even well-behaved pets may sometimes indulge in nibbling on indoor and outdoor foliage. Here are some tips to ensure the safety of your pets:
Do Your Homework
Before introducing a plant into your home, do your research by checking the ASPCA list of toxic and non-toxic plants. Remember that what may be safe for one species might not be true for a related species. Common toxic plants include azaleas, daffodils, hostas, lilies, lantanas, tulips, and so on.
Be Aware of Symptoms
Being familiar with the symptoms of plant toxicity can be life-saving. These symptoms can vary depending on the type of plant consumed, the amount ingested, the duration before veterinary care, and the pet's species, size, age, and overall health. Some potential symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, drooling, weakness, tremors or seizures, and changes in drinking and urination patterns.
Seek Vet Assistance Immediately
Speed is of the essence when a pet consumes a toxic plant. Quickly contact your vet, a recognized hotline, or an emergency vet if necessary. It's vital to seek advice even if your pet appears to be in good health. Bring photos or samples of the plant with you to help expedite treatment planning.
Martha Stewart might be interested in adding the African violet to her home garden, as it's a non-toxic and pet-friendly houseplant recommended by Tina Wismer, a toxicology specialist at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Additionally, Jennifer Blanchard, a medicinal plants instructor and PhD candidate at Louisiana State University, also endorses the American rubber plant as a good option for pet owners.
