Bringing plants into your home adds life, color, and a sense of tranquility, but if you’re a pet owner, ensuring that your plants are safe for your furry friends is essential. Many common houseplants can be toxic to cats and dogs, so choosing pet-friendly options is crucial. Fortunately, there are many beautiful and safe plants that can brighten your home while keeping your pets out of harm’s way. Brighten your home with pet-friendly plants. Better Build Now offers tips on selecting safe greenery that adds brightness.
Here are some of the best pet-friendly plants to consider that will not only enhance your living space but also provide peace of mind for pet owners.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a classic choice for pet-friendly homes. Known for its arching green and white-striped leaves, this hardy plant is easy to care for and can thrive in various light conditions. The spider plant’s cascading leaves make it ideal for hanging baskets or placing on shelves, out of the way of curious paws.
This plant is non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making it a safe addition to any room. It’s also an air-purifying plant, helping to filter toxins from the air and improve indoor air quality.
Tip:
Place spider plants in bright, indirect light to encourage growth, but they can tolerate low-light conditions as well.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are lush, attractive plants that add a touch of nature to any room. Their feathery, green fronds are perfect for hanging baskets or as floor plants, and they bring a soft, natural aesthetic to your home. Best of all, Boston ferns are completely safe for pets.
Although they’re pet-friendly, Boston ferns do require a bit of attention to thrive. They prefer a cool, humid environment and need consistent watering to keep their soil moist. However, with the right care, they will brighten up your home and make a pet-safe addition to your plant collection.
Tip:
Mist your Boston fern regularly or place it near a humidifier to prevent the fronds from drying out, especially in dry climates.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca palm, also known as the butterfly palm or bamboo palm, is another excellent option for pet-friendly homes. This tall, tropical plant adds a statement to any space with its elegant, feathery fronds that can grow up to six feet tall indoors. It’s non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making it a perfect choice if you want to create a lush, green environment in your home.
Areca palms prefer bright, indirect light and slightly moist soil. They can also tolerate lower light conditions, but growth may slow down. Their large size makes them perfect for filling empty corners of your living room or entryway.
Tip:
Keep the soil of your Areca palm slightly damp but avoid overwatering, as too much water can lead to root rot.
Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas, often called “prayer plants,” are known for their vibrant, patterned leaves that fold up at night. These beautiful plants come in a variety of striking leaf patterns, including shades of green, purple, and white. Calatheas are completely safe for pets, so you don’t have to worry if your cat or dog decides to take a nibble.
These plants thrive in medium to low indirect light and prefer to be kept in a humid environment. Regular misting and placing them near a humidifier will help them stay healthy and vibrant.
Tip:
Place your Calathea in an area with consistent humidity, such as a bathroom, or mist it regularly to keep its leaves lush and healthy.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The parlor palm is a small, slow-growing palm that is perfect for both small and large spaces. Its delicate, green fronds give a tropical feel to any room, and it’s completely non-toxic to pets. The parlor palm can tolerate low-light conditions, making it ideal for rooms that don’t get much sunlight.
Parlor palms are low-maintenance and only need watering when the soil feels dry. They make an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a safe and beautiful houseplant that doesn’t require a lot of attention.
Tip:
Water your parlor palm sparingly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Although not a true palm, the ponytail palm is another pet-friendly plant that is both eye-catching and easy to care for. Its long, curly leaves and thick trunk give it a unique appearance that stands out in any room. Best of all, it’s safe for both cats and dogs.
The ponytail palm is extremely drought-tolerant, as it stores water in its thick trunk. This makes it an ideal choice for busy pet owners or those who might forget to water their plants regularly. It prefers bright, indirect light but can also handle lower light conditions.
Tip:
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, as ponytail palms are highly drought-tolerant and can go longer without water.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo palms are tall, graceful plants that add a tropical feel to any home. With long, arching fronds, they can reach several feet in height, making them a great option for filling empty spaces. Like other palms on this list, the bamboo palm is non-toxic to pets, so it’s safe for your furry friends to be around.
This plant thrives in indirect light and prefers to stay in moist, well-drained soil. Bamboo palms are also known for their air-purifying properties, helping to improve indoor air quality by removing toxins from the air.
Tip:
Place your bamboo palm in a spot with indirect sunlight, and be sure to keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering.
African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
If you want to add a splash of color to your home without worrying about your pets, African violets are an excellent choice. These small, flowering plants produce vibrant blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white and are completely safe for pets. They thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer to be kept in a warm environment with high humidity.
African violets are relatively low-maintenance as long as you keep their soil slightly moist and avoid getting water on the leaves.
Tip:
Water your African violet from the bottom by placing the pot in a shallow tray of water to avoid wetting the leaves, which can cause spotting.
Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomia plants are compact, easy-to-care-for houseplants that come in various leaf shapes and colors. They’re great for adding greenery to your space without taking up too much room. Peperomias are also non-toxic to pets, making them an excellent choice for homes with cats or dogs.
These plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. They don’t require much water, so they’re perfect for busy pet owners who may not have time for frequent plant care.
Tip:
Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, as peperomia plants prefer not to sit in soggy soil.
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Baby’s tears is a lush, low-growing plant with tiny, delicate leaves that spill over the edges of pots or containers. This plant is an excellent choice for hanging baskets or for adding a soft, green touch to tabletops or shelves. Baby’s tears are safe for pets, so you don’t have to worry if your cat takes a nibble.
These plants prefer moist soil and bright, indirect light. They grow quickly and can be a great option for adding greenery to small spaces.
Tip:
Keep baby’s tears in a well-lit spot and water regularly to maintain their soft, green appearance.
Conclusion
Decorating your home with plants doesn’t have to come at the expense of your pets’ safety. By choosing pet-friendly plants like spider plants, Boston ferns, and ponytail palms, you can brighten your space while ensuring your furry friends stay safe. These plants not only add beauty and greenery to your home, but they are also non-toxic, allowing you to create a pet-friendly environment without worry. Whether you’re looking for large, statement plants or small, colorful accents, there are plenty of safe options that will enhance your home and complement your décor. Brighten your home with pet-friendly plants. Better Build Now offers tips on selecting safe greenery that adds brightness.