Pet owners, rejoice! You can have the best of both worlds – beautiful indoor plants and happy, healthy pets. Here are the key takeaways from our guide to pet-friendly houseplants:
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- Why Are My Indoor Plants’ Leaves Turning Yellow? Causes and Solutions
- Propagate Calathea in Water: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Foraging Mullein: Exploring the Edible and Medicinal Benefits
- Many common houseplants can be toxic to pets if ingested
- There are plenty of safe, non-toxic options that are both stylish and pet-friendly
- Choose plants like Chinese money plants, hoyas, and spider plants for worry-free greenery
- Proper care and placement can help plants and pets coexist harmoniously
Let’s dive into our curated list of 22 pet-safe indoor plants that will beautify your home without endangering your furry friends. We’ll cover care tips, pros and cons, and everything you need to know to keep both your plants and pets thriving.
You're reading: 22 Pet-Friendly Indoor Plants to Spruce Up Your Home Safely
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
The Chinese money plant, also known as the pancake plant or UFO plant, is an adorable and safe option for pet owners. Its quirky round leaves bring charm to any space.
Pros:
- Unique, fun foliage
- Rewarding to grow
- Easily propagates “pups” to share with friends
Cons:
- Can grow asymmetrically without regular rotation
Care Tips:
- Water every 1-2 weeks
- Rotate 180 degrees each watering for even growth
- Prefers medium to bright indirect light
• Scientific name: Pilea peperomioides
• Common name: Chinese money plant, pancake plant, UFO plant
• Zone: 10-12
• Light: Medium to bright indirect
• Humidity: Average
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
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The money tree is said to bring good fortune, making it a popular housewarming gift. Its tree-like structure adds visual interest to your plant collection.
Pros:
- Hardy and resilient
- Fast grower
- Unique braided trunk option
Cons:
- Can outgrow smaller spaces over time
Care Tips:
- Place in medium to bright indirect light
- Water every 1-2 weeks
- Tolerates occasional bumps from pets
• Scientific name: Pachira aquatica
• Common name: Money tree, Guiana chestnut
• Zone: 10-12
• Light: Medium to bright indirect
• Humidity: Average to high
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist
Hoya Varieties
Hoyas are diverse, beautiful, and safe for pets. With their thick, waxy leaves, they add a touch of exotic appeal to any room.
Pros:
- Many varieties to choose from
- Resilient and low-maintenance
- Some varieties have colorful or uniquely shaped leaves
Cons:
- Slow growers, especially in low light
Care Tips:
- Treat like succulents – allow soil to dry between waterings
- Provide bright, indirect light for best growth and color
- Water more frequently in higher light conditions
• Scientific name: Hoya spp.
• Common name: Wax plant, porcelain flower
• Zone: 10-12
• Light: Bright indirect to some direct sun
• Humidity: Average to high
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia)
The rattlesnake plant is a stunning addition to any indoor garden, with its wavy, patterned leaves that resemble snake skin.
Pros:
- Beautiful, unique foliage
- Easy to tell when it needs care
Cons:
- Can be finicky about light and water
Care Tips:
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Prefers humid environments – consider a pebble tray or humidifier
- Thrives in medium to bright indirect light
• Scientific name: Calathea lancifolia
• Common name: Rattlesnake plant
• Zone: 11-12
• Light: Medium to bright indirect
• Humidity: High
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are classic, easy-to-grow houseplants that are completely safe for pets. They’re perfect for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike.
Pros:
- Very easy to care for
- Produces “spiderettes” for propagation
- Effective air purifier
Cons:
- Can become rootbound quickly
Care Tips:
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry
- Tolerates a wide range of light conditions
- Repot annually or when roots start growing out of drainage holes
• Scientific name: Chlorophytum comosum
• Common name: Spider plant, airplane plant
• Zone: 9-11
• Light: Bright indirect to partial shade
• Humidity: Average
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
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Boston ferns add a lush, tropical feel to any room and are completely safe for curious pets.
Pros:
- Creates a luxuriant, green backdrop
- Excellent air purifier
- Thrives in high humidity areas like bathrooms
Cons:
- Requires consistent moisture and humidity
Care Tips:
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Provide high humidity through misting or a pebble tray
- Place in bright, indirect light
• Scientific name: Nephrolepis exaltata
• Common name: Boston fern, sword fern
• Zone: 10-12
• Light: Bright indirect
• Humidity: High
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
Conclusion
Creating a pet-friendly indoor garden is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. By choosing safe, non-toxic plants like the ones we’ve discussed, you can enjoy the beauty of nature in your home without worrying about your furry friends. Remember to always research any new plants before bringing them into your pet-friendly household, and consult the ASPCA’s extensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants if you’re ever in doubt.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with pet-friendly plants! Do you have a favorite that we didn’t mention? Have you had any funny encounters between your pets and plants? Share your stories in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore more of our plant care guides for more tips on creating your perfect indoor oasis.
Source: https://roweorganic.com
Category: Plants