How can something so lovely be so dangerous? I think to myself every time I run my fingers over the luscious, waxy leaves of my philodendron. Unfortunately, it’s true… for pets at least. Many indoor plants—though stylish accents and air purifiers—are toxic to dogs and cats. Thankfully, there are many non-toxic houseplants you can choose to spruce up your home, without having to worry about your pets!
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center considers these five plants (and many more) non-toxic for dogs and cats. Whether hanging from the ceiling in decorative pots or taking up the empty corner of your living room, these plants provide a worry-free and aesthetic addition for your home:
American Rubber Plant
The tropical rubber plant is known for it’s dark green (and, yes, rubbery) leaves and undemanding nature. This non-toxic houseplant loves sunlight and thrives in direct, indirect, or medium levels of light. If your home is mostly dark and shady, this plant might not be the best option! As long as you give it space, rubber plants will continue to grow. They’ll make great floor plants for a living room, bedroom, or spacious dining room. Water thoroughly when the first two inches of soil are dry and wipe down each leaf if you notice they’re looking dusty.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are one of the more classic plants you may see hanging on a home’s front porch. In the wild, these ferns prefer shade, cool temperatures, and higher humidity. Hang your fern in areas of your home that receive indirect sunlight. They’ll also thrive in the bathroom that has higher levels of moisture. Boston ferns also prefer their soil to remain moist (though not soaked). You can accomplish this through a self-watering pot or by using soil high in peat moss. This soil is extremely absorbent and will retain water for longer.
Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant is (you guessed it!) one of the most indestructible and hardy indoor plants. As far as non-toxic houseplants go, this one is perfect for people who forget to water their greenery. They’ll make a great addition to areas of your home that don’t get much sunlight, too. Because it doesn’t require much light, be sure to water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Keep an eye on their large leaves, however, which will collect dust quickly and give it wipe-down now and then.
Parlor Palm
Parlor palms are perfect if you’re looking to bring the tropics indoors. Perhaps more delicate than the palms you see in southern states, these plants are still hardy and adaptable. Parlor palms can tolerate low light, but they’re sensitive to overwatering. They also prefer sand, loam, or clay as opposed to potting soil that retains too much moisture for their liking. Indoors, these non-toxic houseplants can grow between 2-6 feet, so it’s best to place them in a larger room where it gets bright, indirect sunlight.
Spider Plant
Spider plants may have a cringe-worthy name, but they’re one of the more popular trailing indoor plants. They’re also hardy and low-maintenance, able to tolerate most circumstances aside from direct sunlight. Place them in bright indirect light or partial sun to optimize their growth. Spider plants also like being misted and frequent watering, though be sure to pot them with fast-draining soil. Like ferns, these non-toxic houseplants are generally displayed in a hanging basket where their eye-catching shoots are on full display.
Pets and Plants Can Live Together
Have you always thought most plants were harmful to pets? You don’t have to have a plant-less home any longer! If you buy a non-toxic plant, let me know in the comments!
XO,
Micah
Yes! Perfect timing as I’m rethinking plants (at least on the floor variety) with the upcoming pup! 🙂
Yes! Any plants you have that are toxic can be up high on shelves and mantles! As long as you don’t get a cat 🙂