7 Houseplants That Are Safe to Have Around Your Pets

When it comes to your own home, you may want to have your own little greenery while still keeping your pets. Some often think you can only have one or the other because there are flowers and herbs that are dangerous to have around your furry friends. However, there’s actually a variety of pet-safe plants that you can incorporate into your home decor.

Granted, several succulents and ferns aren’t exactly the safest to have around your cats or dogs, such as the aloe vera, garden spurge, or asparagus fern. But, alternatively, there’s also the good kinds like echeverias or maidenhair. 

If you want to deviate from the usual and bring something new to your home, here are some pet-friendly plants to pick out:

1) Friendship Plant (Pilea Involucrata)

Friendship plants are some of the most perfect greens to have in your home, as they can do with low light and humidity inside the house. They’re also well-sized and boast beautifully textured leaves. Even if your pet decides to have a nibble of it, the leaves are quite harmless to them. The aluminum plant, which is a close relative to the friendship plant, works well too.

2) Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus Radicans)

Lipstick plants are great if you’re searching to add a little color while keeping it simple. Both its leaves and the red lipstick-like blooms that come from it have been deemed safe for your pets. Aside from being a paw parent though, you’ll need to become a plant mom or dad too. Lipstick plants can get even bigger than friendship plants by 8 inches and need lots of water to grow.

3) Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia)

Although it’s named after something a little more venomous, the rattlesnake plant won’t harm your pets at all. They can also be a simple addition to your home as their leaves stand out even in the low lights or by the windowsill of your room. 

4) Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachya)

If you’re looking to add a splash of color to your home without bringing in any flowers, polka dot plants got you covered. They come in a variety of shades between pink, red, white, and green. Having your pet beside them would surely make a wonderful photo opportunity.

5) Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)

Parlor palms are some of the most popular pet-friendly plants to bring home. These don’t require too much maintenance and water. Plus, with how high they can grow, your cats and dogs may look at it as their own little indoor tree to lounge around. 

6) African Violet (Saintpaulia)

African violet comes in shades of purples and pinks. It can seem too good to be true that you can have your adorable pets and these gorgeous floral plants at your home, but it is possible as African violets are also branded safe for many animals.

7) Gloxinia (Sinningia Speciosa)

If you’re looking for pet-friendly flowers to accompany your violets and add even more color to your home, gloxinias are a good choice. These flowers do come in pinks and purples as well, but they can also show up as red, yellow, and even pure white.

Conclusion

With a variety of options, you’re sure to find herbs and flowers that will suit your house while still keeping your precious cats or dogs safe. Shouldering the responsibility of taking care of your plants and pets will prove to be well worth it as they both brighten up your home. 

Want to explore more houseplants safe for cats? Houseplant Advisor is an all-in-one houseplant info center, providing you tips and guides on the best plants and how to care for them. Become a plant-loving subscriber today!