Last updated on March 14th, 2025 at 09:34 pm
Pet-friendly Indoor house plants are a beautiful way to bring nature inside and purify the air in your home. However, as much as we love our greenery, not all plants are safe for pets. Looking to add some greenery to your home without putting your furry friends at risk? You’re in luck!
There are plenty of beautiful indoor house plants that are safe for pets. Many popular houseplants like spider plants, Boston ferns, and orchids are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
For dog owners, this is a critical consideration since certain plants can be toxic to our furry friends. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best pet-friendly indoor house plants, which toxic plants to avoid, and how to make safe holiday plant choices.
Table of contents
Why Choosing the Right Plants Matters for Pet Owners
Dogs are naturally curious and may chew on leaves or dig into potted soil. Unfortunately, some of the most popular houseplants contain toxins that could cause digestive distress, respiratory issues, or worse for pets. With so many options available, it’s easy to choose pet-friendly indoor house plants that are beautiful, safe, and easy to care for.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to pet-safe house plants, identify toxic ones to avoid, and provide holiday-specific recommendations to ensure a safe festive season.
Best Dog-Friendly Indoor Plants
If you’re looking for plants that will brighten your home without posing a danger to your pup, these non-toxic indoor plants are perfect choices:
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
This plant’s long, arching leaves make it a striking addition to any room. Spider plants are hardy, thrive in indirect sunlight, and are safe for dogs. They also help purify the air, making them a top pick for pet owners.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns love humid environments, making them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. These lush, green ferns add a touch of elegance to your space and are entirely safe for pets. Just keep the soil moist, and they’ll thrive.
3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Also known as the butterfly palm, this plant adds tropical vibes to your space without putting your pets at risk. It thrives in bright, indirect light and can grow quite tall, adding vertical interest to your decor.
4. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The parlor palm is another pet-friendly tropical plant that grows well indoors. This slow-growing beauty is perfect for low-light spaces and requires minimal care.
5. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calathea, known for its stunning patterned leaves, is a great addition to pet-safe homes. Though it can be a bit temperamental about water and light, it’s a rewarding plant for experienced plant parents.
These plants safe for dogs allow you to enjoy the benefits of indoor greenery without worrying about your pet’s safety. Place them in spaces where your pet loves to roam, and you’ll have a beautiful, dog-friendly home.
Toxic Plants to Avoid
While some plants are safe, others pose serious health risks to pets. Knowing which toxic plants to avoid is crucial for creating a safe environment for your dog. Here are some popular indoor plants that should not be kept around dogs:
1. Aloe Vera
Though aloe is known for its healing properties, it contains compounds that are toxic to dogs if ingested, leading to digestive upset and lethargy.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a common houseplant but is toxic to pets. Ingesting it can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is known for its low-maintenance care, but it contains toxic compounds that can cause stomach irritation and vomiting in dogs if consumed.
4. Sago Palm
Highly toxic to both dogs and cats, the sago palm contains cycasin, a substance that can lead to liver failure if ingested. Even small amounts can be deadly, so it’s best to avoid this plant entirely.
5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a popular trailing plant, but it contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive system if a dog chews on it.
If your dog shows signs of poisoning—such as excessive drooling, vomiting, or lethargy—after contact with these plants, contact your veterinarian immediately. Keeping these toxic plants out of reach, or better yet, out of your home, is essential for your pet’s well-being.
Holiday Plants: Friendly vs. Toxic Choices
Holidays bring seasonal decorations, including plants that can create a festive atmosphere. However, it’s important to know which holiday plants are safe for pets and which are not. Below are some common holiday plants and whether they are pet-friendly house plants or toxic.
Friendly Holiday Plants:
- Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
This plant blooms beautifully during the holiday season and is safe for pets, adding vibrant colors to your decor without posing a threat. - Rosemary Trees
Small rosemary trees not only look festive but also fill the room with a lovely scent. Plus, rosemary is safe for dogs in small amounts. - African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Known for its delicate flowers, the African violet is both festive and pet-safe, making it a great option for holiday decorating.
Toxic Holiday Plants to Avoid:
- Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Though not as dangerous as once believed, poinsettias can still cause mild irritation if ingested by dogs, leading to vomiting or drooling. - Holly (Ilex spp.)
Holly berries are highly toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if consumed. Keep this plant far out of reach. - Mistletoe (Viscum album)
Mistletoe can cause severe digestive upset and even cardiovascular issues in dogs if ingested, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
By selecting pet-friendly plants for your holiday decor, you can create a festive atmosphere while keeping your pets safe. For plants that may be mildly toxic, like poinsettia, consider placing them in areas where your dog can’t access them.
Tips for Caring for Pet-Safe Plants
Once you’ve selected your non-toxic indoor plants, it’s essential to care for them properly to keep them healthy and vibrant. Here are a few tips:
- Place plants in elevated pots or on shelves to prevent curious dogs from chewing on leaves or digging in the soil.
- Use pet-safe fertilizers to avoid introducing harmful chemicals into your home.
- Monitor moisture levels—overwatering can lead to mold growth, which could attract pets to the plant and cause them to ingest harmful fungi.
Creating a pet-safe environment doesn’t mean you have to give up your love for houseplants. With these dog-safe plants and care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of indoor greenery while keeping your pets out of harm’s way.
Be sure to also see our post, Creating a Dog-Friendly Backyard, for more information about safe outdoor plants.
Conclusion: Create a Pet-Safe Home with Greenery
Decorating with indoor plants adds beauty, fresh air, and peace to any home. By choosing pet-friendly house plants, you can enjoy the benefits of greenery without worrying about your dog’s safety. Be mindful of toxic plants to avoid, and during the holidays, decorate with care to keep festive plants out of your pet’s reach.
With the right knowledge and plant choices, you can create a lush, beautiful, and safe space that both you and your pets will love. Save this guide for your next plant shopping trip, and share your favorite dog-friendly indoor plants with us in the comments! 🐕🌿
Deanna Euritt is a dedicated dog enthusiast with over three decades of experience in raising and training a diverse range of dogs, including many rescue pups. Her practical expertise is rooted in real-life experiences, where she has successfully navigated the challenges of nurturing rescue dogs into confident, well-adjusted companions. Residing in Northern California, Deanna’s days are filled with adventures along trails and beaches with her beloved dogs, Charlotte and Georgia. In her writing, she offers insightful, compassionate advice to fellow dog lovers, leveraging her extensive personal journey in the world of dog care and training. Visit us on Pinterest, Facebook, LinkedIn and FlipBoard (+ icon below) See our full story — About Us.