13 indoor pet friendly plants

Having furry friends in the home means choosing indoor pet friendly plants. Sadly, many plants can be deadly to dogs and cats, so it’s important to do your research before bringing any new greenery into your home.

There are, however, a large number of pet friendly indoor plants out there. From handy kitchen herbs through to colourful flowers and eye-catching foliage, there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy.

Below is a collection of cat and dog friendly indoor plants that you might like to consider for your indoor space. So, if you’re wondering what common houseplants are safe for dogs or which plants can I have that won’t harm my cat, read on!

Orchid

A popular choice for bathrooms, kitchen tables, and bedsides, the orchid is a beautiful pet friendly indoor plant. These stunning plants grow best in partial sunlight spaces, with flowers generally lasting around two to three months before dying off. Don’t lament when the flowers die back, with the right care they’ll come back strong in the following season.

Pilea

Looking for a small, pet friendly indoor plant to bring a little greenery to your space? Consider the humble pilea. With disk-shaped leaves at the end of long stems, this low-maintenance plant is perfect for a windowsill or desk. Sometimes referred to as the friendship plant or UFO plant, they prefer to be kept out of direct sunlight, so a filtered spot is best. These plants can be easily propagated in water and given to friends and family.

Ponytail palm

One of the most interesting looking indoor pet friendly plants, the ponytail palm has an intriguing appearance. These desert-dwelling plants don’t require much water, and are very chill when it comes to maintenance. While carrying the palm name, these plants are actually succulents. The trunk stores water, while the wispy green leaves on top drape down around it. The ponytail palm likes sunlight, so try to place it in a spot that receives plenty of light.

Rosemary

This fragrant herb is a great choice for an indoor pet friendly plant. It likes full sun positions and well-drained soil, so place it in a spot that receives lots of sunlight. Rosemary doesn’t like to be wet and boggy. For best results let your rosemary plant dry out fully between each watering. This fragrant herb can be added to a wide range of dishes, including roasted potatoes, breads, and grilled meats.

Parlor Palm

Elegant and timeless, the parlor palm is a classic choice for an indoor pet friendly plant. These palms do best when placed in indirect light, so find a spot that isn’t too sunny. It’s one of the pet friendly indoor plants that clean air, and is easy to care for. Parlor palms can also be grown in darker spaces, and are a good choice for those in homes without a lot of natural light.

Watermelon peperomia

A truly unique plant, the watermelon peperomia gets its name from the look of its leaves. These plants don’t need a whole lot of watering to be happy, making them a great choice for those that sometimes fall behind on their watering schedule. They’re wonderful for placing on a kitchen bench or on a study desk away from direct sunlight. 

Bird’s nest fern

With fun, crimped leaves, the bird’s nest fern is one of the low light indoor pet friendly plants on this list. These plants deal well with humidity, and can grow to be quite large if given the chance. They love bathroom spaces that have filtered light. The bird’s nest fern is a little temperamental, needing regular watering to stay happy. It also doesn’t like to have its leaves handled, as this can cause damage to the delicate greenery.

Spider plant

The spider plant is a super hardy, pet friendly indoor plant. They can grow in both indirect light and low light conditions, just keep them out of direct sunlight otherwise the leaves will get damaged. Sit them on a table or hang them in a pot from the ceiling to show off their long, cascading leaves. Spider plants are easy to propagate from cuttings, so you can share them with friends or create a mini indoor jungle.

Thyme

Thyme is a pet friendly plant that needs full sunlight, so be sure to pick a location that gets plenty of sun if growing it indoors. This herb is perfect for indoor gardens, and can be used in a variety of dishes. Thyme likes well-drained soil, and should be planted in a pot with drainage holes. It can be used as an herb to add flavour to kitchen dishes or kept as a decorative, ornamental plant. This plant will also produce small pink or white flowers during the springtime, adding extra interest and colour to your indoor space.

African violet

With flowers that emerge from the centre, this houseplant is a real stunner. The African violet is one of the many pet friendly indoor plants that does best in partial sunlight, so keep it out of direct sun for best results. Flowers come in purple, white, or blue tones that contrast the dark green leaves of the plant. These pet friendly plants can be susceptible to rot, so be careful not to overwater them. A great choice for spaces that don’t receive a lot of natural light, they can also be grown under LED or fluorescent lights.

Boston fern

These bright green plants are low-maintenance and non-toxic to cats and dogs. They work well in areas of high humidity, making them ideally-suited to bathrooms. Boston ferns like to have their soil kept damp, so don’t forget to water them regularly. These timeless plants are a classic indoor plant choice, and look wonderful either placed on the ground, perched on a table, or hung from the ceiling to allow their long leaves to cascade elegantly down.

Basil

Basil is a pet friendly plant that grows well in full sun indoor spots. This could mean a bright and sunny kitchen counter or a bedroom window sill that gets plenty of rays. Keep the well-drained soil moist but not soggy and pick the leaves regularly to keep your basil plant healthy. Picking leaves encourages more growth, just be sure not to take too many at a time. These plants make a great addition to any bright indoor space, plus you can snip off the leaves to add to your cooking!

Bromeliad

If you want to bring a pop of colour into your home, without risking the health of Fido or kitty, consider the bromeliad. This fun plant loves to be placed in a bright and sunny spot, so choose a location that gets plenty of light, such as a windowsill. Bromeliads don’t require much water, making them a good choice for those that have a busy schedule where watering isn’t always a high priority.

Picking a pet friendly plant for your indoor space helps to keep your furry friends happy and healthy. From flowering plants to small, desktop options, there are many different pet friendly indoor plants to choose between.

If you have a pet, do a little research before making your plant purchase to ensure it’s safe for them too!

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