Adding houseplants to your home can create an environment that feels alive and inviting, but it’s important that its safe for everyone. If you have curious kids, playful pets, or both, these houseplants are non-toxic and perfectly safe. With this guide, you can enjoy your houseplants without sacrificing the health of your pets and/or children.
What Makes These Plants Safe?
Many common houseplants contain toxins that can be harmful if ingested. The plants on this list are non toxic and free of harmful chemicals, making them safe for kids who love to explore and pets who like to nibble. You can enjoy these pet and kid friendly indoor plants in every corner of your home without worrying about accidental exposure.
Houseplants and Cats
Cats are naturally curious and love to chew on leaves or dig around in pots, which can lead to trouble if you have toxic plants around. Some houseplants might just cause a mild upset stomach, but others can be seriously dangerous and can cause kidney problems, difficulty breathing, or worse. If you’re a plant lover with a cat at home, don’t worry! These cat safe houseplants will let you enjoy a cozy, green home without worrying about your cat getting sick, so you can relax and know they’re safe!
While these non-toxic and pet safe houseplants are considered extremely safe, ingesting large amounts could still cause an upset stomach or mild issues. Keep an eye on your pets around plants, and if they show concerning symptoms after nibbling, reach out to your veterinarian right away.
- African Violet: Velvety leaves and colorful blooms. Perfect for small spaces.
- Air Plants: Soil-free and fun to display in creative ways.
- Areca Palm: Lush, feathery fronds for a tropical vibe.
- Baby Tears: Tiny leaves that are great for terrariums or planters.
- Banana Plant: Big, bold leaves that love bright light.
- Bird Nest Fern: Glossy, wavy leaves that thrive in indirect light.
- Boston Fern: Soft, cascading fronds for a classic touch.
- Bromeliad: Bright, tropical colors and super easy to care for.
- Burro’s Tail: Trailing succulent with bead-like leaves. Great for hanging pots.
- Calathea: Colorful, patterned leaves that brighten up low-light spots.
- Cast Iron Plant: Tough and low-maintenance with deep green leaves.
- Chinese Money Plant: Cute, round leaves that add charm to any room.
- Date Palm: Slow-growing with elegant, arching fronds.
- Echeveria: Compact succulents with stunning rosette shapes.
- Fittonia/Nerve Plant: Colorful veins on small, vibrant leaves. Loves low light.
- Friendship Plant: Pancake-shaped leaves and perfect for sharing.
- Gloxinia: Bold, trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant colors.
- Haworthia: Small, spiky succulents that are super easy to grow.
- Hens and Chicks: Hardy succulents that multiply and thrive in bright light.
- Holiday Cactus: Blooms seasonally with colorful flowers.
- Hoya: Glossy leaves and fragrant flowers. Great for hanging baskets.
- Money Tree: Lush green leaves and a braided trunk. A classic indoor favorite.
- Mosaic Plant: Tiny, patterned leaves perfect for small spaces.
- Orchid: Elegant blooms that last a long time in indirect light.
- Parlor Palm: Low-maintenance palm with soft, arching fronds.
- Peperomia: Petite and versatile with unique leaf shapes.
- Polka Dot Plant: Brightly spotted leaves that bring a pop of color.
- Ponytail Palm: Whimsical curly leaves and a bulb-like trunk.
- Prayer Plant: Colorful leaves that fold up at night.
- Purple Waffle Plant: Purple-tinted, textured leaves for a splash of color.
- Royal Velvet Plant: Rich purple leaves that stand out in any space.
- Sensitive Plant: Fun for kids – the leaves close when touched.
- Spider Plant: Classic, easy-care plant with baby offshoots.
- Staghorn Fern: Unique fronds that can be mounted on walls.
- Swedish Ivy: Trailing, glossy leaves that grow quickly.
- Triostar: Colorful leaves in shades of pink, green, and cream.
- Venus Fly Trap: A fascinating carnivorous plant that’s fun to watch.
- Watermelon Peperomia: Striped leaves that look like a watermelon rind.