If you have adorable pets at home, please be ensure your houseplants are pet friendly. Even your well-behaved pets might chew or consume these indoor plants out of mischief or curiosity. So investigate each plant before you purchase since some are toxic to pets. Consider the following list of top 10 non-toxic indoor plants as per ASPCA that help add greenery to your home, clean your air, and improve your mood while ensuring your lovely pets are safe and sound.
10. Purple Waffle Plant
The Purple Waffle Plant is a beautiful, highly ornamental houseplant native to Asia. Its leaves have a rich purple shade with a wrinkled texture, resembling a waffle. The plant thrives in moist and sunny conditions and is perfect for year-round decoration in homes and offices.
It can grow easily indoors and looks great in a container or clay pot that contrasts with the purple leaves. Since the plant is non-toxic, you do not need to worry about your pets getting sick from it. Additionally, the plant can contribute to indoor air quality. Also, it requires frequent watering to maintain moist soil and grow properly.
9. Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is among the most popular houseplants, with striking long green fronds and mesmerizing foliage that can be a beautiful addition to your interior decor. Since the plant does not need much sunlight but prefers a humid space to thrive and hence is easy to maintain. It has air-purifying qualities as it helps absorb formaldehyde, a common indoor air pollutant.
These plants are highly beneficial for dry nostrils or skin since they can act as humidifiers. Pet owners may find its foliage non-toxic to their pets, so there is no need to worry about harm. However, since children and pets may find the plant attractive, always keeping it out of reach is best.
8. Bromeliad
Bromeliads are among the most diverse plants comprising around 3,500 known species. They can thrive with bright light and humidity, making them perfect for those who want low-maintenance plants. No part of the Bromeliad is toxic to pets, and even more, some species of bromeliads are as edible.
According to a study conducted in 2016, it was clear that Bromeliads can break down volatile organic chemicals (VOC), causing dizziness and allergic reactions. Although they are generally safe, cats may experience digestive or distress issues if they consume too much of the plant.
7. Moth Orchid
Moth Orchids are beautiful orchid species that come in white, purple, and pink flowers, cultivated for the commercial flower trade. Many pet owners may wonder if the orchids and their pets can coexist perfectly well without causing any danger. However, the ASPCA assures that these orchids are not toxic to pets when they accidentally ingest them. And this characteristic applies to all varieties of moth orchids.
Nevertheless, taking caution when using fertilizers or pesticides on these plants is important, as these substances can threaten your furry friends. If you suspect the pet has consumed plants on which you applied fertilizer, seek immediate veterinary assistance.
6. Friendship Plant
The Friendship Plant is a low-maintenance houseplant easily available for interior gardeners to decorate their living space. These plants have ovate leaves growing in opposite pairs. They are non-toxic to pets and don’t have much effect even if they bite the plant’s fuzzy and wavy leaves.
Friendship Plant prefers warm temperatures and humidity and can grow well in terrariums. They can tolerate medium and low light and usually grow at most 12 inches. These fast-growing plants can detoxify your home from dust and airborne toxins. Sometimes, the plant may surprise you with pale pink flowers if you give them proper care.
5. Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus is a popular houseplant that blooms indoors in the winter and is considered a great gift by interior gardeners. The plant’s most significant characteristic is the bright salmon-to-red flowers that bloom during Christmas. They prefer growing in a shady habitat with high humidity on trees or rocks.
Since not true cacti, they lack the spines found on cacti and hence won’t cause any injury to your pets. The ASPCA lists the Christmas cactus as a non-toxic indoor plant, so neither the cactus nor the flowers are poisonous to pets. However, a large dose may cause vomiting and diarrhea.
4. Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese Money Plant is a fast-growing and attractive houseplant native to regions of the Himalayas in China. These plants can grow fast under bright and indirect sunlight. Its leaves resemble coins, earning it the nickname Coin Plant. It does not require much humidity in Spring and Summer.
Occasional misting can help combat dry air caused by central heating. Being non-toxic to pets, you need not worry if your furry friend bites or chews its leaves. This plant also makes an excellent choice, even if you have a young child at home who loves exploring the world using their mouth.
3. Gloxinia
Gloxinia is a stunningly beautiful and unique houseplant that can grow six to ten inches. It boasts ruffled leaves and blooms in an array of exquisite colors ranging from white, red, pink, lavender, and purple to blue. Placing the plant on a plant stand as a centerpiece for your dining room table will be excellent.
But remember, it prefers growing well in low light, so keep it out of bright, direct light. Also, frequent watering and moist soil are perfect during their growing period. Moreover, Gloxinia is a safe, non-toxic option for pet owners who want to add an extra touch of elegance to their home decor.
2. Air Plant
Air Plants are flowering evergreen plants that typically grow in rainforests and regions with high humidity. These plants are great houseplants as they help regulate humidity levels in your living space. They can also filter out airborne contaminants such as dust, helping you recover from a cold faster.
Although non-toxic, pets may cause harm to air plants out of curiosity. Cats, in particular, may find air plants appealing because of their voracious appetite for them. So, to keep the plants safe, try arranging air plants in a terrarium with a smaller opening or hang the terrarium suspended at a height that is out of reach of pets.
1. African Violet
African violets are evergreen plants that bloom year-round in various colors, including lavender, blue, pink, red, and white. Since they require bright, indirect light, placing them three feet away from a south- or west-facing window is ideal for their growth. Even better, they are non-toxic to pets, making them ideal for pet owners who want indoor plants without worrying about their furry friends’ safety.
However, pet owners should note that allergic reactions may occur if pets consume large amounts of African violets. Additionally, avoiding using pesticides or fertilizers during the plant’s growth is important as these may pose a hazard to pets.
