Pet-safe plant guide
Best pet-safe houseplants for everyday homes
Start with plants that are widely considered non-toxic, easy to find, and realistic for normal homes. This guide highlights safe choices and reminds you when to check with your vet.
Safety note: PawPlants is for general plant safety education only. If your pet ate a plant or is acting sick, contact your veterinarian, ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
Best easy choices
- Spider plant is one of the easiest starter plants for pet homes.
- Boston fern gives a full, soft look without the same toxicity concern as many trendy tropical plants.
- Parlor palm and areca palm are good palm choices for pet households. Avoid sago palm, which is dangerous.
- Peperomia, pilea, calathea, and orchids are useful options when you want something decorative but pet-friendly.
Before you buy
- Check the plant label and the botanical name, not just the common name.
- Avoid plants treated with pesticides if pets may chew leaves or dig in soil.
- Keep new plants out of reach for the first few days so you can see how curious your pet is.
Good starter list
- Spider plant
- Boston fern
- African violet
- Parlor palm
- Areca palm
- Peperomia
- Calathea
- Orchid
- Haworthia
- Pilea
Keep checking before you bring plants home
Common names can be confusing, and different plants may share the same nickname. Use the homepage search, compare the botanical name when possible, and ask a veterinarian when you are unsure.