Safer plant swaps
Safe alternatives to toxic houseplants
You do not have to give up plants to keep pets safer. Swap higher-risk plants for safer options with a similar look, size, or care level.
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.
Easy swaps
- Instead of sago palm, choose areca palm, parlor palm, bamboo palm, or ponytail palm.
- Instead of aloe vera or jade plant, choose haworthia, echeveria, or hens and chicks.
- Instead of pothos or philodendron, choose spider plant, peperomia, Swedish ivy, or hoya only after checking the exact species.
- Instead of lilies for cat homes, choose orchids, African violets, roses, snapdragons, or zinnias.
Keep the same look
- For a tropical look, use palms, calatheas, bromeliads, or Boston ferns.
- For flowers, use orchids, African violets, gerbera daisies, roses, snapdragons, or zinnias.
- For kitchen plants, use basil, thyme, rosemary, dill, cilantro, mint, lemon balm, or catnip.
Smart placement still matters
- Even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset if a pet eats a large amount.
- Keep soil, fertilizer, and pesticide products away from pets.
- Use plant stands, shelves, and closed rooms for pets that chew or dig.
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.