10 Pet-Friendly Plants Safe to Keep Around Your Furry Family Members

Plants are a great way to create a cozy atmosphere within your home, but before you get your heart set on a certain botanical to adorn your abode, you must also take into consideration the others that will be sharing that space with you. And by others, I mean pets. Unfortunately, not all plants are safe for pets–and they can cause your furry pal a great deal of trouble. That’s why we’ve put together this list of pet-friendly plants to guide you to a safe and happy plant household.

1. Ferns

First, there is something you should know about Ferns: Just because they say “fern” in the name, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is in fact a species of the fern family. That’s why you need to make sure that it is a “true fern” before allowing interaction with pets. The good news is there are several non-toxic options such as the Boston Fern, Bird’s Nest Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Sprengeri Fern, and Staghorn Fern.

2. Air Plants

Air plants are friendly to pets but may look like a fun toy, so keep them up high–and away from climbable reach.

3. Haworthia Zebra

Haworthia Zebras are a type of succulent that’s easy to care for and easy on your pets. They’re named after the zebra due to their striped greenery.

4. Spider Plant

Much like a fern, Spider Plants are leggy and pet-friendly. They look fabulous hanging in baskets, placed in pots, or in planter bowls.

5. Palms

There are several types of Palms that are a great way to bring some height into your interior space without the worry of harming your pets. Parlor Palms, Majesty Palms,  and Bamboo Palms are perfect, to name a few.

6. Orchid

If you’re looking for some flowering plants to bring a pop of color into your space, Orchids are pet-friendly and a beauty to watch bloom!

7. African Violet

African Violets are one of the most common indoor plant options that are free from toxins and a reliably safe option.

8. Pilea

Pilea Plants are both interesting and non-toxic to animals. Their coin-shaped leaves add a playful mood to any space.

9. Aluminum Plant

Part of the Pilea family, Aluminum Plants offer variegated leaves that are non-poisonous and decorative.

10. Cast Iron Plant

Not only are Cast Iron Plants low-maintenance, but they are also a harmless leafy option for indoors and outdoors.

While these plants are all non-toxic, there are some side notes to keep in mind when introducing them to your pets. Do not allow your pets to ingest these plants as they may upset their tummies and/or cause vomiting–so do your pet a favor and avoid having a mess to clean up yourself! If you have a small puppy going through a chewing stage, be sure to puppy-proof their space and keep plants out of reach or gnaw.  The same goes for playful kitten paws i.e., don’t allow them to whack your new plant babies off the counter!

Have a question about plants safe for pets? Ask in the comments!

(Pet-friendly plant info via The Sill and ASPCA.)

See more style tips, resources, and DIYs by Ashley Nicole on Instagram @thecottageboundblog and Cottage-Bound.com.