10 Easy Pet Safe Houseplants
“Pet Safe” or “Pet Friendly” simply means that a plant is non-toxic. The toxicity of a plant occurs naturally as a defense mechanism against predators.
Some plants are toxic when consumed, some have toxic secretions that can be harmful to the touch. A “Pet Safe” or non-toxic plant is free from those toxins.
These are ten easy-to-care-for houseplants that are also safe for your pets.
1. Cryptanthus
The Cryptanthus is a member of the Bromeliad family, all of which are non-toxic. Cryptanthus specifically are native to Brazil, and naturally grow on the tops of rocks. They have shallow root systems and are slow growers, so you rarely have to move them up in pot size.
They like light to moderate watering, and it is easy to tell if they are getting dry, as the tips of their leaves will start to brown. If this happens, adjust your watering schedule. They can grow in all lighting conditions but have beautiful coloring in bright indirect light.
Learn more hereAll About Earth Stars.
Find one here.
2. Norfolk Pilea
All Pileas are non-toxic and pet safe, but I’ve decided to include a few of my favorites on this list. Norfolk is one because of its beautiful leaves. They thrive with moderate watering, medium to bright indirect light, and the leaves will change from a dark greenish bronze to an orangeish pink depending on the lighting conditions.
Find one here.
3. Rosso Peperomia
The Peperomia Rosso makes this list because it has beautiful coloring with bright green leaves and red undertones. Its color plus ease of care make it a great houseplant. With medium to bright indirect light and moderate watering, this plant will thrive and grow in happiness.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Did you know Spider Plants were non-toxic? Well, they are!
They prefer bright, indirect light and a well-draining soil. It’s best to let them dry out a little in between waterings and they will thrive. They also look fantastic in a hanging basket.
5. Rattlesnake Calathea (Calathea Lancifolia)
I know what you’re thinking. “Since when is a Calathea easy to care for?!” Am I right? Well, you’re not entirely wrong, HOWEVER…
Of the Calathea family, the Rattlesnake is by far the easiest to care for. Not only is it a beautiful houseplant, it’s also pet safe! It thrives in low to medium light. Keep the soil moist, not soggy. You may need to cut the watering down in the winter, and dome it for extra humidity.
6. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
The Polka Dot Plant is a variegated plant that has varieties in many different colors and stays relatively small.
The care for these beauties is pretty straightforward. They like bright, indirect light and for the soil to stay moderately moist but also be well drained. They are also, obviously, non-toxic and pet safe!
Find one here.
7. Goldfish Plant (Columnea gloriosa)
The Goldfish Plant is non-toxic and can produce flowers year-round. The trailing habit makes this plant perfect for hanging baskets.
With its deep green, waxy leaves, and bright orange blooms, this plant can be a show-stopper. It thrives in bright, indirect light and moderate watering. To avoid overwatering, let the soil dry out in between watering.
Find one here.
8. Moon Valley Pilea (Pilea Mollis)
As a Pilea, the Moon Valley is also non-toxic and pet safe. It makes this list because of the unique divots on its leaves.
These plants have bright green coloring and enjoy bright, indirect light. The leaves are susceptible to sunburn so keep them out of direct light. Water it moderately and watch it grow!
Find one here.
9. Watermelon Begonia (Pellionia Repens)
The Watermelon Begonia (or Pellionia Repens) is a trailing evergreen perennial native to Southeast Asia. It looks great in a hanging basket and is an easy, pet-safe houseplant.
Caring for a Watermelon Begonia is fairly straightforward. They like medium indirect light, moist, well-draining soil, and humidity. In some areas, it may be more difficult to care for this plant, but if you live somewhere with natural humidity it’s a cinch.
10. Peperomia Caperata ‘Schumi Red’
Like all Peperomias, the Schumi Red is non-toxic and pet safe. It is a great plant for pet owners that need to add a splash of color, with its bright red leaves.
This plant stays fairly small and bushy. To care for it keep it in medium to bright indirect light, and water it moderately.
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