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 10 Houseplants That Are Safe for Cats and Dogs

Pet Friendly Houseplants

Here at Earth’s Ally, we love our plants just as much as we love our four-legged friends. Too often though, pets and plants don't seem to mix. Many of our favorite plants species are poisonous to cats and dogs, as are many common plant treatments. Read on to learn about our top 10 pet-friendly houseplants and the products we formulate to keep to keep our plants, and homes, healthy without harsh chemicals.

#1 Haworthia Succulent (Haworthia species)

Love the low-maintenance good looks of plants in the aloe genus, but want to keep your pets safe? Haworthia is the plant for you. This stylish little succulent will look lovely in a sunny spot and only requires a little water once per week.

#2 Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis) 

The Boston Fern is a stalwart among houseplants, with lush fronds that grow rapidly with just a little care. They like a slightly humid environment, so they’re an excellent choice for bathrooms with some indirect sunlight. Despite the delicate-looking leaves, Boston ferns are surprisingly resilient.

#3 Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

The Pilea genus contains several popular and attractive plants, including the variegated aluminum plant, the easy-to-propagate friendship plant and the trendy Chinese money plant. These plants are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs and like a lot of indirect light.

#4 Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Palms can be iffy for pets, but the parlor palm is considered non-toxic. Tall and elegant, this pet-safe plant thrives in indirect light and tolerates shadier spots too. They typically reach about four feet, but with care, they can reach eight feet tall.

#5 Banana Palm (Musa acuminata)

Another large accent plant that’s safe for your pets is the banana palm. With its large, glossy leaves and impressive size, a banana plant is an excellent choice if you have plenty of space.

#6 African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)

For a splash of color, look no further than the African violet. With its enticing purple, pink, blue or white blooms, the African violet is native to Tanzania and considered safe for pets. This is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t mind lower light levels.

#7 Gloxinia Flower (Sinningia Speciosa)

The Sinningia family includes everything from the showiest blossoms to the most delicate and tiny flowers. Often known as Gloxinia, they’re very popular as gift plants. If you receive one of these beauties from a friend, you can accept it without worrying about your pets.

#8 Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis sp.)

Orchids are strikingly beautiful flowers that happen to be pet-safe. The moth orchid is incredibly easy to grow and has gorgeous flowers.

#9 Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants produce festoons of attractive striped leaves and are known as an “unkillable” houseplant. Best of all, spider-plants have babies – mini-plants that sprout from the main plant and propagate into their pots. Because they’re so easy to grow and care for, spider plants are an excellent pet-friendly choice.

#10 Air Plants (Tillandsia)

These plants live on sunlight and water. There’s no soil for your pets to spill, and they’re safe for cats and dogs. You can grow them in all kinds of containers, watering them once a week.

To learn more about non-toxic houseplants for both cats and dogs, the ASPCA is an excellent resource.

Pet Safe Plant Care

Choosing a non-toxic plant is the first step in creating a safe environment for pets. Houseplants almost inevitably face common pests like scale, aphids, spider mites and fungus gnats from the occasional overwatering. When pesky bugs pop up, consider safe alternatives to common treatments.

Use an essential oil insecticide like Earth’s Ally Insect Control for a quick knockdown on soft-bodied insects. Formulated with rosemary, clove and peppermint oils, Earth's Ally is highly effective at treating pest problems and also safe for People, Pets & Planet when used as directed.

With these tips, you have the tools to create a leafy oasis while keeping your furry friends safe. We’d love to hear how Earth’s Ally is helping you grow healthy houseplants that are safe for cats and dogs. Share your pet photos and stay connected with the #EarthsAlly community on FacebookInstagram and Twitter for access to our latest blog posts, giveaways and exclusive promotions.

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