Having pets doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of houseplants. Here’s a curated list of 50 pet-friendly houseplants that will thrive in your home environment while keeping your furry friends safe.
1. Spider Plant
- Why It’s Great: Air-purifying properties, safe for pets if ingested.
- Light: Indirect sunlight.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
- Size: Medium, grows up to 2 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly with diluted fertilizer.
- Flowering: Produces small white flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 9/10
2. Boston Fern
- Why It’s Great: Adds lush greenery, safe for pets.
- Light: Indirect sunlight.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Large, can reach up to 3 feet.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.
- Feeding: Bi-weekly with liquid fertilizer.
- Flowering: Non-flowering.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
3. Areca Palm
- Why It’s Great: Excellent air purifier, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight.
- Watering: Keep soil lightly moist.
- Size: Tall, can grow up to 6-7 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly with balanced fertilizer.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
4. Bamboo Palm
- Why It’s Great: Adds tropical flair, pet-safe.
- Light: Indirect sunlight.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
- Size: Medium, grows up to 4 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting soil.
- Feeding: Every 2-3 months with liquid fertilizer.
- Flowering: Occasionally produces small flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
5. Parlor Palm
- Why It’s Great: Low maintenance, non-toxic to pets.
- Light: Indirect sunlight.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
- Size: Small to medium, usually 2-4 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 9/10
6. Cast Iron Plant
- Why It’s Great: Extremely resilient, safe for pets.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out between watering.
- Size: Medium, grows up to 2-3 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 9/10
7. Peperomia
- Why It’s Great: Varied foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
- Size: Small to medium, depending on variety.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Some varieties produce small flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
8. Prayer Plant (Maranta)
- Why It’s Great: Unique leaf patterns, safe for pets.
- Light: Indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small to medium, typically around 1-2 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Occasional small flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
9. Calathea
- Why It’s Great: Stunning foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small to medium, depending on variety.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
10. African Violet
- Why It’s Great: Beautiful flowers, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
- Size: Small, usually around 6-8 inches.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Bi-weekly with diluted fertilizer.
- Flowering: Frequent blooms under proper care.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 6/10
11. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes)
- Why It’s Great: Colorful foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small, typically 6-12 inches.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Inconspicuous flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
12. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
- Why It’s Great: Unique appearance, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out between watering.
- Size: Small to medium, typically around 2-4 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
13. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
- Why It’s Great: Seasonal blooms, safe for pets.
- Light: Indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
- Size: Small to medium, usually 1-2 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Produces colorful blooms in winter.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
14. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
- Why It’s Great: Unique foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
- Size: Small, usually around 6-12 inches.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
15. Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
- Why It’s Great: Vibrant foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small, typically 6-12 inches.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Inconspicuous flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
16. Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia)
- Why It’s Great: Striking foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small to medium, usually around 1-2 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
17. Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)
- Why It’s Great: Unique leaf pattern, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
- Size: Small, typically 6-8 inches.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Inconspicuous flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
18. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
- Why It’s Great: Trailing habit, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
- Size: Small to medium, typically 6-12 inches.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Produces small, white flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
19. Zebra Plant (Haworthiopsis attenuata)
- Why It’s Great: Unique striped foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out between watering.
- Size: Small, typically 4-6 inches.
- Soil: Well-draining succulent mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Inconspicuous flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
20. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)
- Why It’s Great: Unique growth habit, safe for pets.
- Light: Indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil lightly moist.
- Size: Medium to large, varies depending on maturity.
- Soil: Epiphytic mix or orchid bark.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
21. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
- Why It’s Great: Thick, glossy leaves, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
- Size: Small, typically 6-12 inches.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Inconspicuous flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
22. Ponytail Begonia (Begonia bowerae)
- Why It’s Great: Showy foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small to medium, typically around 1-2 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Produces clusters of pink flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
23. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
- Why It’s Great: Unique trailing habit, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out between watering.
- Size: Small to medium, typically 6-12 inches.
- Soil: Well-draining succulent mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Inconspicuous flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
24. Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)
- Why It’s Great: Interactive foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small, typically 6-12 inches.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Produces pink pom-pom-like flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
25. African Mask Plant (Alocasia amazonica)
- Why It’s Great: Striking foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Medium, typically around 1-2 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 6/10
26. Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata)
- Why It’s Great: Unique spotted foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small to medium, typically around 1-2 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Produces clusters of pink flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
27. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)
- Why It’s Great: Colorful blooms, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist.
- Size: Small to medium, usually around 1-2 feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Produces vibrant red flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
28. Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)
- Why It’s Great: Attractive foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small, typically 6-12 inches.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Inconspicuous flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
29. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
- Why It’s Great: Edible flowers, safe for pets.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
- Size: Small to medium, varies by variety.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Bi-weekly with balanced fertilizer.
- Flowering: Produces colorful edible flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
30. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Why It’s Great: Easy care, safe for pets.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out between watering.
- Size: Varies, can trail or climb.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 9/10
31. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
- Why It’s Great: Trendy foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Large, can grow up to several feet.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Produces unique white flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
32. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Why It’s Great: Air-purifying, safe for pets.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out between watering.
- Size: Varies, can grow tall or stay compact.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Bi-monthly with diluted fertilizer.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 9/10
33. African Spear Plant (Sansevieria cylindrica)
- Why It’s Great: Unique cylindrical leaves, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out between watering.
- Size: Medium, typically around 1-2 feet tall.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
34. Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
- Why It’s Great: Dense carpet of foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small, typically 3-6 inches tall.
- Soil: Moist, well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
35. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Why It’s Great: Tough and resilient, safe for pets.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out between watering.
- Size: Medium, typically around 1-2 feet tall.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 9/10
36. Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus spp.)
- Why It’s Great: Bright orange flowers, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small to medium, typically around 1-2 feet tall.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Produces vibrant orange flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
37. Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis)
- Why It’s Great: Furry rhizomes, safe for pets.
- Light: Indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small to medium, typically around 6-12 inches tall.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
38. Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
- Why It’s Great: Unique appearance, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out between watering.
- Size: Small to medium, typically around 6-12 inches tall.
- Soil: Well-draining cactus mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Produces yellow flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
39. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum spp.)
- Why It’s Great: Hardy and drought-tolerant, safe for pets.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out between watering.
- Size: Small, typically 3-6 inches tall.
- Soil: Well-draining sandy soil.
- Feeding: Minimal feeding required.
- Flowering: Produces pink or red flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 9/10
40. Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)
- Why It’s Great: Vibrant purple foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small, typically around 6-12 inches tall.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season.
- Flowering: Inconspicuous flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
41. Begonia Rex (Begonia rex)
- Why It’s Great: Stunning foliage patterns, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
- Size: Small to medium, usually around 6-12 inches tall.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Flowering: Inconspicuous flowers; grown for foliage.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
42. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
- Why It’s Great: Elegant flowers, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to partially dry between watering.
- Size: Medium, typically around 1-2 feet tall.
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix.
- Feeding: Bi-weekly during growing season with orchid fertilizer.
- Flowering: Produces colorful blooms.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
43. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Why It’s Great: Graceful foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Medium to large, typically around 1-3 feet tall.
- Soil: Well-draining, high-humidity potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
44. Baby Rubber Tree (Peperomia obtusifolia)
- Why It’s Great: Compact and glossy leaves, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to partially dry between watering.
- Size: Small to medium, typically around 6-12 inches tall.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Flowering: Inconspicuous flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
45. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
- Why It’s Great: Unique trailing habit, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry out between watering.
- Size: Small to medium, typically around 6-12 inches long.
- Soil: Well-draining cactus/succulent mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season with diluted fertilizer.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
46. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
- Why It’s Great: Trailing habit, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small to medium, typically around 6-12 inches long.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Flowering: Produces small white flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 8/10
47. Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata)
- Why It’s Great: Unique spotted foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Moderate to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small to medium, typically around 1-2 feet tall.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Flowering: Produces clusters of pink flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
48. Nerve Plant (Fittonia spp.)
- Why It’s Great: Colorful foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small, typically around 6-12 inches tall.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season with diluted fertilizer.
- Flowering: Inconspicuous flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
49. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
- Why It’s Great: Stunning foliage patterns, safe for pets.
- Light: Indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small to medium, varies by variety.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
50. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
- Why It’s Great: Colorful foliage, safe for pets.
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Size: Small to medium, typically around 6-12 inches tall.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Feeding: Monthly during growing season with diluted fertilizer.
- Flowering: Inconspicuous flowers.
- Ease of Growing Rating: 7/10
