Houseplants can add life and beauty to any space. Studies have shown that bringing greenery indoors can improve the quality of indoor air and reduce stress. As visually pleasing and mood-boosting as indoor plants are, not all of them are safe for your pets. Curious pups and kitties can quickly become ill from digging in or eating potted plants.
At Bayside Animal Hospital, we encourage all our pet parents to do their research before adding new plants to their gardens, landscaping, or indoor spaces. To save some time, we’ve done a little of the legwork for you and are sharing some of our favorite pet-safe houseplant options.
1. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Palms are popular indoor plants because they’re low-maintenance and add a touch of tropical luxury to any space. Parlor palms are one of many options to consider if you’re looking to replace or avoid the highly toxic Sago palm
Not only are these arching fronds delicate and elegant, and non-toxic for dogs and cats, but parlor palms also help purify indoor air by removing common indoor air pollutants. Their size allows them to work well in large or small spaces and varying light levels.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
These quick-growing, easy-to-propagate perennials are perfect for the pet-friendly household. In addition to being pet-safe, spider plants don’t require a ton of care and attention or space to flourish. If you love the look of hanging baskets or pothos, this is a great alternative!
Spider plants thrive in warm, humid climates and low light, and come in plenty of varieties that there’s a little something for every aesthetic.
3. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Another humidity-loving option, calatheas are ideal houseplants for Texas’s warm climate but won’t take over your home—most varieties don’t exceed three feet at maturity. Known for their highly-patterned, dancing leaves, these natural humidifiers are a stress-free replacement for pet parents who are drawn to snake plants. Beautiful and pet-safe, what more could you want?!
4. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
If you’re looking for uniqueness, look no further than ornamental peperomia! Aside from being safe for pet-loving households, these small, low-maintenance, light-loving plants are ideal for home offices.
Although there are many pet-safe options for bringing nature indoors with houseplants, even non-toxic plants, such as these, can cause mild illness when consumed in large quantities. Place your indoor plants slightly out of reach—on plant stands, counters, or in hanging baskets—of curious paws and mouths.
If you suspect your pet is showing signs of even mild poisoning, such as vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea, contact Bayside Animal Hospital as soon as possible.
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