Bringing plants into your home can freshen up the air and add some life to your space, but if you’ve got a dog, you’ve got to be careful about what you bring in. Plenty of houseplants are toxic to dogs and can cause real trouble if they decide to chew on them. Luckily, there are a bunch of pet-friendly options so you don’t have to sacrifice greenery for your dog’s safety.
Choosing non-toxic plants for your home can save you a lot of stress and keep your pup safe. Whether you love palms, ferns, flowering plants, or succulents, there are loads of beautiful varieties that won’t harm your dog.
Here are twenty indoor plants you can feel good about keeping around, plus a bit about what makes each one a solid pick for pet owners!
1) Areca Palm
The Areca Palm is a safe bet for homes with dogs. With its lush, feathery fronds and impressive height, it adds a real tropical vibe wherever you put it.
Set it up wherever your dog hangs out, as its leaves are non-toxic. Plus, it helps clean the air and just looks good, honestly.
Give it bright, indirect sunlight and a drink of water on the regular, and it’ll be happy.
2) Parlor Palm
Parlor Palm has that classic, elegant look and won’t hurt your dogs if they get curious. It’s been a staple since the Victorian era, and the ASPCA still gives it the thumbs-up for pet households.
It’s pretty forgiving about light, and although bright indirect is best, but it’ll tolerate lower light too. Just don’t expect it to shoot up overnight; it’s a slow grower, usually topping out around three to four feet after some years.
3) Spider Plant
Spider plants are a safe choice for dog owners. The ASPCA says they’re non-toxic for dogs, cats, even horses.
They’re great for cleaning up the air and look cool with their arching leaves. If you’re not the best at plant care, these are forgiving.
One thing: if your dog goes to town on the leaves, it might cause some mild tummy trouble. Not dangerous, just something to keep an eye on.
4) Cast-Iron Plant
The Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is another non-toxic pick for pet owners. It gets its name for a reason, as it’s almost impossible to kill and doesn’t mind neglect.
It does well in low light and doesn’t need much fussing over. The deep green leaves look great and you don’t have to worry about your dog getting into trouble with it.
5) Boston Fern
Boston ferns have those classic, feathery fronds that make any room feel a bit more lush. They’re non-toxic to dogs, so if your pup decides to sample a leaf, it’s not a crisis.
They like bright, indirect light and soil that stays a bit damp. On top of looking good, Boston ferns help clear out stuff like formaldehyde from the air.
6) Bamboo Palm
Bamboo Palm is another tropical-looking plant that’s safe for dogs. Those fan-like leaves can even give you a little privacy indoors.
It likes bright, indirect light and regular watering, especially when it’s warm. Bonus: it helps filter indoor air, so it’s not just for show.
If your dog nibbles a leaf, no big deal.
7) Calathea
Calathea plants are totally safe for dogs. They’ve got gorgeous patterns and colors, and you won’t have to stress about your pet getting sick.
Sometimes called prayer plants (for their leaf movement), Calatheas do well in low to medium light and like their soil a bit moist. They’re not too demanding and look fantastic.
8) Prayer Plant
Prayer plants are another ASPCA-approved, non-toxic option. The unique foliage folds up at night, which is pretty neat to watch.
They prefer bright to medium indirect light and like their soil moist. If your dog takes a bite, there’s nothing to worry about.
They’re low-growing, so you can tuck them just about anywhere.
9) African Violet
African violets are lovely little plants that bloom in all sorts of colors year-round. They’re safe for dogs, so you can enjoy their flowers without concern.
These easygoing plants like bright, indirect light and don’t need much water. Their small size makes them perfect for spots out of reach; or not, since they’re non-toxic either way!
10) Haworthia
Haworthia is a compact succulent that’s safe for dogs. If your pet is the curious type, this one’s a good pick.
Its rosette form is great for desks or windowsills. Minimal water, bright indirect light, and you’re set. Plus, it’s just nice knowing it won’t harm your dog.
11) Peperomia
Peperomia plants get the ASPCA’s green light for dog safety. There are lots of varieties, including Watermelon, Rippled, Frost, you name it.
They’re small, have interesting leaves, and don’t ask for much. Indirect light and a drink when the soil dries out. Their thick leaves hold water, so you don’t have to hover over them.
12) Herbs like Basil and Thyme
Culinary herbs like basil and thyme are totally safe for dogs and make great indoor plants. Stick them on a windowsill or under a grow light, give them well-draining soil, and keep them watered.
Basil smells amazing and spices up your food, all without any risk to your pets. Thyme is just as safe and easy to grow on the kitchen counter.
Fresh herbs, happy dog – what’s not to like?
13) Polka Dot Plant
The Polka Dot Plant brings a pop of color with its speckled leaves in pink, white, or red. It’s non-toxic for dogs, so it’s a cheerful and safe choice.
Still, if your dog eats a bunch, it might lead to a mild upset stomach. This plant likes humidity, warmth, and regular watering to stay looking its best.
14) Lipstick Plant
The Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is another safe pick, named for its quirky red blooms that look like tubes of lipstick.
It does well in bright, indirect light and likes its soil moist. Hanging baskets show off its trailing vines and keep it out of the way if your dog’s a bit too interested.
15) Baby Rubber Plant
The Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) is a non-toxic alternative to the classic, but toxic, Ficus elastica. Its glossy, thick leaves are easy on the eyes and it doesn’t need a lot of fussing.
It’s native to Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico, and handles humidity well. You can pop it on a shelf or table and not worry if your dog decides to take a bite.
16) Swedish Ivy
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) is safe for dogs and looks great in a hanging basket with its cascading vines. It’s easygoing about light and doesn’t need much care.
Unlike true ivy, which can be toxic, Swedish Ivy is a worry-free choice. Dogs can brush against it or sniff around without any problems.
17) Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus brings some holiday cheer without any danger for dogs. Native to Brazilian rainforests, it puts out bright blooms around Christmas and won’t harm your pets.
If your dog munches on it, it’s not toxic, though it could cause a mild stomach upset, including maybe some vomiting or minor diarrhea, but nothing serious.
18) Nerve Plant
The nerve plant has eye-catching veined leaves in pink, white, or red. It’s safe for dogs and adds a splash of color wherever you need it.
Nerve plants like indirect light and moist soil. They’re happiest with some humidity, so try them in the bathroom or kitchen. A little misting now and then keeps them perky.
19) Friendship Plant
The Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata) is non-toxic and easy to keep around dogs. Its leaves have a cool quilted texture with bronze or silver tones.
It likes moderate to bright indirect light but can hang in lower light, too. Keep the soil consistently moist, but don’t drown it, and give it a bit of humidity if you can.
20) Mosaic Plant
The Mosaic Plant, sometimes called Fittonia, shows off patterned leaves with bold veins set against deep green. It’s a compact little thing that does best with low to medium indirect light and soil that stays a bit damp. Honestly, it’s perfect for a bathroom or tucked into a terrarium.
This one’s non-toxic, so you can keep it around the house without stressing about your dog. Its small size makes it easy to fit on a shelf or table, where you can actually enjoy those cool leaves up close.
