Dogs explore the world with their mouths, so picking houseplants gets a little trickier. Plenty of common greenery can cause real trouble if your furry friend decides to snack. But honestly, you don’t have to give up your love of plants just to keep your dog safe.
You really can have a gorgeous, plant-filled home without putting your dog at risk,if you pick the right ones! From classic ferns to quirky succulents, there are loads of options that won’t cause harm if your pup gets a little too curious.
Here are twenty plants that are actually safe for dogs, so you can decorate with a bit more peace of mind.
1) Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a classic pick for pet owners wanting a non-toxic houseplant. Native to tropical Africa, it’s basically harmless if your dog takes a bite.
Its long, arching leaves with white or cream stripes are easy to spot. Spider plants are pretty tough, usually growing up to about two feet, so they fit well in all sorts of spots around the house.
2) Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are totally safe for dogs – no sketchy chemicals here! With their feathery, arching fronds, they bring a lush vibe to any room.
Besides being pet safe, Boston ferns help clean the air (goodbye, formaldehyde). They’re happiest in humid places with indirect light, so bathrooms or kitchens are perfect if your dog hangs out there.
3) Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo Palm is a solid pick if you’ve got dogs around. ASPCA says it’s non-toxic, so you’re in the clear.
It’s native to Mexico and Central America, with stems that look a bit like bamboo. Indoors, it usually hits 4 to 6 feet and helps clean up indoor air, too.
It’s pretty easygoing and can handle shade, which is great for those corners that don’t get much sun.
4) Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm is another safe bet for dog owners wanting a touch of the tropics. Also called butterfly or golden cane palm, it’s non-toxic according to the ASPCA.
Set it anywhere; no need to stress about your pup. The graceful, arching fronds look great and help purify your air, too. It’s a nice indoor plant if you want something big and leafy.
5) Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant is a go-to for dog owners who want something a little flashier. Its oval leaves have wild colored veins and patterns that really stand out.
ASPCA gives it the all-clear for dogs, so you can relax even if your pet gets nosy.
It likes bright, indirect light and some humidity. It stays low and bushy, so it’s nice for shelves or tabletops.
6) African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
African Violet is a safe choice if you’ve got dogs. This one’s a classic and non-toxic, says the ASPCA.
Enjoy its velvety leaves and colorful blooms without worry. It flowers in purple, pink, white, and blue all year, so it’s always bringing a bit of color indoors.
7) Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast Iron Plant is as tough as its name suggests, plus, it’s non-toxic to dogs. This one’s almost impossible to kill, honestly.
It’s from Japan and Taiwan, and it’ll put up with low light where other plants just give up. Its dark green, strap-like leaves look good in a clump, and it’s happy indoors or outside in shady spots as long as it doesn’t freeze solid.
8) Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is another tropical-looking houseplant that’s safe for pets. It’s fine in low light, so you can tuck it just about anywhere.
ASPCA says it’s non-toxic for dogs, cats, and even horses (if you happen to have one in your living room). Its fronds are elegant, and it doesn’t ask for much, which is a win in my book.
It’s native to southern Mexico and Central America and grows slowly, adapting well to typical indoor life.
9) Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas are safe for dogs and honestly, their leaf patterns are wild. There are over 60 species, each with its own look.
They’re fine in low light and need a bit of attention with watering and humidity to keep those leaves looking their best. If you’re into bold foliage, these are a fun, pet-friendly pick.
10) Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Bird’s Nest Fern is a non-toxic tropical that won’t bother your dogs. This epiphytic fern has shiny, broad green fronds that curl out from the center – a super cool look!
It likes warmth, humidity, and medium to bright indirect light. Bathrooms are a good spot if you have a window and want to keep the leaves happy.
11) Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
The Friendship Plant is another safe option; no worries for dogs, cats, or horses, according to the ASPCA. It’s easy to share, hence the name, since you can root cuttings and pass them along.
Its leaves are textured, with a mix of bronze and silver, and it does best in bright, indirect light. Plus, it doesn’t take up much space, so it’s perfect for smaller rooms or shelves.
12) Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Haworthia succulents are safe for your dog. These little South African plants are non-toxic and form compact rosettes with chunky leaves.
They’re low-maintenance and only get about 5 to 6 inches tall. If you like succulents but worry about your dog, Haworthia is a solid bet.
13) Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
Moth orchids are another elegant, dog-safe houseplant. Their long-lasting blooms and thick leaves add some drama to your space.
Stick them near a window with bright, indirect light and water about once a week, and let the potting mix dry a little in between. Their flowers look like moths (hence the name), and they’re native to Southeast Asia where they grow on tree branches.
14) Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgessii)
Christmas Cactus is safe for pets and brings a splash of color during the holidays. It comes from Brazil’s rainforests and likes indirect light and slightly moist soil.
No thorns here, just hanging flowers in pink, red, or white. It’s non-toxic for dogs and doesn’t need much fussing. With good care, it can get up to 20 cm tall.
15) Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)
Lipstick plant is a fun, safe option if you’ve got dogs. This tropical from Southeast Asia is non-toxic, so you can relax.
The tubular red flowers look like lipstick tubes peeking out, and the trailing foliage is glossy and cheerful. It’s a quirky one, but worth it if you like something different.
16) Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomia plants are dog-safe, confirmed by the ASPCA. There are over a thousand species, so you’ve got choices with different shapes, sizes, and colors.
Popular ones like the baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) have neat foliage and don’t pose a risk to your pup. Still, it’s probably best to steer your dog away from chewing any houseplant, just to avoid an upset stomach.
17) Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Polka Dot Plant is non-toxic for dogs and brings a pop of color with its spotted leaves – pink, white, or red against green. It’s from Madagascar and stays pretty compact.
Grow it indoors or outside if it’s warm enough. It likes bright, indirect light and regular watering, plus a little fertilizer when it’s actively growing.
18) Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Baby Rubber Plant is another pet-friendly houseplant with thick, glossy leaves. It’s easy to care for, which is nice if you’re just getting started with plants.
It handles most indoor conditions and can go a while without water. No toxicity risk for dogs, so you can put it wherever you like.
19) Blue Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
Blue Echeveria is a non-toxic succulent you can safely keep around dogs. It forms pretty blue-green rosettes and doesn’t ask for much.
Just give it bright, indirect light and water every so often. These work well in pots, rock gardens, or as indoor accents, even if your dog gets a little curious.
20) Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)
Button fern is a safe choice for your home if you have dogs. This compact fern stands out with its round, button-like leaves along graceful, arching fronds, usually reaching about a foot in height.
The plant isn’t toxic to dogs, so you won’t have to worry if your pup takes a nibble. You can grow button fern indoors without much fuss, which is great for anyone who wants a little greenery without a lot of hassle, especially in spaces your pets like to hang out.
