Not every house-plant brings peace and serenity to the surrounding inhabitants. Some potted plants, flowers and trees can actually prove quite harmful for cats and dogs if they are licked or ingested. Because animals tend to be curious explorers (who usually need to sniff or taste most things they discover), keeping toxic vegetation in the home could lead to severe illness, seizures or even poisoning. Review our list of poisonous plants and household items to stay clear of, and acquaint yourself with the long list of positive plants to keep nearby. These bushes, flowers, mini-trees and leafy greenery will not only turn your home into a garden menagerie, but they will be risk-free for your dog or cat.
Non-Toxic House Plants for Cats and Dogs
Whether you like lush floral accents or simple bamboo boughs, these are the safest options for both human and animal inhabitants of your home.
Flowers
- African violet
- Orchids
- Succulents (Jade, Kalanchoe, and Echeveria, Lamb’s Tail, Hens & Chickens, etc.)
- Blooming Sally
- Christmas Cactus
- Lady Slipper
- Fuchsia
- Gerber Daisy
- Jasmine
- Marigold
- Petunia
- Rose
- Snapdragon
- White ginger
- White hyacinth
(Some of the most toxic flowers for dogs and cats are found often in human homes. Avoid keeping these potted flowers near your pet: Daffodils, Easter Lily, Rhododendron, Foxglove, Lily of the Valley, Tiger Lily, Narcissus, and Morning Glory.)
Trees
- Bamboo
- Bamboo vine
- Big Shagbark Hickory
- Areca Palm
- Golden Palm
- Ponytail Palm
- Money Tree
- Christmas Palm
- Dwarf Palm
- Pignut Hickory
- Yellow Palm
(Most palm tree varieties are safe for domestic pets, however the Sago Palm is highly toxic. From the cycas family, the sago Palm can cause liver failure and death in dogs and cats if ingested. These are a very common outdoor plant, and though your pet might not have regular contact with it, you might consider removing the threat from your garden or strictly keeping the pet indoors. Eucalyptus bark and leaves are also dangerous for dogs, so if you have open-bowled potpourri with Eucalyptus leaves, make sure it is out of your pet’s reach.)
Small Plants, Bushes, and Ferns
- Ferns (Maidenhair, Boston Ferns, Bird’s Nest Ferns, Rabbit’s foot, Button Fern, etc.)
- Dracaena
- Prayer Plant
- Spider plant
- Zebra Plant
- Pearl Plant
- Cast-Iron Plants
- Baby Rubber Plant
- Candle Plant
- Irish Moss
- Catnip
- Plush plant
- Purple Passion Flower Vine
- Strawberry Plant
(If you are particularly partial to a potted plant that may be dangerous for your cat or dog, you could always considering hanging it from your porch or in your kitchen. If you do so, be careful to vacuum up any dropping leaves or flowers that might be consumed by your pet.)
