5 Pet-Friendly Houseplants That Add Greenery Without the Worry
There are two things we love deeply in life: plants and pets. The bad news is that many common plants are not safe for cats and dogs. Certain plants can be toxic to pets when ingested, sometimes causing seizures, tremors, or worse. Even the most well-behaved animals are bound to take a bite of a houseplant at some point, so we reached out to experts for their advice on how to select ones that won’t harm the four-legged friends in our lives. Since we strongly endorse adding greenery to your home to clean your air and improve your mood while also making sure your furry friend is safe and sound, check out 5 of our favorite nontoxic plants that are safe for cats and dogs.
1. RATTLESNAKE
The colors, distinctly shaped leaves, and easy watering schedule make the rattlesnake plant (a.k.a. Calathea lancifolia) a great addition to a low-light living room.
2. SPIDER PLANT
A favorite among veterinarians, this plant is easy to grow indoors and incredibly resilient (yes, even to your black thumb!). Spider plants are also great air purifiers, so they can help get rid of your home’s toxins.
3. (CERTAIN) SUCCULENTS
Add some pet-friendly succulents. like this Haworthia, Echeveria, or a group of air plants, to your countertop and you’re golden.
4. DATE PALM
Want to wow your guests while also protecting your pets? Look no further than a date palm. Also known as a Robellini palm, it’s one of many varieties in the Arecaceae family (including the Bamboo palm, Areca palm, and Chinese Fan palm) that can flourish indoors while keeping your pets safe. It will become a focal point in any room you choose to grace with its presence.
5. HERBS
Basil, rosemary, and thyme are great kitchen herbs that are totally safe for your pet to snack on. These plants love direct light, so leave them to hang out by a window all day long.
