Safety
Pet-safe houseplants
Looking for greenery that is kinder to curious pets? Below are plants in our library marked as generally pet-safer. "Safer" is not a guarantee—supervise pets, and confirm with your veterinarian if your animal chews plants.
How we label pet safety
Each GardenGreen profile includes a toxicity flag based on common horticultural guidance. Plants marked pet safer are typically listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs in popular references, while others are flagged toxic.
If a plant is toxic, keep it out of reach or skip it. When in doubt, choose known safer options or hang plants high.
Generally pet-safer plants in our guides
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
Chinese Money Plant
Pilea peperomioides
Calathea Orbifolia
Goeppertia orbifolia
Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis spp.
Echeveria
Echeveria spp.
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Mint
Mentha spp.
Haworthia
Haworthia spp.
Hoya Carnosa
Hoya carnosa
Prayer Plant
Maranta leuconeura
Columnar Cactus
Cereus spp.
Olive Tree
Olea europaea
Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum
Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum raddianum
Areca Palm
Dypsis lutescens
Peperomia Obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
String of Hearts
Ceropegia woodii
Nerve Plant
Fittonia albivenis
Staghorn Fern
Platycerium bifurcatum
Care tips for pet households
- Place plants out of jump/chew range, or use hanging planters.
- Offer pet grass so cats are less interested in your houseplants.
- Wipe leaves without systemic pesticides pets might contact.
- If ingestion happens, contact a vet or pet poison hotline immediately.
FAQ
Are spider plants safe for cats?
Spider plants are commonly listed as non-toxic to cats, though eating lots of any plant can cause mild stomach upset.
What houseplants are safest for dogs?
Options often recommended include spider plant, prayer plant (Maranta), pilea, and many ferns. Always verify the exact species.
Is pothos safe for pets?
No. Pothos (Epipremnum) is considered toxic to cats and dogs and should be kept out of reach or avoided in pet homes.