A house plant-filled apartment is a beautiful thing. But if you’re a pet parent, you’ll need to be careful. Unfortunately, many house plants are toxic to pets and can cause issues like vomiting or diarrhea. Don’t panic, though — our roundup of pet-friendly house plants is here to help. Let this list be your shopping guide the next time you’re on the hunt for a new plant baby.
Boston Fern
While some ferns are dangerous to animals, the Boston fern is a safe choice for fur-parents. Boston ferns thrive in humid environments, and they prefer indirect light. To ensure that your space is humid enough for your fern to thrive, you can purchase a small humidifier. We also recommend spraying your fern with water about twice a week.
African Violet
If your heart’s set on a houseplant that blooms, go for the African violet. This gorgeous plant comes in a variety of bold, purple hues. It’s a low-maintenance pick that doesn’t require much light to grow, so it tends to do well in apartments.
Christmas Cactus
Christmas cacti are technically succulents. The plants require a bit more care than some other house plants, but the blooms are well worth the extra effort. If you want your Christmas cactus to bloom in December, you’ll have to keep it in the dark for at least a few weeks beforehand.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are a popular choice for beginner indoor gardeners. Not only are they safe for cats and dogs, but they boast an intriguing “spidery” appearance. They are also one of the easiest plants to maintain. Spider plants do well indoors and can withstand most conditions, though they will thrive in bright light. Another bonus: Spider plants aren’t prone to any serious issues other than brown tips!
If you have a roomier apartment, consider an areca palm. These plants are more small trees and can grow up to seven feet in height, so you’ll need to have high ceilings in your space to make it work. They are relatively low-maintenance and prefer dry soil, so you’ll only need to water them about once a week.
Venus Flytrap
Venus flytraps aren’t pest-friendly, but they are pet-friendly house plants. These little carnivorous plants need live bugs to stay healthy, but they can go a few months without bug food, so you’ll only need to feed yours once in a while. They’ll thrive under direct light but can do all right in the shade, too. Just be careful not to set them in front of a window during the summertime, as too much direct sunlight will dry them out.
Polka Dot Plant
The polka dot plant is almost as cute as its name. Beloved for its vibrant pink or red colors (though it comes in white, too), it stands out when paired with duller house plant varieties. Polka dot plants need bright light and prefer to be planted in fast-draining potting soil. One downside to these plants is that they have a relatively short lifespan and often die after flowering. We think it’s worth it to enjoy their short-lived glory, though.
Orchids
Last on our list of pet-friendly house plants is the orchid. These gorgeous blooms aren’t the easiest to care for, but their striking appearance makes is worth the effort. Be careful not to overwater your orchid — keep an eye on its appearance to figure out a watering schedule that works.
