Indoor Plants Not Toxic to Dogs? The Best Options to Choose
As a dog owner, you might love the idea of filling your home with plants, but the thought of potential toxicity can make you hesitant. Fortunately, many indoor plants are safe for your dogs, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and benefits of plants without the worry. There are plenty of stunning, non-toxic options that are not only good for your home but also completely safe for your furry friends.
In this guide, we will go over indoor plants not toxic to dogs, highlighting their care requirements, how they can fit into your home, and what makes them a great choice for dog owners.
1. Moss Amigos Moss Ball
Why It's Safe for Dogs
Moss Amigos is a unique plant that’s dog-safe. Unlike many traditional plants that may cause stomach upset or other health issues if ingested by pets, Moss Amigos is entirely non-toxic to dogs. This plant is a great option for pet owners who are worried about their dogs chewing on houseplants.
Another bonus: Moss Amigos does not cause allergies, making it an ideal choice for homes with both dogs and people who may be sensitive to pollen or other allergens.
How to Care for This Plant
What’s wonderful about Moss Amigos is that it’s incredibly low-maintenance, which is perfect for busy dog owners. The plant comes as a moss ball inside a clear jar, and beneath it, you’ll find a gemstone that adds a decorative touch. This minimalist design makes it easy to place in any room, from your coffee table to your office desk.
The key to keeping Moss Amigos happy is simple: water management. You only need to change the water every 2 to 3 weeks. It’s important to ensure the water is changed on time, as the moss can start to break down if left in stagnant water for too long. Keep it in indirect light to avoid drying it out too quickly.
2. Boston Fern
Why It's Safe for Dogs
When it comes to indoor plants not toxic to dogs, the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a great option. It’s completely safe for pets, and its feathery fronds make it a stunning addition to any home. These ferns do well in both traditional and modern interiors, creating a fresh, natural atmosphere that’s both calming and stylish.
How to Care for This Plant
Boston Ferns are known for thriving in humid environments, which makes them great bathroom plants. If you don’t have a bathroom with enough light, you can also keep your Boston Fern in the kitchen or near a window that gets plenty of indirect light.
Boston Ferns require regular watering, as they like to stay moist. The key to their care is humidity, so you’ll need to keep the soil moist and mist the leaves occasionally to maintain the right moisture level. Keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid leaf scorch, and ensure they have good air circulation.
More Boston Fern care tips from Love and Garden.
3. Parlor Palm
Why It's Safe for Dogs
The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is an attractive and safe choice among indoor plants not toxic to dogs. Known for its elegant, arching fronds, it’s one of the easiest palms to care for. The Parlor Palm’s non-toxic nature makes it a great option for homes with curious dogs.
How to Care for This Plant
This plant thrives in low to medium light conditions, making it a perfect choice for areas of your home that don’t get much sunlight. As a pet-friendly plant, it’s also ideal for small homes or apartments where space is limited.
Water your Parlor Palm regularly but ensure the soil is well-drained. It doesn’t require frequent watering, and it’s more susceptible to overwatering than underwatering. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, and it should stay healthy for years.
4. Spider Plant
Why It's Safe for Dogs
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of the most popular indoor plants not toxic to dogs. While some dogs may show interest in chewing on plants, the Spider Plant is completely non-toxic, so you can relax knowing it won’t harm your furry friend.
How to Care for This Plant
Spider Plants are known for being easy to care for and resilient in various conditions, making them a great option for both beginners and seasoned plant owners. They thrive in indirect sunlight and are happy with minimal watering. Just water them when the soil feels dry to the touch.
One of the highlights of Spider Plants is their ability to produce "pups" or baby plants. These little offshoots will eventually grow into full plants, and you can either leave them as part of the original plant or repot them to create new ones. It’s an easy and fun way to expand your plant collection while keeping your dog safe.
5. Bamboo Palm
Why It's Safe for Dogs
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is another indoor plant not toxic to dogs that is often recommended for pet owners. This plant is safe for dogs and also acts as a natural air purifier. It’s a perfect option for those looking to improve the air quality in their home while ensuring it remains pet-friendly.
How to Care for This Plant
Bamboo Palms prefer bright, indirect light and are relatively easy to care for. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. While these palms are tolerant of various conditions, they thrive in areas with higher humidity, so consider placing them in bathrooms or misting them regularly. Bamboo Palms are also relatively slow growers, so they won’t require frequent repotting.
More Boston Fern care tips from Gardening Know How.
6. Areca Palm
Why It's Safe for Dogs
The Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) is another great option for dog owners. It’s a non-toxic plant that adds a tropical feel to your home, with its feathery fronds that grow in an elegant arching shape. As with most palms, the Areca Palm does not present any danger to pets, making it perfect for households with dogs.
How to Care for This Plant
Areca Palms are quite low-maintenance but do need a bit of attention to thrive. They do best in indirect light and should be watered when the soil starts to dry out. Be careful not to overwater, as Areca Palms are sensitive to root rot. This plant does well in medium to high humidity, so consider placing it in a bathroom or near a humidifier.
As a bonus, Areca Palms are also known to purify indoor air, making them a functional and aesthetically pleasing addition to any room. They are especially effective at removing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde from the air, improving the overall air quality in your home.
7. Prayer Plant
Why It's Safe for Dogs
The Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) is another dog-friendly choice. This unique plant gets its name from the way its leaves fold up at night, resembling hands in prayer. Its non-toxic nature makes it a perfect addition to any pet-friendly home.
How to Care for This Plant
Prayer Plants prefer a humid environment and should be placed in indirect light. They need to be watered regularly, but make sure not to overwater. It’s important to keep the soil slightly moist at all times. In addition, they benefit from regular misting to keep the humidity high.
8. African Violet
Why It's Safe for Dogs
African Violets (Saintpaulia) are small, flowering plants that are non-toxic to dogs and add a splash of color to your home. These plants are safe for pets and easy to care for, making them an ideal option for anyone who wants to brighten up a space without worrying about their dog's safety.
How to Care for This Plant
African Violets thrive in bright, indirect light and require a slightly moist environment. Water them carefully to avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can cause spots. Use a saucer to water them from below, allowing the plant to absorb moisture through its roots. Regularly pinch off dead flowers to encourage new blooms.
9. Calathea
Why It's Safe for Dogs
Calathea plants, also known as Prayer Plants, are another excellent option among indoor plants not toxic to dogs. With their stunning, patterned leaves that fold up at night, Calatheas are both safe for pets and visually striking. These plants are completely non-toxic to dogs, making them a top choice for pet-friendly homes.
How to Care for This Plant
Calatheas prefer indirect light and a humid environment. They are native to tropical regions, so they thrive in humidity-rich spaces. Water your Calathea when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mist the leaves regularly or place the plant near a humidifier to maintain humidity levels.
10. Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia)
Why It's Safe for Dogs
Baby's Tears (Soleirolia) is a small, non-toxic plant that’s completely safe for dogs. With its delicate, tiny green leaves, it adds a soft, carpet-like look to any room while being a worry-free choice for pet owners. If your dog happens to nibble on it, you can rest assured it won’t cause harm.
How to Care for This Plant
Baby’s Tears thrive in bright, indirect light and require consistently moist soil. Be careful not to let the plant sit in water, as it can lead to root rot. This low-maintenance plant benefits from regular watering and occasional misting to maintain its lush appearance. It’s perfect for small spaces or hanging baskets, as it tends to spread out and cascade over the sides.
What is The Most Poisonous Plant for Dogs?
The Oleander (Nerium oleander) is widely regarded as one of the most poisonous plants for dogs. Even small amounts of its leaves, flowers, or stems can cause severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, slowed heart rate, and, in severe cases, death. Its toxic compounds, called cardiac glycosides, disrupt heart function and pose a serious risk to pets.
Other highly toxic plants include:
- Sago Palm: All parts, especially the seeds, are highly toxic, causing liver failure and even death.
- Azaleas: Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and life-threatening heart problems.
- Dieffenbachia: Known as Dumb Cane, this plant causes irritation, swelling, and difficulty breathing when ingested.
If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately.
Wrapping Up - 10 Best Houseplants Safe for Dogs
When it comes to indoor plants not toxic to dogs, you have a lot of great options. Look for plants that are easy to care for and fit the light and humidity in your home. This way, you can enjoy greenery without worrying about your dog’s safety.
There are many safe choices that add beauty to your space. Some are low-maintenance, while others bring vibrant colors. Whatever you choose, these plants will thrive in your home and keep your dog safe.
FAQs
Which House Plant is Safe for Dogs?
Many houseplants are safe for dogs, including spider plants, bamboo palms, and moss amigos. These plants are non-toxic and easy to care for, making them perfect for homes with pets. Always double-check plant safety before bringing them indoors to ensure they won’t harm your furry friend.
What Bathroom Plants are Safe for Dogs?
Bathrooms offer humidity-loving plants like Boston ferns and spider plants that are safe for dogs. These plants thrive in the moist environment and add a touch of nature to your bathroom. Just make sure the plants get enough light and are out of your dog's reach.
Can My Dog Be in the Same Room as a Snake Plant?
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are toxic to dogs if ingested, so it's best to keep them out of your pet's reach. While the plant won’t cause harm just by being in the same room, ingestion can lead to nausea and vomiting. Always place snake plants in areas that your dog can’t access.
Do Dogs Know to Avoid Poisonous Plants?
Dogs don’t naturally know which plants are poisonous, so they might chew on them if given the opportunity. It’s up to pet owners to ensure that dangerous plants are kept out of reach. Training and supervision are key to preventing accidental ingestion of toxic plants.
