Do you love having houseplants in your home, but are you concerned about the toxicity to your furry friends? Many pets chew or eat houseplants for several reasons, including boredom, nutritional deficiencies, instinctive behavior, or just because they can. To prevent an unwarranted visit to the veterinarian for a poisoning event, select a houseplant that doesn’t have any harmful toxic traits that could lead to the poisoning or death of your beloved pet.
Choosing the right plant for the right place in your home depends on your light and growing conditions. Listed below are ten easily found houseplants that are non-toxic for pets to beautify your home and improve air quality.
10 Non-Toxic Houseplants Safe for Pets
African Violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) Grow best in bright, indirect light.
For more information, see HGIC 1550, African Violet.
African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are low-maintenance, easy-to-grow houseplants that will bloom several times a year.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Bromeliads (Bromeliad species)
Need indirect light to grow well.
See HGIC 1501, Bromeliads for growing tips.
Depending on the species, bromeliads (Bromeliad species) are available in a wide variety of interesting foliage and flower forms.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Hoyas (Hoya species)
Require bright, filtered sunlight.
For more information, see HGIC 1460, Indoor Plants–Waxflower (Hoya).
Hoyas (Hoya species), also known as waxflowers, are easy-to-care-for houseplants.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Lemon Button Fern Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’)
Grows best in moderate, indirect light near a north-facing window.
See HGIC 1505, Indoor Ferns, for more growing tips.
Lemon button ferns (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’) have a light, lemon scent when the foliage is handled.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis species)
Grow best in east-facing windows with bright, indirect light conditions.
For more information, see General Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids.
Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis species) blooms will last anywhere from 2 to 3 months, and with proper care, will rebloom once or twice a year.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Parlor Palms (Chamaedorea elegans)
Prefer to be placed in bright, indirect light.
See HGIC 1508, Indoor Palms for more growing tips.
Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) needs at least 10 hours of bright, indirect light to grow well.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Peperomias (Peperomia species)
Available in many forms.
Prefer indirect light.
For more information, see Peperomia Houseplants.
There are over 1000 species of peperomias to choose from. One of the most popular is Emerald Ripple peperomia (Peperomia caperata) due to its colorful foliage.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Rabbit’s Foot Ferns (Davallia solida var. fejeensis)
Need bright, indirect light.
See Rabbit’s Foot Fern for more information.
Rabbit’s foot fern (Davallia solida var. fejeensis) has lacy fronds and furry rhizomes.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Prefers bright, indirect light. Will tolerate some direct sunlight as long as it’s not during the hottest part of the day.
See HGIC 1512, Spider Plant for more growing advice.
The graceful spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of the most common houseplants and is easy to grow.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Holiday Cactus (Schlumbergera species)
Includes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cacti.
Prefers bright light but not hot, direct sun.
See HGIC 1554, Thanksgiving & Christmas Cacti.
The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) blooms near Thanksgiving, and the foliage has 2 to 4 saw-toothed projections on the leaf margins.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Check Before You Buy
There are many more non-toxic houseplants available. Before purchasing a new houseplant, check the ASPCA Toxic and Non-toxic Plant List to ensure you’re selecting a safe, non-toxic plant for your pet. It will give you information about whether the plant is toxic or non-toxic and list the poisoning symptoms, if applicable.
