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My home is filled with more than a hundred houseplants, and it’s equally full of furry chaos thanks to two indoor-only cats and a very stubborn French Bulldog. So, from one plant-and-pet lover to another, here’s the truth: you can have both. You don’t have to choose between greenery and your four-legged family members. With a little awareness, you can create a home that’s safe, stylish and thriving.
Many popular houseplants indeed contain compounds that can irritate pets. Some have sap that stings if chewed, while others contain crystals that can cause drooling, swelling, or tummy upsets. The upside? Most are only mildly toxic, and in most cases, pets recover quickly with rest and a drink of water. And just as people do, some pets react more strongly than others.
The biggest relief of all is that most cats and dogs quickly grow out of nibbling your plants. Once they’re past the curious baby stage, they’re far more interested in naps and snacks than leaves. Still, if you want extra reassurance—or you live with a determined leaf-muncher—there are plenty of gorgeous, completely safe houseplants to choose from.
The list below highlights seven pet-friendly favourites, followed by a bonus option and a crucial warning about lilies you should avoid at all costs.
1. Stromanthe Triostar
If you want to impact the moment someone walks into your home, Stromanthe Triostar is a dazzling choice. With leaves blending cream, green, and soft blush pink, this plant is pure living art. Turn a leaf over, and you’ll find a vivid hot-pink underside that glows almost neon when back-lit. It’s a plant that loves a little attention—bright, indirect light and consistent moisture—but it rewards you with dramatic colour year-round. Best of all, it’s completely pet safe.
2. Hoya Australis ‘Lisa’
Hoyas are an enormous family of vining houseplants, and the good news is every single one of them is pet safe. Hoya Australis ‘Lisa’ earns its place on this list thanks to its changing colours and its warm, almost sunset-like tones. New leaves emerge flushed with ruby or blush pink before fading to soft cream and green. Under the right conditions, mature plants can produce clusters of sweetly scented flowers. Even without blooms, the foliage alone is enough to win you over.
3. Hoya Compacta
Another standout from the hoya family is Hoya Compacta, famous for its tightly curled, rope-like leaves. This quirky plant grows in twisting chains and occasionally produces star-shaped flowers with a rich, sugary fragrance. It prefers bright light and a gentle hand with watering, making it a great choice for patient plant parents. And like all hoyas, it’s totally safe for pets.
4. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
If you’re looking for long-lasting flowers without the worry, Moth Orchids are a dream. Their elegant blooms can last up to three months, and new buds open slowly, prolonging the display. Many people assume orchids are delicate, but Phalaenopsis orchids are surprisingly resilient once you understand their rhythm. When the flowers fade, don’t throw the plant away—trim the spent spike, give it good light, and you can encourage new blooms within the year. Their beauty and safety make them an ideal indoor plant for pet-friendly households.
5. Calathea Orbifolia
All Calathea varieties are pet safe, but the Orbifolia is one of the most striking. Its oversized, silvery-striped leaves create a peaceful, tropical feel. It isn’t the easiest plant to master—Calathea prefer high humidity, soft water, and evenly moist soil—but when they’re happy, they’re spectacular. Some plant owners find them effortless, others find them dramatic and sensitive, but either way, they’re harmless to cats and dogs. Other pet-safe Calathea options include Calathea Ornata, Makoyana, Rosey, and Insignis.
6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Few plants are as reliable as the classic Spider Plant. Easy, unfussy, and cheerful, they thrive in medium light and grow best in soil that stays lightly moist. Their long, variegated leaves arch elegantly, and mature plants send out adorable baby spiderettes that can be snipped off and rooted into new plants. They’re safe for pets, though some cats find them a little too fun—Spider Plants can trigger a mild catnip-like reaction, so you may want to place them somewhere out of paw’s reach.
7. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
African Violets are tiny powerhouses of colour. Their velvety leaves make them irresistibly charming, and they bloom in shades of purple, pink, and white. Once you learn their simple care routine—avoid splashing water on the leaves, keep soil evenly moist, and give them bright, gentle light—they’re surprisingly easy to maintain. They’re completely pet safe, and their compact size makes them perfect for windowsills and small spaces. But be warned: they’re addictive, and collecting them is hard to resist.
Bonus: Maranta (Prayer Plant)
Maranta plants open their leaves in the morning and fold them at night, earning them the nickname “prayer plants.” They’re beautifully patterned and come in stunning varieties like Tricolour and Massangeana. While they do prefer consistently moist soil and higher humidity, once you learn their preferences they become steady, rewarding houseplants. And of course, they’re safe for pets.
Important: Lilies That Are Not Safe
There’s one plant warning every cat owner must hear: avoid true lilies and day lilies at all costs. These are the lilies commonly found in florist bouquets, and they can cause fatal kidney failure in cats—even a small lick of pollen can be dangerous. If you live with cats, it’s best to avoid these flowers entirely. Note that Peace Lilies are not true lilies, but they are still mildly irritating if chewed.
Creating a pet-friendly indoor jungle is completely achievable. Whether you’re drawn to variegated foliage, elegant flowers, or quirky trailing plants, there are plenty of beautiful options that won’t harm your furry companions. With thoughtful choices, your home can be a peaceful, leafy haven where both pets and plants thrive side by side.
