Written by Byron Martin, Logee's Owner and Horticulturalist
Pet-Safe Plants: Beautiful and Non-Toxic Greenery and Blooms for Your Home
- Peace of Mind: Enjoy a lush indoor garden without worrying about your dog or cat getting sick.
- Wide Variety: Choose from fragrant flowers, unique succulents, edible herbs, and trailing vines.
- Family Friendly: Perfect for households with curious pets and children.
- Easy Care Options: Many pet-safe varieties are also hardy and simple to grow.
We know that for many of our customers, pets are family too. It can be stressful trying to balance a love for indoor gardening with the safety of your furry friends. The good news is that you do not have to choose between having a beautiful home jungle and keeping your cats and dogs safe. There are many incredible plants that are completely non-toxic to pets. Whether you are looking for the sweet scent of Jasmine or the fun foliage of a Peperomia, Logee's offers a selection of plants that are safe for everyone in your home.
When you choose pet-safe plants, you can relax and enjoy the greenery. If your cat decides to nibble on a leaf or your dog brushes against a vine, you can rest easy knowing they will be fine. We have curated a list of some of our favorite safe varieties to help you get started on your pet-friendly plant journey.
Question: How do I know for sure if a plant is safe for my pet?
Answer: The best way to be certain is to check reputable sources like the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List. We always recommend verifying specific plant names before bringing them home.
Question: If a plant is "pet-safe," does that mean my pet should eat it?
Answer: No. "Pet-safe" means the plant is non-toxic and won't cause poisoning. However, these plants should not be part of a pet's diet. Always check with your veterinarian first before feeding any plants to your pet. Eating too much plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
Question: Can flowering plants be pet-safe?
Answer: Yes! Many flowering plants, like certain Jasmines and Lipstick Plants, are non-toxic. You don't have to stick to just green foliage to keep your pets safe.
Fragrant and Flowering Favorites
Many people assume that to have a pet-safe home, they must give up on beautiful blooms and lovely scents. Fortunately, that is not true. The genus Jasminum contains many species that are considered non-toxic. For example, the Grand Duke of Tuscany Jasmine and the 'Maid of Orleans' Jasmine are wonderful choices. These plants produce intoxicatingly sweet flowers that can fill a room with fragrance without posing a threat to your pets.
Jasmine, Grand Duke of TuscanyAnother excellent flowering group is the Lipstick Plant family (Aeschynanthus). These trailing plants are perfect for hanging baskets, displaying their vibrant blooms in high places. Varieties like the Lipstick Plant 'Mona Lisa' or the Lipstick Plant 'Fireworks' offer interesting foliage and bright tubular flowers that hummingbirds love outdoors, and humans love indoors. They are safe, colorful, and add a splash of joy to any room.
Lipstick Plant 'Mona Lisa'Orchids are another stunning option for pet-friendly homes, offering elegance without the worry. Popular varieties like Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid), Cattleya, and Dendrobium are all non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. These tropical beauties produce long-lasting blooms in a rainbow of colors—from pure white and soft pink to vibrant purple and sunny yellow. Whether displayed on a windowsill, coffee table, or plant stand, orchids bring a touch of sophistication to your space while keeping your furry friends safe. Their blooms can last for months with proper care, making them both a practical and beautiful addition to any pet-loving household.
Lc. Orchid Mari's Love 'Taka'Fun Foliage and Succulents
If you prefer interesting leaf textures over flowers, there are plenty of safe options. The Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia) is a showstopper with its wavy leaves and distinct markings. It is non-toxic and adds a tropical feel to your space. Similarly, the Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica) is a popular choice for good luck and is safe for cats and dogs who might be tempted to swat at its leaves.
Calathea RattlesnakeFor those who love smaller, trailing plants, Peperomias are a fantastic choice. The String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) looks like tiny turtle shells cascading over the pot. It is a delicate, slow-growing succulent that is completely safe if a leaf falls off and gets investigated by a curious nose.
- Hardy Hens & Chicks 'Arctic White': A great succulent for sunny spots.
- Purple Passion Vine: Features soft, velvety purple leaves.
- Staghorn Ferns: Bold, structural leaves best mounted on a wall.
Elephant Ear Staghorn FernEdible Plants for You and Your Pets
Why not grow something that you can eat, and that won't hurt your pet if they take a bite? Many herbs and fruiting plants are considered pet-safe. Rosemary 'Logee Blue' is a fragrant herb that you can use in cooking, and it is generally safe for pets in small amounts. In fact, some pet foods even use rosemary as a natural preservative.
Rosemary Logee BlueYou can also grow fruit indoors. The Dwarf Mulberry Bush 'Issai' and Everbearing Strawberry Plants 'Mara des Bois' are excellent options. While you will want to save the delicious berries for yourself, the plants are not toxic. Even the tropical Banana Plant 'Double Mahoi' is pet-safe, adding a massive, dramatic tropical look to your home without the risk associated with some other large tropical leaves.
Banana Plant 'Kokopo'Unique and Rare Finds
For the collector who wants something truly different, Logee's offers exotic plants that are surprisingly pet-friendly. The Venus Fly Trap is a carnivorous plant that eats bugs, but it won't hurt your cat or dog. It is a fascinating plant to watch and feed, making it a great conversation piece.
Venus Fly TrapAnother spectacular option is the Night Blooming Cereus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum). This orchid cactus is famous for its massive white flowers that open only at night and release a heavenly scent. Despite its exotic appearance, it is non-toxic. Growing these unique plants allows you to expand your horticultural skills while maintaining a safe environment for your four-legged companions.
Night Blooming Cereus
