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Pet Safe Houseplants: Debunking Myths Around Flora & Fauna
Published on October 6, 2025
Owning houseplants can be a little complicated for those of us with pets or children in the house. Is this plant toxic? And what happens if my pet (or child!) consumes it? Should I only have non-toxic plants in the house?
These are questions that our customers ask all the time, and we’re excited to shed some light on myths around pets and plants, as well as share some of our best-selling pet-safe plants!
Pet-Safe Houseplants
Before we get to which indoor plants are safe for pets, it’s important to understand the definition of “unsafe”. Many common houseplants are labeled as toxic to pets and humans, but that can be a bit misleading.
Why? That’s because most indoor plants that are not considered safe for pets will only cause minor irritation if consumed, and in the majority of cases, only if consumed in vast quantities. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center actually classifies houseplants into three groups based on their toxicity levels, which are outlined below.
Mildly toxic plants
Mildly toxic plants may cause minor irritation of the skin or mouth or gastrointestinal distress if consumed. Depending on your situation (i.e. older children, or a pet that seems uninterested in your houseplants), mildly toxic plants are probably just fine to have in the home.
A few plants that are mildly toxic include
- Fiddle Leaf Fig
- Spider Plant
- Pothos
- Silver Evergreen
Moderately toxic plants
Moderately toxic plants can cause more severe gastrointestinal problems or skin irritation. That said, many toxic plants are also often unpleasant to taste, so even if your child or pet does eat or chew on a piece of the plant, they probably won’t consume much of it.
Some plants in this category include:
- Dracaena Compacta
- Dragon Tree
- Jade plant
Highly toxic plants
Some plants can cause liver or kidney failure or even seizures, particularly in cats. There are not many common houseplants in this category, but one we often see is the Sago Palm.
Non-toxic plants
If for whatever reason you are worried about your pets or children consuming large amounts of indoor plants, your safest bet may be to avoid toxic plants all together (or place them out of reach). Below are some of our favorite easy to care for and 100% pet safe houseplants!
1. Parlor Palm
Why we love it: An instant miniature jungle, the adorable pet-safe Parlor Palm is also an excellent air-purifying plant.
2. Braided Money Tree
Why we love it: For those in search of a real indoor tree, the Braided Money Tree is not just pet-safe but also a bearer of good luck!
3. Cast Iron Plant
Why we love it: For a pet-friendly plant as hardy as it is beautiful, try the Cast Iron Plant (it gets its name for a reason!).
4. Calathea Medallion
Why we love it: A colorful member of the prayer plant family, the Calathea Medallion is a beautiful, pet-safe addition to any home. In fact, all prayer plants are considered pet-friendly!
5. Bird's Nest Fern
Why we love it: Bright, low maintenance, and 100% non-toxic, the Bird’s Nest Fern is a leafy beauty that loves shade and plenty of humidity.
6. Kentia Palm
Why we love it: A true statement plant, pets will love living in their indoor jungle with the Kentia Palm.
This list is far from exhaustive, but we’ve found them to be some of the most popular pet safe houseplants among our customers. Find our full collection of pet friendly plants here.
The main takeaway
Just because a plant is toxic does not necessarily mean it’s dangerous, especially depending on who may or may not be chewing on them! All the same, stay on the safe side and always check first before introducing a new plant variety to your home.
Nationwide Pet-Safe Plant Delivery
Every plant from Léon & George is hand-selected for quality, paired with a premium pot, and delivered ready to thrive with minimal effort. We make it simple for busy individuals to own beautifully thriving greenery:
- Low-maintenance selections perfect for any lifestyle
- Flexible delivery options across the US
- Pet-safe choices for homes with animals or small children
- Lifetime Plant Doctor support for peace of mind
Ready to add beautiful pet-safe plants to your home?
Discover Now →
FAQ
Are your plants safe for pets and children?
Most plants are totally safe to the touch for pets and children. Some plants may irritate the stomach if ingested in large quantities by a pet, and we note this on the plant's page before buying it. Generally we recommend keeping all plants out of immediate reach of pets and children. See all pet-safe plants
What are the different varieties of non-toxic plants for pets?
Discover a world of greenery perfectly suited for cohabitation with your pets. What do the leaves say? "Nibble away, I'm harmless!"
Top Pet-Friendly Plants:
Rhapis Excelsa (Lady Palm): Enchant your senses with this plant's emerald fan-shaped leaves. A visual treat that quickly becomes the centerpiece of any space.
Kentia Palm: More than just a palm, it's an invitation to a tropical escape. Imagine leafy shadows gently dancing on your walls. No green thumb required for care!
Pachira Aquatica (Money Tree): More than a plant, it's a statement. Its braided trunk and lush foliage symbolize prosperity. Perfect for those who love combining aesthetics and symbolism.
Calatheas (Rattlesnake Plant, Calathea Magenta): Think of them as botanical masterpieces. Their leaf patterns seem artistically drawn, and their velvety texture invites contemplation.
Ferns (Boston Fern, Bird's Nest Fern): With vibrant green leaves and easy care, these ferns make you wonder why you didn't invest in them sooner.
Maranta (Prayer Plant): Say hello to this little gem, giving the impression that a painter meticulously created each leaf. Its distinctive red veins add a subtle artistic touch.
Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant): This plant brings a touch of modern design to any interior with its coin-shaped leaves. A small natural treasure for your home.
Cat Grass: A non-toxic indoor plant for cats. Easy to grow, it's loved by cats for its scent.
Remember, a harmonious indoor jungle begins with the right plants. Illuminate, oxygenate and revitalize your space while peacefully coexisting with your furry friends.
This article was written by the expert plant stylists at Léon & George, a team dedicated to curating greenery that enhances everyday spaces. With years of experience in pairing premium plants with timeless planters, our stylists specialize in creating living pieces that bring beauty, meaning, and joy to any environment.