African Violet

African violets are non-toxic plants for dogs and cats and produce gorgeous blooms in a range of purple and pink hues. They are low-maintenance and thrive without bright light.

Keep the soil moderately moist. Water African violets by allowing them to soak up moisture through the pot's drainage hole to avoid damaging the leaves and petals.

This flowering houseplant can brighten even small spaces because it usually stays less than 12 inches tall.

Air Plant

Tillandsia varieties make excellent pet-friendly, low-maintenance houseplants because they don't need soil to grow.

Most air plants stay smaller than 12 inches and thrive in bright, indirect light. They generally need a quick soak in water about once a week.

Cats and dogs may be tempted to chew their spindly, grass-like leaves, so keep them out of reach.

Aluminum Plant or Watermelon Plant

The variegated gray-and-green leaves of the aluminum plant (Pilea) make it an attractive, non-toxic plant for dogs and cats.

It usually stays shorter than 12 inches and grows well in medium to low light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Because it tolerates low light, it can be grown in many locations.

Christmas Cactus

Christmas cactus is a safer choice for homes with curious cats and dogs because it is non-toxic to pets.

Christmas cacti can be confused with Thanksgiving cacti, but both are safe for pets and have similar care requirements.

Both types stay relatively short, usually under 12 inches, but can spread up to 2 feet. They grow best with regular watering and bright, indirect light.

Some Varieties of Ferns

True ferns such as Boston fern and maidenhair fern are suitable indoor plants that are safe for pets.

However, some plants with "fern" in their names are not true ferns. Asparagus fern, for example, is actually part of the lily family and should not be treated as a pet-safe fern.

Most true ferns prefer indirect light, evenly moist soil, and high humidity.

Friendship Plant

The friendship plant is closely related to the aluminum plant and is named for how easily it can be divided and shared.

It is a non-toxic plant for dogs and cats. Friendship plants tolerate medium and low light and prefer humid conditions. They can grow particularly well in terrariums and usually remain under 12 inches tall.

Some Herbs

Indoor herb gardens are an easy way to add fresh flavor to home-cooked meals. Pet-friendly herbs include basil, sage, and thyme.

Place herbs in a sunny window that receives at least four to five hours of direct sunlight each day. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Not all herbs are pet-friendly, so research each herb before growing it around pets.

Lace Flower Vine or Chocolate Soldier

Lace flower vine is an easy, pet-friendly houseplant that grows well in hanging baskets.

It grows best in bright, indirect light and should be watered whenever the soil starts to feel dry.

Its trailing stems can grow to about 3 feet long, making it well suited to hanging displays.

Lipstick Plant

Lipstick plant produces unusual blooms that resemble lipstick tubes and is safe for cats and dogs.

Native to tropical regions, it thrives in bright light and can also be placed outdoors during warmer months.

It can grow up to 20 inches tall and prefers consistently moist soil.

Parlor Palm

Parlor palm is a good choice for pet owners who want to add a small tree indoors. It is non-toxic to dogs and cats, low-maintenance, and suitable for beginners.

It grows best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light.

Water when the top inch of soil is dry. A parlor palm can eventually reach up to 8 feet tall, although around 4 feet is more common indoors.

Moth Orchid

The common moth orchid is not harmful to pets.

However, dogs and cats that like to chew may get into trouble with the potting mix, which is often made from bark chips. The chips are not toxic but may cause stomach problems if swallowed.

Moth orchids are usually between 1 and 3 feet tall. They can tolerate low, medium, or bright light and generally need watering once a week or every other week.

Polka Dot Plant

Polka dot plant adds attractive patterns and color to miniature gardens, terrariums, mixed containers, and other decorative displays.

It is available in colors such as pink and white. Although it can grow up to 3 feet tall, it usually remains smaller than 12 inches when grown in containers.

Place it in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist.

Prayer Plant or Calathea

Growing approximately 6 to 18 inches tall, prayer plant is ideal for small spaces such as bookshelves and end tables.

Its red, cream, and green leaves curl upward at night, giving the plant its common name.

It is also a pet-safe houseplant. It grows best in medium or low light, and the soil can be allowed to dry slightly between waterings.

Spider Plant

Spider plant is a non-toxic plant for dogs and cats and is one of the easiest houseplants to grow.

It grows best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Spider plants can grow up to 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide and produce multiple baby plants, which can easily be used to grow new plants.

Some Succulents

Many popular succulents, including hens and chicks and echeverias, are generally safe for pets. However, because there are many varieties available, each plant should be researched individually.

Jade plant, for example, can be dangerous to pets despite being a succulent.

Most succulents remain only a few inches tall when grown indoors. They generally perform best in bright light and need watering only every few weeks.