Pet-friendly plants in cozy living room with dog

Dec 15, 2025 In Latest Articles & Buying Guides

7 Safe and Stylish Examples of Pet-Friendly Plants

Most british pet owners worry about the hidden risks common houseplants can pose, yet over 90 percent of houseplants found in the United Kingdom are toxic to pets. Keeping your living space green and your furry companions safe does not have to mean choosing between the two. Discover which beautiful, pet safe options will bring fresh style to your home and peace of mind to your british household.

Quick Summary

Key Message	Explanation
1. Spider Plant is non-toxic for pets	Ideal for pet owners, the Spider Plant poses no health risks for cats and dogs, providing peace of mind when choosing houseplants.
2. Boston Fern thrives in humidity	This fern flourishes in moist environments and indirect light, making it perfect for bathrooms and kitchens, enhancing your indoor greenery.
3. Areca Palm purifies indoor air	The Areca Palm not only beautifies your space but also filters indoor pollutants, improving air quality while safe for pets.
4. Calathea has stunning leaf patterns	With unique leaf designs, Calathea adds vibrant visual interest to your home while being completely safe for curious animals.
5. Baby Rubber Plant is low maintenance	This compact plant is resilient and requires minimal care, making it perfect for busy pet owners who want indoor greenery.

1. Spider Plant: A Resilient, Non-Toxic Classic

Pet owners seeking a safe and stylish houseplant need look no further than the Spider Plant. This adaptable green companion offers both aesthetic charm and peace of mind for households with curious four-legged friends.

The Spider Plant stands out as an exceptional choice for pet lovers due to its completely non-toxic status. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), this plant poses zero serious risk to cats and dogs, making it a worry-free addition to any home.

Botanically known as Chlorophytum comosum, this plant thrives in various indoor conditions. Its arching green and white striped leaves create a graceful cascading effect, perfect for hanging baskets or shelves where pets might investigate. While generally safe, pet owners should still monitor their animals, as occasional plant nibbling might cause mild digestive discomfort.

The Spider Plant requires minimal maintenance, tolerating low to moderate light conditions and occasional forgetful watering. Its robust nature means it can survive in less-than-perfect environments, making it ideal for busy pet owners or those new to houseplant care.

Pro tip: Place your Spider Plant in a hanging basket or on a high shelf to prevent excessive chewing and maintain its elegant trailing appearance while keeping it safely out of your pets’ direct reach.

2. Boston Fern: Lush Greenery Safe for Pets

Homeowners with furry companions can breathe a sigh of relief with the Boston Fern, a verdant and pet friendly houseplant that combines stunning visual appeal with absolute safety. This lush green beauty offers the perfect solution for creating an indoor jungle without compromising your pets’ wellbeing.

The Boston Fern, scientifically known as Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis, has been definitively confirmed as completely non toxic by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This means cats and dogs can freely explore around this plant without risking their health.

Botanically remarkable, Boston Ferns thrive in humid environments with indirect light, making them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or areas with filtered sunlight. Their delicate fronds create a soft, feathery appearance that adds texture and vibrant green tones to any indoor space. Unlike many ornamental plants, these ferns are robust and can tolerate moderate variations in care.

When positioning your Boston Fern, consider spaces with consistent moisture and gentle illumination. Hanging baskets work particularly well, allowing the plant’s elegant fronds to cascade naturally while keeping it slightly out of pets’ immediate reach.

Pro tip: Maintain your Boston Fern’s health by misting its leaves weekly to replicate its preferred humid environment, which will simultaneously keep the plant looking lush and prevent potential leaf browning.

3. Areca Palm: Tall, Air-Purifying and Pet Friendly

For pet owners seeking a tall, elegant houseplant that doubles as a natural air purifier, the Areca Palm emerges as an outstanding solution. This stunning tropical plant offers a perfect blend of aesthetic appeal and safety for households with curious cats and dogs.

Scientifically known as Dypsis lutescens, the Areca Palm has been confirmed as non toxic by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This means pet parents can confidently introduce this graceful plant into their indoor spaces without worrying about potential health risks.

Beyond its pet friendly status, the Areca Palm boasts remarkable air purification capabilities. Its lush, feather like fronds not only create a tropical atmosphere but also actively filter indoor air pollutants, improving overall air quality. The plant thrives in bright indirect light and requires moderate humidity, making it ideal for living rooms, conservatories, and spacious indoor areas.

When positioning your Areca Palm, select locations with consistent temperatures between 16 and 21 degrees Celsius. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the delicate leaves, and ensure the plant receives gentle filtered light for optimal growth. Regular watering and occasional misting will help maintain its vibrant green appearance.

Pro tip: Rotate your Areca Palm quarter turn every few weeks to ensure even growth and prevent the plant from leaning towards light sources, promoting a symmetrical and healthy appearance.

4. Parlour Palm: Elegant and Non-Toxic Indoor Plant

For pet owners seeking a sophisticated yet safe houseplant, the Parlour Palm offers the perfect solution. This graceful tropical plant combines understated elegance with absolute pet safety, making it an ideal choice for discerning households.

Scientifically known as Chamaedorea elegans, the Parlour Palm has been officially confirmed as non toxic by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This means cat and dog owners can enjoy its lush green fronds without worrying about potential health risks to their furry companions.

The compact and adaptable Parlour Palm thrives in low light conditions, making it perfect for indoor spaces with limited natural illumination. Its delicate, arching leaves create a soft tropical aesthetic that complements various interior design styles. Native to the rainforests of Mexico and Central America, this plant has evolved to flourish in indirect light and moderate humidity environments.

When caring for your Parlour Palm, place it in areas with consistent temperatures between 16 and 24 degrees Celsius. Water sparingly, allowing the top layer of soil to dry between waterings. This approach prevents root rot while maintaining the plant’s health and vibrant appearance.

Pro tip: Clean the Parlour Palm’s leaves gently with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust, which helps the plant maintain its glossy appearance and supports efficient photosynthesis.

5. Calathea: Vibrant Foliage with Pet-Safe Appeal

Pet owners searching for a houseplant that combines stunning visual drama with absolute safety need look no further than the Calathea. This remarkable tropical plant offers intricate leaf patterns and vibrant colours without compromising the wellbeing of curious cats and dogs.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals confirms that Calathea species are completely non toxic, providing peace of mind for households with furry companions. These plants, often called ‘prayer plants’ due to their unique leaf movement, fold upwards in the evening as if praying.

Known for their extraordinary leaf patterns, Calathea varieties showcase extraordinary designs ranging from intricate geometric patterns to rich colour combinations of deep greens, purples, and silvery markings. They thrive in indirect light and high humidity environments, making them perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or areas with filtered sunlight.

To maintain your Calathea’s health, position the plant away from direct sunlight which can fade its vibrant colours. Maintain consistent moisture in the soil and aim for ambient temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. Regular misting will help replicate the humid tropical conditions these plants naturally prefer.

Pro tip: Use filtered or rainwater when watering your Calathea to prevent leaf discolouration caused by chemicals found in tap water, ensuring your plant maintains its stunning visual appeal.

6. Baby Rubber Plant: Compact and Harmless Choice

For pet owners with limited space seeking a stylish and safe houseplant, the Baby Rubber Plant offers the perfect solution. This charming compact plant brings verdant beauty to small spaces while ensuring the safety of curious cats and dogs.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals confirms that Peperomia species, including the Baby Rubber Plant, are entirely non toxic to household pets. This means you can enjoy its glossy, succulent like leaves without worrying about potential health risks to your furry companions.

Botanically known as Peperomia obtusifolia, this versatile houseplant thrives in various indoor conditions. Its thick, waxy leaves store water efficiently, making it remarkably tolerant of occasional neglect. The plant comes in various cultivars with diverse leaf colours ranging from deep emerald green to variegated cream and green patterns.

When positioning your Baby Rubber Plant, select locations with bright indirect light and avoid direct sunlight which can scorch its delicate leaves. These plants prefer well draining soil and moderate humidity, making them ideal for bathrooms, offices, or living spaces with ambient moisture.

Pro tip: Allow the top layer of soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot and maintain your Baby Rubber Plant’s robust health, a technique that suits both novice and experienced plant caretakers.

7. Haworthia: Low Maintenance, Pet-Friendly Succulent

Pet owners seeking a stylish, resilient houseplant that requires minimal care will find the Haworthia an ideal solution. This compact succulent offers stunning geometric forms while ensuring complete safety for curious cats and dogs.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals confirms that Haworthia species are entirely non toxic, providing peace of mind for households with furry companions. These remarkable plants originate from Southern Africa and have evolved remarkable adaptations for surviving in challenging environments.

Characterised by their distinctive rosette shaped structures, Haworthia succulents feature translucent, triangular leaves that create intricate geometric patterns. Their ability to store water in thick, fleshy leaves makes them exceptionally drought tolerant and perfect for individuals with limited plant care experience.

To maintain your Haworthia, position it in bright indirect light and avoid direct sunlight which can scorch its delicate leaves. These plants prefer well draining soil and infrequent watering, thriving in conditions that would challenge more demanding houseplants. Minimal intervention is key to keeping your Haworthia healthy and vibrant.

Pro tip: Water your Haworthia sparingly by allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, typically every three to four weeks, to prevent root rot and maintain its robust succulent structure.

Below is a comprehensive table summarising pet-friendly indoor plants outlined in the article, highlighting their unique features, care requirements, and advantages for pet owners.

Plant	Features & Description	Care Requirements	Benefits for Pet Owners
Spider Plant	Non-toxic, arching green and white leaves.	Tolerates low to moderate light, occasional watering.	Safe for pets, minimal maintenance.
Boston Fern	Non-toxic, lush green fronds.	Thrives in humid environments with indirect light.	Safe for pets, lush greenery.
Areca Palm	Non-toxic, air-purifying, tall plant.	Bright indirect light, moderate humidity.	Air purifier, elegant appearance.
Parlour Palm	Non-toxic, compact, tropical aesthetic.	Low light, moderate humidity; water sparingly.	Safe for pets, sophisticated look.
Calathea	Non-toxic, vibrant leaf patterns.	High humidity, indirect light; consistent soil moisture.	Stunning visuals, safe for pets.
Baby Rubber Plant	Non-toxic, compact, waxy leaves.	Bright indirect light, well-draining soil.	Safe for pets, easy to care for.
Haworthia	Non-toxic, geometric succulent forms.	Bright indirect light, infrequent watering.	Low maintenance, unique appearance.

Discover Safe and Stylish Plant Companions for Your Home

Bringing pet-friendly plants like the Spider Plant, Boston Fern, or Areca Palm into your living space can transform your home into a lush and vibrant haven without risking your furry friends’ health. If you aim to enhance your indoor environment with non toxic greenery that also supports air quality and aesthetic appeal, Stomart.co.uk is your ideal destination. Our diverse product range covers everything you need to create a harmonious and safe home ecosystem.

Act now to explore our curated selections that complement your lifestyle and protect your pets. Whether you are looking for stylish plant pots, humidifiers to support humidity loving plants like the Calathea or misting tools for your Boston Ferns, find these essentials and more with ease. Start your journey toward a fresher and more beautiful home today by visiting Stomart Shop. Embrace pet-safe plant living and shop now to enjoy seasonal deals on home and garden products designed to delight every pet owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Spider Plants safe for pets?

The Spider Plant is completely non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet owners. Ensure you place it in a location that prevents excessive chewing to maintain its appearance.

How do I care for a Boston Fern in a pet-friendly space?

Boston Ferns thrive in humid environments and require indirect light. Regularly mist the leaves to provide moisture, which helps prevent browning while ensuring a safe environment for pets.

What are the benefits of having an Areca Palm in a home with pets?

The Areca Palm not only adds elegance to your space but also purifies the air, benefiting both pets and humans. Position it in bright, indirect light and rotate the plant every few weeks for even growth.

How can I maintain my Parlour Palm’s health while keeping it pet-friendly?

To care for your Parlour Palm, keep it in a spot with indirect light and maintain consistent temperatures. Water it sparingly, allowing the top layer of soil to dry between waterings, ensuring a safe environment for your pets.

What is unique about Calathea plants regarding pet safety?

Calathea plants are known for their vibrant foliage and are completely non-toxic to pets. Position them where they can receive indirect light and maintain humidity to keep their colours vivid and their environment safe for your furry friends.

Is the Baby Rubber Plant easy to care for in a home with pets?

Yes, the Baby Rubber Plant is a low-maintenance option that is non-toxic to pets. Place it in bright, indirect light and allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot.