10 Pet-Friendly Indoor Plants Safe for Dogs and Cats
Plants and Pets Can Coexist
If you’re a plant lover and a pet parent, you’ve probably Googled "Is this safe for my dog?" more times than you'd like to admit. The good news is there are plenty of indoor plants that are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. You don’t have to choose between lush greenery and your pet’s safety.
Here are 10 of our favorite pet-safe houseplants that grow well in Long Beach’s coastal climate.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why we love it: Air-purifying, fast-growing, and super adaptable
Light: Bright, indirect light, but it also handles low light well
2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Why we love it: Brings tropical vibes without the toxicity
Light: Bright, filtered light near a window with sheer curtains
3. Calathea (Lancifolia, makoyana, ornata)
Why we love it: Gorgeous leaves with unique patterns
Light: Low to medium indirect light
Care tip: Enjoys humidity, so bathrooms are a great fit
4. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Why we love it: Small, colorful flowers with fuzzy leaves
Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
5. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Why we love it: A classic, low-maintenance palm that is safe for pets
Light: Low to moderate indirect light
6. Peperomia (varieties like obtusifolia and watermelon)
Why we love it: Compact and quirky with fun textures
Light: Bright, indirect light
7. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Why we love it: Bold leaf patterns that fold up at night
Light: Low to medium indirect light
Care tip: Use filtered water to avoid crispy leaf tips
8. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Why we love it: Looks like a rubber plant but isn’t toxic
Light: Bright, indirect light
9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Why we love it: Feathery texture and a lush look
Light: Bright, indirect or filtered light
Humidity: Loves high humidity, so bathrooms or misting help
10. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
Why we love it: Soft leaves and easy propagation
Light: Medium indirect light
Fun fact: Great for propagation
Know What to Avoid
Some popular houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs. Even small bites can lead to upset stomachs or worse.
Avoid these toxic plants:
Pothos
Snake Plant
Peace Lily
Philodendron
ZZ Plant
Sago Palm
Want Help Picking Pet-Friendly Plants?
At St Clair Plant Care, we specialize in plants that fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re decorating a pet-friendly apartment, staging a listing, or designing a dog-friendly office space, we’ll help you select greenery that’s both safe and stunning.
Serving: Long Beach, South Bay, and Greater LA
Services: In-home plant care, plant leasing, repotting, and staging
Contact us to learn more