Toxic and Non-toxic Houseplants for Pets - a Full Guide

There are a few chemicals found in plants that are the reason the plant would be considered toxic or poisonous to pets:

• Insoluble oxalates which are needle like crystals that release into the tissues around them when chewed or crushed.

• Cardiac glycosides which interfere with the electrolyte balance in the heart muscles .

• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids which has been studied on livestock for outdoor pets and cause liver damage, also found on the ASPCA site here about groundsel .

But don’t worry! There are plenty of stunning houseplants including tropicals and rare species you can buy, and they’re pet-friendly. Click here to see which pet-friendly houseplants we have in stock .

Looking for a quick guide to poisonous and non-poisonous houseplants for pets, you’re in luck. If the plant is marked with a yes that means it is toxic to that animal, and if it is marked no it is likely non-toxic according to the trusted websites above and listed below.

Curious to learn more about each plant and whether they’re pet-friendly or poisonous? Keep reading as we break it down by genus!

Aglaonema, also known as Chinese Evergreen, is toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and even horses , if you plant them outside. Much like other plants in the Aracaea family, the insoluble calcium oxalates found in the Chinese Evergreen activate when the animal chews the plant and according to the pet poison hotline , on very rare occasions it can cause a swelling of the upper airway making it difficult for the animal to breathe.

Try instead: Musa (Banana Plant) – If you’re after lush, tropical foliage, the Musa plant delivers in a big way. It’s pet-safe, fast-growing, and brings those jungle vibes without the drama.

Alocasia, also known as Elephant Ear, are toxic to pets, they contain the same insoluble calcium oxalates as other ornamental houseplants and according to the national poison hotline can cause mouth pain, nausea, diarrhea, and other ailments when chewed or eaten. This house plant can grow up to 12 feet, making it tempting to place on the floor as it grows, but that also makes it accessible to pets.

Try instead: Maranta or Calathea, as they have bold, tropical leaves and are safe for pets.

Anthurium, also known as the Flamingo Flower, is not safe for your pets. The large leaves make it a showstopping addition to a plant collection, but you’ll want to keep it out of reach for cats and dogs. If you have your heart set on this genus, use it for an office plant as it needs bright but indirect light and only needs water when the top 1 - 2” of soil is dry.

Try instead: A Stromanthe ‘Triostar’ brings serious color with shades of pink, cream, and green on each leaf, plus a deep magenta underside that gives it that pop you’d expect from a flowering plant.

Calathea, also known as the prayer plant, is not considered toxic or poisonous to pets, including dogs, cats, and bunnies. The striking variegated patterns and multiple shapes of leaves from hearts to ovals, and even the rattlesnake plant (don’t let the name fool you, it's non-toxic for pets too) are a perfect addition to your living space, or a showstopper to your collection.

Epipremnum, also known as Pothos and Devil’s Ivy, is toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and rabbits. People flock to them as they’re fast-growing and low-maintenance which makes them ideal to hang in baskets by a window indoors, but you don’t want to place them anywhere a cat can leap, or a pet has access.

Try instead: Hoya, as there are many species that are safe, grow well in hanging pots, and some even bloom.

Most true ferns are safe for pets like dogs, cats, and rabbits. Some ferns, like the Asparagus Fern are toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals, so before you buy one, click to the product page and look to see if it is pet friendly! You can also contact your veterinarian and ask them.

A few types of Ferns that are safe for dogs, cats, and other pets include the Crocodile Fern, the Autumn Fern, and the Rabbit's Foot Fern. Each of which is often available here at BWH Plant Co!

Also known as the fig tree, these ornate houseplants can grow to look like miniature trees indoors and are known for their dark green, rubbery leaves and stunning coloring. Unfortunately, they are also toxic to pets , including the plant itself and its sap.

Try instead: Stromanthe or Calathea for a bold, leafy look without the risks.

Hoya plants are widely popular, and they’re pet-friendly for dogs, cats, and bunnies! They love to climb, trail, and some species bloom stunning, star-shaped flowers. You and your pets will enjoy the sweet fragrance of the blooms and the lovely variegation that adds pops of color to plant collections and homes.

Marantas are pet-friendly and are the perfect addition to plant collections, for adding intrigue to an office space, or filling a room with the feeling of life. Known for their striking variegation, they can grow between 12 and 18 inches wide, making them ideal for countertops, coffee tables, desks, and anywhere else you want to add a plant to an elevated surface. Make sure to check out the red or lemon lime prayer plant species!

Monstera plants are toxic to pets , so keep them away from furry friends. They’re an iconic plant in the tropical world, but not ideal for homes with pets.

Try instead: Calatheas may have no fenestration, but their stunning leaves are pet-approved.

Musa, also known as a banana tree, is safe for cats, dogs, and other household pets! They can come with stunning variegation like the Florida ‘Bronana’, which is an exclusive to BWH, and others have lush green leaves and look super tropical, like the Poquito, making it one of the few truly tropical-looking plants that are pet-friendly.

Peperomia, also known as the radiator plant, is safe for pets like cats, dogs, and rabbits. Varieties like the String of Turtles can come in hanging baskets, and the playful Argyreia ‘Watermelon’ has bold variegation that makes each leaf look like its namesake. They’re easy to care for and can come in green, gold, and silver variegation - they’re perfect for plant collectors and first-time plant parents that also have pets.

Philodendrons are also toxic to pets due to the insoluble oxalates . They’re best known for their heart-shaped leaves, but make sure to keep your Philodendron away from all of your pets, including mammals and reptiles, as well as any children who may want to take a bite.

Try instead: Hoya 'Krimson Queen' or Calathea since they have similar wide leaves without the toxicity.

Sansevieria, also known as the snake plant, is toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets, even though it is a very common houseplant. If you do have Sansevieria in your home, keep it out of reach of pets and children.

Try instead: Look for Hoyas with longer, firm leaves; they have a different look, but are still sculptural.

Scindapsus, also known as satin or silver Pothos, is considered toxic to pets. The variegated, heart-shaped, leaves make them appealing to plant parents, but they aren’t completely safe.

Try instead: Calathea or Hoya again for that trailing look, safely.

Stromanthe plants are pet-friendly, so you can love both your pet and plant family while living happily together! The wide, lush, and richly colored leaves give height and flair to plant collections. Even better, they’re moderately easy to care for, so if you’re just moving up from a beginner plant parent, this is your next step.

Tradescantia is toxic to dogs, cats, and bunnies, so this is one gorgeous little purple, green, and silvery plant you’ll want to pass on if you are a pet parent.

Try instead: Calathea or Hoya for bold patterns and colors.

Zamioculcas is toxic to pets like dogs, cats, and rabbits, so if your furbabies like to chew leaves, you won’t want to have this plant accessible to them.

Try instead: A true fern for that upright, sculptural look with no risk.

Having a house full of plants and a crew of pets isn’t just possible—it’s easy once you know what to look for. At BWH, we call out pet-friendliness on each product page so you can shop confidently.

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