Brighten your home with non-toxic indoor plants that keep your dogs safe and your space lively!
Creating a safe green space for our furry companions involves choosing houseplants wisely. Dogs, curious by nature, may nibble on plants, making it essential to select non-toxic varieties.
While many popular houseplants can pose risks to dogs if ingested, leading to a range of mild to severe health issues, many beautiful plants are completely safe for dogs. These non-toxic options allow pet owners to enjoy the benefits of indoor greenery—such as improved air quality, enhanced aesthetics, and the psychological benefits of caring for plants—without worrying about potential hazards to their pets.
When adding new plants to your home, always double-check their safety for dogs. Common names can sometimes refer to multiple plant species, and not all variants are safe.
It’s important to remember, however, that “non-toxic” doesn’t mean “edible.” Some pets may still have a mild reaction, such as gastrointestinal upset, from chewing on plant material, so it’s always best to discourage this behavior.
Saintpaulia ionantha, more commonly known as the African violet, is a captivating houseplant prized for its lush, velvety leaves and vibrant, petite flowers that can bloom throughout the year. Its rosette form, combined with its adaptability to indoor conditions, has made it a beloved choice for plant enthusiasts and novices alike.
Peperomia obtusifolia, known as Baby Rubber Plant, thrives indoors and outdoors with its glossy, round leaves enhancing any space. It loves indirect light, moderate watering, and shaded outdoor spots. Celebrated for low maintenance and air-purifying traits, it effortlessly uplifts living areas and offices with a green, tropical vibe.
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a popular, easy-to-grow houseplant native to tropical and southern Africa. It is known for its attractive, long, arching leaves with a central green stripe and white or yellowish margins. Prefers bright, indirect light when grown indoors but can tolerate low light.
Dypsis lutescens, commonly known as the Areca Palm, is a popular indoor palm celebrated for its lush, feathery fronds and air-purifying qualities. Native to Madagascar, it thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, making it a favored choice for adding a tropical touch to home and office spaces. It prefers a warm, humid climate, not tolerating cold temperatures well. Minimum Temperature: 32°F (0°C). This palm needs consistent moisture and has a fair salt tolerance.
Hypoestes Phyllostachya, commonly called the Polka Dot Plant, is a beloved plant for indoor and outdoor settings. Its foliage is adorned with charming tiny spots in contrasting colors, providing a captivating display. With shades of pink, white, and red, it thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity levels, bringing vibrancy and playfulness to any space.
Chamaedorea elegans, known as the Parlor Palm, is a popular indoor plant cherished for its elegant, arching green fronds. Thriving in low-light conditions, it’s ideal for adding a touch of tropical beauty to homes and offices. This low-maintenance palm prefers consistent moisture and benefits from occasional misting, enhancing indoor air quality.
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is a beloved and elegant evergreen perennial that can be grown as an annual. It features dark green lobed leaves and stunning single or semi-double daisy-like flowers, reaching up to 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) in diameter. Blooming throughout the year, with peaks in early summer and late fall, the flowers come in various colors and are highly sought after for cut flower arrangements or as potted plants.
Nephrolepis biserrata, or Giant Sword Fern, is an impressive, evergreen fern known for its long, arching fronds that can soar up to 8 feet, forming dense mounds. It creates a striking tropical ambiance, spreading via horizontal stolons. Native to diverse regions from Florida to Southeast Asia, this fern thrives in moist environments like hammocks and swamps. Hardy in zones 10-11, it’s ideal for large groundcover, natural landscapes, and habitat restoration projects. Due to its height, it’s best positioned at the back of a garden for optimal display.
Nephrolepis exaltata, widely known as the Boston Fern, is favored for its lush, feathery fronds, which add a touch of green elegance to any space. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also adapt to lower light conditions. Perfect for hanging baskets or tabletop plants, where its gracefully arching fronds can be fully appreciated, it is also an excellent groundcover or border plant in shady gardens.
Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytail Palm), an award-winning evergreen, features a unique, bulbous trunk and a dense rosette of long, curving green leaves, resembling an elephant’s foot. Its swollen base stores water, allowing drought tolerance. With age, it may develop multiple trunks and sparse branches, occasionally producing panicles of small white flowers, adding a dramatic flair to any landscape.
Sedum morganianum, commonly known as Burro’s Tail or Donkey Tail, is a striking succulent prized for its cascading stems densely packed with fleshy, blue-green leaves. Ideal for hanging baskets, it thrives in bright, indirect light and minimal water, making it a low-maintenance choice for adding lush, trailing beauty to any space.
Aspidistra elatior, known as the Cast Iron Plant, is celebrated for its robustness and ability to thrive in low light and neglect. Its lush, dark green leaves provide a striking, minimalist aesthetic, making it a favored indoor plant. It’s cold-hardy, air-purifying, and non-toxic to pets, embodying resilience and simplicity.
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) is a resilient evergreen fern with dark green, holly-like fronds and silvery spring fiddleheads. It offers year-round interest in shaded gardens, serving as ground cover or alongside other shade plants. Adaptable and low-maintenance, this fern, native to Eastern North America, thrives in a range of soils.
The Adonidia merrillii, known as the Christmas Palm, is a tropical, single-trunked tree famous for its sleek appearance and bright red fruits. Its compact size and striking appearance make it a favorite for both residential and commercial landscapes. Whether planted in the ground or containers, this palm adds a tropical flair to any setting. The bright red fruits add a festive touch, particularly around the holiday season. Prefers warm, humid climates and is not frost-tolerant. Minimum Temperature: 30°F (-1°C). Tolerates some salt and short periods of drought.
Platycerium bifurcatum, commonly known as the Staghorn Fern, is an epiphytic plant (growing on trees) with distinctive, antler-like fronds. Native to tropical regions, it thrives in humid, shaded environments. This fern is often mounted on wooden boards or grown in hanging baskets, making a dramatic, sculptural addition to indoor and outdoor spaces. Prefers medium to bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
Peperomia caperata, known for its unique rippled foliage, is a visually striking houseplant that thrives in low-light conditions, making it perfect for indoor environments. Its compact size and minimal care requirements, coupled with non-toxicity to pets, make it an ideal choice for adding a touch of nature to any space.
Rhapis excelsa, known as Lady Palm, is a refined, shade-loving palm with broad, fan-shaped, glossy leaves. Thriving in bright, indirect light, it’s perfect for indoor spaces or warm outdoor gardens. Its elegant stature and air-purifying qualities make it a favored choice among gardeners. Slow-growing and ridiculously easy to grow, Lady Palm can withstand temperatures down to 18ºF (-7ºC).
Howea forsteriana, known as the Kentia Palm, is a slow-growing evergreen palm celebrated for its elegant, arching fronds and ease of care. Thriving in bright, indirect light but tolerating low-light conditions, it’s an air-purifying choice that adds a touch of the tropics to any space.
Haworthiopsis fasciata, also known as the Zebra Plant, is a succulent with striking dark green leaves adorned with white horizontal stripes. This low-growing plant prefers bright, indirect light and minimal water, thriving in well-draining soil. It’s an ideal choice for small spaces, adding texture and contrast to any indoor garden.
Hoya carnosa, known for its lush, waxy foliage and clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers, is a popular houseplant that thrives in bright, indirect light. Easy to care for, it’s a climber that makes a stunning addition to indoor spaces, with some varieties featuring lovely variegated leaves.
The Ravenea rivularis, or Majesty Palm, is a tall, elegant palm native to Madagascar. It features large, feathery fronds and a robust trunk. Ideal for indoor and outdoor landscaping, it enhances spaces with its tropical appearance and air-purifying qualities. Thriving in warm, humid climates, it prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture and has no salt tolerance. Minimum Temperature: 30°F (-1°C).
Pachira aquatica, or Money Tree, is a popular tropical plant known for its unique braided trunk and lush, green, palmately compound leaves. Native to Central and South America’s wetlands, it’s cherished as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Its adaptability as both an indoor and outdoor plant and its non-toxic nature make it a desirable addition to many homes and gardens.
Peperomia argyreia, known as Watermelon Peperomia, charms with its striking resemblance to watermelon rind through its round, glossy leaves marked with silver and dark green stripes. Thriving in bright, indirect light and requiring minimal care, it’s perfect for adding a splash of nature to any indoor setting.
Hoya pubicalyx, with its glossy, speckled leaves and robust vining habit, is a captivating houseplant. Native to the Philippines, it thrives in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity, rewarding gardeners with clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. Easy to care for, it’s perfect for those looking to add a tropical flair to their indoor spaces.
Peperomia prostrata, known as String of Turtles, is celebrated for its charming, turtle-shell patterned leaves and trailing growth. Thriving in bright, indirect light and requiring moderate watering, it’s perfect for hanging baskets or as a tabletop display, adding a touch of whimsy and nature to any indoor setting.
Calathea, known for its striking, patterned foliage, thrives in warm, humid conditions, making it an ideal houseplant. Its leaves, which move in response to light changes, and its air-purifying qualities, enhance indoor environments, while its non-toxic nature makes it safe for homes with pets and children.
Impatiens are valued for their shade tolerance and continuous bloom throughout the growing season. They are native to various regions worldwide, including Asia, Africa, and North America. Impatiens are relatively low-maintenance, making them a popular choice for adding color to gardens and landscapes in shady spots.
Hailing from Mexico and Central America, Echeverias are renowned for their exquisite beauty among succulent enthusiasts. These evergreen plants form alluring rosettes of succulent leaves, often resembling roses, waterlilies, or lettuce. With numerous species and cultivars, they present a diverse range of colors, sizes, and leaf shapes.
Phalaenopsis, commonly known as Moth Orchids, are popular and widely cultivated orchids with elegant, arching sprays of flowers. With a range of colors and patterns, they are prized for their long-lasting blooms and ease of care. Moth Orchids are ideal for indoor cultivation and make stunning additions to any home or office. They thrive in bright, indirect light but can manage in low light. However, limited light might restrict their ability to bloom.
If you suspect your dog has ingested parts of a toxic plant, take immediate action:
Stay Calm: Keep calm to assess the situation better and take appropriate steps.
Identify the Plant: Try to identify the plant ingested. Knowing the specific plant can help veterinarians provide targeted care.
Check for Symptoms: Look for signs of poisoning in your dog, such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, or more severe symptoms like seizures.
Contact Your Veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline: Call your vet immediately or contact a pet poison control center (like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 in the U.S.) for advice. Be ready to provide information about the plant and symptoms observed.
Follow Professional Advice: You may be instructed to bring your dog to the vet immediately. If so, bring a sample of the plant, if possible, to help with diagnosis and treatment.
Do Not Induce Vomiting Unless Instructed: Only induce vomiting if specifically instructed by a professional, as it can sometimes cause more harm.
Prompt action and professional veterinary care are crucial in managing potential poisoning cases effectively.
Bright-light indoor plants excel in sun-drenched environments, showcasing vibrant foliage and robust growth. Ideal for areas receiving ample sunlight, these plants not only enhance indoor aesthetics with their dynamic presence but also contribute to a healthier living space, making them essential additions to any sun-filled room or office.
Bathrooms, with their unique humidity and light conditions, offer an ideal environment for certain indoor plants. Species that thrive here often require moisture and can adapt to lower light levels, making them perfect for transforming your bathroom into a refreshing, green oasis filled with ferns, pothos, and moisture-loving orchids.
Low-light indoor plants are ideal for spaces with limited natural sunlight, such as north-facing rooms or shaded corners. While thriving under minimal light conditions, these houseplants still offer air-purifying benefits and visual appeal with their lush foliage, Most require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for busy or forgetful plant owners.
Philodendrons are ideal for indoor cultivation, offering a vast array of varieties from the heart-shaped Philodendron hederaceum to the stunning Philodendron gloriosum. These easy-care plants thrive in indirect light, purify the air, and add lush, tropical vibes to any room, making them perfect houseplants for green enthusiasts.
Selecting the best indoor plants based on light levels enriches your space. For low light, try ZZ Plants or Snake Plants. Medium light is perfect for Peace Lilies and Monsteras. Bright light enthusiasts will love Aloe Vera and Cacti. Each plant thrives in its ideal lighting, bringing vitality and beauty indoors.
Tropical flowers, celebrated for their vivid colors and unique shapes, thrive in warm, humid climates. Examples like hibiscus, orchids, and bird of paradise embody the lushness of the tropics. These flowers, often fragrant, attract pollinators and admirers alike, adding exotic beauty to gardens, pots and floral arrangements worldwide.
Ideal for container gardening, select shrubs like compact evergreens, dwarf flowering varieties, and hardy herbs offer year-round appeal and versatility. Adaptable to limited space, these shrubs provide a lush, vibrant display on patios, balconies, and terraces, enhancing outdoor living areas with minimal maintenance and maximum beauty.
Common houseplant pests include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies, fungus gnats, scale insects, and thrips, each posing unique challenges to indoor plants. These pests can cause yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting, demanding prompt identification and treatment to protect the health and beauty of your indoor garden.
Many common houseplants, such as Sago Palm, Lilies, Dieffenbachia, and Monstera Deliciosa, pose risks to cats, causing symptoms from mild irritation to severe health complications. It’s essential for cat owners to research and select pet-safe plants, using these examples as a guide to protect their feline friends.
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!