Best plants

Non-toxic houseplants for new pet owners

Beginner-friendly houseplants with generally safe cat and dog verdicts.

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Pick 1

Dwarf Date Palm

Phoenix acaulis

Amazon

The Dwarf Date Palm is a slow-growing, stemless palm species native to the grasslands of India. It is widely appreciated for its compact, architectural foliage that mimics the appearance of larger date palms in a miniature form.

Generally safeGenerally safe

Safety verdicts verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Pick 2

Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum

Amazon

The spider plant is a popular, easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its arching, grass-like foliage and trailing plantlets. It is widely considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of fibrous material may occasionally cause mild digestive upset.

Generally safeGenerally safe

Safety verdicts verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Pick 3

Bichetii Grass

Chlorophytum bichetti

Amazon

Bichetii Grass is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant known for its arching, variegated foliage that resembles a miniature spider plant. It is widely considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

Generally safeGenerally safe

Safety verdicts verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Pick 4

Cast Iron Plant

Aspidistra elatior

Amazon

The Cast Iron Plant is a hardy, shade-tolerant houseplant known for its deep green, leathery foliage and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. It is widely considered a pet-safe choice for households with cats and dogs.

Generally safeGenerally safe

Safety verdicts verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Pick 5

Clearweed

Pilea pumila

Amazon

Clearweed is a tender, herbaceous annual plant often found in moist, shaded environments. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

Generally safeGenerally safe

Safety verdicts verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Pick 6

Echeveria

Echeveria elegans

Amazon

Echeveria is a popular, rosette-forming succulent known for its fleshy, architectural leaves and ease of care. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

Generally safeGenerally safe

Safety verdicts verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Pick 7

Emerald Ripple Peperomia

Peperomia caperata

Amazon

The Emerald Ripple Peperomia is a popular, compact houseplant known for its deeply textured, heart-shaped leaves and ease of care. It is considered non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with cats and dogs.

Generally safeGenerally safe

Safety verdicts verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Pick 8

Lady Palm

Rhapis excelsa

Amazon

The Lady Palm is a popular, slow-growing indoor palm known for its fan-shaped fronds and adaptability to low-light environments. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of any plant material can occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.

Generally safeGenerally safe

Safety verdicts verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Pick 9

Zebra Plant

Haworthia fasciata

Amazon

The Zebra Plant is a popular, low-maintenance succulent known for its striking white horizontal stripes on dark green, fleshy leaves. It is considered non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with cats and dogs.

Generally safeGenerally safe

Safety verdicts verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Pick 10

American Linden

Tilia americana

Amazon

The American Linden is a large, deciduous shade tree known for its fragrant flowers and heart-shaped leaves. It is considered safe for pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

Generally safeGenerally safe

Safety verdicts verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Pick 11

Amur Maple

Acer ginnala

Amazon

The Amur Maple is a hardy, deciduous shrub or small tree known for its vibrant autumn foliage and fragrant spring flowers. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause mild digestive discomfort.

Generally safeGenerally safe

Safety verdicts verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Pick 12

Aregelia

Neoregelia spp.

Amazon

Neoregelia are popular bromeliads known for their vibrant, colorful foliage and water-holding central cups. They are generally considered safe for households with pets, though their fibrous leaves may cause minor digestive irritation if consumed in large quantities.

Generally safeGenerally safe

Safety verdicts verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Comparison table

PlantLightCareSizeHabitCatsDogs
Dwarf Date PalmBright indirect lightLowSmallStemless rosetteGenerally safeGenerally safe
Spider PlantBright indirect lightLowSmall to mediumClumping with trailing stolonsGenerally safeGenerally safe
Bichetii GrassBright indirect lightEasySmallClumpingGenerally safeGenerally safe
Cast Iron PlantLow to medium indirect lightLow2 to 3 feet tallClumpingGenerally safeGenerally safe
ClearweedPartial shade to full shadeLowSmall (up to 24 inches)Herbaceous annualGenerally safeGenerally safe
EcheveriaBright direct lightLowSmallRosetteGenerally safeGenerally safe
Emerald Ripple PeperomiaBright indirect lightLowSmallCompact, moundingGenerally safeGenerally safe
Lady PalmLow to bright indirect lightLowMedium to largeClumpingGenerally safeGenerally safe
Zebra PlantBright indirect lightLowSmall (under 8 inches)Clumping rosetteGenerally safeGenerally safe
American LindenFull sun to partial shadeLowLarge (50-80 feet)Upright, spreading treeGenerally safeGenerally safe
Amur MapleFull sun to partial shadeLow15-20 feet tallShrub or small treeGenerally safeGenerally safe
AregeliaBright indirect lightLowSmall to mediumRosette-formingGenerally safeGenerally safe