10 Trendy Houseplants That are Safe for Pets, According to Experts

Gorgeous greenery is an easy way to add clean air, jungle vibes, and fresh decor to the home. But as the houseplants begin to accumulate on tabletops, walls, windowsills, and more, there’s a big question to consider: Are your trendy houseplants safe for pets?

“There are some common houseplants that are toxic to furry friends, especially if ingested, as they can cause skin irritation, digestive issues, and more,” says Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising and resident plant dad for 1-800-Flowers.com. “So, we do encourage pet parents to do their research and consult with their veterinarians—as they will also know if pets have any allergies that may make them sensitive to plants listed as non-toxic.”

For more information on how plants may affect animals, check out the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ comprehensive library, where you can look up whether specific plants are toxic to your pet. While ingesting any plant material has the potential to cause vomiting in cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA, the following popular houseplants are not expected to be life-threatening.

Native to the tropics, this trendy houseplant was named the 1-800-Flowers.com 2021 Plant of the Year. “When cared for properly, the Red Maranta Prayer Plant can have some of the most striking leaves, with its distinct herringbone pattern and hints of red,” says Palomares. “Aside from adding style and natural beauty to one’s home, this plant does have calming and air-purifying benefits as well.”

Related: The Best Plants for Every Room of the House

Succulents have gained immense popularity for their ease of care and intriguing shapes. “They are a fun option to add to one’s space, can survive in a wide range of temperatures (40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit), and only need water about twice a month,” says Palomares.

Related: 11 Creatively Stylish Ways to Display Succulents

Unique, petite and incredibly low maintenance, air plants are effortlessly chic in the home. They thrive outside of soil, and do best living in a terrarium. They can be hung from unique places in the home for added intrigue. Don’t forget about them though! They’re “susceptible to dehydration, so be sure to submerge the plant in water for two to three hours every two weeks,” says Palomares.

“This lush plant stands tall with its feather-like fronds and requires little maintenance,” says Palomares. The trendy houseplant that’s safe for pets thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and enjoys weekly waterings.

This easy-to-care for fern will add dimension to small spaces. “It thrives best in bright, indirect light and while it prefers to be kept moist at all times, it can handle drier conditions. It is recommended to lightly mist the plant one to two times per week,” says Palomares.

“There are many different varieties of this unique and exotic plant, but the phalaenopsis orchid is pet-friendly, easy to care for, and has colorful, large petals,” says Palomares. This elegant orchid produces vibrant shades of purple, white, and blue.

Related: 5 (Nearly) Kill-Proof Houseplants

“This on-trend green plant is nicknamed the ‘UFO Plant’ for its saucer-shaped, bright green leaves,” says Palomares. It’s an ideal addition to any spot in the home that could use some sprucing up, like the home office!

Also called the “Good Luck Tree,” this trendy houseplant is popular among feng shui enthusiasts for attracting good fortune and prosperity. “It features glossy green leaves and a braided trunk, which adds texture to any plant collection,” says Palomares.

“This North American native with its grayish-green leaves that creates a feathery mane, grows best in a shaded, humid environment and needs to remain moist,” says Palomares. Be sure to provide daily misting and regular waterings for a healthy houseplant.

Named for its long, thin foliage that dangles down from the mother plant like spiders on a web, the spider plant is a low maintenance, unique addition to the home. It can grow in a wide range of conditions, while removing formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air.