15 Gorgeous indoor plants that are not toxic to cats and dogs (and other pets)
Explore our curated list of best indoor plants not toxic to cats grown in our Brooklyn community home. Discover the care and maintenance tips, along with how to keep them safe along with your pets.
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Houseplants are meant to provide you with peace, love and serenity, not anxiety. Especially if you have cats or dogs in your space and you’re afraid what harm eating plants may cause to them. According to a study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, many common houseplants can be toxic to pets, causing everything from mild irritation to severe health issues. Over the years of living in our Brooklyn community home, with our quirky mix of two cats and thriving foliage, we’ve navigated the delicate balance of creating a pet-safe indoor garden. We started off with a common knowledge of no to lilies, to then taking more strategic approaches of trailing plants that are only mildly toxic, and then making sure the top floor of our house is locked out of the cats so we can still enjoy all sorts of plants and also keep our cats safe from them.
In this article, we’ll guide you through:
Let’s dive in.
Summary:
- Assess light conditions and choose plants that match. Start with durable, hardy varieties. (Refer our list of low light houseplants, or easy care houseplants for more info)
- Master watering techniques: use moisture meters to avoid overwatering.
- Use the right soil and pots, and well-draining mixes and containers with drainage holes to avoid root rot.
- Choosing planters and plant groupings are essential to maintain harmony with your living space.
- Feed plants sparingly – check regularly for pests to keep them healthy and thriving.
Snapshot of our Top 5 picks
1. Hoya plant
2. Parlor palm
3. olive tree
4. Spider plant
5. Calathea Plant
How to choose indoor plants that are not toxic to cats and dogs?
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
Prioritize Texture Over Color:
Pets – especially cats and dogs – may be less inclined to chew on plants with rough or spiky textures. Our cat hates fiddle leaf figs and rubber plants. Opt for plants like Cast Iron Plants or Ponytail Palms, which are not only safe but less appealing for pets to nibble on. On the other hand, plants like pothos are very alluring for cats to nibble on and can be dangerous if consumed.
Understand Your Pets’ Behaviors:
Observe whether your pets have a tendency to chew or dig in your houseplants. And then choose plants accordingly. If your pet is particularly into munching on the plants, you should stay away from plants that are mildly toxic as well, as chewing even mildly toxic plants can cause digestive and kidney issues. But if they are not into munching, then perhaps staying away from extremely toxic plants like lilies, and mounting the others that are mildly toxic or hanging them would be find.
Verify Plant Care Needs
Ensure the plants you choose do not require the use of harmful chemicals for their maintenance. Plants like Spider Plants and African Violets are not only non-toxic but also thrive without the need for strong pesticides or fertilizers. In general, the plants we buy and recommend do not require chemicals and in our house we don’t bring them at all. But if you are inclined to using chemicals on the plants especially when there is a pest infestation, keep them out of their reach for a while and then wash them and bring them in.
Seek Out Low Allergen Plants
When choosing low-allergen plants, consider: Areca Palm and Bamboo Palm that produce minimal pollen. Spider Plants are also excellent for pets as they don’t release airborne irritants. Regularly wipe plant leaves to minimize dust and potential allergens which also enhances the ability for the plants to purify air. Opt for plants that grow in low light to further reduce the risk of allergies exacerbated by direct sunlight – we have a whole list of low light plants for you in a different article.
Always Check the ASPCA Database
Finally, before making any plant purchase, reference the ASPCA’s extensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants. It is absolutely essential to verify any information you see online with respect to pet safety with these sources because one misinformation may lead you to that anxiety filled trip to the vet, which we don’t want 🙂
Here are our 15 indoor plants not toxic to cats and dogs
1. Boston fern
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 3 feet
North facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 3 feet
North facing windows
The Boston Fern (aka Nephrolepis exaltata): part of the Nephrolepidaceae family, this plant has lush, arching fronds with feather-like leaflets. We have placed ours in one of our North-facing room. This one thrive in low to medium light and prefer high humidity – so a bit more demanding, but worth it for their aesthetic appeal. These could also work great in bathroom as hanging plants!
This indoor plant is not toxic to cats and dogs, and their vibrant green foliage can grow up to 2-3 feet long. Keep the soil consistently moist and mist regularly to maintain its lush appearance. We recommend styling them in hanging baskets.
Care tip: Place it in indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, watering when the top inch feels dry. Mist regularly to maintain high humidity. When fronds turning yellow, it indicates low humidity or under-watering.
Propagation tip: Divide a healthy plant into sections which has fronds and roots. Plant them in well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place in bright, indirect light. Roots should establish in 4-6 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes sincerity and shelter. Ideal for Pisces known for their nurturing and empathetic nature
Pros and cons
($58)
($50)
($31)
$24
“Beautiful, lush plant that adds a lot of greenery to my home. Needs regular watering”
2. Spider plant
Pet safe
Low/medium light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/west windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 3 feet
East/west facing windows
The Spider Plant (aka Chlorophytum comosum): This plant is a member of the Asparagaceae family. It is super slender, has arching leaves, and boasts a bursting green with a distinctive creamy white stripe running down the center. This one doesn’t just sit pretty—its cascading foliage can look stunning in hanging baskets or even in high shelves where you don’t get much sunlight. We have placed our Spider Plant in the east-facing reading room, where it benefits from a lot of indirect light. This spot makes its bushy, grass-like leaves a cozy focal point in the r6om. It’s extremely easy to care for, btw. They love to be neglected.
This indoor plant is not toxic to cats and dogs and humans. Occasionally, the Spider Plant produces small white flowers and spawns mini “spiderettes” that can be propagated easily. At its full length it comes upto about 2 feet which is a great balance between small and large floor plants. Personally, we’ve styled it in a maroon ceramic pot that complements both the plant and the decor of our rustic reading room
Care tip: Water weekly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Place in bright, indirect light and avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Browning leaf tips can indicate fluoride sensitivity – try using distilled or rainwater.
Propagation tip: Place a spiderette in a glass jar filled with room temperature distilled water. Only roots are submerged, not the leaves. Place the jar in bright, indirect light and change the water every week or so to prevent stagnation. Roots should start to appear within a week or two. Once they are 2-3 inches long, transfer to soil.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Spider Plant symbolizes abundance, and purity, and good luck because of its prolific nature in producing offshoots. Perfectly suited for Virgo’s who are known for their attention to health and cleanliness, and are most apt to care for this plant.
Pros and cons
($43)
($69)
($37)
$15
“This plant is very forgiving and easy to propagate. Great for plant beginners”
3. Areca palm
Pet safe
Low/medium light
Grows upto 10 feet
East/west facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 10 feet
East/west facing windows
The Areca Palm (aka Dypsis lutescens): This plant part of the Arecaceae family, has arching fronds that are a striking feature of plants from the tropical climates. Their lush, light green leaves bring a soft, airy feel to your space. We’ve placed our Areca Palm in the west-facing living room on the first floor where the bright, indirect light bathes its fronds, and where our furry animals roam around as this indoor plant is not toxic to cats and dogs.
At the moment, it is styled in a large, white ceramic planter to go with its lush fronds. This tree is moderately easy to care for — needs regular watering to keep the soil lightly moist . But also needs occasional misting to replicate its native humid environment. it’s worth watching for spider mites or mealybugs. When it matures, this palm can reach up to 6-7 feet, making a bold and dramatic vertical statement.
Care tip: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry — usually every 1-2 weeks. Drooping leaves signal overwatering or insufficient light. Consider misting it occasionally or placing a humidifier nearby to mimic its tropical origins.
Propagation tip: Separate one of the offshoots with its own roots and plant into potting soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and place it in bright, indirect light. Root development for the new plant can take several weeks, unfortunately.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Areca Palm symbolizes peace and prosperity – apt for Libra’s appreciation for harmony and beauty in their environment.
Pros and cons
($43)
($98)
($49)
$41
“Easy to care for and looks tropical and fantastic. It’s a great addition to my home office”
4. Peperomia
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/North facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 3 feet
East/North facing windows
The Peperomia (aka Peperomia spp.), part of the Piperaceae family, is a charming low light houseplant plant that has thick, glossy leaves that come in various shapes and patterns: from heart-shaped to rippled, and colors ranging from deep green to variegated silver and red. We have placed it in our east-facing reading room where it thrives in indirect light.
THis indoor plant is not toxic to cats and dogs. Its care level is manageable, needing watering only when the soil feels dry to the touch – typically every 1-2 weeks. This plant reaches about 6-12 inches in height. We’ve styled ours in a sleek ceramic planter that complements its modern appeal.
Care tip: Water your Peperomia every 1-2 weeks. Place it in medium bright, indirect light, such as an east-facing room. Watch for yellowing leaves, which can indicate overwatering
Propagation tip: Cut a healthy leaf with at least one inch of stem and place it in water. Use a jar that allows the stem to be submerged while the leaf stays above water. Roots should start forming in 2-3 weeks. Transfer to well-draining potting soil once roots are 1-2 inches long
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes friendship and positive energy. It is a perfect match for the sociable and caring Libra
Pros and cons
($43)
($58)
($26)
$20
“So easy to maintain. It likes to be neglected sometimes i don’t water for 3 weeks and its fine!”
5. Calathea (Peacock plant)
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/North facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 3 feet
East/North facing windows
The Peacock Plant (aka Calathea makoyana) is from the Marantaceae family. This low light houseplant is a true eye-catcher, especially the one which has purple leaves. Each leaf looks like a piece of art, a blend of green, white, and purple patterns that resemble a peacock’s feathers. This plant thrives in low to medium, indirect light, making it perfect for our east-facing room where it enjoys gentle morning sunlight. We have placed our Peacock Plant in a beautiful ceramic planter that highlights its vibrant leaves.
This indoor plant is not toxic to cats and dogs and grows up to 2 feet tall, but it does require high humidity and consistent watering to keep its foliage looking its best. Keep an eye out for drooping leaves, which can indicate it’s thirsty or lacking humidity. This one is our house favorite, sometimes we inadvertently tend to overwater because each of us want this plant to thrive :p.
Care tip: Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually once a week, and maintain high humidity by misting regularly or using a humidifier. Watch for curling or browning leaf edges, which indicate it needs more humidity. Keep it in a warm spot away from drafts and AC and heaters please!
Propagation tip: divide the root clump during repotting, ensuring each division has several leaves and roots. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil and keep them in indirect light with high humidity. New growth should appear within a few weeks. Water propagation is not recommended for this plant!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes renewal and creativity, making it a perfect match for Pisces, who are known for their artistic and nurturing nature.
Pros and cons
($58)
($48)
($32)
$36
“The Calathea is stunning with its vibrant patterns. It does require a bit more humidity but it’s worth it.”
6. Bromeliad
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/North windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 3 feet
East/North facing windows
Care tip: Water your Bromeliad every 1-2 weeks. Central cup should be filled but not stagnant. Place it in indirect light – an east-facing room. Watch for signs of dryness, like browning leaf tips, and ensure good air circulation to prevent rot. Bromeliads thrive on high humidity, so mist occasionally
Propagation tip: Wait until the “pups” (offsets) are at least one-third the size of the parent plant, then carefully cut them off with a sterilized knife. Place the pups in a well-draining mix of half orchid bark and half potting soil. It typically takes 2-3 months for the pups to establish roots. Propagation in water is not recommended for this one!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes resilience and uniqueness, making it a great match for the determined and resourceful Scorpio
Pros and cons
($46)
($78)
($49)
$20
“These vibrant colors in the flowers are like having bouquets all year long!”
7. Ponytail palm
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 6 feet
East/North facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 6 feet
East/North facing windows
The Ponytail Palm (aka Beaucarnea recurvata) is low light indoor tree from the Asparagaceae family. It adds a whimsical touch with its cascading ponytail-like leaves and bulbous trunk that is infact its water reservoir. It requires very minimal care and thrives in low light conditions. This indoor plant is not toxic to cats and dogs, so we’ve placed ours in a cream ceramic planter in the west-facing living room on the second floor where we let the cats roam. The Ponytail Palm grows slowly but can eventually reach impressive heights of up to 6-8 feet indoors.
Care tip: Water sparingly—allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings, as its bulbous stem stores water. Watering every 2 to 3 weeks should suffice, but this may vary depending on your home’s humidity and light. Watch for drooping leaves, which can indicate overwatering or more likely too much direct sunlight.
Propagation tip: Collect seeds from a mature plant and sow them in well-draining soil, lightly covering them. Keep the soil moist and in a warm environment with bright, indirect light. Germination can take several weeks to a few months. Honestly, we recommend buying a new tiny plant instead 🙂
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes resilience and eternal youth due to its ability to store water in its bulbous base. Aquarius, known for embracing uniqueness and resilience, would resonate well with this plant.
Pros and cons
($12)
($58)
($35)
$28
“I forget to water this plant for weeks, and it looks the same!”
8.Orchids
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/West facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 3 feet
East/West facing windows
The Orchid (aka Orchidaceae): This plant is a stunning member of one of the largest flowering plant families, and has vibrant pink blooms, and mysterious deep purples, and every color in between, emitting a curious but delicate fragrance that vary across species. We’ve placed our orchids in one of our east-facing room where they receive the bright, indirect sunlight. Here, they’re styled in sleek glass pots that not only complement the delicate beauty of the orchids but also allow us to monitor the moisture levels of the roots easily. Orchids are more manageable than many believe — they require watering every week or so. This indoor plant is not toxic to cats and dogs (makes for a great cute pictures with cats :)) Their vertical growth can be quite elegant, often reaching up to two feet.
Care tip:Water them once a week. Keep an eye for limp leaves, a sign of too much water or insufficient light. Orchids enjoy humidity, so a bathroom with a window can be ideal spots.
Propagation tip: Remove a keiki (baby plant) with roots, ensuring roots are at least 2 inches long. Plant it in a well-draining orchid mix (ideally), and keep it in bright, indirect light. Roots should establish in a few weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Orchid symbolizes beauty, love, and strength, — apt for Virgos who appreciate detail and elegance in their surroundings.
Pros and cons
($66)
($88)
($49)
$24
“I love the elegant blooms of this orchid. It’s very easy to care for and adds a touch of elegance to my home”
9.Bamboo palm
Pet safe
Low light
Grows 4-12 feet
East/West facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 4-12 feet
East/West facing windows
The Bamboo Palm (aka Chamaedorea seifrizii): This plant, from the Arecaceae family, has graceful, arching fronds and feathery green leaves. Our living room at once feels tropical with this large plant in it! It is currently placed ours in the west-facing living room in second floor where pets are welcome to roam around. Bamboo Palms are also easy to care for. They don’t really have a notable fragrance, but they do occasionally produce small, yellow flowers. We have styled the Bamboo Palm in a tall, cream pot that complements its height. This one is a big plant – it can reach up to 12 feet tall – making it a stunning focal point. Most importantly, this indoor plant is not toxic to cats and dogs!
Care tip: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 1-2 weeks. Soil should drain well to prevent root rot. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip: Remove a clump with 2-3 stems and roots. Plant it in well-draining soil mixed with (ideally) perlite. Keep the soil moist, and place it in bright, indirect light. Roots come in 4-6 weeks!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and resilience. Ideal for Capricorns who appreciate its hardworking and enduring nature
Pros and cons
($43)
($38)
($35
$28
“This plant is a bit finicky but looks stunning when healthy. It’s definitely a statement piece”
10.Money Tree
Pet safe
Low light
Grows 8 feet
North/East/West facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 8 feet
North/East/West facing windows
The Money Tree (aka Pachira aquatica) is a low light indoor tree from the Malvaceae family. Its distinctive braided trunk and lush, green leaves fanning out like a plume, adds a visual punch to any room. But is also famed for bringing good luck and prosperity. We’ve placed ours in the west-facing room on the first floor where our cats roam free. This hardy plant is wonderfully easy to care for, and is not toxic to cats and dogs! It thrives with just moderate watering and can grow up to six to eight feet tall. We’ve chosen a sleek, golden planter that complements its vibrant green leaves – this one no doubt is a house favorite!
Care tip: Aim to water it every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which might indicate overwatering. A standout feature of this plant is its braided trunk that not only adds to its visual appeal but also helps the tree store moisture, making it quite forgiving if you occasionally forget to water
Propagation tip: select a healthy stem and cut a 6-inch piece just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves near the cut to prevent rotting. Place the stem in a glass of water, ensuring no leaves are submerged. Refresh the water weekly and keep the glass in a spot with indirect sunlight. Roots typically appear in about 4 weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and financial success. Capricorns, known for their practicality, patience, and ambition, are particularly well-suited to nurture this plant.
Pros and cons
($43)
($48)
($39)
$33
“For over five years, this plant has been such a resilient and forgiving addition to my living room”
11.Hoya Plant
Pet safe
Medium light
Grows 3 feet
North/East/West facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 3 feet
North/East/West facing windows
The Wax Plant (aka Hoya) belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family and has become a standout addition to our home. This one is surely one those rare houseplants we are proud to keep growing. We have placed it in the west-facing bedroom on the first floor. Its waxy leaves glisten under the sunlight, and capture our guests attention with their unique shapes and sometimes even speckled or marbled patterns. During spring, the Hoya surprises us with clusters of sweet-scented, star-shaped flowers that seem almost sculpted from wax — trust us, this is a keeper! We’ve chosen a rustic terracotta hanging planter for it, enhancing the organic elegance it lends to the space. This plant is not toxic to cats and dogs and is also very forgiving and thrives in neglect!
Care tip: place it in a spot that gets medium to bright, indirect sunlight. Water your hoya only when the soil has completely dried out—about every 10 to 14 days, and less frequently in winter. Hoyas store water in their leaves. These plants thrive in average household humidity and prefer temperatures between 60-85°F. Avoid pruning the flower stalks after blooming as they will rebloom from the same spurs
Propagation tip: Cut a 4-5 inch stem below a node, strip lower leaves, submerge one node in water, and place in bright, indirect light. Change water every few days. Expect roots in about a month, then pot in soil
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes protection and spiritual healing. Individuals born under the zodiac sign of Cancer are well-suited to care for this plant!
Pros and cons
($35)
($48)
($39)
$23
“hoya plant feels so exotic. This is one plant I rarely see in other households and is so easy to manage!”
12.banana Plant
Pet safe
Bright light
Grows 12 feet
South facing windows
Pet safe
Bright light
grows to 12 feet
South facing windows
The Banana Plant (aka Musa spp.) is a member of the Musaceae family. This pet-safe plant brings a lush, tropical vibe to any indoor setting. Its broad, arching leaves unfurl to reveal delicate veins and a vibrant green shade. We have placed our Banana Plant in the south-facing living room in the first floor where it basks in the bright, direct sunlight it loves.
This unfortunately does need bright direct light, and when it get it, it will grow 12 feet! It’s also manageable with regular watering and monthly feeding during its growing season. This indoor plant is not toxic to cats and dogs, fortunately. Fruit production is more common in outdoor settings with continuous care, but it’s possible indoors, we have heard, if the plant receives enough light and care. The process from flowering to fruiting can take several months, and it provides a unique and exciting aspect to growing this plant indoors, and we are hoping to see it happen in our home!
Care tip: loves lots of light, so place it in a south-facing window where it can enjoy bright, direct sunlight. Water it thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, typically once a week. It’s a fast grower, especially in the right conditions, so keep an eye out for yellow leaves, which might indicate overwatering or poor drainage. High humidity will help keep its large leaves fresh and prevent them from browning at the edges
Propagation tip: Select a healthy sucker or offset with roots, about 6 inches tall. Plant it in well-draining potting mix, ensuring the roots are covered but the stem remains above the soil. Keep it in a warm, humid environment and expect new growth within 6-8 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and tropical vibes, making it particularly appealing to those born under the sign of Taurus, who appreciate stability, luxury, and natural beauty
Pros and cons
($99)
($36)
($58)
$24
“I love how large the leaves are. This plant requires regular watering but is worth it for the bold foliage. Needs direct light though”
13.Cast iron Plant
Pet safe
Medium light
Grows 3 feet
North/East/West windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 3 feet
North/East/West facing windows
The Cast Iron Plant (aka Aspidistra elatior): This air purifying indoor plant, from the Asparagaceae family has long, glossy, dark green leaves. This plant is incredibly tolerant and thrives in low light, surviving infrequent watering. We’ve placed ours in the dining room on the first floor where it handles the low light beautifully. Styled in a classic terracotta pot, it brings a warm and rustic feel to our eating nook. The Best thing is that this beautiful plant is not toxic to cats and dogs! When it grows, it can reach up to 2-3 feet tall and wide — a perfect hardy and attractive plant that creates a sense of sanctuary with little to no effort.
Care tip: Thrives in low to medium light and needs watering only when the top inch of soil is dry — about every 2-3 weeks. Watch for yellowing leaves that can indicate overwatering. This is a hardy plant 🙂
Propagation tip: Divide the root clump with at least 2-3 leaves and healthy roots, and then plant divisions in well-draining potting soil. Keep in low to medium light. Watering only when the top inch of soil is dry. New growth will appear in a few weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Cast Iron Plant symbolizes endurance and resilience — it ideal for Capricorns who value perseverance and stability
Pros and cons
($49)
($78)
($90)
$44
“The Cast Iron Plant is perfect for anyone who wants a hardy, low-maintenance plant. Mine arrived in perfect condition and looks great” – thesill.com customer
14.Parlor palm
Pet safe
Medium light
Grows 6 feet
North/East/West facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 6 feet
North/East/West facing windows
The Parlor Palm (aka Chamaedorea elegans) is a low light houseplant from the Arecaceae family. It is a classic favorite for indoor plant enthusiasts, known for its lush, green fronds that arch from delicate stems. We have styled ours in a terracotta pot. Its not toxic to cats and dogs. It’s a easy care plant, requiring only occasional watering, and as it grows, the Parlor Palm can reach up to 6 feet in height. While it doesn’t typically flower indoors, we have heard it might surprise you with small, inconspicuous flowers! It brings in a bit of tropics into our home.
Care tip: Water it moderately—allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings. It’s important to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot – This palm is known for its resilience and low maintenance! Keep an eye out for drooping or yellowing leaves which can indicate that the plant is either too dry or too wet
Propagation tip: Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, barely covering them with soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and in a warm environment; germination can take several months. While propagation by cuttings in water is common for many plants, the Parlor Palm typically does not root well from cuttings and is best propagated from seed.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes peace and tranquility, making it an excellent plant for creating a serene environment. Taurus, a zodiac sign known for its love of stability and natural beauty
Pros and cons
($43)
($38)
($35)
$28
“For over five years, this plant has been such a resilient and forgiving addition to my living room”
15.Olive Tree
Pet safe
Bright light
Grows 6-10 feet
South facing windows
Pet safe
Bright light
grows to 6 feet
South facing windows
The Olive Tree (aka Olea europaea) is a member of the Oleaceae family. We’ve positioned ours in the south-facing living room. This tree has slender, silver-green leaves and is celebrated especially for the gnarled beauty of its trunk as it matures, often becoming a focal point of the room.
The Olive Tree requires minimal watering and can grow up to 6-10 feet indoors, though it grows much taller in its natural habitat. It’s not toxic to cats and dogs! To complement its Mediterranean charm, we’ve opted for a simple ceramic planter that accentuates its rustic appeal!
Care tip: place it in a location with full sunlight—this plant loves at least six hours of direct sun daily. Water it sparingly. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Olive trees are drought-tolerant once established. But keep an eye out for leaf drop or wrinkling which indicates stress from too much or too little water.
Propagation tip: select a healthy 8-inch semi-hardwood segment from an olive branch. Strip the lower half of the cutting of leaves, dip the cut end into rooting hormone, and place it in water. Change the water regularly and expect roots to begin forming within a few weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes peace, wisdom, and strength across various cultures and traditions. It’s deeply revered for its endurance and capacity to thrive in harsh conditions, most apt for virgos!
Pros and cons
($58)
($38)
($91)
$28
“I am so happy with this olive tree. It is the perfect size to start and watch it grow. I love the colors of the leaves, a different shade from my other plants. The price is great for an olive tree. It’s great as a gift as well.”
How to Create a Pet-Friendly Indoor Garden
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
Secure Planters and Pots
Ensure all planters and pots are stable and secure to prevent them from being knocked over – bad for the pets if they fall on them, but also to the plants whose stems might break. Heavier pots can be a good choice, or may be even mounting some plants on walls or high shelves could work. Hanging plants are also excellent option.
Avoid Small, Chewable Decorations:
Small stones, decorative marbles, or beads can be hazardous if ingested – we don’t have any of them in our home in brooklyn. We do have large disco balls, however, to refelct light, but they are large and are pet safe. Basically if you have to decorate, choose the ones that are not easy to swallow.
Incorporate Pet-Safe Fertilizers:
When it comes to maintaining your plants, use organic or pet-safe fertilizers. Avoid products containing chemicals. Definitely stay away from peat based soil and fertilizers. They can inadvertently cause harm to your pets, even if the plants you have brought aren’t toxic. We only use organic soil, neem oil and other mixtures to treat plant issues.
Designate a Plant-Free Zone
Despite all precautions some pets may still be tempted to explore. Consider setting up a specific area where your pets can play freely without the temptation of nibbling on your greenery . But also set up an area where cats and dog are perhaps not free to explore if you are so tempted, as we were, in bringing plants that may cause harm to pets. Our top floor is completely closed off to our cats, and that is where we have plants that are not entirely safe for them, but we can live without anxiety because cats never go there.
Create a Pet Deterrent Plan:
If all things fail: consider natural deterrents. Citrus peels, cayenne pepper, or a spray made from diluted vinegar can keep pets away from plants. These methods are harmless but will make the plants less appealing to pets.We have also heard velvet deters dats, so some velvet textured materials to use around the plants stems and soil may work as well. Above all, if the cats and dogs are well fed, they are less likely to nibble on anything that is not their food 🙂
How to Prevent Pets from Damaging Your Plants
Here are the top things to consider:
Spray Plants with Pet-Safe Bitter Apple
Many pets dislike the taste of bitter apple – directly on the leaves of plants. This non-toxic deterrent can make plants unappealing to chew without damaging the plant or risking your pet’s health.
Create Barriers
Physical barriers can be effective in keeping pets away from your plants – decorative fences, pet gates, or even a strategically placed piece of furniture can block access to areas with a lot of plants. Our cats love nibbling on our ponytail palm, so we have a placed it on a shelf, and there is no nearby furniture for them to jump on, in order to nibble on the leaves.
Choose Strategic Plant Locations:
Elevate plants to heights that are out of reach for your pets: Hanging planters, high shelves, or tall plant stands can keep them safe, but also consider crowding your shelves with other things so the pets, especially cats have no space to jump onto the shelf and then try to eat. This is one of the ways in which we keep our flowering orchids safe from cats because they love to nibble on the colorful flowers and we would hate to see them gone 🙂 (Refer our list of trailing houseplants for more info)
Incorporate Distraction Techniques
Instead of focusing only on keeping pets away from plants, provide them with ample toys and alternative activities. A well-entertained pet is less likely to seek out plants as a source of amusement or chewing. And like we said before, feed them well every day and train them by maintaining the feeding schedule so they don’t nibble on plants.
FAQ
What are some popular indoor plants that are safe for pets?
- Spider Plant, Areca Palm, Boston Fern, and Peperomia. These plants are widely recognized for being non-toxic to both cats and dogs and are relatively easy to care for.
How can I ensure a plant is non-toxic to my pets?
- Cross-reference any new plant with the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants. Some plants are toxic meaning, even a physical touch can cause toxcicty in cats and dogs, and some are toxic only if they eat the leaves in large quantities. For example lilies are highly toxic, while pothos and zz plants are toxic if consumed in high quantities by the cats.
Are there any low-maintenance, pet-safe plants suitable for beginners?
- Some great easy care plants include the Spider Plant, areca palm, boston fern, ponytail palm, hoya varieties
How should I position my pet-safe plants to keep them out of reach?
- Use hanging planters, high shelves, or tall plant stands to keep plants out of your pets’ reach. Create physical barriers. And also crowd the plants so cats can’t jump to the shelves they are in, and then eat.
What natural deterrents can I use to keep my pets away from plants?
- Natural deterrents like citrus peels, cayenne pepper, or sprays made from diluted vinegar can help keep pets away from your plants. They do not harm the plants when sprayed.
Conclusion
We know it might seems like every plant you life is not pet safe. It is not true. There are plenty of plants that are stunning and pet safe. And then there are some that are only mildly toxic. Use your judgement to bring the plants you like and I hope the above guide has been useful to you. We certainly learnt a lot living with two cats in our home and we feel at ease letting them do as they please while maintaining a lush indoor garden. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. If you have any tips for new pet-parents, please put it in the comments as well and help the community out. Happy planting!
