5 Pet-Safe Purple Houseplants & Flowers for Cats and Dogs
Looking for ASPCA listed pet-safe purple houseplants? These non-toxic favorites, grown in our Brooklyn community home, are stylish, safe, and easy to grow.
We are an AD-FREE community driven site. When you purchase through links on our site, we earn an affiliate commission, which helps sustain our blog!
Purple houseplants are the secret sauce to a vibrant, stylish home—bold yet soothing, dramatic yet calming. But if you’ve got curious pets at home like we do – we have two cats! – the hunt for non-toxic purple beauties can feel like threading a needle! According to the ASPCA, many colorful plants are harmful to cats and dogs. That’s why we’ve pulled together this list of stunning pet safe purple houseplants—a subset of our exhaustive 50 cat safe plants — each one vetted for safety and style. Let’s dig in and find your next favorite purple foliage!
We have cross referenced this list with ASPCA. Also refer to our cat toxicity chart
Try our Best Indoor Plants tool for a personalized plant recommendation.
Read also: Pet safe low light indoor trees, Pet safe pink houseplants and Pet safe trailing houseplants
Summary:
What Are the Best Pet-Safe Purple Houseplants?
For purple foliage, our strongest picks are Purple Passion Plant, Purple Waffle Plant and Purple Calathea.
If you mainly want purple flowers, choose African Violet, Phalaenopsis Orchid or a colorful Neoregelia Bromeliad.
All six are listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Non-toxic does not mean we encourage pets to eat them. Chewing large quantities of any plant material can still cause nonspecific stomach upset, and pots, fertilizer and pesticides introduce their own risks.
Which Pet-Safe Purple Plant Should You Choose?
For the strongest purple foliage: Purple Passion Plant.
For a compact shelf plant: Purple Waffle Plant.
For lower light: Purple Calathea.
For small purple flowers: African Violet.
For long-lasting purple flowers: Phalaenopsis Orchid.
For bold architectural color: Neoregelia Bromeliad.
Choose according to the actual light and watering conditions in the room rather than trying to match a plant to a window direction alone.
Which Purple Flowers Are Safe for Cats?
Three of our strongest choices are:
African Violet — Saintpaulia spp.
ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Purple Moth Orchid — Phalaenopsis spp.
ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Neoregelia Bromeliad — Neoregelia spp.
ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Purple Passion and Purple Waffle Plant are also pet-safe, but we grow them mainly for their purple foliage rather than their flowers.
Pet-Safe Purple Houseplants Compared
| Plant | Purple feature | Light | ASPCA pet safety | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purple Passion Plant | Velvety purple foliage | Bright indirect | Non-toxic to cats & dogs | Strongest purple foliage |
| Purple Waffle Plant | Purple-backed textured leaves | Bright indirect | Non-toxic to cats & dogs | Compact foliage |
| Purple Calathea | Purple undersides / markings | Medium–bright indirect | Non-toxic to cats & dogs | Lower-light rooms |
| African Violet | Purple flowers | Bright indirect | Non-toxic to cats & dogs | Small shelves & desks |
| Purple Moth Orchid | Long-lasting purple blooms | Bright indirect | Non-toxic to cats & dogs | Long-lasting flowers |
| Neoregelia Bromeliad | Purple/red central foliage | Bright indirect | Non-toxic to cats & dogs | Architectural color |
← Swipe horizontally on mobile to see the full table →
Snapshot of our Top 3 picks(Swipe left)
1. Purple calathea
2. Purple Orchid
3. Purple Bromeliad
Here are our 5 pet safe purple houseplants
1. Echeveria
Pet safe
Bright light
Grows upto 1 feet
South facing windows
Pet safe
Bright light
grows to 1 feet
South facing windows
We love growing Echeverias on sunny windowsills where their neat rosettes really shine. The leaves come in soft purples, lilacs, and silvery blues—plump, waxy, and shaped like lotus petals. While they don’t bloom often indoors, when they do, we have seen arching stems topped with small pink-orange bell flowers!
These succulents stay compact, usually under 8 inches tall, but older ones can slowly stretch. We often tuck them into shallow bowls or minimalist ceramic pots where their symmetry becomes a centerpiece!
Care tip:
- Echeverias thrive in bright, direct sunlight and should be watered every 2-3 weeks.
- Ensure good drainage. Watch for stretched-out leaves as a sign it needs more light.
- Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent rot.
Propagation tip:
- Gently twist off a healthy leaf, let it dry for 1-2 days until the end calluses, then place it on well-draining succulent soil.
- Roots and new growth should appear in 2-3 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- Echeveria symbolizes endurance and resilience, making it ideal for the determined and practical nature of Capricorn!
Pros and cons
$43
“I love my Echeveria on my desk!”
2. Purple Bromeliad
Pet safe
Medium light
Grows upto 3 feet
east/West facing windows
Pet safe
Medium light
grows to 3 feet
East/West facing windows
The arching green leaves form a fountain shape, and from the center rises a bright bract—often mistaken for the flower—ranging from deep purple foliage to maroon! These bracts last for 2–4 months, while the true flowers, small and yellow-white, emerge briefly from within (or so we have heard, we haven’t seen it in ours yet!)
They usually grow 12–18 inches tall and wide, perfect for tables or bright corners. They’re easygoing in humid spots like bathrooms!
Around pets: Use the botanical name when shopping. “Bromeliad” covers a large plant family; Neoregelia is the group we are specifically recommending because ASPCA lists it as non-toxic.
Read also: Bromeliad care guide
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
$58
“These vibrant colors in the flowers are like having bouquets all year long!”
3. African Violet
Pet safe
Medium light
Grows upto 2 feet
West/east facing windows
Pet safe
Medium light
grows to 2 feet
West/East facing windows
They have fuzzy green leaves form a soft mound, and the flowers—shades of purple, violet, or even bi-color—bloom in cycles throughout the year with bright indirect light. Each bloom lasts about two to three weeks, and new buds appear regularly with proper light and care!
They stay under 6 inches tall and wide, making them perfect for desks, shelves, or tiny pots with personality. No smell, no risk—just color and cheer!
Around pets: The compact size makes it easy to place, but we still discourage cats from chewing the leaves or digging in the pot.
Read more: Ultimate African Violet care guide
Care tip:
- Water them when the topsoil feels dry, but be careful to avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause spots.
- Place them in a spot with bright, indirect light – an east-facing window is ideal.
- Watch for wilting or drooping, which usually means it’s time to water.
- Ensure they’re in a warm spot as they prefer temperatures between 65-75°F. Keep an eye out for crown rot which can occur if the plant sits in waterlogged soil.
Propagation tip:
- Select a healthy leaf with about 1.5 inches of stem, and place it in a small container of water, ensuring the stem is submerged but the leaf stays dry.
- Change the water weekly and roots should form in about 4 to 6 weeks.
- Once roots are an inch long, plant in small pot.
Symbolism and zodiac signs:
- Symbolizes loyalty and devotion, making it a fitting plant for Taurus, a zodiac sign known for its steadfastness and nurturing nature.
Pros and cons
$43
“The blooms keep coming in waves and stays for months!”
4. Purple Orchid
Pet safe
Bright light
Grows upto 4 feet
east/South windows
Pet safe
Bright light
grows to 4 feet
East/South facing windows
The long, arching stems carry multiple butterfly-shaped flowers that can last up to three months. Deep purple varieties bring drama without clutter. Their thick, glossy green leaves stay low while the bloom spikes can reach 18–24 inches.
We keep them in kitchens and bathrooms where their blooms hold their own!
Around pets: Phalaenopsis is the specific orchid we recommend here. We would not automatically call every plant sold simply as “orchid” pet-safe without identifying it.
Read more: Orchid care guide
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
“I love the elegant blooms of this orchid. It’s very easy to care for and adds a touch of elegance to my home”
Pet safe
Medium to bright light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/South facing windows
Pet safe
Medium light
grows to 3 feet
East/South facing windows
We’re big fans of Purple Calatheas for their bold, rounded leaves edged in hot pink with a deep purple underside that practically glows in low light! They move with the sun—leaves rising and folding throughout the day—making them feel alive.
Mature plants reach about 12–18 inches tall and wide. We group them with other pet-safe plants in humid corners or bathrooms. There’s no scent, and no toxicity risk either!
Around pets: ASPCA’s non-toxic listing makes Calathea one of our favorite choices when pets can reach the foliage.
Read also: Care and styling tips for Calathea rufibarba
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
“The Calathea is stunning with its vibrant patterns. It does require a bit more humidity but it’s worth it.”
2. Where to Place Pet Safe Purple Plants for Maximum Impact?
- Bright Windowsills (East or South-Facing)
- Our African Violets bloom like crazy on the east-facing sill—just remember to water from the bottom to keep those fuzzy leaves happy.
- Purple Waffle Plants do great here too. When we put one in a lower-light spot, it turned leggy and lost that purple shimmer. So now we stick it in a spot with bright, indirect light and rotate the pot every few days.
- Bonus: neither plant has tempted our cats, and we’ve never had nibbling incidents here.
- Bathroom Shelves or Counters
- This one surprised us, but Calatheas absolutely thrive in the bathroom. We’ve got one perched on a bamboo shelf right next to the mirror.
- The steam from showers keeps the humidity up, and we only need to mist it every few days.
- The purple undersides of the leaves pop beautifully against white tiles—plus, they fold up at night, which is oddly satisfying to watch.
- Bookshelves and Mantels
- Echeverias and Peperomias are our go-to here. They stays compact and don’t drop leaves all over the place.
- We’ve placed one next to a stack of books with a warm LED spotlight above—it honestly looks like a mini sculpture.
- No strong smell, no mess, no pet drama—just a solid little plant. (Read also: how much light to purple houseplants need)
- Hanging Planters
- We tried a Bromeliads in a hanging pot once as an experiment, and now we’re hooked. It’s leaves spills over the edges like a soft, colorful waterfall.
- As for Tradescantia: only use the verified non-toxic varieties. One of our friends learned the hard way and had to move theirs out of reach fast.
- Terrariums and Tabletop Bowls
- We use glass bowls with drainage pebbles at the bottom for our Fittonia. The color contrast inside a clear container is chef’s kiss.
- These setups work great on coffee tables or sideboards where people can actually notice the details.
- They’re also pet-safe zones—our cat sniffed once and never bothered again.
Read also: our guide to pots and planters for purple houseplants
Common Mistakes With Pet-Safe Purple Houseplants
Assuming All Purple Tradescantias Are Pet-Safe
They are not.
Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca) is not a Tradescantia and is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic.
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) and other Tradescantias have different safety profiles and can cause irritation.
Always verify the botanical name rather than shopping by color or common name alone.
Assuming “Non-Toxic” Means a Pet Should Eat It
ASPCA non-toxic status means the plant is not classified as poisonous to cats or dogs.
That does not turn the leaves into pet food.
Large amounts of plant material can still cause vomiting or stomach upset, and fertilizers, systemic pesticides and potting additives may create separate risks.
Buying a Purple Plant Without Checking the Exact Species
“Purple orchid,” “purple bromeliad” and “purple succulent” are broad shopping descriptions.
For this list, we deliberately recommend Phalaenopsis orchids and Neoregelia bromeliads because those names can be matched directly to ASPCA records.
Choosing a Pet-Safe Plant That Cannot Handle Your Light
Pet safety is only one part of the decision.
Purple Passion and Purple Waffle need considerably more useful light to maintain compact, colorful growth than a Calathea.
Choose the plant according to your room first, then verify its pet safety.
Assuming Brown or Faded Purple Leaves Mean the Plant Needs Fertilizer
Purple coloration depends on the species.
Low light can reduce coloration in some purple foliage plants, while excess sun can bleach or scorch others.
We identify the plant and correct its actual growing conditions rather than adding fertilizer to make a leaf purple again.
How We Chose These Pet-Safe Purple Plants
We used three filters.
ASPCA verification: Every recommendation had to map directly to an ASPCA non-toxic listing for cats and dogs.
Clearly purple ornamental value: We chose plants with genuinely purple foliage, purple undersides or reliably available purple flowers—not plants that only become faintly purple under stress.
Realistic indoor growth: We prioritized plants that work as actual indoor houseplants rather than purple outdoor flowers that happen to be non-toxic.
Our Brooklyn experience helps us compare light, watering and placement, but the pet-safety classification comes from ASPCA, not from our own observations.
Purple Plants We Would Not Put on a Pet-Safe List
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
We would not call Purple Heart pet-safe. NC State classifies it as a low-severity poisonous plant and notes that ingestion can irritate the mouth and stomach of pets and that the sap can cause skin irritation. NC Extension Gardener Toolbox
Tradescantia zebrina / related inch plants
Do not assume purple Tradescantias are safe because Purple Passion Plant is safe. ASPCA lists some inch plants in the Tradescantia group as toxic to cats and dogs and associated with dermatitis. ASPCA
Begonias
ASPCA lists Begonia spp. as toxic to cats and dogs due to soluble calcium oxalates. ASPCA
Purple Anthurium
Anthuriums contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA
Ficus / true Rubber Plant
Do not confuse Ficus rubber plants with the pet-safe Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia). ASPCA lists Ficus species as toxic, while Peperomia obtusifolia is non-toxic.
5. How We Chose these Pet-Safe Purple Houseplants
We wanted this list to reflect the purple plants that actually stayed beautiful and steady in our Brooklyn home, not just the ones that look dramatic online! So we paid close attention to how each plant behaved across different rooms, seasons, and light levels — every plant here earned its place through real growth, real mistakes, and real recovery.
- Color That Holds Up
We chose plants that kept their purple tones through New York’s dim winters, because many purple varieties fade fast unless the light is just right. - Performance in Real Homes
We watched how these plants grew in bright living rooms, north-facing bedrooms, and medium hallways. Only the ones that stayed full and healthy in real apartment conditions made the list. - Watering Forgiveness
We included plants that bounced back from our occasional drying out or slightly heavy-hand watering, since not every plant parent waters perfectly every week. - Seasonal Stability
Brooklyn winters get dry and summers get humid, so we kept plants that handled these shifts without collapsing, crisping, or wilting dramatically. - Pest and Rot Resistance
Spider mites and mildew are common in warm apartments, so we focused on plants that didn’t break out in issues every time the radiators came on. - Affordable and Easy to Find
Some purple plants look incredible but are overpriced or rarely available. We kept the ones you can actually find locally or online without hunting. - Apartment-Friendly Size
We prioritized compact purple houseplants that don’t overwhelm shelves or side tables, since many readers live in smaller homes like ours.
Conclusion
Adding a splash of purple to your home doesn’t have to put your pets at risk. With these pet safe options you can enjoy all the color in your plants, just as we do, with two of our furry animals roaming safely in our indoor jungle as well!
