33 Non-toxic Houseplants for Dogs [4 toxic plants you should avoid]

Houseplants are an excellent addition to any home. They make your home look brighter and more lovely, but some plants can pose a significant danger to your dog. Knowing which nontoxic plants are dog safe is an important consideration for all pet owners.

Keep reading below for a list of some of the best non-toxic houseplants you can buy for your home if you have a pet dog. Including a list of flowers that are dog safe.

Benefits of Houseplants

Everyone loves houseplants due to their attractiveness in any home or apartment. They also help clean mild pollutants in your home which can improve breathing as well as reduce odors. 

Research even shows that caring for plants helps reduce anxiety and overall stress levels in many people.

Some suggest that houseplants can help freshen the air and remove dust thus making a healthier environment for you and your dog.

Having safe houseplants in your home may also provide mild health benefits and even boost productivity. It can also sharpen your attention span when working on simple tasks. 

Since being in an environment of plants reduces stress, having plants in your home can help motivate you to complete more tasks and increase your overall focus.

Dangers of Houseplants for Dogs

Though common houseplants are beautiful and have many benefits, not all are safe plants and can be dangerous if eaten by your dog. 

In fact, many houseplants can be toxic or poisonous to your dog, especially if your dog were to bite or ingest any part of them. 

WARNING: If you have a houseplant that is toxic or poisonous to dogs, move the plant to an area your dog cannot access or rehome the plant to someone without pets. 

Many dogs are curious and like to try eating inedible things, especially plants even though they are primarily carnivores. 

Toxic and poisonous plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, liver failure, and even death in your dog when ingested. 

If your dog ingests a part of a house plant and begins showing any symptoms, contact your vet immediately for proper treatment. 

Non-Toxic Houseplants for Dogs

Below are some of the best non-toxic plants you can have in your home if you have a dog. Your dog will not get sick if he nibbles on the below plants or ingests any part of them. 

A more comprehensive list of all non-toxic and non-poisonous houseplants can be found via the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). 

NOTE: Some of these plants can still cause your dog to have an upset stomach if ingested or skin irritation.

Spider Plant (chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is a completely safe non-toxic plant for dogs and is very popular in many homes. 

These plants are not only fun to look at with their long, curled leaves but are also some of the easiest plants to raise and quite frankly difficult to kill. 

They can withstand many conditions, though the best conditions will allow them to reach their full potential.

Spider plants need bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained soil. Be advised that soil on spider plants needs to dry out some between waterings. 

In addition, spider plants propagate very easily, possibly giving you even more spider plants in the future!

African Violet (genus Saintpaulia)

African violets are beautiful, deep purple flowers that can liven up any living space.

Though many flowering plants can be toxic to dogs, African violets are non-toxic and safe indoor plants.

Because they are an African flower variety, they prefer a warm and humid environment to thrive in. They also like bright, indirect sunlight or low fluorescent lights. 

Well-draining soil is a must to prevent root rot in these beautiful flowers. 

Boston Fern (nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns are attractive shaggy plants that many plant parents enjoy in their homes. They can be grown in a large floor pot or can be hung from the ceiling in a plant basket.

They are also similar to African violets in that they prefer more warmth and humidity compared to other houseplants. 

Bright, indirect light is best for your Boston fern. They will also need loamy, well-draining soil and frequent watering. 

Dry soil can cause the fern to dry out quickly, so it will need moist (but not soggy) soil at all times. They are also called the Sword fern.

Zebra Plant (aphelandra squarrosa)

Zebra plants are unique-looking plants with giant striped leaves and a dark stem. They also grow colorful, golden flowers once per year that reach several inches in length. 

If properly cared for, a Zebra plant can reach several feet in height. 

Zebra plants are native to Brazil, which means it prefers warmer temperatures and high humidity. They also need bright, filtered light and constantly moist soil so it does not dry out. 

Deeply watering your plant every few weeks is enough to keep it moist and happy for quite a while!

Parlor Palm (chamaedorea elegans)

For those looking for a large houseplant, a parlor palm may be a perfect choice. The Parlor palm is also known as the Bamboo palm.

Parlor palms are tall trees that are completely non-poisonous to your dog. They have long, deep green stems and smaller leaves so they don’t take up much wide space. 

Parlor palms like bright, indirect light and will need a large (3-gallon) pot to grow in. They also require well-draining soil as their roots are particularly sensitive to overwatering. 

If you’re looking for a tall plant, this is your best choice, as it can grow over 6 feet tall under the right conditions!

Prayer Plant (maranta leuconeura)

Prayer plants are a great choice for those looking for a small, simple, yet beautiful pet-safe plant. Prayer plants have wide green leaves with pink undertones. 

They enjoy warmth and humidity and are non-poisonous to your dog making a great addition to your home.

Bright indirect light is best for prayer plants, though they can survive in some low light conditions. Soil should be kept moist at all times without being soggy. 

In addition, prayer plants will need fertilization every two weeks from spring through fall to keep them happy and healthy. 

Areca Palm (dypsis lutescens)

Areca palms are attractive for many pet parents since they are safe houseplants for dogs. 

They can be expensive if purchased already fully grown, so are frequently bought at smaller sizes and raised to full size. Areca palms can reach up to seven feet in height!

Plant care for Areca palms isn’t particularly difficult. Areca palms need bright, indirect sunlight and regular watering with the soil drying between waterings. 

They will also need some form of time-release fertilizer or micronutrient spray in the spring and summer months. 

Lipstick Plant (aeschynanthus)

The Lipstick plant stands out with its bright red flowers that some say look like woman’s lipstick! Be aware that their famous red flowers won’t bloom if they don’t get enough sunlight.

They are somewhat of a vine-type plant and are very easy to grow and take care of so you won’t need a green thumb to be successful with these small plants.

Money Tree Plant (pachira aquatic)

Though money trees don’t grow real money, they are still an excellent choice for those seeking a mid-sized houseplant that is non-toxic to dogs. 

Money trees have large, green leaves and are known as tropical houseplants. Because it is a tropical plant, it will need some humidity and more water than other houseplants.

Money trees also like bright, indirect light, but can also grow under low fluorescent lights. 

Though they need more water than other houseplants, they don’t need watering as often since they get so much at once. Proper care will allow them to flourish into a large, beautiful plant.

Polka Dot Plant (hypoestes phyllostachya)

The Polka Dot plant is considered to be a nontoxic plant for dogs. Also known as freckle face and baby tears be advised that your dog could still end up with an upset stomach if they eat some of this colorful plant.

Ponytail Palm (beaucarnea recurvata)

Ponytail palms are a fun and unique plant to add to your home! Their long, curled leaves are similar to those of a spider plant, but on the top of a tree! 

They also have easy care which makes them a great choice for first-time houseplant owners.

Ponytail palms are actually considered succulents. Because of this, it prefers bright light and semi-dry conditions. 

Your ponytail palm will thrive if you let the soil dry out significantly between waterings, which makes it quite easy to keep alive over time!

Rattlesnake Plant (goeppertia insignia)

Despite its ominous-sounding name, the Rattlesnake plant is safe for pets. The technical name for the Rattlesnake plant is Calathea Lancifolia and they originate in Brazil, South America.

Having a long green leaf (more like a blade) with interesting ovals shapes they make intriguing house plants for any home. Make sure not to overwater them. Just keep the soil moist.

Indirect sunlight is best for the Rattlesnake plant as they don’t do well in hot direct sunlight.

Venus Flytrap (dionaea muscipula)

The Venus Flytrap is a famous plant that people love having in their homes because it is so interesting to look at. And luckily, the Venus Flytrap is non-toxic for dogs.

The scientific name for the Venus Flytrap is Dionaea muscipula. They have what look almost like claws or leaves with prongs on them. 

If a fly lands in between the two leaves of a Venus Flytrap they rapidly close catching the fly. Almost like the mouth of an animal clamping down on its prey.

Wax Plant (hoya)

The Wax plant is not toxic to dogs or cats. Also known as the Porcelain Flower and Hindu Rope Plant the Hoya carnosa has beautiful flowers and comes from Australia and parts of Asia.

These plants like indirect sunlight, they thrive in a misty bathroom and have a waxy type of leave, hence their name.

Other Plants that are Non-toxic to Dogs Include:

• Aluminum Plant or Watermelon Plant (pilea cadieri)
• Baby Rubber Plant (peperomia obtusifolia) Note: Other rubber plants ARE toxic to dogs
• Bird’s Nest Fern (asplenium nidus)
• Boston Fern (nephrolepis exaltata)
• Butterfly Palm (dypsis lutescens)
• Cast Iron Plant (aspidistra elatior)
• Friendship Plant (pilea involucrata)
• Moth Orchid (phalaenopsis)
• Staghorn Fern (platycerium)
• Swedish Ivy (plectranthus verticillatus)

Toxic Houseplants for Dogs

Not all popular houseplants are non-toxic. There are actually several that are extremely toxic for your dog and will cause significant health issues. 

If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of a toxic plant, bring them to your veterinarian immediately for proper treatment. 

Sago Palm (cycas revoluta)

Sago palms should be avoided at all costs if you have a dog as they are known as one of the most toxic houseplants to pets. 

There is not a single part of this plant that is not poisonous. Even the seeds are poisonous and are actually the most poisonous part. 

If your dog ingests any part of a sago palm, it may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool, seizures, and/or jaundice. 

Take them to an emergency vet immediately for treatment. If left untreated, sago palm poisoning can lead to death. 

Good Luck Plant (dracaena sanderiana)

Though the name sounds lucky, your dog won’t have good luck if it ingests any part of the good luck plant. 

Good luck palms have a high amount of soluble calcium oxalates, which are toxic to dogs. 

The calcium oxalate salts will embed themselves in your dog’s digestive tract, causing sores and numbness in several organs including the heart, kidneys, and intestines. 

If your dog ingests any part of the good luck plant, he may experience abdominal pain and even organ failure. Take your dog to the vet immediately for proper care. If left untreated, calcium oxalate ingestion can lead to death. 

English Ivy Plant (hedera helix)

English ivy is a common household pet with several other nicknames including California ivy, sweetheart ivy, and glacier ivy. 

Most ivy species are toxic for dogs anyways, so you should likely avoid them when searching for a new houseplant.

If your dog ingests any English ivy, he may experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hypersalivation. 

You will need to bring your dog to the vet for proper treatment as these symptoms can lead to dehydration quite quickly. 

Philodendron Plant (philodendron)

Philodendron is another common houseplant that is poisonous to dogs. Philo means love but not for your dog.

Philodendron also contains a high amount of calcium oxalates which can lead to sores in the mouth and abdominal tract. It can also cause vomiting and severe abdominal pain.

Dogs can also experience eye irritation in the presence of a freshly cut philodendron. 

If your dog has eye irritation or ingests any part of a philodendron, take them to the vet immediately as ingestion can lead to organ failure and death. 

Related Questions

Do dogs have a favorite type of plant?

Dogs are big fans of bamboo, lemongrass, thyme, and other edible plants. Bamboo in particular is crunchy which satisfies a dog’s natural instinct to chew. Plus, they think it tastes great!

What non-toxic houseplants have flowers?

African violets, Christmas cactuses, and Lipstick plants are all houseplants that have brightly colored flowers and are not toxic to dogs or cats.

They are a great choice for pet owners looking to add some purple, pink, or red to their living space.

What flowers are safe for dogs?

• African Violets
• Aster
• Bee Balm
• Marigolds (some)
• Orchids
• Pansies
• Petunias
• Roses
• Snapdragons
• Sunflowers

What flowers are toxic to dogs?

NOTE: This list is not complete. Consult with your veterinarian before bringing a new plant into your house if you are unsure.

• Azalea (Rhododendron)
• Baby’s Breath
• Buttercups
• Carnations
• Chrysanthemums
• Crocus
• Daffodils
• Daisies
• Hydrangeas
• Irises
• Kalanchoe
• Lillies
• Lily of the Valley
• Oleander
• Tulips (Hyacinths)

How can I make my dog stop chewing on or eating my plants?

Even if a plant is non-toxic, it doesn’t mean you want your dog eating it for a meal! 

To deter your dog from snacking on any of your beloved plants, you can try spraying your plant with safe bitter agents such as apple cider vinegar or lemon. 

Some pet stores sell bite deterrents already prepared in spray bottles to help you.

Where can I find non-toxic houseplants near me?

Most houseplants can be found at local home improvement stores. Some plants may be labeled as toxic or non-toxic, but not all will be. 

Be sure to research appropriate plant species before going shopping.

Where can I get more information about toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs?

The ASPCA has a comprehensive list of both toxic and non-toxic houseplants for pet owners.

You can go to their website to find more information about houseplants that would be a good fit for you.

Remember that any toxic or poisonous plant you are interested in needs to be put somewhere your dog cannot access it. 

How can I help my plant if my dog nibbles on it?

If your dog nibbles on one of your non-toxic plants, remove the plant from his space and give it some TLC. 

Damaged leaves may need to be removed and they may need more gentle watering and fertilization over the next few weeks. 

To prevent your dog from doing this in the future, consider investing in a bitterant spray that will deter your dog from wanting to taste it. 

Are Succulents poisonous to dogs?

In general, most succulents are safe to be around dogs and cats but you should be aware that some plants from the succulents family can be dangerous if your dog eats them.

So it is best to avoid them being around your pets. Make sure to do your homework before bringing a succulent into your pet-friendly home.

Is a Donkey’s Tail a safe Succulent for dogs?

Many people love how beautiful the Donkey’s Tail or Burro’s Tail succulent is and want to have one in a hanging planter basket in their house.

While Donkey Tail is non-toxic for your dog they can easily damage the long hanging leaves that come off it so take the necessary precautions.

What Succulents are non-toxic for dogs?

• Burro’s Tail
• Bunny Ear Cactus
• Chinese Money Plant (pilea peperomioides)
• Christmas Cactus
• Hens and Chickens

Note: These plants still could cause some symptoms of illness such as an upset stomach if your dog eats them.

What are some toxic Succulents for dogs?

Please note this is not a complete list. Consult your veterinarian with questions concerning this matter. Call your vet immediately if your dog eats any of these or you have concerns.

• Aloe
• Crown of Thorns
• Jade Plants
• Kalanchoes
• Mother in Law Tongues
• Panda Plant
• Pencil Cactus (Pencil Tree, Firestick)
• Silver Jade
• Snake Plants
• String of Pearls

What can I do if I think my pet may have been poisoned?

Call your vet immediately! Make sure you have a phone number written down that you can access quickly for a 24/7 veterinarian.

You can also call the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) pet poison helpline at (888) 426-4435. Note: The ASPCA says a fee may apply when you call.

Conclusion

Houseplants bring lots of joy to many people and make a great addition to any home but if you have a dog you have to make sure they are pet-friendly plants. 

Make sure to do your homework and pick a pet-friendly houseplant that is fully non-toxic and non-poisonous. Remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog! 

You would feel terrible if your dog got sick because they ate a new plant you brought into your home that was poisonous.