Bringing plants into your home adds life and beauty, but if you have kids, pets, or just worry about safety, choosing the right ones is key. This guide focuses on non poisonous house plants that are safe for indoor living. You can enjoy all the benefits of greenery without the stress.
Many common houseplants are perfectly harmless. They clean your air and boost your mood, all while being completely safe for your family. Let’s look at how to choose them and some of the best options available.
Non Poisonous House Plants
This list is a great place to start your search for safe indoor greenery. All these plants are considered non-toxic to both humans and pets by sources like the ASPCA.
Easy-Care Safe Plants for Beginners
If you’re new to plant care, these varieties are forgiving and thrive with minimal attention.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Known for its arching leaves and little “spiderettes.” It’s incredibly resilient and prefers bright, indirect light.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Adds lovely, feathery texture. It likes humidity and consistent moisture, making it great for bathrooms.
- Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): A classic, elegant palm that grows well in lower light conditions. It grows slowly and is very adaptable.
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): Lives up to its name. It tolerates low light, infrequent watering, and general neglect.
Safe Flowering Plants for Color
Who says safe plants can’t be colorful? These options add a beautiful pop of blooms.
- African Violet (Saintpaulia): Offers cheerful purple, pink, or white flowers nearly year-round. They enjoy warm, humid air and watering from the bottom.
- Orchids (Phalaenopsis): Common moth orchids are safe. They need special orchid mix and a good soak every week or two.
- Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera): Produces stunning tubular flowers in winter. It’s a succulent that likes more water than most cacti when in bloom.
Pet-Safe Foliage Favorites
These are popular plants you often see, and its good to know they’re pet-friendly.
- Pepperomia: With hundreds of varieties, they have cute, often textured leaves. They like to dry out a bit between waterings.
- Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata): Has deeply textured, colorful leaves. It’s easy to propagate and share, hence its name.
- Haworthia: A small, striking succulent that looks like a mini aloe vera. It needs bright light and very little water.
- Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii): A delicate, cascading plant perfect for terrariums or hanging pots. It needs to stay consistently moist.
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): A beautiful, feathery palm that’s a excellent air purifier. It prefers bright, indirect light.
- Money Tree (Pachira aquatica): Often with a braided trunk, it’s said to bring good fortune. It likes moderate light and hates soggy soil.
- Calathea (Prayer Plant): Known for its stunning, patterned leaves that move up at night. It prefers higher humidity and filtered water.
- Stick your finger about an inch into the soil.
- If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage hole.
- Empty the saucer after 15 minutes so the roots don’t sit in water.
- Peace Lily (causes mouth irritation)
- Pothos (Golden, Devil’s Ivy)
- Philodendron
- Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
- English Ivy
- Sago Palm (highly toxic to pets)
Safe Large-Statement Plants
Want a big, bold plant to fill a corner? These safe choices make a big impact.
How to Care for Your Non-Toxic Plants
Even safe plants need proper care to thrive. Follow these basic steps for healthy houseplants.
1. Getting the Light Right
Light is food for plants. Check your window direction. North-facing windows get low light, east gets gentle morning sun, west gets strong afternoon sun, and south gets the most intense light. Match you’re plant to the light you have.
2. Watering Without Overdoing It
Overwatering is the most common mistake. Here’s a simple method:
3. Choosing Soil and Pots
Always use pots with a drainage hole. Use a well-draining potting mix; regular garden soil is too heavy. For succulents and cacti, use a special gritty mix to prevent rot.
4. Feeding and Maintenance
During spring and summer, feed your plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer about once a month. Wipe dust off leaves so they can breathe. Rotate pots occasionally for even growth.
What to Avoid: Common Toxic Plants
While many plants are safe, some common ones are not. It’s good to be aware, especially if you have curious pets. Consider avoiding these indoors:
If you do have these, place them in high, inaccessible locations. Always double-check a plant’s safety before you buy it, as names can be confusing.
FAQ About Safe Indoor Plants
Are all ferns safe for pets?
Most true ferns, like the Boston Fern, are safe. However, some plants with “fern” in the name, like the Asparagus Fern, are not true ferns and can be toxic.
Is it okay if my pet chews on a safe plant?
Even non-toxic plants can cause mild stomach upset or a choking hazard. It’s best to discourage chewing on any houseplant. Providing pet grass is a good alternative.
Where can I find a reliable list of toxic and non-toxic plants?
The ASPCA website has a comprehensive, searchable list of plants that are toxic and non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. It’s an excellent resource.
Can safe plants still cause allergies?
Yes, some people may have allergic reactions to plant pollen or sap. If you have allergies, handle plants with care and wash your hands afterwards.
What’s the easiest non-poisonous plant for a dark room?
The Cast Iron Plant or a ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are both very tolerant of low light and are considered safe. The ZZ Plant has a mild toxicity if ingested but is generally regarded as safe for homes.
Creating a green, vibrant home doesn’t require compromising safety. By choosing from the wide variety of non poisonous house plants, you can enjoy nature’s beauty indoors with complete peace of mind. Start with one or two easy-care varieties, and soon you’ll have a thriving indoor jungle that’s good for you and safe for everyone in your household.