ARTICLES

5 Plants That Are Both Pet-Friendly and Low-Maintenance

Discover safe, easy-care greenery at NYC's iconic flower market, perfect for homes with curious pets.

By: THURSD | 03-02-2025 | 4 min read
Indoor Plants
low maintenance plant

Plants make homes brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming. But for pet owners, finding greenery that’s safe for furry friends can be a challenge.

It’s even harder when you want something that doesn’t require constant care.

Don’t worry, though – there are plants out there that check both boxes!

 

lady with there indoor plants
Picture by @nagma_backer

 

5 Pet-Friendly And Low-Maintenance Plants

Here’s a list of five low-maintenance plants that are also pet-friendly.

1. Spider Plant

The spider plant is the easiest plant to care for and is totally pet-safe. This tough plant can handle indirect sunlight and even a little neglect if you forget to water it.

Spider plants have long, curly leaves and small offshoots that look like baby spiders. They also purify the air by removing toxins.

Care Tip: Water every 1-2 weeks and let the soil dry out between waterings. If the tips of the leaves turn brown, it may be from fluoride in the tap water.

Fun Fact: Spider plants are great at surviving stressful conditions, just like your Wi-Fi when you use a VPN to keep it secure!

2. Areca Palm

The areca palm brings a tropical vibe to your space without any risk to your pets. These lush, full plants can grow tall, so are perfect for empty corners.

Areca palms like bright, indirect sunlight and slightly moist soil. They’re a good choice if you want something decorative but not too needy.

Care Tip: Water when the topsoil feels dry and mist the leaves during winter months to keep humidity up.

Pet Owners Love This Plant: Cats may play with the fronds, but no need to panic – it’s totally pet-safe.

 

Areca palm tree for home
Picture by @blossoms.jo

 

3. Calathea

Calatheas are known for their bold and beautiful patterns and are often called “prayer plants.”

Their leaves fold up at night like they’re saying a little prayer before bed.

Not only are these plants a joy to look at, but they’re also pet-safe and low-maintenance.

Care Tip: Keep calatheas in a shaded spot and water regularly to keep the soil damp but not soggy.

Bonus Tip: If you use a VPN to secure your online activities, think of your calathea as the “secure connection” of your plant collection. It’s reliable and always looks great.

4. Boston Fern

Boston ferns are classic houseplants that add charm to any home. They’re pet-safe and relatively easy to care for, so they are a favorite for beginners.

These ferns love humidity so are perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Their feathery fronds purify the air and add a soft, natural touch to your decor.

Care Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist and mist the leaves if the air in your home is dry.

Stat: Studies show ferns can remove formaldehyde from indoor air, which is a great bonus for pet-friendly homes.

 

boston fern in room
Picture by @jenneraytah

 

5. Parlor Palm

The parlor palm is another great one for pet owners looking for a stylish low-maintenance plant.

This one is small enough to sit on a shelf or table and can handle lower light. A huge plus!

Care Tip: Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. They’re slow growers, so no need to re-pot often.

Why It’s Perfect: Their soft, arching leaves are nontoxic to pets and won’t make a mess if your cat or dog gets curious.

Why Pet-Safe Plants Matter

According to the ASPCA, many common houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs and can cause vomiting or diarrhea (at best) if ingested.

By choosing pet-safe options, you’re not only decorating your home but also keeping your fur babies healthy.

End With Greenery

If you’re a pet owner looking for some greenery, you don’t have to settle for fake plants.

Low-maintenance options like spider plants, areca palms, and clothes are beautiful and safe for your fur babies.

They make your home look better, clean the air, and make life better for everyone – without asking for much.

Remember, adding plants to your home is like using a VPN for your data – it’s a safer space for everyone!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Can't get enough?

Subscribe to the newsletter, and get bedazzled with awesome flower & plant updates

Sign up