7 Dog-Safe Houseplants to Grow Without Worry

Two dogs sit with houseplants behind — (Image credit: Westend61 / Getty Images)

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Dog-Safe Houseplants
Plants to Avoid

Dogs and houseplants don't always mix well, but choosing non-toxic varieties means you can fill your home with greenery without risking your dog's health if they decide to take a bite.

Plenty of popular houseplants are toxic to dogs. The list is long. One curious nibble can lead to vomiting, drooling, or worse depending on what they chewed. That doesn't mean you have to give up indoor plants entirely, though.

There are many pet-safe houseplants that won't harm dogs and still look great in your space. They won't cause problems if your dog chews a leaf or knocks over a pot. Growing houseplants safely around pets just requires knowing which ones are dog safe plants — and which ones need to stay out of reach.

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Dog-Safe Houseplants

Puppies mouth everything because that's how they figure out the world. Older dogs might chew from boredom, to settle a queasy stomach, or simply because the leaf feels interesting in their mouth. No matter the reason, trying to train perfect behavior around plants usually falls short—dogs are dogs. One wrong bite from something toxic can turn a lazy afternoon into a stressful mess.

That's why dog-safe plants make more sense than constant supervision. Even the best-behaved dog will occasionally investigate a new pot. Safe varieties mean a chewed leaf stays just that—a chewed leaf. Place trickier plants higher up or in another room if you want extra insurance, but starting with safe ones cuts the risk right away.

1. Spider Plant

Girl tends to spider plants hanging from baskets on wall

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) top the list of dog-safe houseplants because they grow easily and look nice doing it. The long, striped leaves arch gracefully, perfect for hanging baskets or a high shelf out of tail range. They put up with average light and forgive you if you forget to water for a week or two.

Baby plantlets dangle from runners and root in water or soil with almost no effort. Water when the top inch feels dry, and they'll keep going strong. Spider plants, like this one from Fast Growing Trees, are forgiving starters for pet homes.

2. Boston Fern

Boston fern in brass hanging basket in sunlight against a sunny dark toned wall

Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) work well as dog-safe houseplants since they add nice green fullness and stay non-toxic if your dog chews a bit. They prefer humid spots like the bathroom or kitchen where moisture is already in the air. For drier areas, mist the fronds a few times a week or put the pot on a tray with water and pebbles to help with humidity.

Soil needs to stay moist without getting waterlogged—extra water causes root rot faster than a short dry spell. Boston ferns, available from Costa Farms via Amazon, offer simple and reliable indoor greenery for pet households.

3. Moth Orchid

Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) surprise people with how long those blooms stick around, sometimes months at a stretch. The flowers—white, pink, purple—sit on arching stems above thick, dark leaves. They need bright indirect light and only a little water when the bark mix dries out.

Overwatering causes more headaches than underwatering ever does. They look delicate but aren't fussy once you get the hang of it. Moth orchids add a touch of elegance without the drama. You can find a gorgeous selection of phalaenopsis orchids at Lively Root.

4. Peperomia

Peperomia caperata Lilian in a pot with sunlight casting shadows on the wall

Peperomia plants come in so many shapes and colors—round leaves, rippled edges, variegated patterns, even reddish ones—that you can mix them up on a desk or shelf. They stay small, handle low to medium light, and bounce back if you skip a watering thanks to those thick, fleshy leaves.

Let the soil dry between drinks, and they'll do fine. Compact size means they fit almost anywhere. Peperomia, like this assortment from Bubble Blooms on Amazon, give variety without much upkeep.

5. Cast Iron Plant

A potted cast iron plant with white speckled leaves

Cast iron plants (Aspidistra elatior) earn their spot among dog-safe plants by surviving just about anything—low light, spotty watering, drafts, you name it. The wide, dark green leaves grow in thick upright clumps that fill empty corners or entryways without asking for much. Water thoroughly when the soil dries out completely, which might only be every couple of weeks in winter.

They're nearly impossible to kill indoors, and completely safe. Cast iron plants, available from Lively Root, are the reliable choice for forgetful owners or tough spots around pets.

6. African Violets

African violet plant in pot on kitchen windowsill

African violets (Saintpaulia) keep pumping out small clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers pretty much year-round if they get decent light. The fuzzy round leaves sit low, so the plants stay compact on windowsills or under a cheap grow light. Water from the bottom—set the pot in a saucer for half an hour, then dump the excess—to avoid spotting the leaves.

Bright indirect light keeps them blooming. It’s safe if tasted, and small enough to tuck anywhere. African violets, like this white and purple variety from Lowe’s, bring reliable color without fuss.

7. Polka Dot Plant

Polka dot plants (Hypoestes phyllostachya) splash bright pink, red, or white spots across green leaves for fun pops of color. They grow fast and bushy—pinch tips to keep them full. Bright indirect light and steady moisture keep them thriving in shadier spots.

Short-lived but simple to propagate from cuttings. Get a pink polka dot plant from Lively Root and watch it liven up low-light areas safely, even around Fido.

Plants to Avoid

It’s not always obvious which houseplants are risky, especially when some of the most common ones are on the problem list. These are all a no-go for dogs. Moving these plants to spaces your dog never enters helps, but replacing them with safer options works even better.

If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance, call the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible.

For more information on which plants are potentially dangerous to your pets, please go to the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List. Even with plants that are non-toxic, ingestion of any plant could cause mild stomach upset for your animals.

Tyler’s passion began with indoor gardening and deepened as he studied plant-fungi interactions in controlled settings. With a microbiology background focused on fungi, he’s spent over a decade solving tough and intricate gardening problems. After spinal injuries and brain surgery, Tyler’s approach to gardening changed. It became less about the hobby and more about recovery and adapting to physical limits. His growing success shows that disability doesn’t have to stop you from your goals.