
Pet Friendly Plants and Their Characteristics
Growing plants at home beautifies living spaces and creates a healthy environment by purifying the air. However, unknowingly choosing plants that are harmful to dogs and cats can lead to serious health problems for your pets. Cats and dogs, in particular, love to explore plants, chew on leaves, and dig into the soil inside pots. Therefore, it’s important to choose non-toxic plants.
If you own a cat or dog, you can protect their health by choosing plants that are harmless to dogs and cats. In addition to cats and dogs, some plants can also be harmful to birds. Naturally, plants that are harmful to budgies are also a matter of curiosity. Here are 12 pet-friendly plants and their characteristics
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The areca palm is completely safe and non-toxic for both cats and dogs. It’s among the most harmless plants for pets. Its air-purifying properties increase oxygen levels indoors.

The plant doesn’t like direct sunlight, but thrives in indirect light. It’s important to keep the soil slightly moist at all times. To prevent leaf tips from browning, regular moisture should be provided and low humidity should be avoided. Repotting should be done every 2-3 years, and soil that provides good drainage should be preferred. It offers a highly decorative plant alternative without taking up a large amount of space indoors.
Orchid (Orchidaceae)
The best thing about orchids, which are popular indoor plants with their elegant appearance, is that they are not among the houseplants that are harmful to cats and dogs since they do not contain any toxic substances.
Its aesthetically pleasing appearance makes it not just a plant but also a decorative object. Species such as Phalaenopsis, in particular, offer plenty of visual pleasure in return for their care, with blooms lasting weeks or even months.
Furthermore, with proper care, it has the potential to bloom multiple times a year. An orchid grown in the right pot, with adequate light and love, adds a timeless elegance to its surroundings.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
African violets, which can be easily grown at home, are not among the plants that are harmful to cats and dogs. They are completely safe for pets and are a hardy plant with low maintenance requirements.
It thrives best in indirect light rather than direct sunlight. It doesn’t require much watering. It is recommended not to get water directly on the leaves, as this can cause spots on the leaves. Since it is sensitive to temperature changes, it should be kept away from drafty environments. Potassium-rich fertilizers can be used to extend the flowering period.
Money Plant (Crassula Ovata)
It’s known as a symbol of abundance and prosperity within the home. This non-toxic plant is harmless to your cat or dog when consumed in small amounts. However, caution is advised as it can cause stomach upset.
Allow the soil to dry completely before watering. Root rot can occur when watered excessively, so watering should be done after waiting for the soil to dry completely. While it loves sunlight, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Regular pruning can help promote more compact and vigorous growth.
Love Ladder (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
Love ladder is among the plants that are harmless to dogs and cats and is often preferred for its decorative appearance.
It is advantageous with its air purification feature. Furthermore, it can thrive even in low light, making it quite easy to care for. When its leaves begin to yellow, it can be a sign of overwatering. In this case, watering frequency should be reduced. Grown in hanging pots or on shelves, the hanging branches create a decorative appearance. Liquid fertilizer should be supplemented in spring and summer to ensure rapid plant growth.
Prayer Plant (Calathea)
The prayer plant is among the plants that are harmless to pets. It can be grown safely at home. It is non-toxic and safe for cats and dogs.
Prayer plants are exotic-looking rainforest plants. Besides their exotic appearance, their leaves, which open in the morning and close in the evening, have made them among the most popular potted plants in recent years. It likes high humidity and thrives in indirect light. The soil should always be slightly moist.
Zebra Plant (Haworthiopsis Attenuata)
Another houseplant that’s harmless to pets is the zebra plant. Also known as the snakeskin plant, it’s small and resembles snakeskin.
It stands out for its low maintenance requirements. The plant, which requires plenty of sunlight, has water-retaining properties. Therefore, you don’t need to water it too much. It’s important to remember that overwatering can harm the plant.
Christmas Cactus
Many cactus species can be harmful to pets due to their spines. However, the Christmas cactus is not among the plants that can harm dogs and cats because it is non-toxic to pets.
Christmas Cactus, scientifically known as Schlumbergera, is a plant species native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil. This plant is quite different from other cacti because, unlike typical desert cacti that are spiny and adapted to arid areas, the Christmas cactus thrives in moist, shady environments.
The cactus blooms primarily in the latter months of the year, and the timing of these blooms has earned it the name “Christmas Cactus.” Its brightly colored flowers, which bloom between November and January, have made it a popular winter indoor plant.
M. Pereira says: