Pet-safe houseplants for cats and dogs: list based on the ASPCA

The ASPCA, which runs the Animal Poison Control Center, lists these houseplants as non-toxic to cats and dogs. When the ASPCA doesn't cover a species, we rely on a university source and say so for that plant. The list covers 11 plants from our atlas, each with a link to its source and its care page.

🐾 Non-toxic doesn't mean harmless. The ASPCA notes that even a non-toxic plant such as spider plant can cause mild GI upset, most commonly vomiting and diarrhea. If your pet eats a lot of any plant or seems unwell, call your vet.

Non-toxic houseplants in our atlas

baby rubber plant Peperomia obtusifolia

Light: bright indirect
Watering: let mostly dry out
Difficulty: easy

Source: ASPCA — Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia, species entry)

cast iron plant Aspidistra elatior

Light: tolerates low light
Watering: when the top dries
Difficulty: easy

Source: ASPCA — Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Chinese money plant Pilea peperomioides

Light: bright indirect
Watering: when the top dries
Difficulty: easy

Source: ASPCA — Are Succulents Safe to Have Around Pets? (Chinese Money plant)

spider plant Chlorophytum comosum

Light: medium
Watering: keep lightly moist
Difficulty: easy

Source: ASPCA — Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

string of turtles Peperomia prostrata

Light: bright indirect
Watering: when the top dries
Difficulty: easy

Source: ASPCA — Emerald Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata; genus-level, P. prostrata not listed)

watermelon peperomia Peperomia argyraea

Light: bright indirect
Watering: when the top dries
Difficulty: easy

Source: ASPCA — Watermelon Begonia (Peperomia argyreia, species entry)

wax plant Hoya carnosa

Light: bright, some sun ok
Watering: let mostly dry out
Difficulty: easy

Source: ASPCA — Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)

nerve plant Fittonia albivenis

Light: bright indirect
Watering: keep lightly moist
Difficulty: moderate

Source: ASPCA — Nerve Plant (Fittonia verschaffeltii)

peacock plant Goeppertia makoyana

Light: medium
Watering: keep lightly moist
Difficulty: moderate

Source: ASPCA — Calathea (Calathea spp.), genus entry

prayer plant Maranta leuconeura

Light: medium
Watering: keep lightly moist
Difficulty: moderate

Source: ASPCA — Maranta (prayer plant)

calathea orbifolia Goeppertia orbifolia

Light: bright indirect
Watering: keep lightly moist
Difficulty: demanding

Source: ASPCA — Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Which ones tolerate less light?

From this list, these are fine in a spot with less light: cast iron plant, spider plant, peacock plant, prayer plant.

The other 25 plants in our atlas are toxic or mildly toxic to pets, or neither the ASPCA nor a university source lists them as non-toxic. You'll find every plant in one table in our guide Houseplants Toxic to Cats and Dogs: 22 Popular Plants Checked Against ASPCA. You can also filter the whole atlas with "Pet-safe": Plant atlas.

This is not veterinary advice. If you suspect poisoning, call your vet.