All dog owners know that they love to chew on things they shouldn’t. I’ve seen my dog eat crayons, paper, and countless other things that really shouldn’t have been anywhere near her mouth. Many dogs are poisoned by house plants annually! Avoid potential catastrophe by only keeping non-toxic plants in the house, such as the 20 house plants safe for dogs listed below.
1. Tillandsia
Tillandsias are a popular house plant among homeowners due to their air-purifying properties. Their long, green, slender leaves remove negative toxins from the atmosphere, and replace it with fresh air. If you choose to grow a tillandsia plant, you’ll a moist and humid climate in your home.
If your house is on the drier side, water this perennial either through misting regularly, or by immersing it in a shallow dish full of water two or three times a month.
2. Boston Fern
Boston ferns are non toxic, and have luscious green foliage on long, slender stems. That said, Boston ferns do require careful attention. If you choose to grow one of these plants, it’ll have to be in a cool room with high humidity, in indirect light. You’ll also need to provide low fertilized soil or peat moss for it to thrive.
Since Boston are heavy feeders, make sure to tend it regularly with a fertilizer that’s specifically formulated for it. These are available at your local garden center.
3. Staghorn Fern
This fern species is also known as “elkhorn” fern. It gets its name from its distinct leaf shape, where long, dark green fronds grow close together at the plant’s base and then widen out as they mature. Staghorn ferns are also epiphytic, which means that they like to root themselves into multiple surfaces and grow vertically.
In fact, a popular method of growing stag horn ferns is to plant them in bags to hang on walls. This certainly keeps them away from pooch’s snout!
4. Maidenhair Fern
This fern variety is one of the best house plants safe for dogs. Its delicate foliage is absolutely gorgeous, but gardeners need to contend with their picky behaviour and demanding needs. Maidenhair ferns need a ton of indirect sunlight, as well as an optimal temperature of 70F in a moist climate. Watering can be done by misting, but they need nourishing, well-drained soil to thrive.
5. Dwarf Olive Tree
Have you ever wanted to grow your own fruit tree, but never had enough outdoor space available? Try a dwarf olive tree!
These stunning plants need regular pruning and will grow to a maximum of 6 feet tall, which is just tall enough to avoid the pupper snacking on them. Just make sure that your dog doesn’t get his paws on any fallen olives by harvesting ripe ones regularly.
6. Orchids
In the Victorian era, orchids became such a popular plant that the obsession was dubbed orchidelirium. Orchid hunters would risk their lives to harvest flowers and then sell them to the highest bidders. These stunning flowers are still popular, and come in many different shapes, colours, sizes and designs… all of which are safe for dogs. They’re fussy plants, so do your research before adopting one!
7. Echeveria
Echeveria is a favourite among home gardeners for their appearance and easy maintenance. They’re also cherished by pet owners because they’re so non-toxic. They’re closely related to succulents, and most plants grow in a rose-like pattern with a stout stem. From white to purple leaves, large or small florets, soft, pointed, or prickly, there’s bound to be an echeveria plant just for you.
8. Rosemary
Not only does rosemary taste good, this plant is also a great house plant as well. This herb consists of tall stems with small, pointed green leaves, which will later develop small white flowers as well. Rosemary is very aromatic and is claimed to have therapeutic properties, such as helping people concentrate, or sleep peacefully. This herb also happens to be a common additive in many commercial dog foods.
9. Ponytail Palm
Although the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) isn’t a true palm species, it’s sure to bring a tropical feeling to any home. Also, thanks to its easy maintenance requirements—such as minimal watering, moderate fertilizer and a lot of bright light light—you won’t have to stress too much about caring for it. Just sit back, sip a pina colada, and enjoy the view.
10. Roses.
Romance lovers rejoice! Although it might be difficult to set the mood with a wagging tail and drooling tongue around, it’s a huge relief to know that roses aren’t toxic to animals. These classic flowers have a very strong scent and come in a wide variety of different hues. Although many people buy cut roses from florist shops, you can grow miniature rose bushes indoors.
As long as you remind your pooch to mind the thorns, feel free to let him or her use their sniffer to their heart’s content.
11. Pet Grass
If it’s safe for cats, it’s often safe for dogs as well. Cat grass (aka “pet grass”) consists of sprouted wheat seeds that grow quite quickly. This plant is a favourite snack for animals as it helps to provide many vital digestive enzymes. Find cat grass already grown at any local pet store or garden center. Of course, since this is a plant that’s actually meant to be consumed, you’ll have to replace it regularly.
12. Bamboo
Hey, if it can feed a panda, it can’t be too bad for a dog. Bamboo is a perennial grass found in southern Asian countries. There are over 1500 different varieties, and some can even produce flowers. It grows so well in moist conditions that certain species can grow with no soil at all. Unlike trees, bamboo plants can only increase in height, not width.
13. Spider plants.
Scientifically known as Chlorophyto comosum, these plants can also be referred to as St. Bernard’s lily, chicken and hen, spider ivy, ribbon plant, and airplane plant. Spider plants consist of long, thin, light green leaves with a yellow stripe running down the centers.
A cool thing about spider plants is that with proper care, they’ll produce off-shooting stems, which will in turn grow miniature spider plants! Therefore, you should regularly prune your spider plants unless you want to propagate them. They also need bright (but not harsh) lighting in well-drained soil, with moderate watering.
14. African Violets
Although not a true violet in nature, the African violet is prized for the fact that they are totally safe for four-legged friends. These plants have beautiful green leaves and gorgeous triple-petaled flowers that come in just about any colour imaginable. Place your African violet in a warm climate with full to partial indirect sunlight. Make sure to dampen the soil with warm water to avoid root damage.
15. Bromeliads
One reason to why bromeliads are popular houseplants is because they’re so unique. They have thick, green leaves that stand erect, along with a brightly coloured central flower. This flower is closely related to the pineapple, and will grow on natural structures such as trees and rocks if given a chance. One cool fact about bromeliads that dog lovers may appreciate is that reproduces by sprouting “pups”!
16. Haworthia Succulent
With their pretty white and green striped leaves, the haworthia succulent is a classic house plant that just happens to be pet friendly as well. It’s a member of the Asphodeloideae plant family, which makes them cousins to aloe vera plants. All succulents are generally very hardy ,and can grow in the weirdest places. They need minimal watering and lots of bright sunlight, and aren’t picky about soil types.
17. Money Tree
Before we begin, let me disclose that a money tree doesn’t actually grow money. Also known by its scientific name, Pachira aquatica, it’s a low-maintenance house plant originating from South America. This miniature tree consists of a braided trunk with green, oval-shaped leaves that cluster in groups of five. In Feng Shui, it’s used as a good luck species to fuel fortune and business.
18. Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is an excellent beginners plant as it can grow well in a variety of conditions. This plant has large, pointed, green leaves and can grow well in both outdoor conditions and indoor conditions. You should grow your cast iron in rich soil with full shade and occasional watering. The cast iron plant is native to Japan and due to its slow growth, you can be assured that you will have a long and happy relationship with your plant.
19. Burro’s Tail Succulent
This cute plant (Sedum morganianum) is a favourite among succulent enthusiasts due to its playful appearance. Succulents are very closely related to cactus varieties, and so your burro’s tail succulent, (or donkey tail, if you prefer), will need plenty of sunlight and minimal watering.
20. Lipstick Plant
The lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) gets its name from its gorgeous appearance. This flowering plant produces red, tube-like flowers that just so happen to resemble old-fashioned lipstick tubes. It’s a cascading variety and will benefit when grown in a hanging basket. Keep the soil moderately damp, and hang in an area that gets partial sun.
As you can see, there are many house plants safe for dogs that you can choose from. Select the ones you like best, safe in the knowledge that your doggo won’t be harmed if he or she nibbles on them.
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