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One of the easiest ways to breathe some life into a room is with the addition of a plant or two. Plants not only add colour but many houseplants also have air-purifying properties. The drawback, though, is that some of the most popular houseplants are also toxic to pets and children. If you want to spruce up your home without the worry, consider these plants instead. They are non-toxic so your pets and kids will be safe even if they tend to nibble on the decor.
Green Living
20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs
March 16, 2018
One of the easiest ways to breathe some life into a room is with the addition of a plant or two. Plants not only add colour but many houseplants also have air-purifying properties. The drawback, though, is that some of the most popular houseplants are also toxic to pets and children. If you want to spruce up your home without the worry, consider these plants instead. They are non-toxic so your pets and kids will be safe even if they tend to nibble on the decor.
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1. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
1/201. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
1/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Native to the coastal mountains around Rio de Janeiro, the Christmas cactus blooms over the holiday period in the Northern Hemisphere. It likes medium light levels and not too much watering and because it’s easy to propagate, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. <bR><BR> RELATED: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-that-flower-in-winter-1921590/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Plants That Will Flower in the Winter</a>.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs1. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -Native to the coastal mountains around Rio de Janeiro, the Christmas cactus blooms over the holiday period in the Northern Hemisphere. It likes medium light levels and not too much watering and because it’s easy to propagate, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. <bR><BR> RELATED: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-that-flower-in-winter-1921590/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Plants That Will Flower in the Winter</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
2/202. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
2/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Some ferns are highly toxic but if you’re looking for one that your cat can safely attack, the Boston fern is a great choice. Originally from the tropics, this plant prefers filtered light and high humidity levels. <br><br> You might also like: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Indoor Plants That Thrive on Low Light</a>.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -Some ferns are highly toxic but if you’re looking for one that your cat can safely attack, the Boston fern is a great choice. Originally from the tropics, this plant prefers filtered light and high humidity levels. <br><br> You might also like: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Indoor Plants That Thrive on Low Light</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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3. Blue Echeveria (Echeveria Glauca)
3/203. Blue Echeveria (Echeveria Glauca)
3/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Also known as the hen and chicks, the blue echeveria is a succulent native to the semi-desert areas of Mexico and Central America. Because of its bluish colour and flower-like shape, it’s an attractive houseplant. It prefers plenty of light and not too much watering.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs3. Blue Echeveria (Echeveria Glauca)
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -Also known as the hen and chicks, the blue echeveria is a succulent native to the semi-desert areas of Mexico and Central America. Because of its bluish colour and flower-like shape, it’s an attractive houseplant. It prefers plenty of light and not too much watering.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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4. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
4/204. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
4/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
African violets are native to the tropical parts of East Africa and in the Canadian climate, they’re best grown indoors because they’re sensitive to changes in temperature. Unlike sweet violets, these velvety plants aren’t considered edible but they’re not toxic either.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs4. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -African violets are native to the tropical parts of East Africa and in the Canadian climate, they’re best grown indoors because they’re sensitive to changes in temperature. Unlike sweet violets, these velvety plants aren’t considered edible but they’re not toxic either.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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5. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia Obtusifolia)
5/205. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia Obtusifolia)
5/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The rubber plant, Ficus elastic, is poisonous but the baby or American rubber plant, Peperomia obtusifolia, is a non-toxic alternative. It’s native to Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico and thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. <br><br> RELATED: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/20-plants-that-will-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home-1901078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Plants That Will Improve the Air Quality in Your Home</a>.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs5. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia Obtusifolia)
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -The rubber plant, Ficus elastic, is poisonous but the baby or American rubber plant, Peperomia obtusifolia, is a non-toxic alternative. It’s native to Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico and thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. <br><br> RELATED: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/20-plants-that-will-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home-1901078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Plants That Will Improve the Air Quality in Your Home</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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6. Baby's Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii)
6/206. Baby's Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii)
6/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Whether you call it baby’s tears, Paddy’s wig, mind-your-own-business or any of the many other names it goes by, Soleirolia is a child and pet safe plant that produces lots of tiny white flowers. It’s native to the northern Mediterranean. <br><br> You might also like: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/20-hacks-to-keep-your-houseplants-alive-during-the-winter-1895890/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Hacks to Keep Your Houseplants Alive During the Winter</a>.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs6. Baby's Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii)
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -Whether you call it baby’s tears, Paddy’s wig, mind-your-own-business or any of the many other names it goes by, Soleirolia is a child and pet safe plant that produces lots of tiny white flowers. It’s native to the northern Mediterranean. <br><br> You might also like: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/20-hacks-to-keep-your-houseplants-alive-during-the-winter-1895890/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Hacks to Keep Your Houseplants Alive During the Winter</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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7. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus Verticillatus)
7/207. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus Verticillatus)
7/20Photo Credit: Digigalos/Wikimedia CommonsSource: commons.wikimedia.org
Swedish ivy originally comes from southern Africa. Its tendency to trail makes it a good choice for a hanging basket and it prefers moisture and indirect sunlight.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs7. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus Verticillatus)
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Swedish ivy originally comes from southern Africa. Its tendency to trail makes it a good choice for a hanging basket and it prefers moisture and indirect sunlight.Photo Credit: Digigalos/Wikimedia CommonsSource: commons.wikimedia.org
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8. Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)
8/208. Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)
8/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The prayer plant gets its name from the way the leaves fold in the evening, as if they’re hands folded in prayer. Native to the rainforests of Brazil, the prayer plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity. <br><br> RELATED: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/the-best-bedroom-plants-to-help-you-get-a-better-sleep-1918667/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Best Bedroom Plants to Help You Get a Better Sleep</a>.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs8. Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -The prayer plant gets its name from the way the leaves fold in the evening, as if they’re hands folded in prayer. Native to the rainforests of Brazil, the prayer plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity. <br><br> RELATED: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/the-best-bedroom-plants-to-help-you-get-a-better-sleep-1918667/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Best Bedroom Plants to Help You Get a Better Sleep</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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9. Wax Plant (Hoya Carnosa)
9/209. Wax Plant (Hoya Carnosa)
9/20Photo Credit: Yvan leduc/Wikimedia CommonsSource: commons.wikimedia.org
Also known as the porcelainflower or the Hindu rope, the wax plant is native to eastern Asia and Australia. It produces clusters of star-shaped flowers that come in various shades of pink and have a sweet scent. The wax plant prefers bright light.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs9. Wax Plant (Hoya Carnosa)
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -Also known as the porcelainflower or the Hindu rope, the wax plant is native to eastern Asia and Australia. It produces clusters of star-shaped flowers that come in various shades of pink and have a sweet scent. The wax plant prefers bright light.Photo Credit: Yvan leduc/Wikimedia CommonsSource: commons.wikimedia.org
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10. Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens)
10/2010. Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens)
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The areca or butterfly palm is native to Madagascar and prefers bright, indirect light. It’s easy to care for as long as you don’t neglect it. An areca palm can grow to about 2 m and can live for as long as ten years. <br><br> You might also like: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/weird-plant-tips-for-your-home-and-garden-that-work-1917397/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Weird Plant Tips for Your Home and Garden That Actually Work</a>.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs10. Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens)
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -The areca or butterfly palm is native to Madagascar and prefers bright, indirect light. It’s easy to care for as long as you don’t neglect it. An areca palm can grow to about 2 m and can live for as long as ten years. <br><br> You might also like: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/weird-plant-tips-for-your-home-and-garden-that-work-1917397/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Weird Plant Tips for Your Home and Garden That Actually Work</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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11. Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
11/2011. Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
11/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The parlour palm is native to Mexico and Guatemala and indoors it can grow to about 2 m. It prefers humidity and bright, indirect light but will tolerate drier, low-light conditions. One of the great features of the parlour palm is that it’s low maintenance.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs11. Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -The parlour palm is native to Mexico and Guatemala and indoors it can grow to about 2 m. It prefers humidity and bright, indirect light but will tolerate drier, low-light conditions. One of the great features of the parlour palm is that it’s low maintenance.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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12. Burro's Tail (Sedum Morganianum)
12/2012. Burro's Tail (Sedum Morganianum)
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The burro's tail is also known as the donkey’s tail or lamb's tail. Native to Mexico and Honduras, it grows best in full sunlight and makes a great hanging plant. It produces pink to red flowers in summer but is sensitive to overwatering in winter.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs12. Burro's Tail (Sedum Morganianum)
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -The burro's tail is also known as the donkey’s tail or lamb's tail. Native to Mexico and Honduras, it grows best in full sunlight and makes a great hanging plant. It produces pink to red flowers in summer but is sensitive to overwatering in winter.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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13. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
13/2013. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
13/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Native to tropical and southern Africa, the spider plant is also known as the airplane plant, spider ivy, ribbon plant or hen and chickens. It prefers moderate light but will grow in a wide range of conditions and will forgive you if you forget to water it.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs13. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -Native to tropical and southern Africa, the spider plant is also known as the airplane plant, spider ivy, ribbon plant or hen and chickens. It prefers moderate light but will grow in a wide range of conditions and will forgive you if you forget to water it.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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14. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata)
14/2014. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata)
14/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Also known as the elephant’s foot, the ponytail palm isn’t a palm but a succulent. This means that it can go for long periods without watering, making it a low-maintenance option. The ponytail palm is native to Mexico and grows best in full sunlight.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs14. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata)
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -Also known as the elephant’s foot, the ponytail palm isn’t a palm but a succulent. This means that it can go for long periods without watering, making it a low-maintenance option. The ponytail palm is native to Mexico and grows best in full sunlight.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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15. Cast-iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
15/2015. Cast-iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
15/20Photo Credit: Nino Barbieri/Wikimedia CommonsSource: commons.wikimedia.org
Native to Japan and Taiwan, the cast-iron plant truly lives up to its name. It’s a very hardy plant that can tolerate low light and humidity, irregular watering and fluctuations in temperature. It’s also known as the bar-room plant. <br><br> RELATED: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/the-best-plant-for-every-room-in-your-home-1906809/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Best Plant for Every Room in Your Home</a>.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs15. Cast-iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -Native to Japan and Taiwan, the cast-iron plant truly lives up to its name. It’s a very hardy plant that can tolerate low light and humidity, irregular watering and fluctuations in temperature. It’s also known as the bar-room plant. <br><br> RELATED: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/the-best-plant-for-every-room-in-your-home-1906809/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Best Plant for Every Room in Your Home</a>.Photo Credit: Nino Barbieri/Wikimedia CommonsSource: commons.wikimedia.org
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16. Haworthia
16/2016. Haworthia
16/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Related to aloes, which are toxic to pets and children, Haworthia plants are a safe option if you want a succulent that looks like a small aloe. They’re native to southern Africa and there are many different species.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs16. Haworthia
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Related to aloes, which are toxic to pets and children, Haworthia plants are a safe option if you want a succulent that looks like a small aloe. They’re native to southern Africa and there are many different species.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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17. Phalaenopsis Orchids
17/2017. Phalaenopsis Orchids
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Also known as moth orchids, Phalaenopsis orchids are native to Asia and Australia. They’re among the hardiest of the orchids but prefer higher temperatures, high humidity and low light conditions. There are many different species and they come in a variety of colours.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs17. Phalaenopsis Orchids
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -Also known as moth orchids, Phalaenopsis orchids are native to Asia and Australia. They’re among the hardiest of the orchids but prefer higher temperatures, high humidity and low light conditions. There are many different species and they come in a variety of colours.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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18. Barberton Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
18/2018. Barberton Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
18/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Barberton daisy is also known as the Transvaal or Gerbera daisy. It’s native to South Africa and needs direct sunlight, moist soil and average temperatures. It can flower at any time of year, with flowers lasting 4 to 6 weeks.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs18. Barberton Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -The Barberton daisy is also known as the Transvaal or Gerbera daisy. It’s native to South Africa and needs direct sunlight, moist soil and average temperatures. It can flower at any time of year, with flowers lasting 4 to 6 weeks.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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19. Friendship Plant (Pilea Involucrata)
19/2019. Friendship Plant (Pilea Involucrata)
19/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The friendship plant is native to Mexico and Central America and propagates very easily from cuttings, so you’ll have new plants to give to your friends. It thrives in warm, humid conditions with plenty of bright, filtered light.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs19. Friendship Plant (Pilea Involucrata)
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -The friendship plant is native to Mexico and Central America and propagates very easily from cuttings, so you’ll have new plants to give to your friends. It thrives in warm, humid conditions with plenty of bright, filtered light.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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20. Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)
20/2020. Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)
20/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Before you start growing herbs on the kitchen windowsill, remember that just because you can eat them it doesn’t mean your furry friends can too. Many herbs are toxic to cats and dogs but basil is a safe option that’s low maintenance and very versatile. <br><br> Need more plant tips? Check out this helpful <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/whats-wrong-with-my-plant-1914213/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">guide to determine what's wrong with your plant</a>.Green Living20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs20. Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -Before you start growing herbs on the kitchen windowsill, remember that just because you can eat them it doesn’t mean your furry friends can too. Many herbs are toxic to cats and dogs but basil is a safe option that’s low maintenance and very versatile. <br><br> Need more plant tips? Check out this helpful <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/whats-wrong-with-my-plant-1914213/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">guide to determine what's wrong with your plant</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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