If you’re both a plant lover and a pet owner, you’ve likely run into the classic question: “Is this plant safe for my furry friend?” The truth is, many popular houseplants can be toxic to cats and dogs. But the good news? You don’t have to give up your indoor jungle dreams.
There are plenty of beautiful, non-toxic houseplants that can brighten your space without putting your pets at risk. Below, you’ll find 15 pet-safe plants, along with a few tips on how to keep your home looking vibrant and your greenery thriving—especially with the help of Soltech’s stylish, pet-friendly grow lights.
1. Calathea (Prayer Plant)
Calatheas are beloved for their bold patterns and leaf movement, often folding up at night like praying hands—a phenomenon called nyctinasty. Native to South America, these plants thrive in humid, low-light environments, making them perfect for bathrooms or shaded corners. They’re non-toxic to pets, so your cat can paw at their dancing leaves without concern.
2. Spider Plant
A 1970s favorite making a huge comeback, spider plants are known for their arching leaves and “baby” offshoots, called plantlets. Native to South Africa, they’re incredibly resilient and even help purify the air. They’re also completely pet-safe, although some cats may be tempted to nibble on the leaves due to their mild hallucinogenic effects (similar to catnip)—but don’t worry, it won’t harm them.
3. Areca Palm
Also called the butterfly palm, this elegant plant is pet-safe and great for adding tropical flair to your space. It loves filtered sunlight and can grow quite tall indoors. If your space lacks natural light, placing it under a warm, full-spectrum light like the Highland™ track system can help it grow evenly and stay lush.
4. African Violet
With its velvety leaves and vibrant blooms, the African violet is a longtime windowsill favorite. Originally discovered in Tanzania in the 1890s, it’s been a household staple ever since. It’s safe for pets and perfect for small pots on desks or shelves. Bonus: it thrives under LED grow lights like the Grove™.
5. Peperomia
Peperomias come in a huge variety of shapes and textures—from ripple-leafed varieties to those that mimic watermelon patterns. Native to Central and South America, they’re compact, hardy, and 100% pet-safe. Their thick leaves make them drought-tolerant and easy to care for, even if your pet occasionally gets curious.
6. Bamboo Palm
Used in interior design for its graceful fronds, the bamboo palm is native to Mexico and Central America. It thrives in indirect light and adds a soft, architectural feel to your space. It’s completely non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a go-to choice for stylish plant lovers with pets.
7. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes)
This playful plant comes in fun shades of pink, red, and white and is safe for curious cats and dogs. It’s known for its colorful, freckled foliage, but it can get leggy without enough light. Use a Grove™ bar light to encourage compact growth and maintain those bold colors indoors.
8. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Not to be confused with the toxic Ficus elastica (rubber tree), the baby rubber plant is a safe Peperomia species with glossy, spoon-shaped leaves. Native to the American tropics, it’s both hardy and attractive—plus, it’s pet-friendly and happy in medium to bright indirect light.
9. Boston Fern
This classic fern is known for its full, fluffy fronds and love of humidity. Originally found in tropical rainforests, Boston ferns are non-toxic and great for hanging baskets or pedestals. Just keep the soil moist and the humidity high for a happy plant and a safe home for your pets.
10. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
Its quilted, textured leaves and easy-going nature make this compact plant a true favorite. It got its name from how easily it can be divided and shared with friends. Since it prefers moderate light, pairing it with a Vita™ in a lamp or tabletop setup helps it flourish, especially in rooms without bright natural light.
11. Parlor Palm
A Victorian-era favorite, the parlor palm got its name because it thrived in the low-light parlors of 19th-century homes. It’s a slow-growing, pet-safe palm that requires little more than indirect light and occasional watering. Its elegant fronds add vertical interest without any risk to your furry roommates.
12. Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Known for their stunning, long-lasting blooms, moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are surprisingly pet-safe. While many assume orchids are toxic, these popular varieties are harmless to pets. Originating in Southeast Asia, they thrive with bright, indirect light and just a touch of humidity—perfect under a Vita™ grow bulb.
13. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
A cousin of the Calathea, the prayer plant is another pet-safe beauty that moves with the sun. Its intricate leaf patterns and folding behavior make it a favorite among plant collectors. Keep it in moderate light and high humidity for the best results—and don’t worry if your cat gives it a curious sniff.
14. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Fittonias are known for their striking, veined leaves that come in electric pinks, reds, and whites. They love humidity and moderate light, which can be tough to maintain indoors—unless you have the help of a Grove™ bar light. Perfect for terrariums or bookshelves, Fittonia thrives with stable, gentle lighting and consistent moisture.
15. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
This trailing succulent is not only pet-safe but visually stunning. Its chunky, tear-drop leaves spill over the edges of hanging pots. Native to Mexico, it prefers bright, indirect light and infrequent watering. If you’re keeping it indoors, especially away from sunny windows, a Vita™ grow bulb can supply the full-spectrum light it craves without overheating its delicate stems.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to designing a home that’s lush, cozy, and pet-safe, it’s all about choosing the right plants—and giving them the right light. Soltech’s full-spectrum grow lights are designed to provide the perfect balance of beauty and function, supporting healthy plant growth while blending seamlessly with your decor.
Explore the full collection of Soltech grow lights and bring home the perfect lighting companion for your plant-and-pet-filled space.
