• Meet Tove Maren
  • In the Press
  • Shop Hygge
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
Hygge in the Now

Hygge in the Now

Your Hygge Journey Starts Here

  • Hygge Life
  • Hygge Home
  • Hygge Crafts

10 Indoor Plants at are Safe for Kids and Pets

Featured, Hygge Home, Instagram Links

Sharing is caring!

53 shares
  • Share49
  • LinkedIn
  • Tweet

There are affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations.

There are affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations.

Houseplants are satisfying to keep and an excellent way to liven up indoor spaces.  If you have pets or small children, it may be difficult to determine which indoor plants are safe in your home.

10 Indoor Plants that are Safe for Kids and Pets

There are so many reasons to keep houseplants.  They offer beauty and texture to home decor, maintaining them can be fun and rewarding and they even help purify indoor air.  But if you have pets or small children, it may be tricky to find the perfect houseplant that is both safe to keep and easy to care for.

Many houseplants, like sago palms and lilies, are very toxic if ingested and should be avoided in homes with curious pets or children.  However, if you know what to look for, there are plenty of easy-care plants that are totally safe for your home.

prayer plants

In this guide, we’ll explore our top choices for non-toxic houseplants that are just right for homes with kids and pets.

10 Indoor Plants that are Safe for Kids and Pets

Below are our top 10 favorite kid- and pet-safe plants, which we’ve selected due to their non-toxic nature and low-maintenance growing requirements.  And, for greater variety, we’ve also included a range of different plant types.  So, no matter your interest, you’re sure to find the perfect pet-safe plant for you here!

1.     African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)

A cheerful plant with colorful blooms and round, furry leaves, African violets are a classic choice for any houseplant collection.  These non-toxic plants are ideal for homes with pets or small children and, since they rarely reach more than 6” high, they are perfect tabletop plants too.

Generally easy-going, African violets prefer bright, indirect light; however, additional shade can promote blooming.  Flower colors range from white to pink to purple, with some flowers boasting bicolored flowers or blooms with extra frilly petals.  Just keep in mind that African violet leaves should be kept dry, so be sure to only water your plant from the bottom.

2.     Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are some of the most popular foliage plants for good reason.  These low-maintenance plants are non-toxic and their colorful, grass-like leaves add lots of texture and color to windowsill displays.  However, for even better results, try potting up your spider plant in a hanging basket, which will help protect delicate leaves from bruising and damage.

Spider plants are also very easy to propagate in soil or water.  After blooming small, white flowers, spider plants will produce baby spider plants, known as “spiderettes.”  Once separated from the parent plant, these spiderettes can be potted up on their own to share with friends.

 

spiderplant

3.     Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Despite its name, ponytail palms are actually not palms at all but are a type of succulent.  These funky-looking plants feature a bulbous, woody trunk topped with a mass of curly, bright green leaves.  That woody trunk is the key to the ponytail palm’s success as it is used to store moisture for better drought resistance.

In their native Mexico, ponytail palms can grow well over 30’ tall in the wild; however, they usually stay under 10’ high when kept as potted plants.  A slow-growing plant species, ponytail palms won’t outcompete other plants in your collection and they need minimal water, so they’re a good plant to keep if you’re new to indoor gardening.

4.     Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

Prayer plants are known for their attractive and highly patterned leaves with contrasting colors in yellow, green, and pink.  Intriguingly, those leaves move to follow the sunlight, turning upwards in the evening for water conservation — a movement which is said to resemble hands in prayer.

Growing well in hanging baskets or tabletop planters, prayer plants have a somewhat trailing growth habit, and stems spill beautifully over planter sides for lots of texture.  For a tidier look, you can encourage your prayer plant to grow more vertically with frequent pruning or trellising.  And, if you’re lucky, your plant may also bloom pretty purple flowers in spring or summer.

5.     Rattlesnake Plant (Goeppertia insignis)

A relative of prayer plants, rattlesnake plants are also known for their highly patterned leaves, which are accentuated by deep red undersides.  Another non-toxic plant, rattlesnake plants are less likely to bloom indoors than prayer plants, but they make showstopping houseplants regardless.

While many houseplants can adapt to low indoor humidity levels, rattlesnake plants have higher-than-average humidity needs.  For this reason, try placing your plant on a pebble tray or near a humidifier to prevent crispy leaves.

6.     Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

Venus flytraps are a popular choice for homes with kids because they are just such fun plants.  Like other carnivorous plants, Venus flytraps utilize their moving “traps” to catch flies, gnats, and other troublesome pests in your home.  Even better, because they move so quickly, these plants are excellent for observing and home science projects with youngsters too.

Naturally found in the nutrient-poor, boggy areas of the coastal Carolinas, Venus flytraps need special growing conditions to look their best.  Specifically, Venus flytraps like bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil, but they are sensitive to the chemicals in tap water.  Instead, for best results, only water your flytraps with rain or distilled water and avoid using fertilizers of any kind.

Christmas Cactus

7.     Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)

Christmas cactus and the closely related Thanksgiving cactus are actually succulents, not cacti.  These low-maintenance plants look lovely in hanging baskets that allow their gently draping and segmented stems to show in all their glory.  But, if you needed more reasons to love these plants, wait until they bloom big, tropical-looking flowers in mid-winter!

Easy to propagate in soil or water, Christmas cacti grow best in bright, indirect light.  Additionally, because they are succulents, they don’t need a lot of water, so they’re a good pick if you’re looking for a no-fuss plant.

8.     Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Many palm species are not pet-safe, but parlor palms are delightful and non-toxic specimens that won’t pose any risk to your fluffy friends.  An elegant floor plant, parlor palms are sure to add lots of drama and classic touch to any home décor.  When properly maintained, these plants will grow to about 10 to 12’ in height.

These adaptable plants are even suitable for lower-light rooms, although they do well in bright, indirect light.  To prevent crispy leaves, try to maintain humidity levels around your palm between 40 to 60%.  Since indoor air can be quite dry in winter, you may want to place your palm near a humidifier.

9.     Velvet Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)

Also known as the purple passion plant, velvet plants have thin, angular leaves that are coated in bright, purple fuzz that is soft to the touch.  These purple leaves appear almost iridescent in the sunlight and are further accentuated when the plant blooms golden-orange flowers that look a bit like dandelions.

Gorgeous in either hanging baskets or pruned for a more vertical look, velvet plants are short-lived houseplants.  To keep your plants going for more than a few years, take cuttings of your velvet plants and root them in water or soil to create new growth.

10.  Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)

In nature, air plants grow as epiphytes, anchoring themselves to tree branches and loose bark with the help of their aerial roots.  When grown indoors, air plants are often mounted on pieces of driftwood or hung in hanging planters to take advantage of vertical space.  Either way, air plants are easy to keep and get most of the water and nutrients they need from the air around them.

As monocarpic plants, air plants only bloom once and then die back.  But the flowers they produce are certainly eye-catching, composed of bright red and purple hues that resemble a firework.  Once flowers fade, air plants will often produce a “pup,” or baby air plant, to keep your houseplant collection going strong.

Frequently asked questions

What houseplants are non-toxic?
While there are a number of non-toxic plants to choose from, some of the safest plants to keep are spider plants, African violets, and air plants.

What is the most toxic indoor plant?
Lilies and sago palms are both very toxic to pets and cause many problems annually for pet owners.  For this reason, these plants are best avoided in any home with pets or children present.  If you have questions about a specific plant in your collection, check out the ASPCA’s comprehensive list of toxic plants here.

Summary

Houseplants are satisfying to keep and an excellent way to liven up indoor spaces.  If you have pets or small children, it may be difficult to determine which houseplants are safe to bring into your home.

Luckily, there are tons of different non-toxic plants that you won’t need to worry about!

 

November 10, 2022 ·

Previous Post: « 10 Fun Fall Hygge Ideas for the Whole Family

Primary Sidebar

About Tove Maren

Hej, I am Tove Maren, a Danish/ American writer living in the Greater Seattle area. Growing up in Denmark, I was raised on hygge and insanely salty licorice. You probably won’t share my love for Danish candy. But I am sure Danish hygge is perfect for you!

Let’s hygge together!

Let’s Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Get Our Hygge Newsletter

Browse Categories

Search This Website

Latest on Instagram

hyggeinthenow

Hygge In The Now
This week, Jonah and I found “Jakob Two Trees” This week, Jonah and I found “Jakob Two Trees” in Issaquah, Washington. The troll was created by @thomasdambo in collaboration with @scandesignfoundation and with design elements by members from the @snoqualmietribe - the size, the details and the sheer amount of work that went into creating this piece of art blew me away. But… all that said, the number of people - of all ages that came out in search of the troll simply warmed my heart. I had tears in my eyes - watching young, old, teenagers and business people alike walking the trail in search of magic, folklore and culture. Leave it to trolls to bring people together! 🧌❤️🇩🇰
Visiting my sister’s house in Denmark, was like Visiting my sister’s house in Denmark, was like stepping into a cocoon filled with hygge, comfort and love. ❤️ Every where you turned, she displayed items well-loved and cared for. It wasn’t cluttered, it wasn’t minimalistic, it was just right - it was HYGGE! 🇩🇰
… if Danish childhood had a taste, this would be … if Danish childhood had a taste, this would be it! 🍫 🍞🥰 🇩🇰 What was your childhood taste?
If walls could talk… don’t you wonder what sto If walls could talk… don’t you wonder what stories an old doorway could tell? Who’s entered, who’s left - what did they feel - what tales lie beyond the front door? 🚪 🤔 What questions would you ask?
Did you know, every day starts with a beautiful su Did you know, every day starts with a beautiful sunrise… and that’s worth celebrating! (This particular sunrise was captured over Iceland - from our plane window). 🥰
Did you know that gardening doesn’t have to brea Did you know that gardening doesn’t have to break the bank?! 🌹 I have our front yard filled with small rose bushes I’ve rescued from our grocery store when they go on sale. Never give up on sad plants - they often just needs some TLC… and time! ❤️🌹
We made terrariums yesterday. The bottle on the le We made terrariums yesterday. The bottle on the left is from Target, the other jar was in my bast collection of “jars I need to save for a special project”. We covered the bottom with gravel rock and some sand we had laying around and then added small clippings from my most humidity-loving plants. 🌱 Let’s see what happens with these - if they thrive or fail. Regardless of the outcome, our youngest son and I had a blast making them! ❤️
Morning hygge moment: starting your day by greetin Morning hygge moment: starting your day by greeting all the beautiful flowers in your garden - off to a great start! 🌺 🌻❤️
Hygge with the kids happens when you say “yes” Hygge with the kids happens when you say “yes” - even when you are tired and have an endless to-do list. 🏊‍♂️ Today, the two littlest asked to go to our community pool with a friend. 🏊 Did I have other things to do?! YES (that’s always a yes)… but could those things wait?! Also YES (and they most often can)… so here I am - with happy kids who are away from screens, being active and playing with a friend. I said “yes” to hygge! 🥰
☕️ “Live life today, like there’s no coffe ☕️ “Live life today, like there’s no coffee tomorrow” - @meikwiking ☕️ Live fully and completely today… and don’t forget to hygge! 🥰
This is exactly what a “hygge krog” (hygge cor This is exactly what a “hygge krog” (hygge corner) is meant to look like. 😍 Having hygge in your home, doesn’t always mean “minimalistic” and matching everything. Hygge is the feeling you get when you enter a space. This is my writing nook. ✍🏼 In this space, I am surrounded by all.the.things from my childhood home, my parents’ home and special gifts from my sister, kids and friends. I feel at peace here - I feel safe and loved. This is my hygge krog! 🥰
Hygge is meeting friends at your favorite coffee p Hygge is meeting friends at your favorite coffee place… even if you are discussing middle school PTSA, school dances and budgets!
Hygge and happiness is: opening your Christmas pre Hygge and happiness is: opening your Christmas present from your sister and finding THIS masterpiece! 😍 Just thinking of all the hours she spent making this for me, warmed my heart! ❤️ Isn’t it an amazing blanket?! Thank you, @sonjaclingman ❤️
From our family to yours: Glædelig jul and a very From our family to yours: Glædelig jul and a very Merry Christmas. 🎄 🎅🏼❤️ Thank you for being part of this hygge-filled corner of the internet. I appreciate YOU and the positive energy you bring. I hope your days are filled with happiness and hygge - always! 🥰 Much love, Tove
Today I’m thankful for the foresight of 2005 me Today I’m thankful for the foresight of 2005 me when I asked my grandma if I could make photocopies of her cookie recipes. 🍪 👵🏻❤️ Next week, I will bake cookies with my boys - using grandma’s recipes - her cherished recipes. If you are still blessed with parents and grandparents, ask them for their recipes NOW - future you will thank you! ❤️
🪴 Before you buy plants for friends and family 🪴 Before you buy plants for friends and family this season, check this list of 10 beautiful non-toxic indoor plants! 🪴 Plants make great gifts, but keeping kids and pets in mind when shopping will make it a super gift-giving experience! 🎁 Post can be found in the profile link - or here: https://hyggeinthenow.com/indoor-plants-safe/
What’s bringing you hygge today? My grandma’s What’s bringing you hygge today? My grandma’s old fragile Christmas ornaments would never last a day on our tree. So I filled an old fish bowl with greenery and her Christmas decorations - for a fun way to display these memory-filled ornaments. 🎄❤️ Hygge in a fish bowl 🥰
#AD The Winter and Christmas boxes from @decocrate #AD The Winter and Christmas boxes from @decocrated made holiday decorating a breeze for this busy mom. Every season, I get boxes with color coordinated items and they generally mix and match in fun ways with boxes from previous seasons. Every busy and tired mom should gift herself a subscription from Decocrated. Start today and save $15 with code: HYGGE15 - link: https://glnk.io/lrlnz/15  #whyidecocrate  #Decocrated  #decocratedwinter2022
Finding beauty in nature is easy. Just look up, lo Finding beauty in nature is easy. Just look up, look down - it’s all around you. 🏔️❄️
#ad Now that we have Halloween safely behind us, l #ad Now that we have Halloween safely behind us, let’s bust out ALL the winter stuff!!!! ❄️ 
I got the Winter and the Christmas boxes from @decocrated … and swoon! 🥰
Warning ⛔️ Spoiler alert! 🚨 
There are so many pieces in the winter box you can use throughout the year! 
The runner will look amazing on any festive table… but this is how I’ve decided to use it - with the snow flake on the wall and the candle holder and wooden runner from previous Decocrated boxes. Mixing and matching new with previous Decocrated decor has become my favorite way to decorate. 🏡❤️

Also, one can never have too many soft and fuzzy throws - nothing adds hygge to a room like a well-placed snuggly blanket. 😍
Check out the current Decocrated boxes for yourself: https://glnk.io/lrlnz/15
With code HYGGE15 you save $15 off an annual or quarterly subscription. It’s such a great deal - and you deserve it! 🎁 

Decocrated will change your home decor routine. Taking seasonal decorating from expensive and stressful to sanity- and money saving! 💰 🧘‍♀️ 

#whyidecocrate  #Decocrated #decocratedwinter2022
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Meet Tove Maren
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Statement

Copyright © 2023 · Anchored Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

53 shares
  • 49