Nine house plants safe (non-toxic) for domestic cats

Here are nine houseplants which are safe for domestic cats. It is nice to see a list of safe houseplants because so many articles write about plants that are dangerous for cats. And many plants are. The most dangerous, as you might know, is the Lily but here are some safe ones.

Baby Rubber Plant: according to a very good source, the ASPCA, this plant is safe for cats and dogs. The plant likes filtered light and the potting soil should have plenty of organic material. It's a plant which helps to remove impurities from the air and I believe it comes in different shades of green and variegation.

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Ponytail Plant - Ponytail Palm - Beaucarnea recurvata

The Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is a captivating houseplant with a unique appearance. Despite its name, it’s not a true palm but belongs to the Asparagaceae family. Here are some key details:

• Appearance: It features long, slender, arching leaves that resemble a ponytail, hence its name. The swollen base of its stem gives it the nickname “elephant’s foot.”
• Size: In the wild, it can reach up to 4.5 meters (about 15 feet), but indoors, it typically grows to around 2.5 meters (8 feet).
• Care Tips: Light: Place it in bright, indirect light (near a north-facing window or set back from a south/west-facing window).
• Soil: Use free-draining houseplant compost.
• Watering: Water sparingly—allow the compost to dry out completely between waterings.
• Pruning: It doesn’t require pruning, but you can trim brown tips for aesthetics.
• Winter Care: Reduce watering during dormancy.
• Pet-Friendly: Good news—it’s not toxic to cats or dogs!

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African Violet - Saintpaulia

African violets, also known as Saintpaulia, are charming little houseplants prized for their vibrant blooms and fuzzy leaves. They are not actually violets, but rather part of the Gesneriaceae family, and are native to the tropical rainforests of Tanzania and Kenya in eastern Africa.

Here are some tips for caring for African violets:

• Light: African violets prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
• Water: African violets should be watered from the bottom to avoid getting water on the leaves. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Humidity: African violets prefer high humidity. You can increase the humidity around your plants by placing them on a tray filled with pebbles and water, or by using a humidifier.
• Temperature: African violets prefer warm temperatures, between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Fertilizer: African violets can be fertilized with a weak solution of liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

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Spider Plant: These are pretty, grow well when hung (keeping them away from most cats), and quickly produce new leaves and baby plants if nibbled upon.

Rattlesnake Plant: Also known as Calathea lancifolia, this plant has beautiful striped leaves and is safe for cats.

Boston Fern: With shaggy fronds, Boston Ferns are a great choice for cat-friendly homes.

Polka Dot Plant: The Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) features colourful, spotted leaves and is non-toxic to cats.

Remember, every cat is different, so always be mindful and observe your pet’s behaviour around plants. 😺🌿

Sources for above: Gardeners World, Bing, Prevention.com, Typically Tropical.

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Cast Iron Plant - (Aspidistra)

Certainly! The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is a robust perennial native to Japan and Taiwan. Here are some key details:

• Appearance: It features lush, dark green, glossy leaves that grow straight out of the soil in a clumping fashion.
• Size: Typically reaches 1-3 feet in height (30-90 cm) and spreads out to about 2-3 feet (60-90 cm).
• Flowers: Small, brownish-cream blooms appear near the soil surface in late winter or early spring, but they’re often inconspicuous.
• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 7-11, making it suitable for shaded garden areas or indoor settings.
• Uses: Widely grown as a houseplant due to its resilience in low-light conditions.
• Trivia: It’s known as the “cast-iron plant” because of its ability to withstand neglect and tough conditions.

Feel free to add this hardy plant to your indoor collection! 🌿🏡

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Dwarfpalm (Collinea) - other names: Good Luck palm, Parlor palm

Certainly! The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans), also known by various other names such as “Dwarf Palm,” “Good Luck Palm,” and “Neanthe Bella Palm,” is a delightful indoor plant with attractive light green fronds. Here are some key details:

• Origin: Native to Mexico and Guatemala, it has been a popular houseplant since Victorian times.
• Appearance: Its lush, graceful fronds grow in a compact clumping form.
• Low Maintenance: The Parlor Palm is tolerant of low light levels and dry air. It’s also an excellent air purifier.
• Growth: Slow-growing, it may produce tiny yellow flowers and black fruits when mature.
• Pet-Friendly: Good news for cat and dog owners—it’s not toxic to pets!
• Care Tips: Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight.
• Temperature: Keep it in a warm room (around 18°C-24°C) with a minimum of 10°C.
• Watering: Water when the top few centimetres of compost have dried out (more frequent in warm weather).
• Repotting: Repot only when root-bound, typically every three years.
• Misting: Mist the plant a few times a week to maintain humidity.

Enjoy your Parlour Palm—it’s a charming addition to any indoor space!

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.