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As humans, there are two essential things that we love to maintain in our home, these are Plants and Pets but most especially pets.
Most times, we are faced with the challenge of not knowing the kind of indoor Houseplant that we can grow that wouldn’t affect our favourite pets at home. For instance, not all houseplants are good for cats or even our dogs but still, we have to somehow find a way to balance both of our lifestyles.
So, the best step to take is to search for the best houseplants that can add colour to our home as well as be friendly with our cats as well. That’s why we have compiled a list of the 21 Best Cat-Friendly Houseplants that aren’t toxic to them.
Our Best Cat-Friendly Houseplants Collections
Check out our collections of cat-friendly houseplants that you can use to add more colour to your home without fear of being harmful to your cat. Such plants include:
1. Aluminium Plant (Pilea cadierei)
The first houseplant collection is the Aluminium Plant which is also known as Pilea cadierei or Watermelon. This is an evergreen perennial plant that’s native to Tropical Southeast Asian rainforests and also related to the Chinese money plant or Pilea Peperiomides. They can be found in tropical China and Vietnam.
The plant which can be grown either indoors or outdoors depending on your preferred choice usually grows in a warm climate with a length of 12 inches high (30cm). If you are interested in growing this plant, it requires low maintenance and care. It is also non-toxic to cats as well as dogs etc.
To care for this plant, you must follow these guidelines which are:
- Light: Expose the plant to bright indirect light.
- Watering: Water the plant at least once a week.
- Temperature: keep at a spot where the temperature rate is from 60-75°F (15.6-24°C)
- Humidity Level: 60-90%
- Pot: The pot must have drainage holes.
- Soil: Preferably, make use of a sandy soil mix.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month to the soil, especially in spring and summer.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exalta Bostoniensis)
This is one of the oldest houseplants in the world. It has attractive long fronds that make it outstanding. It can be planted either indoors or outdoors depending on your choice.
Apart from the fact that it is outstanding and cat-friendly as it isn’t toxic to household pets such as cats and dogs, there are still some of these species that are toxic and will be recommended that you avoid them. Such plants include Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus cv sprengeri).
There are still some who are fern that isn’t toxic Incase you cross paths with them. They are the bold sword fern, bird’s Nest fern, ball fern, common staghorn fern and Dallas fern.
To care for this plant requires some low maintenance which includes:
- Light: Expose the plant to bright indirect sunlight.
- Watering: Watering of this plant is essential and must be done once every 7-14 days.
- Temperature: The temperature of the plant must between 65-95°F (18.3-35°C)
- Humidity: From 75-90% here.
- Pot: the pot must have drainage holes.
- Soil: the best type is the use of a peat and sand mix.
- Fertilizer: feed your plant with the right faculty Monthly in spring and summer. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer.
3. Blue Hens And Chicks (Echeveria glauca)
Another cat-friendly houseplant is the Blue Hens and Chicks. This plant is non-toxic to cats as well as other animals such as dogs and horses. It is native to semi-desert areas of Mexico, Northwestern South America and Central America.
Its leaves have an arrowhead shape which forms flat rosettes. This form cluster rapidly which made the plant to be named as hens and chicks plant.
The edges and tips of the leaves have hints of red, brown, pink, or icy winter colours. Each adult rosette can grow up to 8 inches (20cm) and these stem-less rosettes are greyish-blue-green.
To care for this plant, you must ensure the plant:
- Light: The plant must be kept in a place where there is a bright filtered light.
- Watering: Ensure that you water the plant once the soil dries out several inches deep.
- Temperature: the temperature level of the location must be within 65-70°F (18-21°C)
- Humidity: The level must be up to 40%
- Pot: Grow the plant in a pot with drainage holes.
- Soil: For healthy growth, grow the plant with a succulent or cactus mix soil.
- Fertilizer: Apply fertilizer to the plant every once a month in spring and summer. Use the best preferred balanced liquid fertilizer.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)
This plant is also known as a ribbon plant. It is a hardy houseplant that’s non-toxic to cats and even dogs.
This plant tends to grow in a partially shady place and it’s highly tolerant to a wide range of factors such as light, moisture, and soil conditions. However, you must avoid exposing this plant to too much sun as it can scorch the foliage and full shade might experience a stint of growth.
As the plant grows, it sends out shoots that bear small plantlets which made the plant to be named as a spider plant.
Furthermore, the cascading nature of the spider plant’s foliage shows its natural fit for elevated spaces like floating shelves, hanging baskets, or a windowsill as long as it doesn’t receive too much light.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: Grow it in a place where it is exposed to bright, indirect light for at least 6-8 hours.
- Watering: Water the plant every 7 days and keep the soil slightly moist.
- Temperature: The temperature level has to be between 60-75°F (15.6-23.9°C)
- Humidity: 50-70%
- Pot: Grow the plant in a pot with drainage holes.
- Soil: The best soil to grow this plant is loamy soil. Use clay and sand.
- Fertilizer: Feed the plant using an all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing months.
5. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
This is yet again another cat-friendly houseplant that you can keep in your home. It is also known as Butterfly Palm. It is a type of plant that can make any interior outstanding and pleasing to the eyes. Its palm fronds can sometimes make a cat play, sit and bite the plant without any harm.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: it absorbs plenty of bright light and keeps it in a southern or Western-facing window.
- Water: As the plant is sensitive to fluoride in water, you must ensure that you ideally water it in distilled water or even collected rainwater.
You should also allow the soil to dry out
- Pot: You must plant the palm in a well-draining pot.
6. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calathea spp. plants which are also known as zebra plants or peacock plants. It is an excellent choice for a shady spot in a pet-friendly house.
It bears the best large tropical leaves with fascinating stripes or stippling.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: You must grow plants where there is bright sunlight. However, excessive lightning can cause the foliage colour to fade.
- Temperature: Prefers a temperature to remain constant between 70 and 85 degrees and never 60 degrees.
- Water: Do well to constantly water your plant, however, ensure that you don’t overwater in the process.
- Humid: As a tropical plant, Calathea thrives in a humid environment.
Read Also: How Often To Water A Calathea Plant
7. Flame African Violet (Episcia reptans)
This plant is a member of the family called Gesneriaceae and is another beautiful house plant that’s non-toxic and cat-friendly. These flowering plants are often grown in the tropics.
However, this plant isn’t an easy houseplant to grow or cultivate but still, it is worth the time and effort.
Other beautiful species of the family Gesneriaceae are Episcia dianthiflora (Chocolate Soldier) and Episcia cultivar (Pink Brocade).
To care for this plant, you must ensure that :
- Light: You keep the plant at a spot where there is a bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Water the plant every 1-2 times a week.
- Temperature: The temperature level must be between 65-80°F (18-26.7°C)
- Humidity: The humidity level must also be between 60-70%
- Pot: Grow the plant in a pot with drainage holes.
- Soil: It is suitable on a general potting mix with a slightly acidic pH level of 6.5.
- Fertilizer: Feed the plant every once a month in spring and summer. Use a general houseplant fertilizer.
8. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
Pilea involucrata, or Moon Valley Pilea is another great houseplant especially if you have cats lurking around. This pet-safe Pilea its glory is classified as a low-maintenance plant that is very easy to propagate.
Also, unlike other plants, this is considered among the safest plants for pets. You can also check for other species under the same family such as the Creeping Pilea, Pilea microphylla, or even Pilea peperomioides.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: Grow in bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Water the plants once a week and allow them to dry out in-between waterings.
- Temperature: temperature level between 65-75°F (18-24°C)
- Humidity: Between 60-90%
- Pot: Grow in a pot with drainage holes.
- Soil: Suitable soil type which is potting mix with slightly acidic with a pH level of 6.5.
- Fertilizer: Feed the plant with fertilizer monthly in spring and summer. Use a well-balanced liquid fertilizer for that purpose.
9. Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense)
The Ghost plant which is also known as Graptopetalum paraguayense is a non-toxic plant to animals and humans. The ghost plant, or “Mother of Pearl,” is native to Mexico.
This succulent plant likes bright locations with plenty of direct sunlight all year round. Also, a sunny and warm location at a south window is usually the best favourable spot.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: Expose the plant’s full sun to partial sunlight.
- Watering: Water the plant once a week outdoors while indoor planting should be once every two weeks.
- Temperature: The temperature level must be between 60-80°F (16-27°C)
- Humidity: The humidity level must also be between 60-90%
- Pot: Grow the plant in a pot with drainage holes.
- Soil: Suitable soil to grow this plant is on a light and airy potting mix containing sand.
- Fertilizer: Feed the plant with the fertilizer monthly in the growing season. Do well to use a well-balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/2 strength.
10. Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Haworthia plant is a plant that’s very slow in its growth and not toxic to cats as well as some other animals. Mature plants measure 3 to 5 inches tall and have rosettes of fleshy green leaves spotted with white warts or bands, and produce offsets.
if you choose to increase your Haworthia, you can separate them but it is important to note that you must ensure that you report this plant every 2 or 3 years.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: Place your Haworthia in q bright light. Though it can tolerate moderate-to-low light conditions if you happen to start noticing the leaves losing their green colouring, just know that the plant is receiving insufficient light exposure.
- Water: Water the plant weekly, especially in summer and less frequently in winter.
11. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
If you are an expert in gardening, then you must be acquainted with this plant. Apart from it not being toxic to cats and other animals. It also has a habit of its leaves folding hands as if it is praying especially in the evening.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: Place the plant in a bright, indirect light. It grows in a moderate-to-low light condition.
- Watering: Water the plant every 7-14 days in filtered water and water the top layer as it is dry.
- Temperature:The temperature level between 65-70°F (18.3-21.1°C)
- Humidity: Humidity level between 60-75%
- Pot: Grow in a pot with drainage holes.
- Soil: Plant in perlite, potting soil, coconut coir, or sphagnum moss.
- Fertilizer: Feed the plant with a diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer.
12. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
This is a pet-safe plant that is quite easy to grow and maintain. The tough, strappy leaves of the bromeliad and the curious cone-shaped blooms make bromeliad plants what make them houseplants.
The appearance and specific care needs vary depending on the bromeliad you choose; many varieties grow as soil-free epiphytes attached to a log. You can secure them to the log by tying them in place or using glue.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: it’s colour.a bright window and a humid environment.
- Humid: Suitable humidity and a favourable temperature.
- Soil: Plant in the best suitable soil for this plant.
13. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
The ponytail palm, which is sometimes called elephant’s foot because of its round, smooth trunk, is a popular indoor houseplant that is easy to grow.
These plants are non-toxic but still, it has done more damage to the fronds of the ponytail palm.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: Place the plant in a bright light.
- Watering: Water the plant/soil when they are dry. This should be done regularly or otherwise.
- Temperature: No specific rate or humidity level.
14. Wax plant (Hoya carnosa)
Hoya Carnosa also known as the wax plant or porcelain flower, is a pretty climbing or trailing plant.
Its leathery leaves can bear silver spots with magnificent flowering that are between thirty and fifty small waxy star-shaped flowers.
However, it rarely flowers before its 2 years so to help in its flowering, you must install the plant in a bright room and reduce the frequency of repotting.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Watering: Water the plant every fourteen days. During the spring-to-fall all-period, allow the first third of the soil to dry out between waterings. Also doing the winter season, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Temperature: The temperature level must be between 64-75°F (17.8-23.9°C)
- Humidity: The humidity level is between 60-70%
- Pot: Grow the plant in a pot with drainage holes.
- Soil: Grow it in a cactus mix and an orchid mix.
- Fertilizer: Feed the plant 1-2 times a month using a fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen.
15. Peperomia Hope
Peperomia Hope is also known as the Baby Rubber plant. They are beautiful houseplants from the family of Piperaceae.
This plant consists of two types such as Peperomia quadrifolia and Peperomia deppeana that has a tropical epiphyte with small, succulent-like leaves that enjoys plenty of moisture and bright, indirect light.
Furthermore, it is regarded as a slow-growing cultivar that has long brown and green, spindly spikes protruding from your plant. The most important is that it is non-toxic to cats and other pets like dogs.
To grow this plant, you must ensure that
- Light: Place in a bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Water the plant every fourteen days.
- Temperature: between 64-75°F (17.8-23.9°C)
- Humidity: Up to 60-70%
- Pot: Grow in a pot with drainage holes.
- Soil: Mix a cactus and an orchid mix to grow the plant healthy.
- Fertilizer: Feed the plant 1-2 times a month using a fertilizer high in nitrogen.
16. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is an eye-catching little plant with brightly variegated leaves that stand out against most other foliage.
The most common polka dot plants feature leaves with a pink base colour and green spots. But there are several spotted or mottled varieties with purple, white, red, and deeper colours with a much better brighter contrast, so the plants pop even more.
They are not considered invasive plants; however, they have a vigorous growth rate in Australia
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: Bright indirect light and avoid direct sunlight.
- Watering: Prefers slightly moist soil and water the plant once the top 1-inch of soil dries out.
- Temperature: 60-75 °F (15.6-24°C)
- Humidity: Around 50%
- Pot: Grow in a pot with drainage holes
- Soil: Well-draining soil with added perlite and pumice
- Fertilizer: Feed the plant as well as the soil 2-4 times a month using a balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/2 strength.
17. Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa)
The Zebra plant is native to Brazil and is one of the plants safe for cats. It has striking green foliage with yellow stripes and produces fragrant flowers.
It is grown for its showy leaves and flowers. The veined foliage is what leads to the common name Zebra plant, resembling the stripes on a zebra.
Furthermore, it is considered to be a short-lived plant, but the ease of propagation from the stem cutting obtained during pruning will ensure that you will have this plant on display in your home.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: Avoid direct light. Bright indirect light from a western- or eastern-facing window.
- Watering: Prefers moist soil. Water once the top 1-inch of soil dries out.
- Temperature: 68-77 °F (20-25°C)
- Humidity: Around 50%
- Pot: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
- Soil: Well-draining rich potting mix containing peat moss.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize weekly using a balanced liquid fertilizer.
18. Purple Velvet Plant or Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
Purple passion plant stands out from other houseplants because its green leaves are covered in soft purple hairs, giving the plant a purple sheen and it’s the source of the plant’s other common name which is velvet plant.
It is native to Indonesia and is also one of the house plants that are safe for cats. They have purple leaves that have a velvety look.
If you’d like to keep your purple passion plant more compact, pinch off the ends of the new growth and it will result in the development of more branches and the growth of more shrubby than a vine.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: Place in a bright indirect light from an east-or west-facing window.
- Watering: Water the plant once a week. Prefers slightly moist soil. Also, allow the top 1 inch (2.5cm) to dry out before watering.
- Temperature: between 60-70 °F (15.6-21°C)
- Humidity: Upto 40-60%
- Pot: Grow in a root-bound small pot.
- Soil: Grow the plant in a general potting soil
- Fertilizer: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer at 1/2 strength.
19. Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)
The Venus fly trap is a safe plant. It is a carnivorous plant. It grows in North and South Carolina and it is a cat-friendly plant which makes it safe for cats but not safe for insects.
The Venus flytrap is a flowering plant best known for its carnivorous eating habits. The trap is made of two hinged lobes at the end of each leaf. On the inner surfaces of the lobes are hair-like projections called trichomes that cause the lobes to snap shut when prey comes in contact with them. This type of movement is called thigmonasty. a non-directional plant response to being touched.
However, to care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: Full sunlight. A south-facing window is optimal.
- Watering: Use rainwater or distilled water. Keep constantly moist-
- Temperature: 60-70 °F (15.6-21°C)
- Humidity: 40-60%
- Pot: Use a small plastic or ceramic pot
- Soil: Needs a well-draining mix. A combination of peat moss, perlite, and sand is optimal.
- Fertilizer: Do not fertilize. Nutrient intake happens from insects.
20. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera truncate)
The Christmas cactus is a plant native to Brazil but grown in the coastal regions of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is usually bought during the holiday season.
It blooms indoors in the winter which makes it popular on holiday time and makes a great gift to give out.
So, if you want to grow this plant, you must ensure that you don’t treat the Christmas cactus like it’s a run-of-the-mill cactus. Rather do well to water it regularly as you should.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: Bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Watering: Water every 2-3 weeks once the soil is dry.
- Temperature: 60°F to 70°F (16°C – 21°C)
- Humidity: 50-60%
- Pot: Pot with draining holes
- Soil: Well-draining soil using potting soil compost, perlite, and milled peat.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer.
21. Guiana Chestnut (Pachira aquatica)
The Guiana Chestnut or Pachira aquatica which is also known as the Money tree and is easy to care for and one of the house plants safe for cats.
It is a species of tree native to Central and South America that has become an attractive, easy-care houseplant. It can be kept in offices, banks, and homes alike.
Furthermore, the trees tend to grow quickly indoors or outdoors, which often reach up to 24 inches a year in height.
To care for this plant, you must ensure that:
- Light: Bright indirect.
- Watering: Water 1-2 times per week.
- Temperature: 65°F to 80°F (18°C – 26.7°C)
- Humidity: 50%
- Pot: Pot with drainage holes
- Soil: Well-draining soil using vermiculite, sand, peat moss, or perlite.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize once a month using a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
FAQs
1. What Plants Are Good For Cats In The House?
There are many cat-safe good plants that you can choose from, some of which include ferns, Chinese money plants, watermelon peperomia and the parlour palm.
2. What Plant Calms Cats?
Some plants help in calming cats down. These plants are catnip, chamomile, hops, valerian root, lemon balm, skullcap, and California poppy.
3. Are Palm Plants Toxic To Cats?
Palm trees and palm leaves are not poisonous to cats. Though, it is not common to all palms such as the sago palm tree that are very poisonous to not just cats but to dogs as well.
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Conclusion
Countless houseplants are non-toxic to animals or pets, especially cats. So there are a lot of plants that you can choose from.
So what’s your pick and your experience so far while growing those plants?
We will love to get feedback from you as it will help us to know other better ways to help your process. For questions, do well to comment on them in the comment box provided below.