Pet-safe houseplants
44 houseplants the ASPCA lists as non-toxic to cats and dogs
These 44 houseplants from the PlantParlour care library are on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's list of plants that are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, as it stood on 24 September 2026. Non-toxic means not poisonous — not that a pet can eat as much as it likes: any plant can upset a stomach in quantity. If your pet has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
If your pet has eaten a plant, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661. Both are open around the clock and may charge a consultation fee. Take the plant or its label with you.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. We don't test plants: what we say about toxicity follows the ASPCA's published plant list as it stood on 24 September 2026, and that list can change. "Non-toxic" means not poisonous — a pet that eats enough of any plant can still vomit, and fertiliser, pesticide or leaf shine on a plant can harm it. It also only helps if the plant is what you think it is. It covers cats and dogs only; ask your vet about rabbits, birds, reptiles or anything else, and a doctor about children. Read our terms.
How this list is made
We don't test plants and we are not vets. A plant is on this list only if the ASPCA's toxic and non-toxic plant list names it as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Each row links to the ASPCA's own entry. Where the ASPCA lists the genus rather than the exact species, the row says so: the ASPCA is speaking for relatives of the plant, not the plant itself. We last compared the two lists on 24 September 2026; the ASPCA's list can change after that, and theirs is the one to trust.
Trees (3)
| Plant | ASPCA entry |
|---|---|
| Dwarf banana Musa acuminata | Banana (Musa acuminata) |
| Money tree Pachira aquatica | Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) |
| Ponytail palm Beaucarnea recurvata | Bottle Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) |
Palms (4)
| Plant | ASPCA entry |
|---|---|
| Areca palm Dypsis lutescens | Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) |
| Kentia palm Howea forsteriana | Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) |
| Lady palm Rhapis excelsa | Lady Palm (Rhapis flabelliformus) |
| Parlour palm Chamaedorea elegans | Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) |
Vines & trailers (10)
| Plant | ASPCA entry |
|---|---|
| Baby rubber plant Peperomia obtusifolia | Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) |
| Hoya Lisa Hoya 'Australis Lisa' | Hindu Rope Plant (Hoya carnosa 'krinkle kurl') |
| Hoya Splash Hoya 'Publicalyx Splash' | Hindu Rope Plant (Hoya carnosa 'krinkle kurl') |
| Peperomia Ginny Peperomia 'Ginny' | American Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) |
| Rex begonia vine Cissus discolor | Begonia, Climbing (Cissus dicolor) |
| Ripple peperomia Peperomia caperata | Emerald Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata) |
| Spider plant Chlorophytum comosum | Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) |
| Sweetheart hoya Hoya kerrii | Sweetheart Hoya (Hoya kerrii) |
| Watermelon peperomia Peperomia argyreia | Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) |
| Wax plant Hoya carnosa | Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa 'krinkle kurl') |
Prayer plants (6)
| Plant | ASPCA entry |
|---|---|
| Calathea orbifolia Goeppertia orbifolia | Calathea (Calathea spp.) — listed for the whole genus |
| Calathea White Fusion Calathea 'White Fusion' | Calathea (Calathea spp.) |
| Peacock plant Goeppertia makoyana | Calathea (Calathea spp.) — listed for the whole genus |
| Pinstripe calathea Calathea ornata | Calathea (Calathea spp.) — listed for the whole genus |
| Rattlesnake plant Goeppertia lancifolia | Calathea (Calathea spp.) — listed for the whole genus |
| Rose-painted calathea Goeppertia roseopicta | Calathea (Calathea spp.) — listed for the whole genus |
Ferns (3)
| Plant | ASPCA entry |
|---|---|
| Boston fern Nephrolepis exaltata | Feather Palm (Nephrolepis exaltata) |
| Rabbit's foot fern Davallia fejeensis | Dainty Rabbits-Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis) |
| Staghorn fern Platycerium bifurcatum | Common Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) |
Begonias & violets (2)
| Plant | ASPCA entry |
|---|---|
| African violet Saintpaulia ionantha | African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.) — listed for the whole genus |
| Cape primrose Streptocarpus hybridus | Cape Primrose (Streptocarpus spp.) — listed for the whole genus |
Succulents & cacti (6)
| Plant | ASPCA entry |
|---|---|
| Bunny ears cactus Opuntia microdasys | Tree Cactus (Opuntia species) — listed for the whole genus |
| Burro's tail Sedum morganianum | Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum) |
| Echeveria Lola Echeveria 'Lola' | Blue Echeveria (Echeveria glauca) |
| Mexican snowball Echeveria elegans | Chickens and Hens (Echeveria elegans) |
| Perle von Nürnberg Echeveria 'Perle von Nürnberg' | Blue Echeveria (Echeveria glauca) |
| Zebra plant Haworthiopsis attenuata | Haworthia (Haworthia species) — listed for the whole genus |
Flowering (3)
| Plant | ASPCA entry |
|---|---|
| Cattleya orchid Cattleya labiata | Cattleya Labiata (Cattleya labiata) |
| Moth orchid Phalaenopsis amabilis | Phalaenopsis Orchid (Phalaenopsis sp.) — listed for the whole genus |
| Pink jasmine Jasminum polyanthum | Jasmine (Jasminum species) — listed for the whole genus |
Bromeliads & air plants (1)
| Plant | ASPCA entry |
|---|---|
| Scarlet star Guzmania lingulata | Orange Star (Guzmania lingulata minor) |
Herbs & edibles (2)
| Plant | ASPCA entry |
|---|---|
| Basil Ocimum basilicum | Basil (Ocimum basilicum) |
| Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis | Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) |
Other (4)
| Plant | ASPCA entry |
|---|---|
| Baby's tears Soleirolia soleirolii | Paddys Wig (Soleirolia soleirolii) |
| Cast iron plant Aspidistra elatior | Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) |
| Nerve plant Fittonia albivenis | Nerve Plant (Fittonia verschaffeltii) |
| Polka dot plant Hypoestes phyllostachya | Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) |
Houseplants that are toxic to cats and dogs
These plants in the library are toxic, or mildly toxic, to cats and dogs. Keep them out of reach, or out of the house, if you have a pet that chews. Where we are more cautious than the ASPCA, the plant stays on this list.
- African milk tree Euphorbia trigona — Toxic to cats, dogs and people, and the most genuinely hazardous plant in the house. ASPCA: toxic
- Alocasia Polly Alocasia amazonica — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Alocasia zebrina Alocasia zebrina — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Aloe vera Aloe vera — Toxic to cats and dogs — the latex just under the skin of the leaf causes vomiting and diarrhoea. ASPCA: toxic
- Amaryllis Hippeastrum hybridum — Toxic to cats and dogs; causes vomiting, and the bulb in quantity affects the heart. ASPCA: toxic
- Anthurium crystallinum Anthurium crystallinum — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Arrowhead plant Syngonium podophyllum — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Asparagus fern Asparagus setaceus — Toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Bird of paradise Strelitzia nicolai — Toxic to cats and dogs — the seeds and flowers most of all. ASPCA: toxic
- Black gold philodendron Philodendron melanochrysum — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Black velvet alocasia Alocasia reginula — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Blushing philodendron Philodendron erubescens — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Bush lily Clivia miniata — Toxic to cats and dogs; causes vomiting, and the bulb in quantity affects the heart. ASPCA: toxic
- Caladium Caladium bicolor — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Chinese evergreen Aglaonema commutatum — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Coffee plant Coffea arabica — Toxic to cats and dogs — the caffeine in the leaves and beans causes vomiting, a racing heart and tremors. ASPCA: not listed
- Corn plant Dracaena fragrans — Toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Croton Codiaeum variegatum — Toxic to cats and dogs — the milky sap irritates the mouth and causes vomiting, and it can irritate skin on contact. ASPCA: not listed
- Cyclamen Cyclamen persicum — Toxic to cats and dogs — the tuber especially, which can cause heart problems in quantity. ASPCA: toxic
- Cylindrical snake plant Dracaena angolensis — Toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Dragon scale alocasia Alocasia baginda — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Dragon tail Epipremnum pinnatum — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Dragon tree Dracaena marginata — Toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Dumb cane Dieffenbachia seguine — Toxic to cats, dogs and people. ASPCA: toxic
- English ivy Hedera helix — Toxic to cats, dogs and people — causes vomiting and, on contact, a skin rash in some people. ASPCA: toxic
- Ficus Audrey Ficus audrey — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Fiddle-leaf fig Ficus lyrata — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Five holes plant Monstera standleyana — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Flaming Katy Kalanchoe blossfeldiana — Toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Flamingo flower Anthurium andraeanum — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Flamingo lily Anthurium scherzerianum — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Florida Beauty Philodendron 'Florida Beauty' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Florida Ghost Philodendron 'Florida Ghost' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; causes vomiting and diarrhoea. ASPCA: toxic
- Giant taro Alocasia macrorrhizos — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Ginseng ficus Ficus microcarpa — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Gold dust dracaena Dracaena surculosa — Toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Green velvet alocasia Alocasia micholitziana — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Heartleaf philodendron Philodendron hederaceum — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Inch plant Tradescantia zebrina — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; the sap can also cause a skin rash in people who handle it a lot. ASPCA: toxic
- Jade plant Crassula ovata — Toxic to cats and dogs; causes vomiting and lethargy. ASPCA: toxic
- Japanese aralia Fatsia japonica — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs — causes vomiting if chewed. ASPCA: listed non-toxic; we are more cautious
- Jose Buono Philodendron 'Jose Buono' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Lemon tree Citrus limon — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs — the essential oils in the leaves and peel cause vomiting and, in cats, can irritate skin. ASPCA: toxic
- Lucky bamboo Dracaena sanderiana — Toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Ming aralia Polyscias fruticosa — Toxic to cats and dogs — the saponins cause vomiting and mouth irritation. ASPCA: toxic
- Mini monstera Rhaphidophora tetrasperma — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: not listed
- Mint Mentha spicata — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs, mostly when eaten in quantity. ASPCA: toxic
- Monstera obliqua Monstera obliqua — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Monstera Peru Monstera karstenianum — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Nanouk Tradescantia nanouk — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; the sap can also cause a skin rash in people who handle it a lot. ASPCA: toxic
- Orange bird of paradise Strelitzia reginae — Toxic to cats and dogs — the seeds and flowers most of all. ASPCA: toxic
- Paraiso Verde Philodendron 'Paraiso Verde' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Peace lily Spathiphyllum wallisii — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Pencil cactus Euphorbia tirucalli — Toxic to cats, dogs and people, and the most genuinely hazardous plant in the house. ASPCA: toxic
- Philodendron gloriosum Philodendron gloriosum — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Philodendron Moonlight Philodendron 'Moonlight' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Pink Dalmatian Aglaonema 'Pink Dalmatian' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Pink Dragon Alocasia 'Pink Dragon' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Polka dot begonia Begonia maculata — Toxic to cats and dogs — the tubers most of all. ASPCA: toxic
- Pothos Epipremnum aureum — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Prince of Orange Philodendron 'Prince of Orange' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Purple shamrock Oxalis triangularis — Toxic to cats and dogs, especially in quantity — the leaves are high in oxalic acid. ASPCA: toxic
- Red Siam Aglaonema 'Red Siam' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Regal Shield Alocasia 'Regal Shield' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Rex begonia Begonia rex — Toxic to cats and dogs — the tubers most of all. ASPCA: toxic
- Ring of Fire Philodendron 'Ring of Fire' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Rubber plant Ficus elastica — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Satin pothos Scindapsus pictus — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Siam Aurora Aglaonema 'Siam Aurora' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Silver monstera Monstera siltepecana — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Snake plant Dracaena trifasciata — Toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Spineless yucca Yucca elephantipes — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; the saponins cause vomiting. ASPCA: toxic
- Sterling silver scindapsus Scindapsus treubii — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- String of pearls Senecio rowleyanus — Toxic to cats, dogs and people; causes vomiting and, on contact, skin irritation. ASPCA: toxic
- Swiss cheese plant Monstera deliciosa — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Swiss cheese vine Monstera adansonii — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Taro Colocasia esculenta — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Ti plant Cordyline fruticosa — Toxic to cats and dogs; the saponins cause vomiting, and in cats dilated pupils. ASPCA: toxic
- Tree philodendron Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: not listed
- Triangle fig Ficus triangularis — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Tricolor tradescantia Tradescantia 'Tricolor' — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; the sap can also cause a skin rash in people who handle it a lot. ASPCA: toxic
- Umbrella plant Schefflera arboricola — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Variegated Burle Marx Philodendron 'Burle Marx Variegata' — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Velvet cardboard anthurium Anthurium clarinervium — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: toxic
- Weeping fig Ficus benjamina — Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- Whale fin snake plant Dracaena masoniana — Toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA: toxic
- ZZ plant Zamioculcas zamiifolia — Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed — the sap carries insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which burn the mouth and throat. ASPCA: not listed
Not on the ASPCA's list
The ASPCA doesn't list these either way. Some are often called pet-safe elsewhere, but we don't call a plant safe on anyone's word but the ASPCA's — so treat them as unknown, and keep them out of reach of a pet that chews.
- Air plant
- Bamboo
- Bird's nest fern
- Blue star fern
- Chinese fan palm
- Chinese hibiscus
- Chinese money plant
- Christmas cactus
- Ctenanthe Amagris
- Dendrobium orchid
- Fishbone prayer plant
- Flame violet
- Hens and chicks
- Hoya linearis
- Ladyfinger cactus
- Living stones
- Maidenhair fern
- Mistletoe cactus
- Ox tongue
- Peruvian apple cactus
- Prayer plant
- Pygmy date palm
- Queen of the night
- String of hearts
- String of turtles
- Stromanthe
- Umbrella papyrus
- Urn plant
- Xerographica
Questions people ask
Which houseplants are safe for cats and dogs?
Among the plants in the PlantParlour library, the ASPCA lists these as non-toxic to both cats and dogs: Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia), Baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii), Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), Burro's tail (Sedum morganianum), Calathea White Fusion (Calathea 'White Fusion'), Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), Cattleya orchid (Cattleya labiata), Dwarf banana (Musa acuminata) — and 34 more on this page. Non-toxic means not poisonous; a pet that eats a lot of any plant can still be sick.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate a houseplant?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 straight away; the Pet Poison Helpline is on (855) 764-7661. Both run around the clock and may charge a consultation fee. Don't try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to. Have the plant, its label or a photo to hand, and note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Is a non-toxic plant safe for my pet to eat?
Not exactly. Non-toxic means the plant isn't poisonous. A pet that eats a lot of any plant can still vomit or have an upset stomach, and fertiliser, pesticide or leaf shine on the plant can harm it. Keep plants out of reach of a pet that makes a habit of chewing them.
Why isn't a plant I've heard is pet-safe on this list?
We only call a plant non-toxic when the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Some plants often described as pet-safe elsewhere — air plants and maidenhair fern among them — aren't on the ASPCA's list either way, so we don't call them safe. That isn't a finding that they are toxic; it means nobody we rely on has said.
Does this list cover rabbits, birds or children?
No. The ASPCA's list, and this page, cover cats and dogs. Ask a vet who treats the animal you keep, and a doctor or your local poison control centre about children.
Know exactly what you have
The first thing a vet or a poison line will ask is what the plant is. PlantParlour keeps a record for every plant you own — its name, its photos, and everything you've done for it — so the answer is in your pocket.
Start your greenhouse — free, no account needed