Your List of Pet-Safe Plants (Plus a Few Types to Look Out For)

Hello, thoughtful pet parent…

Or cat or dog guardian, caregiver, or “designated emotional support person” - whichever feels right for you with your beloved animal companion.

This guide has probably found you in the midst of your home planning - and there is certainly no better time to discuss pet safety. But no matter where you have arrived in your life together, you can utilize this resource to guide your next Making the right choices for your new family member takes time, consideration, and careful research. I have written this guide to help you through the challenges of one aspect of thoughtful and responsible animal caregiving: creating a safe environment for your pet. I hope that this, as well as our other resources and services at Sweet Camellia Photography, will simplify and ease the meaningful life you lead with your pet.

Plant names will be followed by their scientific name alternatives, to help guide you towards the right varietals. You will find 20 of our favorite plants, with options for every style and plant caretaking ability.

While these plants are known to be pet-safe, eating too many of anything can still potentially cause stomach troubles for your furbaby. Likewise, plants can be treated with substances that are unsafe, such as pesticides and insecticides, so make sure to keep an eye on your pet to prevent excessive or unsafe “plant-eating” antics in any case. This guide is cat-and-dog specific - horses, bovines, birds, reptiles, and rodents will have their own unique sensitivities.

And, as always, please note that this list does not constitute or take the place of professional veterinary or medical advice. When in doubt, please consult with your veterinarian or pet poison control provider, should you have any concerns on behalf of your pet .

Pet-Safe Plants

1. Common camellia* (Camellia japonica)

2. Garden rose* (Rosa- many varieties) - except for the thorns!

3. Orchid (Orchis - many varieties)

4. Banana Tree (Musa spp.)

5. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

6. Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)

7. Polka Dot Plant* (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

8. Guzmania Bromeliad (Guzmania lingulata)

9. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

10. Parlor Palm* (Chamaedorea elegans)

11. Calathea (Calathea spp.)

12. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

13. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

14. Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata)

15. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

16. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

17. African Violet (Streptocarpus ionanthus)

18. Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)

19. Moon Valley Pilea (Pilea mollis)

20. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Plants to Avoid

1. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) - This popular plant is one of the most dangerous for cat and dog parents, from the fronds to the seeds and every part in between. Some studies suggest that as many as 50% of ingestions of any part of this plant are fatal, causing a long list of severe and hazardous effects to organs, the digestive tract, and the circulatory system. This plant is also toxic to humans.

2. Lilies (most varieties - including Lilium spp., Hemerocallis spp., and Convallaria spp.) - Despite their beauty and fragrance, most lilies and lily pollen are highly dangerous to cats, and can have similar effects on dogs. Several common names and “types” of lily, including Tiger Lilies, Casa Blanca Lilies, Japanese Lilies, Easter Lilies, Stargazer Lilies, Daylilies, and Asiatic Lilies cause dangerous kidney injury even with small exposures, such as the incidental consumption of pollen while grooming or nibbling on a petal. Bulbs are especially toxic. Lily of the Valley, while not a traditional lily, can dangerous heart rhythms.

   The less dangerous Calla, Peruvian, and Peace lilies can still cause skin irritation on contact, throat swelling, and gastrointestinal upset - but the effects are often less severe than their other counterparts.

3. Daffodils (most varieties - including Narcissus pseudonarcissus) - These lovely springtime blooms are, unfortunately, toxic to both dogs and cats. Skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset, and heart arrhythmias are all possible side effects of consumption of daffodils for pets. Avoid planting these in pet-accessible areas of your garden, or forgo them altogether for safer alternatives (zinnias, sunflowers, and marigolds can be similarly sunny).

4. Hyacinths or Tulips (Hyacinthus orientalis and Tulipa spp. or T. gesnerana) - While visually very different from each other, this pair of flowering plants comes from the same plant family as lilies. The bulbs are the most dangerous, causing burns to the mouth, digestive distress, and difficulty breathing. Like daffodils, these two plants are best left outside of your pet’s reach of the yard.

5. English Ivy (Hedera helix) - The otherwise classic, rambling English Ivy plant contains a poisonous substance that can cause hyper-salivation and intense digestive upset for both dogs and cats.

If you suspect that your cat or dog has consumed any of these plants - particularly Sago Palm or the most dangerous types of lilies - seek emergency veterinary support immediately.

This is the Sweet Camellia Photography list of pet-safe plants and their hazardous counterparts - while many plants did not make this list, I recommend referencing the species selected here as a jumping-off point for planning your garden and interior house plant decorations. If you would like to read more about pet-friendly home decorating and planning, visit our more detailed guide here: How to Design Your Pet-Friendly Home: Creating a Warm and Purposeful Shared Space.