Creating a Mindful Indoor Space with Fur, Foliage and Flowers: Pet-Friendly Plants and Flowers That Get Along Well

We love fresh flowers and vibrant green lush plants in our homes.

But we don’t love it when Fido or Fluffy get sick from snacking on them.

Concerned about which ones you can and can’t have around your furry companions?

You’re not alone.

Bringing a little greenery into your home can make your space feel more vibrant and inviting, but if you’re a pet owner, you have to be mindful about the plants you choose.

Adding plants to your home can create a lively and welcoming atmosphere, but as a pet owner, it’s important to consider your furry companion’s safety.

Some plants and flowers that brighten up your space can be harmful to your furry friends.

While some plants and flowers can be toxic to pets, there’s a variety of pet-safe greenery available that allows you to beautify your space without worry, and still bring the outdoors in while keeping your home safe and being mindful of your fur babies.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some beautiful and pet-friendly plants and flowers that you can confidently incorporate into your living space while remaining mindful of your four-legged companions’ safety.

A hound dog raises itself, offering a paw to a sizable green plant nestled in a terra cotta pot. Adorned with a red collar, the dog seems eager to make friends with the foliage. They are set against an indoor backdrop of gentle pink walls trimmed with a white baseboard. — _{^{Pets and indoor plants can coexist together as long as their pet parents stay knowledgeable about what is safe and what isn’t.}}

Why Pet-Friendly Plants Matter

Pets are naturally curious, and some will nibble on anything within reach.

While you might not think twice about the plants in your home, certain species can be toxic to animals if ingested.

Symptoms of plant poisoning in pets can range from mild stomach upset to severe illness, so it’s crucial to choose plants that won’t harm your four-legged friends.

You can see a full list of toxic plants at the ASPCA’s website for toxic plants here. Also the Pet Poison Hotline offers insights into issues with toxic substances as well at Pet Poison Helpline.

Top Pet-Friendly Plants for Your Home

Here are some safe and stylish options that will keep both your plants and pets happy.

An adult Siamese cat is playing chess with a green Spider plant, which is perched atop a wooden coffee table. In the background, a potted tropical plant seems to oversee the match. — *_{^{Our pets can become friendly with our houseplants so they can peacefully coexist in our homes.}}*

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

Why It’s Great: Spider plants are not only easy to care for, but they also help purify the air. Their arching green leaves with white stripes add a pop of color to any room.

Pet Safety: Completely non-toxic to cats and dogs, spider plants are perfect for homes with curious pets who might want to take a nibble.

An adult striped cat sits serenely next to and beneath the overhanging leaves of an indoor areca palm tree, placed on a light wooden floor. The plant's vivid green contrasts with the white planter, set against an indoor white wall. A dark wooden French door stands behind both the cat and the plant. — *_{^{Indoor plants and flowers can be appreciated without harming our pets.}}*

2. Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens)

Why It’s Great: Areca palms bring a tropical vibe to your home with their feathery, arching fronds. They thrive in bright, indirect light and can grow quite large, making them a striking addition to any room.

Pet Safety: Safe for both cats and dogs, the areca palm is a great way to add height and drama to your space without putting your pets at risk.

A bright green healthy Bos — _{^{Vibrant green leafy ferns add a pet-safe touch of the outdoors to an otherwise cold and sterile indoor environment.}}

3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)

Why It’s Great: With its lush, feathered fronds, the Boston fern is a classic indoor plant that adds elegance and freshness to your home. It prefers humid environments, so it’s ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.

Pet Safety: Non-toxic to pets, Boston ferns are a safe and beautiful choice for any room where your pets like to roam.

A young Savannah breed cat sleeps soundly on a light grey tiled floor next to a terra cotta planter, which cradles a Calathea plant with dark and light green stripes. — _{^{Our pets can enjoy our addition of foliage indoors without being harmed by them.}}

4. Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Why It’s Great: Known for their stunning foliage with intricate patterns, Calatheas are a true visual delight. These plants thrive in low to medium light and prefer humid conditions.

Pet Safety: Completely safe for pets, Calatheas add a splash of color and style to your home without any risk to your furry friends.

*_{^{Adding colorful vibrant floral additions indoors can enhance mindfulness around our pets and be good for our well-being also.}}*

5. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

Why It’s Great: African violets are small, flowering plants that bloom in a variety of colors, from deep purple to pale pink. They’re perfect for brightening up small spaces like windowsills and shelves.

Pet Safety: These vibrant beauties are safe for cats and dogs, so you can enjoy their cheerful blooms without worry.

Pet-Friendly Flowers for a Pop of Color

If you love fresh flowers in your home but worry about your pets getting into them, here are some lovely, non-toxic options:

An elegant red Irish Setter sits calmly beneath a large indoor window box brimming with blooming roses, positioned against a spacious window. The cherry wood flooring enhances the dog's fur color, and the frame along with the wooden accents of the French window display a matching wood tone. — *_{^{Styling our indoor spaces with fresh flowers and plants adds an outdoor element that’s safe for ourselves and our pets.}}*

1. Roses (Rosa spp.)

Why They’re Great: Classic and timeless, roses are a beautiful addition to any home. Their petals are safe for pets, although it’s best to remove the thorns to prevent any accidents.

Pet Safety: Non-toxic to pets, roses are a safe floral choice for your home.

A fluffy white Persian cat grooms its paw while perched on a glossy black travertine floor, positioned before three pink planters brimming with blooming yellow sunflowers, set against an indoor pale pink wall. — *_{^{Pet-safe plants and flowers add so much to our indoor space.}}*

2. Sunflowers (Helianthus Annuus)

Why They’re Great: Bright and cheerful, sunflowers bring a touch of sunshine indoors. They’re long-lasting and easy to care for, making them a great option for busy households.

Pet Safety: Safe for pets, sunflowers are a wonderful way to add warmth and joy to your space.

In the center of the image, a deep purple orchid in full bloom is showcased against the backdrop of an indoor home window. — *_{^{Orchids add a unique elegant touch to the indoors and are pet-friendly flowers.}}*

3. Orchids (Orchidaceae)

Why They’re Great: Elegant and exotic, orchids are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your home. They’re relatively low-maintenance and bloom for long periods.

Pet Safety: Most orchids are safe for pets, so you can enjoy their delicate beauty without any concerns.

A young mixed-breed dog, with a coat of brown, black, and white, peeks its head through an abundant array of vibrantly colored Snapdragon flowers. These are nestled in a sizable terra cotta pot that rests on a pale wooden floor indoors, positioned near a window and beside a light beige chair. — *_{^{Snapdragons are vividly bright and create a happy environment, even around our pets.}}*

4. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)

Why They’re Great: With their unique, dragon-shaped blooms, snapdragons add a fun and whimsical touch to your floral arrangements. They come in a variety of colors and are easy to grow.

Pet Safety: Snapdragons are non-toxic to pets, making them a colorful and safe addition to your home.

*_{^{Marigolds give us bright, bold pops of color without causing harm to our furry loved ones.}}*

5. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Why They’re Great: Marigolds are vibrant, easy-to-grow flowers that thrive in a variety of conditions. Their bright yellow and orange blooms are perfect for adding a splash of color.

Pet Safety: Safe for pets, marigolds are a great way to brighten up your garden or home.

Tips for Keeping Your Plants and Pets Happy

Even with pet-friendly plants, it’s a good idea to keep a few precautions in mind:

Place plants out of reach: If your pet is particularly curious or mischievous, place plants on high shelves or hang them in baskets where they can’t be easily accessed.

Train your pets: Teach your pets that plants are off-limits by using positive reinforcement when they stay away from your greenery.

Monitor your plants: Keep an eye on your plants to ensure your pets aren’t showing too much interest. If you notice bite marks or other signs of chewing, consider moving the plant to a safer location.

*_{^{Pets and plants can peacefully and safely get along when we as their pet parents observe and are mindful of certain foliage that is safe for them to be around.}}*

Conclusion: Create a Safe and Stylish Space

With so many beautiful and pet-friendly plants and flowers to choose from, you can create a lush, green space that’s safe for everyone in your household. By selecting non-toxic options and following a few simple precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of indoor gardening without compromising your pets’ safety.

So, go ahead—fill your home with greenery and blooms, and watch as both your plants and pets thrive!

MY MINDFUL REQUEST:

Send me your favorite photos of your pet-safe plants at home! I want to see how you combine the two in a mindful and healthy way!