Create a home where your dog and plants can flourish in harmony with these easy-to-grow and vibrant dog-friendly houseplants.
Dogs are great companions at home, but any dog owner knows that dogs and houseplants simply don’t mix. Maybe because of their active nature, but dogs love to chow down on everything, dig up the soil, and knock over pots of plants with their wagging tail. They are full of energy that it can be a challenge as a fur parent and a plant parent. Is there a way for your dogs and houseplants to live peacefully? Are there dog-friendly houseplants out there?
Luckily, yes, there are lots of easy-to-grow and vibrant dog-friendly houseplants you can buy to decorate your home. Here are some of our favorite beautiful pet-friendly houseplants for your best buddy!
Aluminum Plant
Aluminum plants, also known as Watermelon Plant, are considered dog-friendly houseplants by the ASPCA. Most types of Aluminum plants have striking variegated pointed leaves of raised silver on green leaves. It can grow from 6 to 12 inches indoors. Aluminum plants require at least four hours of bright, indirect sunlight a day. During spring and summer, keep the top quarter-inch of the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater. During fall and winter, water when the soil is completely dry.
Blue Echeveria
Blue Echeveria is one of the prettiest and trendiest dog-friendly houseplants because of its pastel-tinged colors and shapes. Plus, it’s incredibly low-maintenance. It can tolerate cold snaps, drought, and heat. Blue Echeveria has attractive rosette-shaped foliage and dramatic flower stalks. It needs at least 3–6 hours of direct sun every day, preferably during the morning. It’s best to place it in a warm spot, like near a window. Water your Blue Echeveria succulents only when the soil is dry.
Blushing Bromeliad
Blushing Bromeliad, also known as Crimson Cup, got its name from its unique way of turning very deep pinkish-red at its center when it’s about to flower. It’s one of the most attractive dog-friendly houseplants, approved by the ASPCA. It’s best to place your Blushing Bromeliad in a bright location, such as south, east, or west-facing. It needs bright light, and the roots should be lightly moist. You can water it by filling the central cup, especially if the weather is hot. Be sure to replace the water in the cup every ten days to remove any built-up salts.
Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are puffy dog-friendly houseplants that grow best under indirect light. They prefer standard room temperature, 55 to 75°F, but they do best when placed in a cool spot. It’s important to provide additional humidity since Boston Fern loves humidity. Increase humidity for your Boston Fern by getting a humidifier, misting it regularly, strategically locating your houseplants in more humid rooms. Keep the soil damp, but do not overwater it.
Calathea
It’s arguably one of the most beautiful low-light and dog-friendly houseplants. Place your Calathea in an area of your home that receives low to bright indirect light. It also enjoys a humid environment, so it’s best to increase humidity levels by using a humidifier or by placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Use dechlorinated or filtered water on your Calathea plant.
Christmas Cactus
Did you know that Christmas Cactus blooms just in time for the holidays? That’s how it got its name. Christmas Cactus are stunning dog-friendly houseplants that can grow to up to 3 feet long. Place your Christmas Cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun. Keep the soil moist, but do not overwater it. Remember to repot your Christmas Cactus each year after flowering.
Haworthia
Haworthia, commonly called Zebra Cactus, is another type of small succulent that originated in the Republic of South Africa. You can easily recognize it because of its adorable polka dots. If you are familiar with how to care for Aloe Vera, you can easily grow a Haworthia, as they have very similar needs. It loves bright, indirect sun and needs to be watered when their soil is completely dried out.
Lady Palm
Adding to our list of dog-friendly houseplants is the Lady Palm, also known as Bamboo Palm. It grows best under dappled light during the summer, but it can also light shade during winter. Water it generously during the summer and make sure to dispose of any excess water.
Nerve Plant
Nerve Plant, commonly called Mosaic Plant, is somewhat temperamental and tricky to grow as a houseplant because it requires very high, constant humidity. Plus, it cannot tolerate stagnant conditions, and it’s also sensitive to direct sunlight. As a tropical plant, Nerve Plant prefers bright, indirect sun. However, it can also thrive under fluorescent lights. Keep the soil moist, but do not overwater it. Lastly, it prefers humid conditions similar to those found in rainforests, so increase humidity by misting it regularly.
Spider Plant
Spider Plant is considered as one of the best air-purifying and dog-friendly houseplants you can grow in any area of your home. It has a rosette of long, thin, arched leaves that is solid green or variegated with white. Spider Plants are easy-to-grow, and they look great in a hanging basket. It prefers bright to moderate indirect sunlight. Since it’s an air-purifying plant, it’s best to place it on your bedroom table or home office desk to reduce indoor pollutants.
Staghorn Fern
Lastly, on our list of dog-friendly houseplants is the stunning Staghorn Fern. It looks intimidating, but it’s actually easy to care for! Staghorn Ferns are epiphytic plants that grow on other plants or trees. They absorb nutrients and water through their fronds. They also prefer bright, indirect, or diffused light to thrive. To water Staghorn Ferns, you can either mist it or soak it for 10-20 minutes, or until the roots are fully saturated. We also recommend that you mist your Staghorn Ferns by using a spray-bottle that emits a fine, ambient mist.
Create a lush jungalow for both you and your pup by choosing dog-friendly houseplants. Grow your plant knowledge. Check out our Plant Care blog to learn more about different houseplants and tips on how to keep your plants alive and healthy.
