You may think that poison ivy is the only plant you need to avoid, but when it comes to your dog family members, there's actually a whole lot more. From Summer wildflowers to Fall bloomers, there are plants to watch out for all year round, and sometimes even the most innocuous-looking houseplants can be harmful to your pooch. We've rounded up the houseplants that are not only low-maintenance and pretty to look at, but totally non-toxic and safe for everyone in your home. Be sure to also check out The Humane Society's complete list of potentially poisonous plant varieties.
The Spider Plant ($14) is one of the top recommended plants for all homes, and it's not just because it produces cool, grass-like leaves that can range from pale to emerald green and work well for a hanging basket. It also acts as a great air purifier and is easy to grow, even in low light conditions. Best of all, spider plants are non-toxic, making them safe for children and all pets.
As the name implies, the African Violet Plant ($6) is native to Eastern Africa, where the climate is tropical, which makes it a little trickier to grow than many other types of house plants. These plants may require special lighting before they bloom, but when they do, it's so beautiful that it's worth the extra care. They are also non-toxic, making a great pick for both inside the home and outside in the garden.
The palm family is a large one and full of different types of plants, but the Areca Butterfly Palm ($26) is particularly well-suited for families with pets and small children. Arecas (as well as Parlor Palms and Ponytail Palms, which are also good picks) are easy to care for, too — they just need plenty of lights, since they're tropical plants.
Believe it or not, bamboo is not just for pandas. The Bamboo Plant ($11) surprisingly easy to grow if you give it a healthy dose of water and a well-lit spot. Dogs also tend to leave bamboo alone, but even if they don't, bamboo is completely non-toxic.
Donkey's Tail ($18) is one of the most unique and easy to care for houseplants out there. This succulent has long, tail-shaped branches that look like little donkey tails and — like most succulents — is incredibly low-maintenance. Pets of all kinds typically avoid eating succulents, but even if they do, it's completely safe.
Just like your cast iron pots and pans, the Cast Iron Plant ($26) can withstand nearly any growing condition you put it in, whether that's indoors or out. Just give it a moderate amount of light and keep it watered, and it's happy! It's also non-reactive for your pet, so even if your dog does give it a nibble, there's no harm done.
The Radiator Plant, or Peperomia Plant ($8), comes in a variety of different colors, shapes, and sizes, so if you get this plant, it's much more likely than others to be one-of-a-kind. As well as being small and pretty neat to look at, its thick, waxy leaves are completely non-toxic, and it's so easy to care for that even the least savvy gardeners can keep it alive.
The Prayer Plant ($20) is probably one of the most unique plants that can be grown indoors, boasting an insane variety of colors and patterns for you to choose from. These low, spreading plants can be kept in any light condition and are slow growers, so you don't have to worry about them outgrowing their pots too quickly, and it's totally safe for your furry friends.
The Blue Echeveria ($5) is an evergreen succulent is known for its pretty rosette packed with blue-green leaves, making it look more like a flower than a plant. They do tend to fill up whatever pot they're in, so probably best to give this one its own home, but, like most succulents, pets tend to leave them be. Even if they don't, they're totally safe for dogs to ingest.
Let us be clear: there are several fern varieties that are highly toxic (such as the asparagus fern), but the Boston Fern ($33) is not one of them. Boston Ferns do require a lot of watering and don't do very well in direct sunlight, but as long as you give them the conditions they need, they make stunning additions to your home. Just make sure you check the label carefully, since many ferns do look alike!
