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Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden

 
Josie F. Turner
By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. May 8, 2022
Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden
Dogs

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When we decorate our home with plants, we will likely consider aesthetics above anything else. Although many of us will have to be considerate of allergies, we know that we can simply enjoy the view, colors and sense of freshness plants can give. Dogs are usually much more inquisitive. They may try to sniff or even eat plants in the home for various reasons. This is why it is imperative we only have plants safe for dogs in the home, otherwise the toxicity can cause them harm.

This is why AnimalWised brings you our list of 36 dog-friendly plants for the home and garden. We also provide photos for the most popular of these plants so you can have help deciding which might be best for your house.

You may also be interested in: 10+ Plants Safe for Cats

Contents

  1. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
  2. Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
  3. Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis)
  4. Elephant's foot (Beaucarnea recurvata)
  5. African violets (Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia)
  6. Bromeliad (Bromelia)
  7. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
  8. Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)
  9. Dwarf banana plant (Musa acuminata)
  10. Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)
  11. Calathea (Calathea)
  12. Nerve plant (Fittonia albivenis)
  13. Other dog-friendly plants
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Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

By far one of the most popular indoor plants which are safe for dogs is the spider plant. Also known as a ribbon plant or a hen and chickens plant, it is characterized by its spindly leaves and the light yellow stripe down their middle. It is a very elegant plant which is usually placed in hanging pots, something which means dogs don't often have access to them. Even if they would, sniffing or nibbling on a spider plant wouldn't cause them harm.

Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden - Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)

The next pet-friendly plant which is safe for dogs is the golden bamboo. This is a material which has been traditionally used in Eastern countries for the manufacture of furniture and other items. Bamboo's use as a material is partly because it is aesthetically pleasing and the plant is enjoyed on its own right. Its exotic and decorative value has led to increasing popularity both indoors and outside.

Golden bamboo will not generally grow as much when kept indoors. When used outdoors, its greater height means it is often used as a border plant between yards. As a dog-friendly plant, this means we can allow our dog to interact with it without worrying about their health.

Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden - Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)

Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis)

Known for their elegance and the perfect symmetry of their flowers, orchids are much-loved plants for home and garden. While not all orchid species are safe for dogs, those in the genus Phalaenopsis are considered dog friendly. Known as moth orchids, they can bloom into flowers of numerous colors and patterns, meaning they are suitable for almost any home.

Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden - Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis)

Elephant's foot (Beaucarnea recurvata)

The name of this arboreal plant is due to the greater thickness at the base of its stem, giving it a distinctive look almost like an elephant's foot. In addition to being a plant safe for dogs, it is a great indoor plant used for decoration. It can be used in gardens, but only in temperate climates.

Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden - Elephant's foot (Beaucarnea recurvata)

African violets (Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia)

While they share a name and similarity in appearance, African violets are not the same as true violets. African violets are small-sized indoor plants which can maintain their beautiful purple flowers throughout the year with the right care. While their flowers appear delicate, they are actually a hardy plant, as well as being safe for dogs in the home and garden. They are an ideal option for ornamenting homes with dogs as companion animals.

Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden - African violets (Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia)

Bromeliad (Bromelia)

Bromeliads are strong, colorful plants that can adapt to almost any type of climate. Due to the ease of their care, they are perfect plants for those who have little experience or little time for plant care. In addition, they have the great advantage of being safe plants for dogs. They are perfect for those canine caregivers who want to include an exotic touch in the interior design of their home.

Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden - Bromeliad (Bromelia)

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)

The name of this plant is due to the fact its annual blooms indicate the arrival of the holiday period. For this reason, it is also known as a Thanksgiving cactus or a holiday cactus. The other plant you might associate with Christmas is the poinsettia which has the red and green colors we most associate with the festive period. However, this is a plant which is considered toxic to dogs and is better kept away from canines.

In contrast, the Christmas cactus is both a beautiful plant safe for dogs and a great decorative plant for the winter. It is an ideal alternative for dog caregivers and something which will look good during the rest of the year when it isn't blooming.

Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden - Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)

Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)

Also known as Brazilian gloxinia, this is a small plant with elegant and delicate flowers. It is considered an indoor plant and is ideal for decorating rooms to give them color and texture. It is a relatively demanding plant that requires proper management and specific environmental characteristics to remain healthy.

For this reason, although it is among the plants that are not toxic to dogs, it is not especially recommended for those caregivers who do not have much experience with plant management.

Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden - Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)

Dwarf banana plant (Musa acuminata)

The gastronomic value of its fruit and leaves have made this species the most cultivated tropical plant in the world. Its elegant and tropical appearance also makes it appreciated as an ornamental indoor plant, especially for those who want to add an exotic touch to any room.

In addition, the banana tree has the advantage of being among the plants that are not toxic to dogs. It can be included without problem in any home with pets.

Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden - Dwarf banana plant (Musa acuminata)

Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Elegant and imposing, the areca is one of the most common palm trees in interior decoration. It is often used to give a tropical or exotic touch to rooms. It is also highly appreciated for its ability to purify the air around where it is placed, reducing the levels of formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and CO2.

In addition to these advantages to humans, the areca is a dog-friendly plant as it does not contain any component that is toxic to the canine species. It is a highly recommended option for those caregivers who have enough space for this variety of palm tree.

Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden - Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Calathea (Calathea)

Due to its very distinctive leaves, calatheas are plants which are very popular decorative additions to many homes. On the upper part, they have green leaves with yellowish, silvery or white tones that vary, depending on the species of this genus. It is the design of these leaves which help us to distinguish between these different calathea species. Regardless of their design, it is the fact they are not toxic which means they have made this list of plants safe for dogs.

Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden - Calathea (Calathea)

Nerve plant (Fittonia albivenis)

Another plant with distinctively decorated leaves is the nerve plant. While the name might sound like it is a sensitive plant, it is actually safe for dogs. The name for the plant is derived from the colored veins which run over their leaves. These veins can be of various shades from white to pink. As they are relatively easy to care for, they are also a safe plant for dogs which do not require gardening experts to cultivate.

Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden - Nerve plant (Fittonia albivenis)

Other dog-friendly plants

Throughout this article we have described some of the plants that are safe for dogs. This is only a selection of some of the most beautiful and popular. Below we share some other dog-friednly plants which might look good in your home or garden:

  • Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
  • Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
  • Common camellia (Camellia japonica)
  • Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
  • Echeverias (Echeveria)
  • Dill (Anethum graveolena)
  • Porcelainflower or wax plant (Hoya carnosa)
  • Exotic Hemigraphis (Hemigraphis)
  • Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
  • Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)
  • Jasmine (Jasminium)
  • Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana)
  • Parlor palm or neanthe bella palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
  • Purple passion (Gynura aurantiaca)
  • Aluminium plant (Pilea cadieri)
  • Friendship plant (Pilea involucrata)
  • Lipstick or corner plant (Aeschynanthus humilis)
  • Pepper face (peperomia obtusifolia)
  • Petunias (Petunia)
  • Rose bush (Rosa)
  • Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
  • Sage (Salvia officinalis)
  • Zebra succulent (Haworthia fasciata)
  • Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Now that you know some plants that dog-friendly, we share with you our guide to toxic plants for dogs which you need to avoid.

If you want to read similar articles to Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden, we recommend you visit our Extra care category.

Bibliography
  • American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Toxic and non-toxic plant list in dogs. Available at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list
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Dog-Friendly Plants for the Home and Garden