Best Dog-Safe Houseplants for Apartment Dwellers
When decorating your apartment, houseplants can enhance your space without compromising your home’s safety—especially for dog owners. Many common houseplants can be toxic to dogs, but there are several beautiful and non-toxic options that can thrive in an indoor setting. Here is a detailed guide to dog-safe houseplants that are perfect for apartment living.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light.
Watering Needs: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Spider plants feature arching green leaves with white stripes, making them visually appealing and easy to care for. They thrive in various light conditions, making them ideal for apartments. Additionally, they help purify indoor air, contributing to a healthier living space for both you and your dog.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Light Requirements: Indirect light to partial shade.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
The Boston fern is a lush plant that adds a soft touch to your decor. Its feathery fronds thrive in humidity, making it perfect for kitchens or bathrooms. This hardy plant is also effective in removing toxins from the air, creating a safer environment for your pet.
3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light.
Watering Needs: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
The Areca palm, known for its feathery fronds, can grow several feet tall, making it a stunning focal point in an apartment. This palm is non-toxic to dogs and is also an excellent air purifier, helping to maintain healthy indoor air quality.
4. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Light Requirements: Prefers indirect light.
Watering Needs: Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
The bamboo palm has slender stems and lush, green fronds that create a tropical vibe in any space. It’s low-maintenance and effective at filtering indoor pollutants, thus ensuring a safe environment for your furry friend.
5. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Light Requirements: Low to bright indirect light.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist, but be cautious of overwatering.
Calatheas are known for their striking foliage, which comes in various patterns and colors. These plants thrive in humidity and can easily adapt to apartment living. Non-toxic to dogs, Calatheas are safe companions for your four-legged family members.
6. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Light Requirements: Low to bright indirect light.
Watering Needs: Let the soil dry out between waterings—overwatering can lead to root rot.
The parlor palm is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant ideal for indoor settings. This palm is well-suited for apartments due to its compact size and non-toxic nature. Its elegant fronds provide an exquisite touch to any room.
7. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light.
Watering Needs: Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
The friendship plant features textured, quilted leaves with an attractive pattern. This hardy plant is easy to care for and can thrive in an apartment environment, making it a favorite among dog owners. It’s also a great gift plant as it can be propagated easily.
8. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid letting water touch the leaves.
African violets are recognized for their lovely blooms that come in various colors. These vibrant plants are non-toxic to dogs, offering a beautiful touch to any apartment decor without any risk to your pet’s safety. They thrive indoors with proper light and watering.
9. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light.
Watering Needs: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Money trees are not only visually stunning with their braided trunks and large leaves, but they’re also believed to bring good luck! This plant is harmless to dogs, allowing you to enjoy its beauty without concern.
10. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light.
Watering Needs: Water when the soil feels dry, about once a week.
The Chinese money plant is famous for its round leaves and unique appearance. It’s an easy-to-care-for option that is also non-toxic to dogs. This plant can thrive on minimal maintenance, making it perfect for busy pet owners.
11. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Light Requirements: Low to bright indirect light.
Watering Needs: Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
As the name suggests, the cast iron plant is incredibly resilient and can tolerate neglect. Its dark green leaves add a touch of elegance to any room, and this plant is safe for dogs, providing an excellent choice for pet-friendly homes.
12. African Spear Plant (Sansevieria cylindrica)
Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
Watering Needs: Allow the soil to dry completely between watering, as this plant is drought-tolerant.
The African spear plant, or cylindrical snake plant, is an architectural beauty that adds a modern touch to your space. Its low maintenance and non-toxic properties make it a great fit for pet owners, enhancing your home’s aesthetics without worry.
13. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Light Requirements: Bright light, ideally in a south-facing window.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Growing basil not only brightens up your apartment but also adds flavor to culinary dishes. This herb is completely safe for dogs. Plus, the delightful scent can enhance your living space further, bringing a fresh touch to your home.
14. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Light Requirements: Bright light.
Watering Needs: Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
Sage is another excellent herb option for those who love to cook. With its aromatic leaves, it is safe for dogs and can thrive in pots on a sunny kitchen windowsill. This plant bears an earthy aroma, enriching your apartment ambiance.
15. Cat Grass (Dactylis glomerata)
Light Requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy.
Though marketed primarily for cats, cat grass is safe for dogs and is a fun addition to any home. It’s easy to grow and offers a fresh green touch, perfect for adding variability to your indoor garden.
16. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
Light Requirements: Indirect sunlight.
Watering Needs: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the roots to dry out between watering.
Moth orchids are stunning flowering plants that are perfectly safe for dogs. They add elegance to any decor and can bloom for months, providing color and beauty to your living space.
Tips for Caring for Dog-Safe Houseplants
- Placement: Ensure plants are placed out of your dog’s reach if they tend to chew or dig. Hanging pots or shelves can help.
- Monitor Watering: Dogs may be curious about your plants; ensure that pots have enough drainage.
- Pet Training: Consider training your dog to understand which plants they should avoid. Positive reinforcement can help achieve this.
Selecting dog-safe houseplants for your apartment not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your living space but also ensures the safety of your canine companion. By choosing these vibrant and hardy plants, you can foster a welcoming environment that you and your pet will love.