Top Easy-Care Indoor Plants for Apartments with Pets
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is celebrated for its air-purifying properties and robust nature, making it perfect for pet-friendly apartments. This hardy plant features long, arching leaves that can tolerate neglect. It thrives in indirect sunlight and only needs watering every couple of weeks. Plus, they’re non-toxic to pets, offering peace of mind for pet owners. The plant can also produce “baby” spiderettes, which can be propagated to expand your indoor garden.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are lush, green, and will elevate the aesthetics of any apartment while being safe for pets. This hardy plant prefers humidity and indirect light, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. The Boston Fern’s evergreen fronds can help maintain a fresh and vibrant atmosphere, while also filtering the air in your living space.
3. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
This elegant indoor plant is an excellent addition for small spaces, as it grows slowly and remains compact. The Parlor Palm is non-toxic to pets and requires minimal care. It flourishes in low light and appreciates occasional watering, allowing it to adapt well to an apartment environment. Its dark green, feathery leaves can add a tropical flair and purify the air, enhancing the overall ambiance.
4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Also known as the Butterfly Palm, the Areca Palm is a fantastic choice for pet owners. Its non-toxic nature makes it safe for dogs and cats, and it can grow quite tall, becoming a stunning focal point. Preferring bright, indirect light, this vibrant plant needs consistent moisture—however, its resilience allows it to adapt if you forget to water occasionally. The Areca Palm brings a lush, lively atmosphere to apartments.
5. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm is favored for its beautiful fronds and exceptional air-purifying qualities. Non-toxic to pets, this palm can thrive in low to moderate light conditions while requiring only light watering once a week. Its height can range from 3 to 8 feet, depending on the pot size, making it ideal for corners or larger spaces in apartments. Additionally, its graceful growth habit complements any home décor.
6. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
The Money Tree is not just aesthetically pleasing but is also considered a symbol of good luck. Pet owners will appreciate that it is non-toxic to animals. This tree prefers bright, indirect sunlight and requires a moderate watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Its braided trunk and broad leaves add visual interest, making it a beautiful addition to any indoor environment.
7. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas, known for their striking patterned leaves, are safe for pets and require slightly higher humidity levels, fitting well in apartments with adequate moisture. They enjoy indirect sunlight and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Calatheas are excellent air purifiers, drawing out toxins and creating fresher indoor air.
8. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
While many flowering plants are toxic to pets, African Violets are an exception. These charming plants produce stunning blooms and can thrive indoors under fluorescent or indirect light. They require regular watering but dislike soggy soil, making it essential to allow sufficient drainage. African Violets are relatively easy to care for and can continuously produce flowers, enhancing the brightness of your apartment.
9. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Christmas Cacti are not only festive but also safe for your pets. They bloom beautifully during the holidays and only require moderate care. These plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight and need watering when the top layer of soil feels dry. They are relatively forgiving and will thrive even with less-than-perfect care, making them ideal for busy pet owners.
10. Phalaenopsis Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)
Orchids are known for their exotic beauty, and fortunately, many species, including the Phalaenopsis, are non-toxic to pets. They require bright, indirect light and can thrive with just a small amount of water once every week or two. Although they require a little more care in terms of temperature and humidity, the stunning display of blossoms makes them worth the effort.
11. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible. This resilient plant thrives in low light and needs very little water, making it ideal for those who might not have a green thumb. Its large, green leaves add a touch of elegance to any room, and because it’s non-toxic, pet owners can place it anywhere in their home without worry.
12. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Known for its unique leaf pattern and habit of folding its leaves at night, the Prayer Plant is another safe choice for pet owners. It thrives in moderate to low light and requires consistent moisture without being waterlogged. This frequently growing plant is beautiful and helps improve indoor air quality, making it an ideal choice for any pet-infested apartment.
13. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomia species are small, compact, and have unique leaf shapes and colors that can brighten your indoor space. They are non-toxic to pets and thrive in indirect light. Peperomias need infrequent watering as they store water in their leaves. Because of their diverse forms and small size, they fit perfectly on shelves or tables within your apartment.
14. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Boston Fern thrives in indirect light and requires consistent moisture without becoming soggy, making it an elegant choice for bright rooms. They have soft, feathery leaves that can help purify the indoor air and improve humidity levels, which is beneficial for both humans and pets, creating a more comfortable living environment
15. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant features imaginative leaf patterns that fold at night, offering an intriguing display. Not only is it pet-friendly, but it’s also an ideal choice for apartments due to its preference for moderate light and humidity. Featuring captivating colors and designs, the Prayer Plant serves as a decorative piece while helping to keep the indoor air clean.
When selecting indoor plants for your apartment with pets, it’s essential to focus on those that not only beautify your space but also ensure the safety of your furry friends. Each of these plants provides unique characteristics, care requirements, and benefits that will enhance your living space while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for both you and your pets. By choosing these easy-care, non-toxic options, you can create a lush indoor paradise without worrying about compromising your pets’ health.