Top 5 Pet-Safe Houseplants for Apartments
Back when I was living in a small condo, I wanted to add a little greenery to my space. It seemed like a good way to bring life into a room that otherwise looked like a plain shoebox. I didn't think twice about it until my chihuahua started chewing on one of the leaves. At the time, I had no clue that some common houseplants could actually be toxic to pets. Turns out, plenty of popular indoor plants contain compounds that can cause anything from mild irritation to full-blown poisoning in cats and dogs.
According to the ASPCA, plants like pothos, peace lilies, and snake plants can cause vomiting, drooling, or worse if ingested by pets. I remember googling symptoms at 2 a.m. and realizing how little I knew about plant safety. It’s easy to assume that if a plant is sold at a local store, it’s harmless. But that’s not always true. The National Animal Poison Control Center handles thousands of plant-related cases every year. If you're living in a small space where your pets can reach just about anything, knowing what’s safe and what’s not isn’t just helpful. It’s necessary.
📚 Table of Contents
Pet Safe Houseplants for Apartments You’ll Love 1. Watermelon Peperomia – Cute and Non Toxic 2. Baby Rubber Plant – Works for Busy Pet Parents 3. Calathea – Gorgeous and Pet Approved 4. Spider Plant Loves – Apartments and Pets 5. Boston Fern – Adds Texture Without the Worry Tips to Keep Pets and Plants in Harmony What to Avoid When Buying Plants for Pets Frequently Asked Questions Ready to Go Green Without Risking Your Pet?Pet Safe Houseplants for Apartments You’ll Love
If you’ve got pets and live in a compact apartment like I once did, you know there’s not much room to take chances. Every item you bring in needs to be thoughtful, especially plants. I went through a phase in 2017 where I kept rotating different types of greenery, only to later find out they weren’t safe for dogs. That’s when I started doing serious research. I wanted plants that looked good, didn’t take up much room, and wouldn’t put my dog’s health at risk if he got curious.
After months of trial and error, and a few panicked vet visits I’d rather not repeat, I found five houseplants that checked all the boxes. They’re all listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA, thrive in indoor environments, and don’t mind the low light typical of most apartments. Whether you're a new plant parent or just looking to add something safe to your windowsill, these are worth considering:
These were the five I kept coming back to because they looked great without triggering any health issues in my dog. Plus, they held up well in a space that didn’t get a ton of sunlight.
1. Watermelon Peperomia – Cute and Non Toxic
The first plant I ever trusted around my dog was the watermelon peperomia. I found it at a weekend market in BGC around late 2017, and the seller assured me it was safe for pets. At first, I was skeptical. The leaves looked like candy, and I thought something that pretty had to be suspicious. But after checking it against the ASPCA’s list of non-toxic plants and talking to a vet, I felt confident enough to bring it home. It turned out to be one of the easiest plants I’ve ever owned.
This peperomia stays small, usually around 6 to 12 inches tall, which makes it perfect for shelves or window ledges in tight spaces. Its rounded leaves are thick and shiny, patterned with stripes that look like tiny watermelons. It doesn’t need much light, just a bright spot away from direct sun, and only asks for water every week or so. During my condo years, I moved it between the kitchen counter and my desk, and it stayed happy wherever I put it. It also held up surprisingly well through a few accidental nose-boops and curious sniffs from my dog.
Read More: How To Care For Watermelon Peperomia
2. Baby Rubber Plant – Works for Busy Pet Parents
The baby rubber plant, or Peperomia obtusifolia, was a lifesaver for me when my work schedule got hectic. I could forget to water it for days and it would still look fresh. This is the kind of plant that forgives you when life gets chaotic, which made it perfect for someone like me juggling remote work and solo condo living. I was skeptical at first since it looked like a succulent, but this version doesn’t need as much sunlight and it’s officially listed as non-toxic to pets.
What I liked most about it was how sturdy it felt. The leaves are thick and glossy, and even when my dog accidentally knocked it over once, it bounced back like nothing happened. It also doesn’t have a strong smell or any tempting textures that might encourage chewing. I kept mine on top of a bookshelf near a window, and it added just enough green to brighten up the room. For any pet owner who tends to forget watering schedules or gets nervous about toxicity, this one’s a reliable choice.
👉 PRO TIP: If your pet keeps nibbling on your plants, try placing lemon or orange peels in the pot. Most cats and dogs dislike citrus scents and will stay away naturally.
3. Calathea – Gorgeous and Pet Approved
Calatheas are probably the most dramatic-looking houseplants I’ve ever owned. Their leaves look like they’ve been hand-painted, with purples and greens that shift with the light. I got my first one just before moving out of my condo, and I honestly wished I’d found it sooner. I always assumed fancy-looking plants came with risks, but Calathea is one of the few eye-catching plants that’s also confirmed safe for pets.
This plant became my go-to for corners that needed a bit of life. It likes low to medium light and appreciates a little humidity, so I usually kept it in the bathroom or near a humidifier. My dog never showed much interest in it, which was a bonus, and I liked how it added a tropical vibe without taking over the space. If you're looking for something that feels a little more upscale but still fits in a small apartment, this plant gives you that look without the stress.
4. Spider Plant Loves – Apartments and Pets
The spider plant was one of the easiest additions to my condo. I picked one up on a whim at a mall garden kiosk, not even knowing if it was pet safe. Thankfully, it was. According to the ASPCA, spider plants are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, though some pets may still get curious and nibble on the leaves. Mine did, and the plant survived just fine. More importantly, so did my dog. This was one of the first times I realized that houseplants and pets could coexist if you just chose the right ones.
I hung the spider plant near a window in my living room, letting its long green-and-white leaves spill over the edge like a waterfall. It needed bright, indirect light and watering just once a week, which suited my schedule perfectly. I noticed the air in the room felt a little fresher, though maybe that was just me projecting. NASA did include it in their clean air study, so it’s not all in my head. It was also one of the few plants that made the room feel “alive” without getting in the way or making the space look cluttered. For any small apartment, it’s a visual win that’s low maintenance and safe.
5. Boston Fern – Adds Texture Without the Worry
I didn’t plan to get a Boston fern. A friend gifted it to me as a housewarming present in 2018, and I nearly gave it away because I wasn’t sure if it was safe for my dog. Once I checked that it’s non-toxic according to both the ASPCA and various vet blogs, I gave it a try. I’m glad I did. The feathery texture added a softness to my otherwise boxy space. Compared to other ferns, it was less picky about humidity, which was ideal since my condo wasn’t exactly a rainforest.
The fern did best in indirect light near a shaded window. It needed watering every few days to keep from drying out, but once I got the rhythm down, it was a nice visual piece that felt cozy. I kept it on a short stool to avoid direct contact with the floor where my dog usually roamed. Even when he sniffed it, there was no drama. The plant didn’t attract much attention from him, which made it feel like a win. If you're into textures or just want something a bit more full-bodied, Boston ferns are one of those rare finds that work well in small spaces and are friendly to pets.
Tips to Keep Pets and Plants in Harmony
By the time I had three or four different plants in my condo, I realized I needed a system. It wasn’t just about which plants were safe. It was also about how I arranged them. Pets get curious, especially if they see leaves swaying or smell something new. I had to get creative to make sure my dog and my plants could live in peace.
I also learned the hard way that watering trays left on the floor could become accidental drinking bowls. Keep those up and out of reach, especially if you’re using plant food. A little trial and error helped me figure out a setup that felt balanced. Your pet may act disinterested at first and then surprise you later, so it’s always better to place plants where they’re not easily accessible. Over time, my dog just accepted that the greenery was part of the background and stopped paying attention to it.
👉 FUN FACT: Spider plants sometimes grow baby “spiderettes” that dangle like little offshoots. These can be clipped and replanted to grow new ones—free plants, no trip to the store needed!
What to Avoid When Buying Plants for Pets
When I first started buying houseplants, I didn’t know how to tell what was safe and what wasn’t. Labels at stores rarely said if a plant was pet friendly. Some even used vague terms like “air purifying” or “great for indoors” without addressing safety. I made the mistake of buying a peace lily once, only to find out later that it’s considered toxic to dogs. That near miss was enough to change how I shopped for greenery from then on.
I started relying on the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant list, which is available on their website. I also began cross-referencing plant names with vet advice online, just to be sure. Any plant that had calcium oxalates, saponins, or alkaloids got an automatic no from me. If you're buying from a plant shop and the staff can’t confirm whether something is safe for pets, it’s better to walk away. Don’t let aesthetics take priority over safety. Your pet’s health is always worth a second opinion.
Read More: Money Tree: Proper Care Tips & Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Which indoor plants are safe for pets?
Are all ferns pet friendly?
Where can I check if a plant is pet safe?
What should I do if my pet eats a toxic plant?
Can I still own plants if my pet eats everything?
Ready to Go Green Without Risking Your Pet?
Living in a small condo doesn’t mean you have to choose between greenery and your pet’s safety. With the right picks, you can have both. These plants made my apartment feel fresh and inviting without causing any stress. More than that, they gave me confidence that I could build a peaceful space where everything and everyone had its place.
If you’ve got your own favorite pet safe plant or want to ask about one you’re unsure of, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment or tag me in your apartment plant setup. Your space can be tiny and still feel alive. Just make sure it’s safe for every living thing in it.
Read More: 10 Low-Maintenance Flowering Plants For Your Home
