20 Plants Safe for Dogs (& Gorgeous in Your Home or Garden)

Nephrolepis exaltata

Perfect for hanging planters, these ferns are like bright green starbursts. They’re ideal in warmer climates, but as long as you provide them with indirect sunlight indoors during colder months, you’re good to go.

Pellaea rotundifolia

This fern can withstand lower temperatures (it is native to New Zealand forests) and has cute little leaves in the shape of—you guessed it—buttons.

Peperomia obtusifolia or “ginny”

Both the baby rubber plant and the American rubber plant are safe for dogs. They offer shinier leaves and are low maintenance. They love humidity and indirect sunlight.

Safe alternative to the Indian rubber plant.

Buy it ($35)

Calathea lancifolia

This stunning plant displays pretty stripes on its leaves and can grow up to 30 inches in height. The entire Calathea family (including zebra plants and prayer plants) are non-toxic to dogs.

Safe alternative to snake plants.

Chlorophytum comosum

Pop a few small spider plants around your house to clean the air! You’ll notice they grow quickly in all types of temperatures. Leaves can reach up to 18 inches long, which makes them ideal for the top of a bookshelf or a hanging planter.

Safe alternative to Ribbon Plants.

Buy it ($35)

Chamaedorea elegans

Among the most popular houseplants in the world, the parlor palm can grow up to 9 feet tall. If you have a shady spot that needs a plant, go for this durable palm.

Beaucarnea recurvata

These trees can grow up to 20 feet tall, so we recommend the miniature versions which typically peak at three feet. Provide plenty of sunlight for these trees (that look like plants out of a Dr. Suess book)!

Safe alternative to umbrella trees.

Chamaedorea

Lush and dramatic with dark green palms, bamboo palm is a smart choice for inside your home or office since it’s adapted to lower light conditions.

Pachira aquatica

Tree lovers and anyone looking for a large plant with deep green foliage will enjoy a money tree. There’s also something fortuitous about that name...

Safe alternative to monstera plants.

Ocimum basilicum

Standing barely a foot tall with silky soft leaves, Basil is an ideal kitchen plant. Smells good, looks good, won’t poison your dog.

Safe alternative to mint.

Rosmarinus officinalis

For a super fragrant shrub, invest in a tiny rosemary plant. Though the herb isn’t toxic to dogs, the needle-like leaves could cause harm to the esophagus, so keep your eyes peeled!

Safe alternative to lavender and chamomile.

Echeveria

This little guy looks like the strange cousin of a standard rose. Give it some bright sunlight and sandy soil, and it’ll give you no trouble at all.

Haworthia fasciata

While aloe vera is toxic to dogs, zebra haworthia is perfectly safe. It still offers a tall, spikey, cactus vibe, without the toxicity of the vera plant.

Safe alternative to aloe vera.

Tillandsia genus

Depending on the specific air plant you get, it may simply require a daily spritz of water or a weekly soak. Incredibly simple investment; incredibly cute result.

Hypoestes phyllostachya

Sometimes called the flamingo plant or freckle face, this species looks as though it’s been splattered with paint. Colors range from pink to red to green to white.

$20 at Amazon

Phalaenopsis genus

Elegant, with colors ranging from yellow to fuchsia to orange, orchids are sleek additions to any room. They are known to be non-toxic to canines, though rare hybrid breeds could be a problem. Again, check the scientific name and steer clear of experimental orchid breeds.

Hibiscus syriacus

Hibiscus flowers will make you feel like you’re on a tropical island. Bright pink and pale purple, these shrubs can grow up to 13 feet if given enough room outdoors. Known also as the Korean rose, it is the national flower of South Korea!

Rosa species

When in doubt, get yourself a giant bouquet of roses—guilt-free.

$18 at Amazon

Bromeliaceae species

These no-fuss, no-light stunners can bring a gorgeous tropical note to your abode. And heads up: Per, Bloomscape, “Bromeliads are not known to be toxic to pets or humans, but in some cases, contact can cause dermatitis.”

Phoenix dactylifera

She may look dramatic, but she’s actually pretty easy-going—in fact, the date palm can tolerate both indoor and outdoor conditions. Keep it in your living room during the winter and bring it out on the patio when it gets warm.

Buy it ($150)