13 Dog-Safe Plants for Your Home or Office

Boston ferns, or Nephrolepis exaltata, are extremely popular indoor plants. While they are relatively low maintenance, plant care is critical to keep these dog-safe plants thriving.

Boston ferns require bright, yet indirect lighting. Too little light will cause dull-colored, sparse fronds. Alternatively, too much direct light can burn the plant. Extreme fluctuations in temperature, such as drafts created by windows, air conditioners, and heating vents, can quickly cause damage to the plant. Strive for humidity levels of 80 percent to keep this moisture-loving plant happy. If the soil is left to dry out, the fern’s fronds will die off, so keep it slightly moist at all times. Dead fronds should be pruned off to keep your plant looking fresh and lush.

Goeppertia insignis, better known as rattlesnake plants, have striking variegated leaves with wavy patterns in several shades of green. They are dog-safe but demanding, making them challenging for beginners.

Rattlesnake plants thrive in bright, indirect light. They prefer moist soil but do poorly in soggy conditions, as indicated by yellowing leaves. Regular small waterings are crucial to help maintain proper moisture levels. These plants prefer warm environments, ideally 60°F to 75°F. Exposure to temperatures outside this range can cause leaf die-off, so it’s important to protect them from drafts and temperature fluctuations. To maintain the plant’s overall appearance and encourage healthy growth, remove discolored leaves with sharp scissors on an as-needed basis.

The polka dot plant, Hypoestes phyllostachya, is an eye-catching indoor plant with colorful, variegated leaves. The most common variety features pink leaves with dark green spots, though red, white, and purple variations exist. These dog-safe plants remain small when grown indoors, making them ideal houseplants.

Polka dot plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Too much shade or sun can cause their vibrant foliage to fade. They require moderate moisture for adequate growth—dry soil leads to wilting, while overwatering can cause root rot. These plants prefer warm, humid environments, growing best in temperatures above 60°F with humidity over 50%. Regular pruning, using sharp pruning shears to trim the top leaves, promotes a bushy, vigorous appearance.

Ponytail palms, or Beaucarnea recurvata, are not true palms despite their name. They are slow-growing and easy to care for. When grown outdoors, they can reach 30 feet tall, but as houseplants, they typically max out around 6 feet.

Ponytail palms like full sun but also do well in bright, indirect light. Water every 1 to 2 weeks during the growing season, decreasing to once a month in the winter. Because they can go long between waterings, it’s easy to over-saturate them, which leads to yellowing foliage. These palms prefer warm temperatures—above 60°F—and dry air. Pruning is simple—just trim damaged leaves as needed to keep this dog-friendly plant healthy.

The parlor palm, Chamaedorea elegans, is a popular dog-friendly indoor plant due to its low maintenance and forgiving nature.

Parlor palms are low-light plants but also grow well in bright, indirect light. These palms do not tolerate oversaturation, so it’s best to let the soil dry out some before watering. Keep an eye out for yellow fronds, which indicate the need for more moisture. The ideal room temperature for parlor palms is between 65°F and 80°F. Drafts from windows, doors, and vents can damage the plant, so placement is important. Never trim healthy fronds, as pruning can stop growth. A parlor palm’s lower fronds will naturally brown and die, requiring removal to maintain a healthy appearance.

The prayer plant, Maranta leuconeura, is easily recognized by its dark green leaves with light green spines and red veins. The leaves lay flat during the day and fold up at night, resembling praying hands. Indoors, they typically reach about one foot in height.

Prayer plants prefer indirect sunlight, as direct light can burn their leaves. They require frequent watering, but over-watering should be avoided. Contrarily, allowing the soil to dry out can quickly kill the plant. Ideal temperatures range between 60°F and 80°F. These plants thrive in humid environments, which can be maintained with frequent mistings. Pruning keeps prayer plants healthy and encourages new growth. Trim dead foliage as needed, and for a bushier appearance, trim stems above the leaf nodes.

The Phalaenopsis genus is one of the most recognizable among orchids. They are easy to grow and can bloom for several months, making them a great choice for beginners seeking a dog-safe plant. Phalaenopsis orchids are monopodial, meaning they grow from one stem.

Phalaenopsis leaves burn in direct sunlight, so placement in low-light or shaded areas is a must. If proper lighting is difficult, use grow lights. Water every one to two weeks or when the roots turn white, avoiding water pooling around the stem to prevent rot. Orchids thrive in temperatures between 75°F and 85°F but can adapt to as low as 65°F. High humidity requires good airflow to prevent rot and disease. Overhead or oscillating fans should suffice. Prune annually after blooms die, trimming the stem back to about one inch, and remove damaged roots and leaves to promote healthy growth.

Chlorophytum comosum, commonly known as the spider plant, is a low-maintenance, dog-safe houseplant. It grows moderately fast with long, slender leaves striped green and white. The cascading foliage is ideal for hanging containers.

Spider plants prefer indirect light or light shade. Moist soil is essential, but over-watering can be fatal. Because they are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine in tap water, distilled water is recommended. Spider plants flourish in warm, humid conditions above 50°F. Drafts can cause damage, so keep them away from vents and open windows. Mature spider plants produce long stems with flowers that develop into plantlets, which can be trimmed and potted. To maintain a healthy, bushy spider plant, regularly remove dead leaves and trim plantlets that form on mature plants.

While there are many types of bromeliads, Guzmania bromeliads are among the most popular due to their shiny green leaves and showy blooms. They are one of the easiest bromeliads to grow, offering beautiful color with minimal effort.

Guzmania bromeliads require bright, indirect light. Over-watering is more likely to kill them than under-watering. While they enjoy a moist environment, their roots are sensitive to standing water, which can cause rot. These plants can tolerate temperature variations but prefer temps between 60°F and 80°F. Bromeliads are unique in that once the mother plant blooms, it will begin to die off, producing tiny new plants called pups. These are the offspring of this remarkable tropical plant.

Asplenium nidus, or bird’s nest ferns, are relatively easy to grow indoors if their natural environment is replicated. These slow-growing plants can reach up to 5 feet tall, but indoors they typically grow to about 2 feet. The light green, crinkly fronds emerge from a central rosette and are very delicate, so it’s best not to touch them.

Bird’s nest ferns thrive in indirect light but also do well in shade. They prefer moist, not soggy, soil, so allow the top inch to dry before watering and always water around the outside of the plant to prevent mold and rot. Bird’s nest ferns grow best in warm environments between 60°F and 80°F and require high humidity, making bathrooms an ideal location. Pruning is rarely needed, but you can remove outer leaves if desired.

Peperomia argyreia, commonly known as watermelon peperomia, is an easy, dog-safe plant to grow. Its striking leaves, with varying shades of green, resemble a watermelon rind. Watermelon peperomia stay relatively small, only reaching about 12 inches in height.

This plant’s delicate leaves can scorch in direct sunlight, so bright, indirect light is ideal. Watermelon peperomia loves moisture but is sensitive to over and under-watering, so water only when the top inch of soil is dry. These plants prefer warm, moderately humid environments, and most household conditions are sufficient if not placed near vents or drafts. Remove dead leaves as needed, and trim back leggy stems in the spring for a fuller appearance. The plant’s underwhelming flower spikes can be removed to encourage more vigorous growth.

Calathea orbifolia is a common houseplant known for its large, decorative leaves, which can reach up to 12 inches wide. It grows moderately fast, typically reaching a height of 3 feet.

This plant thrives in medium, indirect light. If placed in direct sunlight, its leaves can fade or die. Over-watering is more harmful than letting the soil dry out, so only water when the top layer is dry. Ideal temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F—leaves curl in higher temperatures and droop if too cold. Avoid placement near vents and drafty windows or doors to prevent sudden temperature changes. Calathea orbifolia requires high humidity, so frequent misting with distilled water is necessary. Pruning is simple—just trim dead or yellowing foliage as needed to maintain its appearance.

Marigolds are colorful, fast-growing, dog-friendly plants with fern-like foliage that require little maintenance. They love full sun, and although they can survive in low light, they will produce fewer blooms. Initially, marigolds may need daily watering, but once established, watering reduces to about once a week. Marigolds do best in heat and dry air, and while they can tolerate some humidity, high humidity may cause mildew. Full sun and adequate spacing for airflow can prevent this.

Pruning marigolds is relatively easy. For a bushier appearance, pinch back early buds. Frequent deadheading will keep these vibrant flowers blooming until fall.