10 Pet-Friendly Houseplants for Your Home

African violets

Its rich purple hue makes the African violet a popular flowering plant for indoor and windowsill container gardens, but it comes in a variety of colors including pink, red, white, lavender, and blue. Being long-lived, easy to care for, and inexpensive, these pretty houseplants will live happily side-by-side with your animal companion.

Fireweed

With long, willow-like stems, the fireweed plant features vibrant purple or fuchsia petals. You can grow it outside in your garden to attract birds, bees, and butterflies with its prime bloom at the peak of summer. The gathered blossoms can be dried and packed for a hot floral-infused tea, while the leaves and unopened buds can be mixed with salad greens. So not only is this plant safe for your cat or dog, it's safe for you!

Echeverias

Also known as the "copper rose", it isn't a rose at all. Instead, it's a succulent plant like the cactus, which means it has thick, waxy leaves to retain water from it's natural habitat in the hot and dry conditions of a desert landscape. The leaves tend to be soft and silky to the touch and possibly inspired the flower's name because of their tinged rosy hue.

Orchids

Despite the popular belief that all orchids are toxic to cats, they are listed by the ASPCA as safe. This bright, cheerful-hued variety is called the "Dancing lady orchid" (Oncidium). Its easily identified by its yellow flowers with just a drop of red on the petals. The plant is native to South America, but can still grow in your home with the right amount of sunlight and water.

Gerbera daisies

Set a big bouquet of these blooms in vibrant shades of orange, pink, yellow, white, purple, red and cream on your coffee table in celebration of spring! Because of their sunny disposition, these flowers make popular gifts for any occasion and are non-toxic for cats and dogs as well.

Blushing bromeliad

This evergreen, soft-wooded perennial features spiny leaves that come in a variety of colors, from the expected green to flushed reds or purples, and produce white or blue flowers when they bloom. Also known as Ossifragi vase, it makes a great addition to any modern room.

Roses

The rose is a household staple in many bouquets and gardens. You can find roses for every occasion and in many different colors, and they add a classic touch to your home decor. It's safe to grow these in your garden or place them around the house if you have pets. The flowers also provide a beloved familiar fragrance for the home!

Impatiens

Also known the Giant Touch-Me-Not and the Tangerine Impatience, this plant blooms all year with bright-colored flowers in shades of red and orange, as well as pink, white, and lilac. The plants require plenty of light, so keep them near a window or grow them outdoors.

Thyme

Consider this evergreen herb the latest addition to your windowsill garden. It can be used in cooking, baking, and brewing tea, not to mention its essential oil is often used in natural health and beauty products. (But take note to keep thyme-extracted essential oils out of reach; while not fatal, this can give your kitty a stomachache.)

Violet slipper gloxinia

The large, trumpet-shaped flowers in bright red, purple, lavender or white provide a stunning touch to your home. Gloxinias have a long blooming period and thrive indoors with proper care.