Toxicity is worth understanding
Many popular houseplants — pothos, snake plants, ZZ plants — are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. For homes with pets who chew on plants, this is a real consideration. The good news is that there are excellent, easy-to-care-for plants that are non-toxic and genuinely safe.
The following plants are confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA, and all three are good options for new plant owners.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are one of the most adaptable houseplants available. They grow well in medium to bright indirect light, tolerate occasional missed waterings, and produce cascading offshoots ('spiderettes') that can be propagated into new plants. They're non-toxic to both cats and dogs and are a great choice for homes with curious pets.
Calathea
Calatheas are beautiful, non-toxic plants with striking patterned leaves. They're a bit more demanding than the other plants on this list — they prefer consistent moisture, high humidity, and indirect light — but they're worth the extra attention. The leaves move throughout the day in response to light, which makes them particularly interesting to observe.
If you're new to calatheas, the rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia) is one of the more forgiving varieties.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are non-toxic and one of the best ferns for indoor growing. They prefer bright indirect light and consistent moisture, and they do best in humid environments. A bathroom with natural light can be an ideal spot. They're full, lush plants that add texture to a room in a way that few houseplants can match.
A practical note
Even non-toxic plants can cause digestive upset if eaten in large quantities. If you have a pet that actively chews on plants, placement matters — high shelves, hanging baskets, or rooms the pet doesn't access are worth considering regardless of toxicity.
The ASPCA maintains an updated list of toxic and non-toxic plants, which is a useful resource when choosing plants for a home with pets.