Ferns for Fido: 11 Pet-Friendly Houseplants

Banana Plant Musa oriana

The banana plant is characterized by large, smooth-edged leaves with a slight wave. Some varieties of this plant will produce edible fruit (takes 3-4 years), but others do not (Musa basjoo). These can grow to be rather large; if you’re limited on space, look for a dwarf variety like Musa ‘Dwarf Cavendish.’ 

Potted banana plant

Ponytail Palm Beaucarnea recurvata

Aptly named, long leaves reach out from the top to resemble a ponytail. With a bulb-like trunk that stores water, these are drought tolerant, slow growing and easy to care for with a busy schedule. 

Potted ponytail palm

Prayer Plant Maranta leuconeura 

This plant boasts beautifully decorated leaves that are a blend of deep green and yellow with a red vein running across each leaf. The plant is named for the way its leaves fold in the evening, resembling hands folded in prayer, as a reaction to the amount of light the plant is receiving. 

Partial potted prayer plant

Boston Fern Nephrolepis exaltata  

The Boston fern is a voluminous plant with distinct arching fronds made up of small pale to medium green leaves. This plant thrives in a hanging basket, keeping it safe from a playful cat or dog. 

Hanging potted Boston fern

African Violets Streptocarpus S. saintpaulia 

A year-round bloomer, African violets feature velvety petals with flower colors of violet, purple, pale blue and white. While beautiful, this plant is known for being a bit finicky, but its care is manageable once you know some basic rules as mentioned in this video.  

Potted African violet outside on a ledge

Spider Plant Chlorophytum comosum  

Among the most popular houseplants to grow, the spider plant has long stems with small, star-shaped flowers and slender, arching leaves that average one-and-a-half feet in length. These hardy plants can survive less than ideal conditions, but consider planting them in hanging pots if you have playful kitties around.  

Potted spider plant

Friendship Plant  Pilea involucrata

As it is easily shared with friends by propagating stem cuttings, this plant has earned a common name as the friendship plant. Deeply crinkled, velvety leaves with deep bronze veins add a unique pop of color to your home. Most varieties do well as trailing plants, but they can be pinched back to create a more bushy plant.  

Close-up of a friendship plant

Parlor Palm Chamaedorea elegans 

Also known as bamboo palm, with proper care and plenty of time, this plant can reach up to six feet in height. Parlor palm is an ideal indoor plant that grows well in cramped spaces and low light. It’s possible to find single-stalk varieties, but most often you will find them growing in small clumps that resemble a palm-like shrub. 

Potted parlor palm plant inside on a table

Gloxinia Sinningia speciosa 

Related to the African violet, gloxinia produces show stopping blooms in a variety of colors. Many gloxinias found in stores today are seed-grown hybrids, which put a lot of energy into creating beautiful blooms instead of their root systems. This results in the plant dying back after their blooming season, and it is not likely to grow back. Many consider this pet-friendly houseplant to be an annual. Extend the blooming season by pinching off dead flowers.  

Close-up of Gloxinia blooms

Mosaic Plant Fittonia albivenis  

Commonly used in terrariums due to its need for constant humidity, this evergreen perennial thrives in low light. This low growing plant can spread up to eighteen inches, completely covering a small space with its silver-veined leaves.  

Potted mosaic plant outside

Cast Iron Plant Aspidistra elatior 

Just like cast iron, this plant is tough to destroy and is tolerant of neglect, making it a great option for homeowners without a green thumb. Its bright green leaves can grow up to two feet tall and three feet wide. Cast iron plants don’t like to have their roots disturbed, so select a pot that is a few inches wider than the roots to give this slow-growing plant plenty of extra space.

Partial potted cast iron plant