Pet-Friendly Indoor Plants

Creating a green oasis indoors is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also beneficial for our well-being.  For pet owners, choosing the right indoor plants is important to ensure the safety of their furry companions. There are many beautiful, pet-friendly options available. Let’s explore 10 popular pet-friendly plants and where to place them in your home to ensure they thrive while keeping your furry friends happy and healthy.

African Violets 

Placement: African Violets thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them on a windowsill or near a window with filtered sunlight.
Care: They need well-drained, consistently moist soil to grow well. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent damage.  Rather, water them by placing the container with drainage holes in a saucer of water for 10 to 20 minutes. Fertilise lightly every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.


Air Plants (Tillandsias)

Placement: Air Plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Not requiring soil to grow in, they are versatile and can be displayed in open terrariums, on driftwood, or in hanging planters.
Care: Soak air plants in water for 20-30 minutes every 1-2 weeks, allowing them to dry completely afterward. Mist occasionally between soakings.


Areca Palm 

Placement: Areca Palms prefer bright, indirect light. Place them near a window with filtered sunlight.
Care: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season. Mist the fronds regularly to maintain humidity. Fertilise every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.


Boston Fern

Placement: Boston Ferns prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity. Place them in a well-lit bathroom or kitchen where humidity levels are naturally higher.
Care: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mist the fronds regularly to maintain humidity. Fertilise every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.


Bromeliads 

Placement: Bromeliads prefer bright, indirect light. They can thrive in both pots and mounted on driftwood or bark.
Care: Keep the central cup of the plant filled with water and replace it regularly. Water the soil lightly, allowing it to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilise lightly every 2-3 months.


Calathea 

Placement: Calatheas prefers medium to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight. They’re ideal plants for bright bathrooms or kitchens with higher humidity levels.
Care: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mist the leaves regularly, or use a pebble tray to increase humidity. Fertilise lightly every 4 weeks during the growing season.


Chlorophytum (Spider Plant)

Placement: Spider Plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. They are versatile and can be placed on shelves or hanging baskets.
Care: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilise every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.


Fittonias (Nerve Plants)

Placement: Fittonias prefer bright, indirect light. They are ideal for plants for terrariums. Place them next to a natural light source like filtered light from windows.
Care: Keep the soil consistently moist. Mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity. Fertilise lightly every 4 weeks during the growing season.


Pilea Peperomioides (Pancake Plant)

Placement: Pilea prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it where it will receive harsh, direct sunlight, as this will burn the leaves.
Care: Water when the top few centimetres of soil feels dry. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth. Fertilise lightly every 4 weeks during the growing season.


Ponytail Palm 

Placement: Ponytail Palms thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. They are suitable for both homes and offices.
Care: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Fertilise lightly every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Please note that while this article highlights a variety of indigenous plants ideal for potting, availability may vary based on the current season. Some plants mentioned may not be in stock at this time. We recommend checking with our store for the latest availability.
DISCLAIMER:  The information presented on this website is intended solely as a general guide. We neither endorse specific plant varieties over others nor claim expertise in stock performance. All information is believed to be accurate, based on private inquiries and experiences, and is provided in good faith. Blackwood’s, including its employees, disclaims any responsibility for harm, loss, cost, or damage arising from the use or reliance upon any information on this website, especially if any part of the information proves to be inaccurate or incomplete. Please note that the displayed photos are not representative of current stock but are used for illustrative purposes only.