When aspiring plant parents go shopping for trendy, popular houseplants, they have more to worry about than humidity requirements if they happen to have pets: Just like certain foods are toxic to pets, many plants also contain substances that can potentially harm your dog or cat.
But you should know that there are still many indoor plants that are safe for cats and dogs. And you know what? They’re just as trendy as those ultra-hip snake plants and fiddle-leaf fig trees (which are toxic to pets, by the way).
So you can keep up with the “plantfluencers” blooming all over your Instagram feed, we spoke with Erin Marino, director of marketing at plant delivery service The Sill, to learn of the pet-safe popular houseplants that are quickly gaining must-have status.
Check out the four “it” plants pet parents should consider below.
Parlor Palm
Best for: Anyone (and we mean anyone) craving a low-maintenance, tropical aesthetic.
This upright, fronded palm will add some tropical vibes to your space (no travel required). Marino tells us that the Parlor Palm has been cultivated since the Victorian era. Both then and now, it’s prized for its resilience to indoor conditions. Featuring several thin, compact stalks and dark green fronds, this beachy babe is suitable for new plant parents, thanks to its low-effort care requirements.
Plant Care Tips: “Unlike the palm trees you see at the beach, this palm is not suited for intense, direct sun. Instead, the Parlor Palm thrives in medium to bright indirect light. It can also tolerate low and indirect light,” says Marino, who recommends watering this plant every one to two weeks, allowing the soil to dry in between waterings. “Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. Oh, and this plant can benefit from extra humidity,” she notes, so consider homing it in your bathroom if it gets adequate light or investing in a humidifier.
