Houseplants vet recommends safe for pets dr katrina warren expert advice exclusive 20231208 p5qlj8.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Five pet-friendly houseplants safe for cats, dogs and more

Katrina Warren

Houseplants enhance the aesthetics of our living spaces and contribute to a healthier indoor atmosphere.

However, pet owners must choose their leafy companions wisely, as many houseplants are toxic to pets if chewed or ingested.

I spoke to Leafy Paw, a Sydney gardening store specialising in only pet-friendly plants, to ask for their top five safe plant recommendations for pet owners. Here they are:

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Calathea freddie houseplant is cat safe

There are plenty of houseplants that are safe for your beloved furry friends. Leafy Paw

Golden cane palm

The golden cane palm stands tall with all its beauty and provides a lush and tropical vibe. It's a great all-rounder, easy to grow and maintain, and perfect for a novice wanting to add pet-friendly plants to their homes.

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Golden cane palm indoor plant

Even parrots appreciate the golden cane palm. Leafy Paw

Peacock plant (calathea makoyana)

The peacock plant is known for its dark green, light green and maroon leaves. The delicate design on the leaves is beautiful and safe for our pets. This plant is easy to care for, making it a popular houseplant for pet owners.

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Boston Fern

The Boston fern provides lush greenery, is a fantastic addition to any home, and can grow indoors and outdoors. This pet-friendly plant likes moist soil and thrives in humid conditions and low light, making it well-suited to bathrooms.

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Boston fern indoor plant

The Boston fern loves humidity so is perfect for your bathroom. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Zebra plant (calathea zebrina)

The calathea zebrina has stunning striped foliage, the leaves have a velvet-like texture and look gorgeous in every home. This pet-friendly plant grows as a ground cover plant in Brazil's tropical forests, growing well in warm conditions with filtered light.

Calathea zebrina houseplant is cat safe

Whether you have a cat, dog or bunny, this plant is a top choice. Leafy Paw

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Lipstick plant (aeschynanthus radicans)

The lipstick plant gets its name from its bright red tubular flowers. It droops beautifully with its hanging fronds and vibrant green leaves. It can be placed high on a shelf or hung on a hook. As well as being eye-catching, this plant is low maintenance, enjoying warmth and filtered light, and great for a novice.

Lipstick plant

The lipstick plant looks stunning in a hanging pot with vines draping around it. Leafy Paw

Check out Leafy Paw's full range of indoor pet-friendly plants here or follow the store on Instagram @leafy.paw.

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