Pet Friendly Houseplants: Safe, Stunning, and Perfect for Winter

The winter months are a fantastic time to work on your tropical houseplant collection! If you’re looking to add a few pet-friendly options to your space, you’re in luck. Tanya Olsen, third-generation owner of Royal City Nursery and a Professor in the Horticulture Apprenticeship program at Humber College, has rounded up some beautiful, safe choices for your home.

Check out our YouTube video on ‘Pet-Friendly Houseplants’ (6 minute watch) or scroll to continue reading. 

Stromanthe ‘Trio-Star’ (Stromanthe sanguinea)

Love vibrant, variegated leaves? The Stromanthe ‘Trio-Star’ delivers with striking pink, red, and white foliage. This tropical beauty thrives in low, indirect light— a north-facing window is ideal. Plus, it loves humidity, making it a perfect addition to your bathroom or kitchen. To keep it happy, mist the leaves regularly or place a pebble tray beneath the pot to maintain moisture in the air. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate leaves, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Calatheas: Stunning and Safe

Calatheas are known for their intricate leaf patterns and pet-safe nature. Here are a few standout varieties to consider:

• Calathea ‘Stella’: Dark purple leaves with captivating striped undersides. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide indirect light to maintain vibrant coloration.
• Pin-Striped Calathea: Deep burgundy foliage adorned with delicate pink stripes. To maintain humidity, place the pot on a saucer filled with gravel and water. Regular misting will also help keep the leaves lush and healthy.
• Bluegrass Calathea: Known for its frilly, textured leaves. These plants prefer a warm environment with high humidity and should be kept away from cold drafts.
• Rattlesnake Calathea: Long, wavy leaves with unique patterns—an eye-catching choice! It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and benefits from occasional leaf wiping to prevent dust buildup.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

This tried-and-true houseplant has been a pet-friendly favourite for years. Spider plants are resilient and easy to care for, making them a go-to choice for plant lovers with pets. They come in several varieties, including the curly-leaved ‘Bonnie,’ which adds a unique twist to the plant’s typically arching foliage. Spider plants are totally safe for curious cats who love to nibble on leaves making them a win for both pet owners and plant enthusiasts. With their low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in indirect light, spider plants are perfect for both beginner gardeners and seasoned pros. 

Hoyas

Hoyas are gorgeous, twining plants that add a touch of elegance to any space, particularly when grown in hanging baskets or trained along trellises. While they don’t bloom as often as some other houseplants, their star-shaped flowers are absolutely stunning when they do appear, often with a delightful fragrance. Hoyas are relatively low-maintenance and thrive in bright, indirect light. North- or east-facing windows are ideal for these plants, as they prefer a bit of filtered light without too much direct sun.

Some excellent options for Hoya varieties include:

• Hoya ‘Lisa’: Known for its variegated foliage in soft, muted tones of green and cream, adding a touch of sophistication to any room.
• Hoya ‘Rosetta’: A more compact variety with beautiful, waxy leaves that shine under proper care, making it perfect for smaller spaces or as a tabletop accent.
• Rope Hoya (Hoya compacta): A unique succulent variety with thick, curly leaves that give it a distinct, rope-like appearance. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and is drought-tolerant, requiring only sparing watering to keep it happy.

Curly Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)

With its rich, dark green leaves and vibrant red-orange flowers, the curly lipstick plant is a striking addition to any plant collection, especially during the winter months when colour can be in short supply. Its tubular, lipstick-like blooms seem to burst out from the lush foliage, adding an unexpected pop of warmth to the space. The plant’s unique, curly leaves add an interesting texture, making it an eye-catching feature in any room. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers to be kept in a humid environment, so it’s perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where the air is naturally more moist.

Aside from its stunning visual appeal, the curly lipstick plant is relatively easy to care for, as long as you avoid overwatering. It does best when the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. If given the right conditions—well-draining soil, regular misting, and a warm environment—this plant will continue to delight with its cheerful flowers for months. The curly lipstick plant is not just about looks; its trailing growth habit also makes it an excellent candidate for hanging baskets or decorative pots where it can spill over the sides, creating a lush, cascading effect.

When choosing houseplants, consider a variety of leaf textures and colours to keep your collection visually interesting. These pet-friendly picks give you peace of mind while elevating your indoor space. Next time you visit Royal City Nursery, chat with our experts to find the perfect plant for your home and your furry friends. Happy planting!

About Tanya Olsen:

Tanya is a third-generation garden centre owner and landscape designer.

Teaches Horticulture Apprenticeship at Humber College in Ontario, Canada.

Has a weekly segment on CTV news.

Has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.

YWCA Woman of Distinction.

About Royal City Nursery:

Guelph, Ontario’s only third-generation, full-service garden centre! We specialize in creating custom outdoor living spaces and unique solutions for all your garden, landscape, and seasonal decorating needs! At our new greenhouse, located between Guelph and Cambridge, we are the garden centre of choice for discerning homeowners, landscapers, and designers.