Pet Safe Houseplants: Polka Dot Plants & More

by Allan Wulff, MBA. Ph.D. 10/16/2022

Growing indoor plants can be incredibly rewarding and enhance the aesthetics of your home. However, it's important to know which plants are safe for every member of your household to be around. While many attractive and popular houseplants are toxic to pets and humans, there are plenty you can grow indoors safely, like polka dot plants. Here are three of the best pet-safe colorful houseplants:

Polka Dot Plant

Polka dot plants are small, bushy plants with vibrantly patterned leaves. They come in multiple color combinations including green and white, pink or rich red. These plants prefer higher humidity and warmer temperatures, as well as plenty of bright light to maintain their color. While they might resemble a speckled version of the toxic poinsettia, they are completely safe for both pets and humans.

Peperomia

There are over one thousand different species of peperomia, many of which make excellent houseplants. Not only are these plants pet-safe, they come in a wide array of colors and textures. Peperomia colors range from a wide range of greens to dark purples and silvers. Some varieties like the peperomia "rosso" have leaves with deep red undersides to contrast the green on top. Peperomia are generally easy to care for and completely pet and human safe.

Calathea

Calatheas include members of the "prayer plant" family, named for their leaves curling up at night resembling hands in prayer. They come in many vibrant and distinctive color patterns, sporting leaves with combinations of green, pink, red, purple and silver. While some calatheas can be demanding about their moisture needs, this type of plant is easy to care for and happy at lower light levels. All calatheas are completely non-toxic, as well, so there's no risk to pets or curious children who might want to sneak a taste of a leaf.

About the Author
Author

Allan Wulff, MBA. Ph.D.

Hello and thank you for visiting! Selling or buying real estate is very serious business! I provide extraordinary results! Prior to real estate I was President/CEO of a number of area technology companies, Vice-Chairman of the INOVA Hospital Association and have been a long time member of the Association for Corporate Growth. With a broker’s training and experience, you get more than just a realtor agent. My negotiating skills and astute problem solving capabilities, honed by executive experience, have proved extremely effective for my clients in achieving their dreams and real estate goals in this current complex and fast paced market. As a long time Northern Virginia resident my experience will benefit you whether you are buying a home or selling a home or are a returning client checking out the many homeowner resources my associates and I offer. Buying a home? I look forward to helping you select the home of your dreams by taking time to listen to your needs and desires. Selling a home? My real estate expertise and many effective marketing programs will give you the exposure and edge you need to sell your home quickly for top dollar. Testimonials. I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve you and hope you take advantage of the valuable resources I provide. Come back to visit often! I consider this community an excellent place to reside and would love to share with you my enthusiasm for the many neighborhoods in the area. I pride myself on providing unparalleled service and look forward to developing a long-term relationship with you. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss how I can best assist you with your real estate goals. Sincerely, Allan Wulff