Five pet-friendly indoor plants

Some varieties of indoor plants can be toxic to our pets and since our pets can be fond of chewing on any and all forbidden objects, it’s best to avoid these plants altogether. Check out our list of our favourite pet-friendly houseplants so you can build an urban jungle your pets will love.

1. Staghorn fern

Coming in at number one, the leaves on this fern look like antlers, hence the name – and a lovely match for the fall season. The Staghorn’s Fern, or platycerium, is an easy to care for fern that can grow tall and wild. No worries if fluffy the bunny chews on one of the leaves once or twice, this plant is totally safe for your pets.

2. Bromeliad

With its bright, tropical looks and fierce flowers, the bromeliad looks like one of those tricky, poisonous plants you might find in a jungle somewhere. Surprisingly, the plant is completely safe for your pets, and also very easy to care for. Bromeliads don’t need much water and enjoy a bright spot somewhere without direct sunlight. And did we mention that gorgeous flower?

3. Pilea

This popular houseplant is very easy to take care of, and if Tiger the cat or Fido the dog runs off with one of the leaves every now and then, there’s nothing to worry about. The best thing about pileas is that they’re incredibly easy to propagate. You’ll have an entire pilea forest in no time!

4. Calathea

Calatheas aren’t the easiest plants, but they do make for a perfect match with pet lovers. Gorgeous leaves with artistic patterns and interesting shapes, leaves that close at night only to open again in the morning. Give your pets something to look at!

5. Banana plant

With its big, bright leaves, the banana plant provides a lovely shady spot for your pets in the summer. In the winter, they can play hide and seek behind the plant’s thick stem. A perfect plant for your curious furry friends.

A plant for you and your pet

For more information on how to create a safe haven for all your four-legged friends, see our pet-friendly guide here. There are many pet friendly plants that gardeners can buy but if you are unsure, just read the plant label. All plants known to be hazardous will have a warning on them.
Now you know what’s safe for your four-legged friend, pop into your local Bunnings and pick up an indoor plant (and a cute pot too!).

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.