Safe and easy plants
- Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens): non-toxic indoor palm, valued for its lush fronds.
- Calathea: non-toxic, highly decorative patterned foliage.
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum): completely safe, even enjoyed by some cats (mild non-harmful stimulant effect, similar to catnip).
- Peperomia: non-toxic, compact, easy to care for.
- Echeveria and most Haworthia: non-toxic succulents, perfect for a sunny windowsill.
- Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): non-toxic, adds a tropical touch without risk.
- Basil, thyme, rosemary: common culinary herbs are generally safe in small amounts.
A good habit even with safe plants
Even non-toxic, eating large amounts of plant matter can cause mild digestive upset in some animals. It's still best to discourage recreational chewing of plants, and to keep an eye on curious newcomers (young kittens, puppies) in particular.