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March is National Pet Poison Prevention Month — a gentle reminder to make sure your indoor jungle is safe for the furry (or scaly, or feathery) members of your household. At Sunnyside Gardens, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between a home full of greenery and peace of mind when it comes to your pets.

The good news? There are plenty of beautiful, easy-to-care-for houseplants that are completely non-toxic to cats and dogs. Here are ten of our favorites, organized by light needs, with simple care tips to help them thrive.

Low Light Champions

These plants are perfect for rooms with minimal natural light — think north-facing windows, corners away from windows, or spaces that feel a little dim.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are workhorses. They tolerate neglect, low light, and occasional overwatering, making them ideal for beginners or busy pet parents. Their arching, striped leaves add movement and texture to any space.

Care: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. They prefer indirect light but tolerate low light well. Trim brown tips if they appear — it’s usually a sign of tap water sensitivity, so try filtered water if needed.

Ferns (Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern)

Ferns bring that lush, woodland vibe indoors. They’re safe for pets and love humidity, which makes them great for bathrooms or kitchens.

Care: Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy). Mist regularly or place on a pebble tray to boost humidity. Ferns prefer indirect light and will crisp up in dry air, so a little extra attention goes a long way.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Elegant, graceful, and incredibly forgiving, the parlor palm is a classic for a reason. It adds height and tropical vibes without demanding much in return.

Care: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Parlor palms tolerate low light but grow more vigorously in medium light. Wipe down leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and healthy.

Calathea (Prayer Plant)

Calatheas are known for their stunning, patterned leaves that fold up at night like hands in prayer. They’re pet-safe and visually striking — a true statement plant.

Care: Keep soil lightly moist and provide medium to low indirect light. Calatheas love humidity, so misting or a humidifier helps. Yellow leaves usually mean too much water; brown edges mean not enough humidity.

Pilea (Pilea peperomioides, Chinese Money Plant)

With its round, pancake-shaped leaves and modern look, pilea has become a houseplant favorite. It’s safe for pets and produces “pups” (baby plants) that you can propagate and share.

Care: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Pilea prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light. Rotate the pot regularly for even growth, as it tends to lean toward the light.

Medium Light Lovers

These plants do best near east- or west-facing windows where they get a few hours of gentle, indirect sunlight each day.

Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Despite its name, the ponytail palm isn’t a true palm — it’s a succulent with a bulbous trunk that stores water. It’s quirky, low-maintenance, and completely safe for pets.

Care: Water sparingly — let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Ponytail palms tolerate low light but grow best in medium to bright indirect light. Overwatering is the main cause of problems, so err on the side of dry.

Orchid (Phalaenopsis, Moth Orchid)

Orchids have a reputation for being fussy, but the common moth orchid is surprisingly forgiving — and completely safe for pets. Their elegant blooms can last for months, bringing a touch of sophistication to any room.

Care: Water when dry by running water through the pot until it drains completely. Orchids prefer medium to bright indirect light (an east-facing window is ideal). After blooming, cut the spike above a node to encourage re-blooming, and feed monthly with diluted orchid fertilizer during the growing season.

Peperomia (Various species)

Peperomias come in endless varieties — some with rippled leaves, some with stripes, some compact and bushy. All are pet-safe, and all are wonderfully low-maintenance.

Care: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Peperomias prefer medium light but tolerate lower light. They’re prone to root rot if overwatered, so let them dry out between drinks.

Hoya (Hoya carnosa, Wax Plant)

Hoyas are trailing plants with thick, waxy leaves and occasional clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. They’re pet-safe, drought-tolerant, and beautiful in hanging baskets.

Care: Water when the soil is mostly dry — hoyas store water in their leaves and don’t like wet feet. They prefer medium to bright indirect light. The more light they get, the more likely they are to bloom.

Bright Light Beauty

This plant thrives in bright, indirect light — think near a south-facing window (but not in direct sun, which can scorch the leaves).

Echeveria Succulent (Echeveria species)

Echeverias are rosette-shaped succulents that come in gorgeous shades of green, blue, pink, and purple. They’re pet-safe, low-maintenance, and perfect for sunny windowsills.

Care: Water deeply, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Echeverias need bright light to maintain their compact shape and vibrant color. Too little light causes them to stretch and lose their form.

A Few Important Reminders

Even though these plants are non-toxic, it’s still a good idea to keep them out of reach if your pet is a persistent chewer. Eating large amounts of any plant material can cause mild stomach upset, even if the plant itself isn’t poisonous.

If you’re ever unsure about a plant’s safety, the ASPCA maintains a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants at aspca.org. And if you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Creating a Pet-Friendly Home Full of Green

You don’t have to sacrifice beauty or greenery to keep your pets safe. With a little planning and the right plant choices, you can create a lush, welcoming indoor space that works for everyone — two-legged and four-legged alike.

At Sunnyside Gardens, we’re here to help you choose houseplants that are safe, beautiful, and perfectly suited to your home. Stop by and let us help you build your worry-free indoor jungle.