Paws & Plants: Designing Pet-Conscious Living Spaces

At PLANTEDhouse, we believe living spaces should feel calm, refined, and thoughtfully maintained. For many of our clients, that also means sharing their homes with beloved pets.

Plants bring warmth, texture, and vitality to interiors — but some common houseplants can be toxic to dogs and cats. The key is not avoidance. It’s awareness and intentional placement.

Below is a clear guide to help you make informed decisions.

COMMON HOUSEPLANTS THAT ARE TOXIC TO PETS

Many popular interior plants contain compounds that can cause irritation or gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Most are not life-threatening, but they can cause significant discomfort.

Oxalate-Containing Plants (Cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting)

• Monstera

• Philodendron (including ‘Brasil,’ ‘Neon,’ Congo Rojo, Selloum)

• Pothos

• ZZ Plant

• Schefflera

• Fiddle Leaf Fig

• Ficus varieties

• Peace Lily

• Dieffenbachia

• Aglaonema

• Anthurium

• Alocasia

• Caladium

Typical symptoms include drooling, pawing at the mouth, swelling of lips or tongue, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Most cases are uncomfortable but not life-threatening.

Saponin-Containing Plants (Cause gastrointestinal upset)

• Snake Plant

• Song of India

• Corn Plant

• Aloe Vera

• English Ivy

Typical symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and dilated pupils (more common in cats).

High-Risk Toxic Plants

• Sago Palm (extremely toxic to dogs — liver failure)

• True Lilies (extremely toxic to cats — kidney failure)

• Oleander

• Castor Bean

If you have cats, true lilies should never be brought indoors.

NON-TOXIC / GENERALLY PET-SAFE PLANTS

• Ponytail Palm

• Peperomia varieties

• Calathea

• Maranta (Prayer Plant)

• Parlor Palm

• Areca Palm

• Spider Plant

• Haworthia

• Orchids

• Boston Fern

These are excellent options for ground-level placement in pet-friendly homes.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET INGESTS A PLANT

1. Remove plant material immediately.

2. Rinse your pet’s mouth gently if safe.

3. Monitor for drooling, vomiting, or swelling.

4. Contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist.

5. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) for guidance.

Seek urgent care if you notice severe vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, or unusual lethargy.

DESIGNING BEAUTIFUL, PET-CONSCIOUS INTERIORS

A home can be both refined and responsible.

At PLANTEDhouse, we incorporate plants into pet-friendly environments through intentional design — elevating plants out of reach, creating dedicated zones, and balancing higher-risk varieties with pet-safe selections.

Plant stewardship is not simply about aesthetics. It is about knowledge, structure, and long-term care. When properly placed and professionally maintained, living plants enhance the atmosphere of a home without compromising safety.