Bringing plants into your workspace is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your home office and create a healthy tranquil working environment. However, many common species of houseplants are toxic to animals. This clarity and calm will be undone if you’re constantly watching your pets to make sure they don’t eat the greenery. We’ve put together a list of the top pet-friendly plants for your home office—so you can spruce up your workplace without having to worry about your furry friends.

The plants to avoid for pets

Before getting into the details of pet-safe houseplants, here are a few you should definitely avoid: Peace Lilies, Ivy, Dieffenbachia, Pothos, Jade, Aloe Vera, and ZZ Plants—all of these are toxic to cats and dogs. When ingested this can lead to mouth irritation, diarrhea, vomiting, and in some cases can be fatal.

If you’re not sure whether a houseplant is toxic to cats and dogs, keep your greenery out of reach with hanging baskets, or try using plant stands and wall planters.

Calathea: the best for beautiful leaves

One of the most attractive nontoxic indoor plants is the Calathea. With its eye-catching foliage, this beauty definitely stands out from the crowd. Make sure to find a shaded spot for your Calathea—direct sunlight can cause the striped patterns across its leaves to fade.

True palms: the best for making a statement

If you’re looking for bigger pet-safe houseplants, palms are the perfect option. Kentia, Bamboo, Areca, Ponytail, and Parlor palms are all nontoxic—giving you plenty of varieties to choose from. The elegant fronds of palm leaves will add a touch of style to your space.

Spider plant: the best for clean air

Spider plants are one of the best air-purifying plants safe for dogs and cats. And just as well—they send out dangling spiderettes (the cute name for baby spider plants) that hang from the main plant, and look very enticing to curious pets.

Cast iron plant: the best for easy maintenance

Once a Victorian-era favorite, the aspidistra (or cast iron plant) has faded from the spotlight, but we believe it's time for a resurgence! This nearly indestructible, low-light-loving plant is not only easy to care for but also completely safe for your furry friends. Its glossy leaves and occasional purple flowers bring a touch of elegance to any space and peace of mind for pet owners.

Maranta: the best for inner peace

Transform your workspace into an oasis of calm with the stunning Maranta. The prayer plant’s colorful oval-shaped leaves fold together at night, as if in prayer. Best of all? This plant is nontoxic to dogs and cats, so you won’t have to worry about your furry friends getting sick—place one of these near your desk and feel the stress slip away.