Create a Beautiful, Pet-Friendly Home Without Spending a Fortune

If you're anything like us, your pets aren't just animals. They're family!

At Lakes Region Team, our four-legged family members have a way of making themselves comfortable just about everywhere, including our office, our desks, and occasionally right in the middle of whatever we're trying to accomplish.

And while we love having plants around the house, there's one important thing every pet owner should know:

Not all houseplants are safe for cats and dogs.

Some of the most popular indoor plants can actually be toxic to our furry companions.

The good news? You don't need to spend a fortune or give up beautiful greenery to create a welcoming, pet-friendly home.

Here are five affordable houseplants that the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

1. Spider Plant – Easy, Affordable, and Great for Beginners

Scientific name: Chlorophytum comosum

Spider plants are one of the easiest houseplants to grow, making them a popular choice for beginners and experienced plant lovers alike.

Their long, arching leaves look beautiful in hanging baskets, on shelves, or near bright windows.

Why We Love Them

  • Generally inexpensive and widely available

  • Easy to propagate from baby spider plants

  • Tolerate a variety of indoor conditions

  • Add greenery without taking up much space

  • Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs

Pet tip: Cats may find those dangling leaves irresistible! Although spider plants are non-toxic, chewing on them can still cause stomach upset.

Consider placing them in hanging baskets to discourage curious pets.

2. African Violet – Beautiful Flowers Without the Worry of Toxicity

Scientific name: Saintpaulia spp.

Want a little color without adding another green plant?

African violets produce beautiful flowers in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white.

These compact plants work wonderfully on windowsills, side tables, and shelves.

Why We Love Them

  • Often available at affordable prices

  • Beautiful flowers throughout the year under suitable conditions

  • Compact enough for smaller spaces

  • Available in several flower colors

  • Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs

Care tip: African violets generally prefer bright, indirect light and careful watering. Avoid leaving their roots sitting in water.

3. Baby Rubber Plant – Beautiful Greenery With Minimal Fuss

Scientific name: Peperomia obtusifolia

If you love the look of thick, glossy leaves, the baby rubber plant is worth considering.

Its compact growth makes it a wonderful option for desks, bookshelves, and smaller rooms.

Why We Love Them

  • Attractive, glossy foliage

  • Compact growth

  • Relatively easy maintenance

  • Available in green and variegated varieties

  • Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs

Important: Not All Rubber Plants Are the Same!

This is where knowing the scientific name becomes especially important.

The baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) is different from the rubber tree (Ficus elastica).

Rubber trees are considered toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

Always check the botanical name when shopping for plants.

A common name alone isn't enough to establish whether a plant is pet-safe.

4. Parlor Palm – A Little Tropical Style for Your Home

Scientific name: Chamaedorea elegans

Looking for a plant that makes a room feel a little more inviting?

The parlor palm adds soft, feathery greenery and a tropical appearance.

It's especially attractive in living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices.

Why We Love Them

  • Often available in affordable starter sizes

  • Adds height and texture to a room

  • Prefers indirect light

  • Works with many decorating styles

  • Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs

Pet tip: Be sure you're purchasing a true parlor palm.

Some plants sold with the word "palm" in their names are not safe for pets.

For example, the sago palm is highly toxic to dogs and cats and should never be confused with a parlor palm.

5. Polka Dot Plant – A Fun Pop of Color

Scientific name: Hypoestes phyllostachya

If you're looking for something a little different, the polka dot plant delivers!

Its colorful leaves can feature shades of pink, red, white, and green.

These smaller plants are great for adding personality to a shelf, desk, or decorative planter.

Why We Love Them

  • Colorful foliage

  • Compact size

  • Often inexpensive

  • Great for brightening smaller spaces

  • Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs

Important: Although the ASPCA classifies polka dot plants as non-toxic, eating them may still cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.

As with any houseplant, it's best to discourage pets from chewing on the leaves.

What Does Non-Toxic Actually Mean?

This is an important distinction for every pet owner.

When a plant is classified as non-toxic, it means the plant is not known to contain substances that cause the specific poisoning concerns associated with toxic plants.

However, non-toxic does not mean edible or completely risk-free.

Eating plant material can still cause digestive upset.

Additionally, fertilizers, pesticides, decorative stones, and other materials used in planters may present separate hazards.

If your pet has a habit of eating plants, consider placing greenery in areas they cannot access.

For more information, visit the ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Database.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Decorate With Houseplants

Creating a beautiful home doesn't have to involve expensive furniture, professional decorating, or elaborate renovations.

Sometimes, small touches make a big difference.

Here are a few affordable ideas.

Use Hanging Planters

Hanging planters add greenery without taking up valuable floor space.

They're especially useful in smaller homes and apartments.

Just remember that determined cats can be surprisingly talented jumpers!

Start With Smaller Plants

Small starter plants are often less expensive than mature plants.

With proper care, they can grow into beautiful additions to your home.

Propagate Spider Plants

Spider plants frequently produce baby plants that can be propagated.

This makes them an especially budget-friendly choice.

Mix Plants With Existing Decor

You don't need expensive decorative containers.

Simple ceramic pots, baskets with appropriate liners, and coordinating planters can create an attractive look.

Choose Plants That Fit Your Lighting

Before purchasing, consider how much natural light each room receives.

A plant that thrives in your home's conditions will generally require less maintenance and replacement.

Pet-Friendly Decorating When Selling Your Home

If you're preparing to sell your home in Wisconsin, houseplants can be a simple way to make rooms feel more welcoming.

A few well-placed plants can add color, texture, and warmth to listing photographs and showings.

However, pet owners should be especially mindful of plant selection.

Even if your own pets don't bother plants, visiting animals or future homeowners may have different habits.

Keeping plant displays simple, attractive, and easy to maintain can help create a welcoming environment.

And remember, houseplants should complement a room rather than overwhelm it.

Sometimes less really is more!

Creating a Home That Works for the Whole Family

Whether you're buying your first home, preparing to sell, or simply refreshing your current space, the goal is to create a home that fits your lifestyle.

For many of us, that includes our four-legged family members.

At Lakes Region Team, we understand that pets are an important part of everyday life.

From fenced yards and spacious properties to comfortable indoor living spaces, finding a home that works for everyone matters.

We help buyers and sellers throughout Central Wisconsin, including Mauston, Necedah, New Lisbon, Tomah, Friendship, Adams, and surrounding communities.

If you're thinking about buying or selling, we'd love to help you find a place where everyone feels at home.

Even the family members with paws!

Your Central Wisconsin Real Estate Team

Terra Beaver, REALTOR®
Lakes Region Team | Weichert, Realtors – Great Day Group

📱 608-350-6291
🌐 terrabeaverproperties.com

Spouses Who Sell Houses

Plant Safety Reference

ASPCA Animal Poison Control – Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database

Always verify a plant's scientific name before purchasing. If you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service promptly.

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