Polka Dot Plants & Other Colorful Houseplants Safe for Pets

Growing indoor plants can be incredibly rewarding and enhance the aesthetics of your home. However, it's important to know which plants are safe for every member of your household to be around. While many attractive and popular houseplants are toxic to pets and humans, there are plenty you can grow indoors safely, like polka dot plants. Here are three of the best pet-safe colorful houseplants:

Polka Dot Plant

Polka dot plants are small, bushy plants with vibrantly patterned leaves. They come in multiple color combinations including green and white, pink or rich red. These plants prefer higher humidity and warmer temperatures, as well as plenty of bright light to maintain their color. While they might resemble a speckled version of the toxic poinsettia, they are completely safe for both pets and humans.

Peperomia

There are over one thousand different species of peperomia, many of which make excellent houseplants. Not only are these plants pet-safe, they come in a wide array of colors and textures. Peperomia colors range from a wide range of greens to dark purples and silvers. Some varieties like the peperomia "rosso" have leaves with deep red undersides to contrast the green on top. Peperomia are generally easy to care for and completely pet and human safe.

Calathea

Calatheas include members of the "prayer plant" family, named for their leaves curling up at night resembling hands in prayer. They come in many vibrant and distinctive color patterns, sporting leaves with combinations of green, pink, red, purple and silver. While some calatheas can be demanding about their moisture needs, this type of plant is easy to care for and happy at lower light levels. All calatheas are completely non-toxic, as well, so there's no risk to pets or curious children who might want to sneak a taste of a leaf.