Nine Pet-Safe Holiday Plants (And Ones To Avoid)

Celebrating the holidays with pets requires a bit more attention to detail when it comes to your decor, especially if you decorate with plants. Many popular holiday plants are toxic to dogs and cats, so it’s important to choose pet-friendly options to keep your home safe for everyone.

Some safe holiday plants for pets include spider plants, camellias, African violets, and orchids. Various ferns, rosemary, and winter jasmine are other options that aren’t poisonous to dogs or cats. Always keep plants out of your pet’s reach; even non-toxic varieties can pose hazards. Popular holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are toxic, so avoid using these around pets.

You don’t have to skip the festive foliage and florals during the holidays. However, make sure to select pet-safe plants, so you don’t unwittingly put your furry friend in danger.

Popular Holiday Plants That Are Safe For Pets

Luckily, many festive plants are safe for dogs and cats. However, even non-toxic flowers and plants can still pose risks to pets, including skin irritation, choking, or allergic reactions. Therefore, always stay aware and keep plants out of your pet’s reach.

1. Spider Plant

This classic houseplant is easy to care for and non-toxic to dogs and cats. It's a good pick for indoors, since it grows well even in low-light areas. Cats get curious, and they often like to play and nibble spider plants, so consider a hanging planter to keep it out of reach. Plus, hanging a spider plant is a great way to show off its dangling, arched leaves.

2. Orchid

Many orchids are non-toxic to cats and dogs. These beautiful flowers give your home a touch of elegance and also make wonderful gifts for fellow flower enthusiasts. Orchids prefer bright, indirect light and require a well-draining potting medium. The moth orchid is an easy-to-grow option that features long-lasting blooms.

3. Calathea

Calathea plants are known for their pretty patterns and decorative leaves. They can also have a range of vivid colors, including bright green, purple, and pink. They are a popular pet-safe option for homes and thrive in bright, indirect light. They’re also a good pick for a year-round houseplant. 

4. African Violet

African violets are not actually violets, but rather get their name because of their vibrant violet color. They are year-round bloomers and safe to enjoy in homes with pets. Add a few to some pretty holiday pots to spruce up your seasonal decor.

5. Camellia

Camellias are beautiful winter-blooming flowers that typically come in shades of red, white, and pink. You’ll often find it in holiday arrangements, and is non-toxic for pets, making it an ideal pick for your Christmas bouquet or winter tablescape. 

6. Winter Jasmine

Jasmine smells divine and adds a pleasant burst of fragrant holiday cheer to your home. It's pet-friendly for cats and dogs, and it's happy hanging in a sunny window. The white blooms look like little snowflakes falling, enhancing your holiday decor and stirring up images of a winter wonderland. Although it’s not toxic, eating it could still cause an upset tummy, so hanging it out of reach is best.

7. Various True Ferns

Boston fern, Bird’s Nest fern, and Staghorn ferns are a few of the pet-safe varieties you can use in your holiday design scheme. Their leafy foliage pairs well with other holiday decor, and you can use it around dogs and cats. Most true ferns are non-toxic for pets. But be cautious of plants that aren’t true ferns, like asparagus ferns, that are dangerous for cats and dogs.

8. Rosemary

Rosemary has a distinctive scent that’s reminiscent of the season and is used in many holiday dishes. But it also looks lovely in a winter bouquet or added to some garland. It adds a delightful, aromatic flair to your home and is safe for dogs and cats. But it’s best to keep it where your dog or cat won’t be enticed to nibble. Rosemary contains oils that could cause gastrointestinal upset in pets.

9. Christmas Cactus

This pretty plant is a popular decoration and gift during the holidays. It blooms at Christmastime, hence the name, and it’s nontoxic for cats and dogs. However, be careful of the needles that could poke curious pets or cause injuries if fur babies decide to lick or take a taste.

Popular Holiday Plants To Avoid If You Have Pets

If you have pets, knowing which plants are safe for them is only half of the equation. It’s also a must to educate yourself on what holiday plants to avoid. Even if you keep the plants in your home pet-friendly, other places often use popular yuletide blooms in their decorating.

Therefore, if you visit friends with your pet or bring your dog to a local park that’s decorated for Christmas, stay vigilant about what plants are around you. Several holiday plants are dangerous for pets. Some possess mild toxicity that causes minor symptoms, like stomach upset, but others are highly toxic and deadly.

• Poinsettia — Recognized because of its distinctive red blooms, this popular Christmas plant contain a milky white sap that's mildly toxic to pets. Coming in contact with the sap can irritate the skin, and ingesting the plant can cause drooling, oral irritation, and vomiting.
• Holly — The berries and leaves of holly bushes cause vomiting, diarrhea, and oral injuries.  
• Mistletoe — Kissing under the mistletoe might be a holiday tradition, but proceed with caution. The plant is potentially very toxic to dogs and cats, and ingesting it can lead to serious symptoms and heart problems.
• Amaryllis — Every part of the flower is poisonous and can cause major issues, including problems with the central nervous system.
• True Lilies — Day lilies, tiger lilies, Easter lilies, and other true lilies are toxic to dogs and cats, potentially leading to acute kidney damage. However, they are especially dangerous for cats and could have deadly consequences.
• Yew — Yew is so toxic to dogs and cats that it’s been dubbed the “tree of death.” Avoid this one at all costs.
• Ivy — Various types of ivy are unsafe for dogs and cats, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
• Autumn Crocus -- Even small amounts of this plant can cause severe consequences. Plus, the symptoms may not show up for hours or days, so it’s vital to get your pet to the vet ASAP if you suspect ingestion.
• Real Christmas Trees -- Many varieties of pine are toxic to pets, and real Christmas trees pose many risks. Eating the needles could cause injuries to the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. Drinking tainted tree water is another possible hazard.

Tips To Keep Pets Safe When Decorating With Plants

No matter what plants you decorate with for the holidays, follow these tips to keep your pets as safe as possible. 

• Discourage Nibbling. Eating lots of any plant can cause mild stomach upset. Plus, swallowing certain pieces could cause choking risks or intestinal blockages.
• Place Plants Out Of Reach. Consider where your pets like to perch and avoid keeping plants in these spots.
• Try Artificial Plants. These are often a safer way to get a festive vibe without risking your pet's safety.
• Be Aware Of Look-A-Likes. Many plant families have toxic and non-toxic species that look extremely similar. Be extra-cautious when identifying the specific plant you're adding to your decor.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats A Toxic Holiday Plant

If you suspect that your pet has eaten or come in contact with a toxic substance, make notes about the plant, how much your pet ate, and at what time. Call your vet immediately and give them this information and any symptoms you notice. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet instructs you to do so.

If your vet is closed, try a local emergency animal clinic or call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435). (Note that fees may apply.)

Keep a careful eye on your pet and act quickly. Many situations can be remedied if you address them as soon as possible.

Choose Holiday Plants That Keep Your Home Festive And Pet-Friendly

Keep holiday decorating pet-friendly by choosing safe plants for dogs and cats. Many beautiful blooms, like African violets, camellias, and orchids, are safe for pets and enhance your home's holiday vibe.

Various ferns and spider plants offer pet-safe touches of green, while plants like winter jasmine and rosemary inject fragrant aromas into your holiday design. Knowing which plants are safe for your furry friends, and which ones to avoid (like mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias), ensures your home is holiday-ready for everyone, including your furry pals.

Related Guides:

• 14 Ways To Pet-Proof Your Holiday Decorations
• How To Keep Your House From Smelling Like Your Pets
• 10 Things To Consider Before Getting A Pet