Plants make our homes and gardens feel fresh and inviting, but choosing the right varieties is important when you share your space with a curious cat or dog. Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful pet-friendly plants suited to Melbourne homes and gardens.
Explore Aumann’s range of indoor plants in Melbourne or read our complete guide to pet-friendly indoor plants for Australian homes.
Here are seven non-toxic options to consider when planning your indoor or outdoor space.
1. Boston Fern
Boston ferns bring lush greenery and texture to shaded areas. They enjoy bright, indirect light indoors and protected, shaded positions outside. Melbourne’s dry summer weather can cause the fronds to become crisp, so keep the soil moist and provide extra humidity when needed.
2. Spider Plant
The spider plant is an easy-care indoor favourite with long, striped leaves. It performs best in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower-light conditions. Its cascading foliage looks fantastic in a hanging basket, which can also discourage playful pets from damaging it.
3. Calathea
Known for their striking patterns and colourful foliage, calatheas are excellent non-toxic indoor plants for cats and dogs. They prefer filtered light, warmth and consistent moisture. Keep them away from Melbourne’s cold winter draughts and harsh direct sunlight.
4. Areca Palm
The areca palm adds height and a relaxed tropical look to indoor spaces. Place it somewhere with plenty of indirect sunlight and water when the top layer of soil feels dry. It is a great statement plant for pet-friendly living rooms and home offices.
5. Peperomia
Peperomias are compact plants available in a range of colours, shapes and textures. They are ideal for apartments, shelves and smaller Melbourne homes. Most varieties prefer bright, indirect light and should be allowed to dry slightly between watering.
6. African Violet
For pet owners wanting colour indoors, African violets produce beautiful flowers without taking up much space. Position them in bright, indirect light and water the soil carefully, avoiding the leaves.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary is a practical pet-friendly choice for sunny Melbourne gardens, courtyards and balconies. Once established, it handles dry conditions well and provides fragrant foliage for cooking. Plant it in free-draining soil and a position receiving plenty of sunshine.
You can also explore Aumann’s wider range of indoor and outdoor plants for more inspiration.
Creating a Safer Garden for Pets
Even plants classed as non-toxic can cause an upset stomach if consumed in large amounts. Discourage pets from chewing plants and keep fertilisers, pesticides and potting products securely stored.
Always confirm a plant’s botanical name before purchasing, as similar common names can refer to different species. If you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Visit Aumann’s Templestowe, Eltham or Plenty Clearance Centre for help choosing plants for your Melbourne home or garden. Availability varies, so speak with our team about current pet-friendly options.
The plants listed are identified as non-toxic by pet-safety resources, but “non-toxic” does not mean they should be eaten.