Safe Houseplants for Rabbits - Common houseplants that are non-toxic to bunnies

Noncomprehensive list of common houseplants that are non-toxic and safe for homes with rabbits and rodents

5 min read

Rabbit-safe houseplants include zebra plant, mandarin plant, orchid, geo plant, heather, begonias

It should serve as a reminder that “non-toxic” does not necessarily mean “edible”. Likewise, “toxic” also does not necessarily mean it cannot be consumed at all.

There is misinformation when it comes to claims a plant is “toxic to rabbits”. Roots, fruits, seeds, stems, leaves, new growth, old growth, young plants, woody plants, all these factor into the different chemical processes plants go through, and the different stages of the plants life cycle may factor in whether or not it can be eaten, and which parts, to what extent.

An example of this would be the apple (Malus spp.), where the leaf, branch, wood, and fruit is suitable for rabbits, however the seed of the fruit is not, rendering this plant with a toxic warning. And while chili peppers (Capsicum annuum) are non-toxic, the capsaicin within the fruit and seeds can cause burning sensations or irritation to the mouth and stomach, but the sweeter varieties (such as the bell pepper) are a common treat given to rabbits. Some plants may be edible in young or new growth stages, but develop sap or hairs as the plant ages, which can cause phototoxicity, or mouth irritation, and should be fed with caution or not at all.

If you are ever unsure if a plant is OK to offer to your rabbit, the best course of action is to not offer it at all. Confirm a plant's identity by its Latin name, and not by common name. Many species of plants are known by the same common name, so identifying them that way can be risky, as oftentimes some plants may be safe and edible while others of the same name are poisonous or deadly. However, we invite everyone to be proactive in offering a wide variety of plant matter to their rabbits, and research the suitability of native plants, garden plants, and agricultural plants, which can be collected wild or grown at home, and offered to enrich their diet. A diverse diet is a healthy diet.

It is possible to have a jungle in your home while keeping your bunnies safe!

Houseplants have been receiving a surge in popularity the past decade, with most people now keeping at least one in their home. While beautiful and a boost to our mental health, not all plants are safe to keep around our companion animals, especially if they like to grab a taste here and there.

This list contains both ornamental plants and kitchen herbs that are non-toxic and safe for rabbits and rodents.

While these plants listed below are unlikely to cause harm to your rabbits, prevention is best - keep your houseplants on shelving or tables that are out of reach of furry paws. Should your rabbits snack on them, keep an eye for any behavior that is unusual, and call your rabbit vet if you have any concerns.

Common houseplants that can also be fodder will have a banana icon 🍌 next to them. These are plants that are not only non-toxic, but edible to varying degrees, and can be grown or foraged for your rabbits to consume.

Many of the plants on this list are safe for rodents as well, such as degus, chinchillas, rats, guinea pigs, and gerbils, but this list is geared towards rabbits. If you have any questions on suitability or safety, you can contact us, and if we cannot provide an affirmative answer, we will direct you to a group or forum that may have more knowledge.

If you think your rabbit has ingested a plant inside or outside that you believe is toxic or poisonous, it is best to call your veterinary office immediately to see if it warrants a visit. If it is after operating hours, call an emergency vet.

click here to read the rabbit-safe foraging and gardening guide

jump to the list of safe plants here!

Read our foraging and gardening guide for more rabbit-safe and edible plants.

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LIST OF RABBIT-SAFE HOUSEPLANTS

(note: spp. means "species", denoting all plants of that genus are safe for rabbits)

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USEFUL LINKS AND GUIDES

Below is a list of websites and tools from around the web which can help aid in identifying plant species, and determining their safety around rabbits and other companion animals. User caution should be practiced when visiting these unassociated, external links, as we cannot verify information is maintained and accurate.