Arecaceae
6 species in this database
All 6 Arecaceae species in this database are listed non-toxic to cats and dogs. They water every 5 to 14 days.
| Plant | Light | Water | Pet safe | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Areca palmDypsis lutescens | Medium | 5–10d | Yes | Moderate |
| Bamboo palmChamaedorea seifrizii | Low | 7–12d | Yes | Easy |
| Kentia palmHowea forsteriana | Low | 8–14d | Yes | Easy |
| Lady palmRhapis excelsa | Low | 8–14d | Yes | Easy |
| Parlor palmChamaedorea elegans | Low | 7–10d | Yes | Easy |
| Pygmy date palmPhoenix roebelenii | Medium | 6–12d | Yes | Moderate |
What these share
Derived from the 6 entries above, not asserted about the family at large.
| Watering range across the family | Every 5 to 14 days for a 6-inch pot indoors |
|---|---|
| Native habitat recorded | tropical understory |
| Toxic to cats and dogs | 0 of 6 |
| Least demanding here | Kentia palm, Easy. Scores 1 of 5: slow, shade-tolerant and long-lived. Victorian drawing rooms grew these in gaslight; a modern living room is easy by comparison. |
Family membership is a rough guide to care, not a rule. It predicts toxic principle far better than it predicts watering: species in the same family routinely come from different habitats, and habitat is what sets the interval. Read the individual entry before acting on anything here.
Sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Plants of the World Online — family placement for 5 of 6 species (example)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — toxicity classification, cited per species on each entry
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — poison severity where published
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — pest and disease guidance, cited per species
Compiled and edited by Tony Valcarcel · 2026-09-11
Every figure on this page is computed from the species entries listed above.
Nothing here is a claim about Arecaceae beyond the plants in this database.