Parrots are intelligent, curious, and mischievous companions that love exploring the world with their beaks – and that includes a love for chewing on anything within reach. While this behavior is natural and healthy for their beaks and minds, it can become dangerous if they have access to the wrong types of plants.

Whether they’re nibbling, shredding, or climbing, your feathered friend will likely find and interact with every plant you bring into your home – that’s why knowing which plants are safe and which ones are dangerous is absolutely essential for any parrot parent.

Whether you’re decorating your home, planting a parrot-friendly aviary, or simply want to enrich your bird’s environment, it’s critical to know which plants are safe and which are toxic.

Let’s dive into which plants you can confidently keep around your feathered friend and which ones to avoid at all costs.

This is why providing natural materials that are parrot-safe is essential for their enrichment. However not all greenery is created equal – many common houseplants can be toxic or even fatal to birds.

Now for the good news! There are plenty of beautiful bird-safe plants you can grow indoors or outdoors in aviaries to create a stimulating natural environment.

These plants are widely considered safe for parrots and other pet birds. They can be used in your home, planted in an aviary, or offered as enrichment (remember to always wash plants and keep them free of pesticides).

Parrot-Safe Houseplant & Foliage Ideas

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
• Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
• Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
• Bamboo – true bamboo only, not “lucky bamboo”
• African Violet (Saintpaulia)
• Herbs – like basil, cilantro, mint, dill, rosemary, etc.
• Petunias
• Dandelion Greens
• Lemongrass
• Wheatgrass
• Chamomile
• Snapdragons

Safe Branches & Wood Examples – For Chewing & Perches

• Apple – must be untreated wood
• Willow
• Mulberry
• Grapevine
• Dogwood
• Pine – untreated wood only
• Maple
• Birch
• Manzanita – very hard wood, great for perches!

PRO TIP: Remember to thoroughly check and wash all plants before giving them to your parrot. Even non-toxic plants should be free of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers before offering them to your parrot.

These plants are toxic to parrots and should be kept completely out of reach – or better yet, not in the home at all.

Even small amounts of certain plants can be harmful to parrots. While some may cause mild symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, others can lead to serious health problems including difficulty breathing, seizures, organ failure, or even death.

Common Toxic Houseplants (Not A Complete List)

• Pothos – Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
• Philodendron
• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
• Monstera Deliciosa
• Aloe Vera – outer skin is harmful if ingested in larger amounts, but the inner gell is safe for birds
• Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
• Dracaena
• Ivy (Hedera helix)
• Oleander
• Sago Palm – highly toxic, even small amounts can be fatal
• Avocado – all parts including leaves and pit
• Yew
• Foxglove
• Azalea
• Lily of the Valley
• English Ivy
• Amaryllis
• Tulips – especially bulbs
• Daffodils
• Chrysanthemums
• Castor Bean Plant

Toxic Outdoor & Decorative Plants

• Foxglove
• Azalea
• Hydrangea
• Daffodils
• Nightshade plants – including tomato leaves and stems
• Rhododendrons
• Castor Bean
• Yew

Some wood types contain toxic compounds or resins that can be dangerous to parrots if chewed.

⚠️ WARNING: Contact an avian vet immediately if you suspect your parrot has eaten something toxic.

Symptoms of plant toxicity in parrots may include:

• Vomiting or regurgitation
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Neurological signs – tremors, seizures, etc.
• Sudden death

Parrots in the wild are surrounded by plants – trees, branches, leaves, flowers – and they interact with them constantly. By recreating this in captivity, a parrot-friendly green space not only beautifies your home but it also supports your bird’s mental and physical health.

• Place toxic plants out of reach or remove them entirely from areas your parrot has access to
• Offer a variety of safe plants for chewing, foraging, etc.
• Rotate live herbs or grasses into their environment for additional enrichment
• Supervise your bird if you’re unsure about the safety of nearby plants
• Grow your own bird-safe herb garden as a fun bonding and enrichment activity!

Choosing the right plants for your parrot’s environment is a small but powerful way to enhance their quality of life while keeping them safe.

Your parrot deserves a vibrant natural space to explore – and with the right plant choices you can give them just that without risking their health. When in doubt, consult with an avian vet or reference a trusted plant toxicity database.

With a little research and care, you can create a beautiful bird-safe environment that supports your parrot’s natural instincts and well-being.

Want to make sure the plants in your home are safe for your parrot?