Pet-Safe Greenery: Choosing Houseplants that Keep Your Furry Friends Safe
Transforming your home into a green sanctuary is a joy, but if you’re a pet parent, it’s crucial to choose houseplants that won’t pose a risk to your furry companions. The right greenery can create a vibrant, serene oasis without compromising your pets’ safety. In this blog, we’ll guide you through a selection of stunning, pet-friendly houseplants that will thrive in your home and outline which popular plants you should steer clear of. Read on to discover how to cultivate a pet-safe indoor garden that keeps both your home and your pets happy and healthy.
Pet-Friendly Houseplants
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Spider plants are easy to care for and safe for cats and dogs. Their long, arching leaves and occasional white flowers make them an attractive addition to any room.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) Boston ferns are lush, green, and pet-friendly. They thrive in humid environments, making them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Just be sure to keep the soil consistently moist.
3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) The Areca Palm, also known as the Butterfly Palm, adds a tropical touch to your home without posing any risk to your pets. These palms prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering.
4. Calathea (Calathea spp.) Calatheas are known for their striking, patterned leaves and are completely safe for pets. They prefer low to medium light and high humidity, making them great for indoor spaces.
5. African Violet (Saintpaulia) African Violets are small, flowering plants that add a splash of color to your home. They are non-toxic to pets and thrive in bright, indirect light with regular watering.
6. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata) With its crinkly, textured leaves, it is attractive and safe for pets. It enjoys moderate light and humidity, making it a versatile addition to your indoor garden.
7. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.) Peperomias come in various shapes and sizes, with beautiful foliage that is safe for pets. They are low-maintenance and thrive in medium to bright indirect light.
Houseplants Poisonous to Pets
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a common houseplant known for its hardiness and attractive, variegated leaves. However, it contains insoluble calcium oxalates that can cause vomiting, oral irritation, and difficulty swallowing in pets.
2. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) Philodendrons are admired for their lush, green foliage, but they are toxic to pets. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth and tongue.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) Peace Lilies are known for their elegant white blooms, but they contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe irritation and swelling in the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
4. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) The Sago Palm is a popular ornamental plant, but all parts of this plant are highly toxic to pets, particularly the seeds. Ingestion can lead to severe liver damage and even death.
5. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) While Aloe Vera is celebrated for its medicinal properties, it is toxic to pets. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
6. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) Snake Plants, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, are hardy and attractive, but they contain saponins that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets.
7. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) Jade Plants, also known as Money Trees, are popular succulents, but they are toxic to pets. Ingestion can cause vomiting, depression, and incoordination.
Creating a Pet-Friendly Home
To ensure a safe environment for your pets while enjoying the beauty of houseplants, consider the following tips:
Research before you buy: Always check if a plant is safe for pets before bringing it home.
Placement: Keep potentially harmful plants out of reach or in areas that pets cannot access.
Observation: Monitor your pets around new plants to ensure they are not chewing on or ingesting any part of the plant.
By choosing pet-friendly plants and taking precautions with potentially toxic ones, you can create a beautiful, green space that is safe for every member of your household. Visit Farrill's Sunrise Nursery in Hudson, WI, to explore our selection of houseplants and get expert advice on creating a pet-friendly indoor garden. Have questions? Click below to contact us today!
