Filling Your Home With Pet-Friendly
Houseplants
Houseplants boost moods and beautify spaces with natural
greenery. But many popular varieties like lilies, philodendrons, and azaleas
are highly toxic to curious cats and dogs. Luckily, you can still enjoy lush
indoor plants without endangering your furry friends. Read on for a list of the
top pet-safe houseplant picks.
Ø Pet-Friendly Ferns
Ferns may be finicky, but they clean indoor air and bring
woodsy vibes. Options like Boston fern, rabbit's foot fern and bird's nest fern
are non-toxic for pets and provide lush fronds in shady spots. Just keep soil
moist and humidity high.
Ø Decorative Orchids
Available in stunning colors, orchids flaunt gorgeous
blooms that can last for months. Their waxy flowers and leaves won't harm pets
if nibbled. Just keep soil dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
Ø Cheerful Chrysanthemums
Big, bright "mums" come in shades of pink,
yellow, red and orange. These seasonal bloomers are safe for cats and dogs and
add a pop of color for months in the right conditions.
Ø Charming Cacti
For low maintenance greenery, decorate with curvy snake
plants, aloe vera, Christmas cactus, and other succulents. Their thick, waxy
leaves store water and resist curious pets. Just mind the prickly spines!
Ø Vintage Violets
Available in a mix of colors with frilly petals, African
violets thrive in small pots with bright, indirect light. Their fuzzy leaves
may entice nibbling but won't harm pets.
Ø Radiant Bromeliads
Add interest with bromeliads like scarlet star and
blushing bromeliad. Their colorful, spiraling leaves provide unique texture
without toxicity for furry friends. Mimic tropical conditions with high
humidity and ample sunlight.
Ø Zen Spider Plants
With long, trailing leaves, spider plants produce arching
stems with baby plantlets. They help purify indoor air, are very hard to kill
and are non-irritating for dogs and cats.
Ø Pretty Ponytail Palms
Resembling miniature palm trees, these quirky plants have
curved, ponytail-like leaves. They're pet safe and undemanding to care for.
Provide bright light and allow soil to dry between waterings.
Ø Sculptural Snake Plants
With upright, spear-shaped foliage, snake plants aka
mother-in-law's tongue freshen air and tolerate neglect. Their leathery leaves
may be sharp but won't harm pets. They thrive in low light with infrequent
watering.
Ø Vista-Loving Jade Plants
Jade plants are petite, bonsai-like succulents with
thick, smooth leaves that come in hues of green, yellow, pink and red. They
prefer a sunny spot and are totally cat and dog friendly.
Ø Amazing Air Plants
For weird and wonderful greenery, showcase air plants
like Tillandsia. They don't grow in soil and absorb moisture from the air.
Mount them on driftwood or in shells for living art that avoids soil and
curious paws.
With so many pet-safe options, you can fill your home
with beautiful houseplants without worrying about toxicity. Just provide the
proper growing conditions, keep vulnerable plants out of reach if needed and
check for chewing or GI issues. Both you and your pets will reap the
stress-relieving benefits that lovely indoor plants provide.
