Pet-Friendly Plant Picks
Adding greenery to your home can beautify your space and create a calming atmosphere.
For cat and dog owners, however, it’s crucial to choose your houseplants wisely.
Some plants can be hazardous to pets.
The good news? Plenty of stunning plants are safe for your furry friends.
- African Violet
Grows 6 to 16 inches tall, depending on the variety.
Loves bright, indirect light for 10 to 12 hours each day and thrives in well-drained soil. - American Rubber Plant
Reaches heights of 1 to 2 feet, with potential for more in spacious areas.
Prefers bright, indirect lighting alongside well-drained soil. - Aluminum Plant
Stands between 6 to 12 inches high and 4 to 10 inches wide.
Enjoys bright, indirect sunlight and requires well-drained soil to flourish. - Blue Echeveria
This succulent ranges from 1 to 6 inches in both height and width.
It loves full sun and must have well-drained soil. - Boston Fern
Can grow 2 to 3 feet tall and wide.
Requires bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil with good drainage. - Cast Iron Plant
Typically grows between 1 to 3 feet tall and can spread 2 to 3 feet wide.
Thrives in low-light conditions and prefers rich, well-drained soil. - Calathea
Averaging 1 to 3 feet in height and width, this plant does well in medium to bright indirect light and a well-drained potting mix. - Christmas Cactus
Extends up to 3 feet with flowers that bloom at about 3 inches long.
Thrives in bright, indirect light paired with well-drained soil. - Donkey’s Tail
This unusual plant can grow 1 to 2 feet tall and about 1 foot wide.
Loves bright light and needs a well-drained potting mix to thrive. - Gerbera Daisy
Usually, it reaches heights of 6 to 8 inches and widths of 2 to 2.5 inches.
It needs full sunlight and moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. - Parlor Palm
Grows between 2 to 6 feet tall and also 2 to 3 feet wide.
Adaptable to low or bright indirect light and prefers well-drained soil. - Phalaenopsis Orchid
Typically grows from 9 inches to 3 feet tall and can spread 6 inches to 2 feet wide.
Enjoys low-light conditions with a well-drained soil mix. - Ponytail Palm
This plant can reach impressive heights of up to 10 feet and widths of 3 to 5 feet.
It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and benefits from letting the soil dry out between waterings. - Spider Plant
Grows 1 to 2 feet tall and spans 1 to 3 feet wide.
Flourishes in low to bright indirect light and does well in a well-drained soil mix.
Keeping Your Pets Safe
Even the most well-behaved pets can occasionally nibble on plants.
To keep them safe, here are some practical suggestions:
- Do Some Digging: Before you bring a new plant home, check the ASPCA’s list to confirm whether it’s safe for your pets.
- Know the Signs: Recognize potential symptoms of toxicity in pets, including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or unusual lethargy.
- Act Quickly: If you suspect your pet has eaten a harmful plant, don’t hesitate.
Contact your vet or poison control hotline immediately.
Having a picture or a sample of the plant can be helpful for quicker identification and assistance.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of houseplants while ensuring your pets stay safe and healthy.
Embrace the joy that both nature and your furry companions can bring!
Source: Marthastewart