If you love the idea of bringing nature indoors in the form of houseplants, but you also have some precious fur babies living in your home, then there are some things you need to know. Not all houseplants are safe for our furry friends. It’s important to do your homework and find out which houseplants will add the beauty of nature to your décor while also being safe for your pets!
Luckily, there are plenty of options available that are not toxic for pets. Here’s a list of a few houseplants that are known to be safe for cats and dogs to get you started:
- African Violets – These low maintenance plants come in a range of purple and pink hues. Keep their soil moderately wet and water them by letting them soak up the water from the pot’s drainage hole to keep from damaging leaves and petals. How to Care for African Violets
- Christmas Cactus – Unlike another holiday plant, amaryllis, Christmas cacti are not toxic to dogs and cats. While they can still cause a tummy ache if eaten, they are safer than other festive holiday plants. How to Care for Your Christmas Cactus So it Will Bloom All Season Long
- Friendship Plant – This friendly plant, named for the ease with which it can be divided and shared, is a safe choice for your cats and dogs. Friendship plants tolerate medium and low light and love humidity.
- Lace Flower Vine – This pretty plant grows best in a hanging basket. That means it should be well out of reach of your pets, but even if they got ahold of it and ate some, it would not harm them. Hang it in a spot with bright, indirect light and water when soil feels dry. It’s trailing stems will grow about three feet long.
- Lipstick Plant – This unique plant has blooms that resemble tubes of lipstick! It’s a tropical plant that thrives in bright light. It can grow up to 20 inches tall and needs to be watered frequently. It’s a great pet-friendly option for adding some bright color to your space!
- Polka Dot Plant – Add some more color with a polka dot plant. These plants have patterned leaves in colors like pink or white. While it can grow up to three feet tall, it will usually remain on the small side (12 inches or less) when planted in containers. It needs bright, indirect light and moist soil.
- Spider Plant – If you’re looking for a houseplant that is safe for pets and easy to grow, you can’t go wrong with a spider plant. They grow best in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light as well. Be sure to let the soil dry between watering them for best growth. Propagating Spiderettes: Learn How to Root Spider Plant Babies
While the plants listed (and many others) are technically safe for pets, it’s important to remember that they might still get tummy aches if they ingest them. The best practice is to keep houseplants out of reach of your pets. If they should manage to snack on a plant, watch them closely for any reactions.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the New River Valley area, contact professional, experienced Realtor Desi Sowers and let her assist you with all your real estate needs. Give her a call today at 540-320-1328!