Houseplants are popular more than ever these days. With the numerous health benefits of having plants in the home, as well as their freshness and beauty, houseplants are a common feature of modern living. So many homes with plants ultimately lead to many homes with pets and plants, therefore it’s important to know which plants are safe for pets and which are not. The good news is that there are plenty of gorgeous plants that are perfectly pet-safe and look great indoors. Here at Kittelberger Florist, Webster and Rochester’s premier flower shop, we put together a list of 8 of our favorite, easy-to-care-for, and pet-friendly, plants for the home so you can enjoy the best of both worlds: plants & pets.
Safe Plants for Pets
Spider Plant
A plant that’s been popular for a long time, people love Spider Plants because they are quick-growing and can tolerate various lighting conditions. A great air purifier, Spider plants are also pet-friendly.
Parlor Palm
A quick way to refresh, energize, and brighten a room is by adding a Parlor Palm. This lush, dark green beauty is full of texture and movement. Large fronds emerge from a single trunk and turn into smaller leaflets. A Rainforest native, the Parlor Palms is pet-friendly and reaches heights of 4 feet indoors.
Calathea Orbifolia
A stunning, ornamental plant with large green leaves adorned with stripes in a pale silver color, the Calathea Orbifolia stands out in any room. This plant loves high humidity and indirect sunlight and is safe for cats and dogs.
Bird’s Nest Fern
This extraordinary fern has a tropical vibe with leaves that resemble banana plant leaves. The wavy edges give it rhythm and texture that everyone will notice. Similar to the Boston Fern, the Bird’s Nest Fern is also pet-friendly.
Ponytail Palm
If you’re looking for something a little different and wildly awesome, then bring a Ponytail Palm into your home. The energy and movement of the plant will jazz up any room. Thin, hair-like leaves grow out the top of the trunk and fall downwards in a way that looks like a ponytail. This fabulous plant is safe for cats and dogs and perfect for adding a Dr. Suess-looking plant to your collection.
Polka Dot Plant
If you are looking for a little more color than just green, check out the colorful Polka Dot Plant. This unique plant has large green leaves that look like someone shook their paintbrush on it creating a speckled pattern of dots in a different color. that looks as if somebody shook paint off a paintbrush leaving a speckled pattern on its surface. The Polka Dot Plant is pet-friendly and comes on color combos of pink and green, white and green, pink and white, and red and green.
Watermelon Peperomia
A small plant with a lot of charm is the decorative Watermelon Peperomia. This plant has striking leaves that resemble the exterior pattern of a watermelon. Eye-catching and stylish, this cool little plant is pet-friendly.
Orchid
Orchid lovers rejoice! Since these elegant plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs, you can have as many as you like in your collection. Orchids are so lovely and come in so many unique varieties, it’s hard to have just one.
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
Keep your pets as safe as possible by owning any of the above pet-safe plants. If you already have plants that may be toxic to pets, or you’re not sure, consult the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website for a detailed list of toxic plants and flowers. Otherwise, educate yourself on signs of poisoning in pets which include vomiting, lethargy, gastrointestinal distress, excessive drooling, and loss of appetite. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, see your vet as soon as possible.
With a few precautions and a little common sense, you can have pets and plants coexisting harmlessly in your home. It’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of houseplants and of pets.
