Houseplants are things we should all have in our homes due to their freshness, vitality, and the many health benefits plants provide humans. Many of us also have furry pets at home that provide companionship and unconditional love, and it’s important to care for them and keep them safe. So here at Welke’s House of Roses, Milwaukee’s top florist, we are providing a list of beautiful, popular houseplants that are also pet-friendly so you don’t have to worry if Fido or Muffins get into them.
Safe Plants for Pets
Spider Plant
Producing an arched clump of long narrow leaves that are green and white, the Spider plant adds energy, movement, and color to any room. Spider plants are pet-friendly as well as easy to grow and can survive in multiple conditions. This ornamental plant looks great in hanging planters.
Parlor Palm
Native to the rainforest, the Parlor Palm has dark green leaves divided into smaller leaflets which adds texture and a dynamic quality to this lush plant. Easy to grow and can tolerate low-light conditions, Parlor Palms are also safe for cats and dogs.
Calathea Orbifolia
A plant that is growing in popularity due to its ornamental, large round leaves with silvery stripes, the Calathea Orbifolia is non-toxic to pets. Keep this plant in a humid environment and indirect light and it will thrive indoors.
Bird’s Nest Fern
A unique-looking and dynamic plant for the home, Bird’s Nest Ferns are native to the tropics and have leaves that resemble those of a banana plant. Their fronds are crinkled, light green, and rise up from a fuzzy central rosette that looks like a bird’s eggs. The Bird’s Nest Fern is pet-friendly and thrives in medium to bright indirect light.
Ponytail Palm
For a stylish and decorative plant with personality, look no further than the Ponytail Palm plant. Long, thin, curling leaves emerge from a bulbous trunk to create a visually stunning look that resembles a ponytail. The Ponytail Palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs and is easy to care for which makes it an ideal houseplant.
Polka Dot Plant
An ornamental plant that brings a lot of color and style to your home is the Polka Dot plant. The leaves are large and speckled with color resembling polka dots. Common color combos include pink and green, white and green, and red and green. The Polka Dot plant is safe for pets and will thrive indoors with the proper care.
Watermelon Peperomia
With decorative leaves that resemble a watermelon’s exterior, this little plant is certainly eye-catching and worth adding to your houseplant collection. The Watermelon Peperomia is pet-friendly and easy to grow.
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
Though you may only have pet-safe plants in your home, there are a number of other things which could be toxic to your pet, such as chocolate, raisins, medications, etc., as well as plants growing in your backyard. It’s important to know the signs of possible poisoning in your cat or dog. These include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you suspect your pet has ingested something it should not have, take them to the vet immediately. Also, for a more thorough list of plants and flowers to keep away from pets, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe from Toxic Plants
Plan ahead and use common sense to protect your pets from harmful plants by keeping them out of your home or out of reach of playful paws and mouths. Placing plants on high shelves, in hanging planters, or in areas closed off to pets are ways to protect your pets and your plants. When done right, both plants and pets can exist in harmony with you reaping all of the benefits. To see our collection of plants and flowers, visit our online collection.
