Most everybody knows by now having houseplants in the home provides numerous benefits, so for pet owners, it’s important to be aware some plants may be harmful if ingested by cats or dogs. To circumvent this issue, you can easily fill your home with plants that are pet-friendly. Here at Peoples Flowers, Albuquerque’s premier florist, we’ve put together a collection of gorgeous, easy-to-care-for houseplants that are also pet-safe.
Safe Plants for Pets
Spider Plant
A dynamic plant with spiky, grassy-like green leaves with a yellow edge, Spider Plants are pet-friendly, grow quickly, and are easy to care for. This plant variety is loved for its hardiness and air-purifying properties.
Calathea Orbifolia
A tropical plant with big, oval leaves adorned with pale silver stripes, the Calathea Orbifolia is a beautiful, ornamental plant that thrives with high humidity and partial shade. An excellent plant for the bedroom, the Calathea Oribifolia is pet-friendly.
Bird’s Nest Fern
This fascinating fern variety has long, arching, light green leaves with edges that are crinkled, which gives it a lot of character and movement. The leaves sprout from a central rosette and can grow to 2 feet long. The Bird’s Nest Fern is a pet-friendly plant and prefers humid environments and indirect light.
Ponytail Palm
A whimsical plant with multiple slim leaves that sprout from the top of its trunk and fall down in a manner much like a ponytail. The leaves of the Ponytail Palm may be irresistible to playful paws, but there is no need to worry as this plant safe for pets.
Haworthia / Echeveria
Succulent lovers will be delighted to discover the Haworthia and Echeveria species are pet-friendly. Coming in a variety of styles, shapes, and colors, you can build a wonderful succulent garden with a blend of these two succulents.
Watermelon Peperomia
Peperomia plants grow in a variety of shapes and sizes and they are all pet-friendly. A favorite of ours the ornamental Watermelon Peperomia plant which has leaves resembling the outer skin of a watermelon.
Orchid
For many orchid lovers, it’s impossible to have just one (including us!), which makes us extra happy to know orchids are pet-friendly. This makes them even more appealing!
African Violet
A popular plant due to its charming, colorful flowers and hardiness, the African Violet is pet-friendly. This is a plant that looks great hanging in a planter or growing in a container on your porch.
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
Even if you fill your home with only pet-friendly plants, it’s still smart to be aware of the signs of poisoning in pets. Common items around the house, like raisins, avocado, chocolate, prescription drugs, and pesticides are toxic to animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets include lethargy, loss of appetite, more than usual drooling, vomiting, and dehydration. If it’s a mild amount, these symptoms should resolve themselves in a few days. If not, take your pet to the vet. Also, go to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website for an extensive list of plants and flowers that should be kept away from pets.
There will probably be times when you fall in love with a particular plant or receive a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. This is when you just need to use common sense and keep them out of reach of curious furry paws. Keep your home green and healthy and relish in the best of both worlds with plants and fur babies in your life.
