More and more homeowners are choosing to have multiple houseplants in their homes because they recognize the health benefits plants provide. In the last four years, houseplant sales have increased 50%, and 66% of people own at least one houseplant. Also on the rise is pet ownership with 57% of American homes having at least one pet. With so many pets and plants comingling, it’s important to keep your home full of pet-friendly plant varieties, of which there are plenty. Here at Ron and Alicia Robinson Florist, we’ve selected seven of our favorite houseplants that are safe for pets.
Safe Plants for Pets
Spider Plant
With grassy-like leaves edged in yellow, the Spider Plant is a pretty plant that is also easy to grow. This plant looks great in a hanging planter, but if you choose to put it in a container, have no worries because Spider Plants are safe for pets.
Parlor Palm
A full and voluminous green plant that will energize any space, the Parlor Palm is pet-friendly. Growing from a single trunk, its large leaves arch out and break into numerous smaller leaflets. Native to the rainforest, Parlor Palms can grow up to 4 ft. indoors.
Calathea Orbifolia
A stunning plant with a vibrant design on its leaves, the Calathea Orbifolia is one ornamental plant you should add to your collection. Pale, silvery stripes grace the tops of large round leaves, and even the underneath of the leaves have silver coloring. The Calathea Orbifolia is pet-friendly and loves a humid environment.
Bird’s Nest Fern
An exciting and striking member of the fern family, the Bird’s Nest Fern has light green leaves with wavy edges that give this plant rhythm and texture. A great way to energize and brighten any room, the Bird’s Nest Fern is safe for pets.
Ponytail Palm
Surprise visitors to your home with a whimsical and Dr. Suess-looking plant! The Ponytail Palm is a pet-friendly plant that is actually a succulent and stores water in its round trunk. Long, thin, green leaves sprout from the top of the trunk and cascade downwards creating leaves that are curly and wavy, resembling a girl’s ponytail.
Watermelon Peperomia
A smallish plant with a fabulous leaf pattern, the Watermelon Peperomia is absolutely charming. At the end of each upright stem is a leaf that looks like the exterior of a watermelon. Eye-catching and interesting, the Watermelon Peperomia is also pet-friendly.
Orchid
Orchid lovers will be happy to find out that this exotic and elegant plant is also safe for pets. Orchids have a certain sophisticated and relaxing beauty to them which is why they are ubiquitous in spas and doctor’s offices.
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
If you think your pet may have ingested a poisonous plant or flower, or anything toxic to them like chocolate, raisins, avocado, prescription medicine, or pesticides, make sure you know the signs of poisoning in your pets so you can get them to the vet quickly. Symptoms include vomiting, excessive drooling, bleeding gums, lethargy, racing heart, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If these symptoms persist for more than a day, take them to get help. For a detailed list of plants and flowers that may cause gastrointestinal stress or worse in your pet, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website.
How to Protect your Pets from Toxic Plants
Protect your pets from toxic flowers and plants by keeping only pet-friendly florals around your home. However, there will likely be times when you fall in love with a plant you just have to have (it happens to all of us) or receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers, in which case just place them in an area your pets can’t reach. With a little protection and a lot of common sense, you can enjoy both plants and pets in your home and reap the amazing benefits.
