Pets are family 🐶🐱 — providing comfort and joy, as well as endless hours of entertainment. Pet parents take great care in making sure their pets are healthy and safe, and for good reason. Pets need someone to look out for them, and that includes being conscious of pet-friendly plants, especially house plants.
You can have both – the comfort of pets and the healing power of plants.
Many plants, such as orchids, palms, money trees, peperomia and succulents, are perfect to have in your home and pose no threat to dogs or cats. Plus, many pet friendly plants clean the air, making it easier to breathe for people and pets.
It’s always good when adding anything new to your home, to make sure it’s safe for your pet (and also safe from your pet.)
Your best resource is your veterinarian. Not only does your vet know the common plants that can cause your pet to become ill, he or she also knows if your pet has any allergies or individual health issues that would make your pet sensitive to plants including the ones listed as “non -toxic.”
When researching online, the ASPCA is a great place to start. Their website has a list of toxic and non-toxic plants, as well as valuable information and resources on how to care for your pet.
We’ve compiled a short list of pet-friendly house plants to get you started including both cat safe plants & dog safe plants!
5 Pet Friendly Indoor Plants
1. Bamboo
In addition to being non-toxic to dogs and cats, bamboo adds beauty to any household. This plant prefers a location with indirect, bright light, but can thrive under artificial lighting as well. Water regularly.
2. Boston ferns
Only true ferns are safe for pets. These non-toxic pet friendly plants can survive in cool, dark places. Humidity is key for these plants, so lightly mist them once or twice a week and be sure to monitor the soil and keep moist. Oh, and they love the humidity from showers, so why not add one to your bathroom?
3. Phalaenopsis orchids
These orchids are great because they are non-toxic to both pets and humans. The popular edible flower is often found in Hawaiian dishes and tropical drinks. They require indirect, bright light and need water once a week, but do not like to be overwatered.
4. Money Tree
Yes, there is actually a money tree!
No, it does not grow dollars...
BUT it is believed to bring luck and is a great pet-friendly plant. This plant does best in bright light with regular watering.
5. Majesty Palm
This timeless classic is a slow grower that likes moist, but not overly wet, soil. This pet-friendly plant can instantly transform any room into looking like it’s right out of a spa. It’ll add a year-round tropical touch to your home. They prefer medium light, but will survive for periods of time in low light.
Protect your Pets with Pet-Friendly Plants
With plants, you want to remember it’s not only about your pet ingesting a new tasty leaf, but also, finding the best place to put a plant so it’s out of harm’s way from swinging paws as well. Inquisitive cats love to paw or chew leaves and stems, while rowdy dogs may dig, chew or even knock over potted plants.
If you have nosey pets, the first step is to ensure pet-friendly plants are out of their reach. Use sturdy plant stands or position plants on high, inaccessible window ledges or on top of tall furniture.
Next, you’ll want to train them to avoid your plants. If you see a pet bothering your plants, tell them "no" or use a spray of water to show them you disapprove of the behavior. Be sure to reinforce good behavior, too.
Now you can be confident your plants and pets will live together in harmony.
