With the popularity of houseplants growing, more households than ever are going green and reaping the many benefits of having plants in the home. This also means there are likely more pets being exposed to plants, too. To keep your cats and dogs healthy, select plants that are non-toxic and harmless to pets. Here at VanderSalm’s Flowershop, Kalamazoo’s top florist, our plant and flower experts have put together a list of the safest plants and greenery to have in your home around your precious fur babies.
Safe Plants for Pets
Calathea Orbifolia
With large, round leaves boasting decorative silvery stripes, the Calathea Orbifolia is one of the most ornamental houseplants around. This plant thrives indoors in the proper environment which consists of high humidity and no direct sunlight. The Calathea Orbifolia is safe for pets and a wonderful, full, and beautiful plant for the home.
Bird’s Nest Fern
A decorative and unique plant, the Bird’s Nest Fern has large crinkled leaves that resemble banana leaves. This tropical beauty is lush, green, full of movement and texture and is also safe for cats and dogs.
Ponytail Palm
A whimsical and wonderful plant for the home, the Ponytail Palm is actually a succulent and holds water in its bulbous trunk. The long, curly leaves which grow from the top of the trunk resemble a ponytail, which is how it got its name. The Ponytail Palm is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Haworthia / Echeveria
A small, low-growing plant with thick green leaves, all varieties of the Haworthia succulent is safe for cats and dogs. The ornate Echeveria succulent is pet-friendly as well.
Watermelon Peperomia
An eye-catching and striking plant due to its decorative leaves that resemble a watermelon, the Watermelon Peperomia plant is safe for pets and looks great in any room.
Orchid
Don’t worry Orchid lovers, these exotic beauties are pet-friendly. Elegant, ornate, and dramatic, orchids are some of the most popular houseplants due to their gorgeous blooms and relatively easy care.
African Violet
Another popular houseplant is the African Violet. With colorful flowers that bloom several times a year, the African Violet is pet-friendly and thrives in bright, warm, and humid conditions.
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, look for signs of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, racing heart, and excessive drooling. Take your pet to the vet immediately if you see any of these signs. For a comprehensive list of toxic plants and flowers that could be harmful to cats and dogs, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website.
How to Protect your Pets from Toxic Plants
To protect your pets from poisonous plants, keep only non-toxic varieties in your home. However, if you’re a plant lover, you might fall in love with plant that is not pet-friendly. If this is the case, keep those plants in areas that your pets can’t get to, either in a hanging planter, high on a shelf, or in a closed-off area. This will not only keep Fluffy and Fido safe but will keep your pretty plants safe as well. To view our collection of plants and flowers, click here.
