9 Pet Safe Plants

Every year in March, it’s Poison Awareness Month. During this month, attention is brought to hidden dangers around your home which could lead to poisoning of your pet. Many pet poisonings are accidental, and a common one is plants, which curious pets may nibble on. We previously covered common household poisons and hazards, including some of the common plants that are toxic. To make your search for pet-safe indoor plants easier, this article will list some plants you can safely keep around your pets.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is a popular choice due to its easy care requirements and air-purifying properties. The spider plant is non-toxic to both cats and dogs. However, it can have mild hallucinogenic effects on felines, similar to catnip. This means some cats may find this plant irresistible, and will chew on the leaves. Excessive ingestion could lead to mild digestive upset.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

The Dypsis Lutescens, also known as Areca Palm, is completely safe for both cats and dogs. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and will add a tropical touch to your home. While this palm is safe for cats and dogs, the plant itself however, may not be safe from cats as some tend to treat it like oversized cat grass and chew on its fronds. While this won’t harm your pet, it will cause damage to the plant.

Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

The Pachira Aquactica, als known as money tree, is often associated with prosperity and good luck. As this plant is non-toxic it is safe to keep around pets. The money tree likes indirect sunlight and occasional watering, but tends to be very susceptible to root rot.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston fern, also known as the sword fern, is a popular choice due to it being a lush and bushy plant, with beautiful green fronds and air-purifying qualities. While playful pets may find the frond inviting to play with, the Boston Fern is non-toxic to both cats and dogs, so it doesn’t pose a risk to them.?

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

The Maranta leuconeura, also known as the prayer plant, is mamed for its beautiful leaves that “fold up” at night. The prayer plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, and a great addition for homes with pets. The prayer plants thrive in low-light conditions and require consistent moisture.?

Orchids

If you are looking for a more flowery plant to add to your indoor plant collection, orchids are a safe choice if you have pets. They thrive in bright, indirect light and should be watered about once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.?

Bromeliads

Another unique plant that can be a beautiful addition to a home with pets are bromeliads. With their unique coloured flowers and stunning foliage, bromeliads make an eye-catching, pet-safe addition. Bromeliads will bloom once when reaching maturity, and the bloom can last up to six months. After that, the adult plant will die, and put all energy into making new plants called pups, which you can separate from the dying mother plant, and plant in their own pot. Bromeliads thrive in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light conditions. When watering keep the central cup filled with water and refresh it regularly, while ensuring the soil stays slightly moist but not soggy.?

African Violets (Saintpaulia ionantha)

African violets are a nice addition to any indoor, and are pet-safe. They thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer consistently moist soil. Watering should be done from the base to avoid spotting their leaves. African Violets like warmth and humidity. Using a well-draining, lightweight potting mix and feeding with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to keep them blooming.??

Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

If you love unusual plants and want a pet safe addition to your collection, the Venus flytrap might be the perfect choice. This carnivorous plant known for its fascinating trap leaves poses no danger to pets. The Venus Flytrap thrives in bright, direct light and requires distilled water or rainwater to stay healthy, as tap water can harm it. The soil should always be moist but not waterlogged, using a nutrient-poor mix like sphagnum moss. Venus flytraps do not needs fertiliser, and it can actually harm them.?

Conclusion

There are plenty of beautiful, pet-friendly plants to choose from when adding greenery to your home. By selecting safe options, you can create an inviting home without compromising on your pet's safety.?

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