Pet-Friendly Plants: A Guide to Plants That Are Safe for Homes with Pets

Bringing a touch of the great outdoors into your home is always a great idea, unless the adorable puppy or sassy kitten who shares your space gets into your new greenery. For pet lovers with a green thumb, finding plants that are both beautiful and safe for your furry friends can be quite a task. Fear not! This article will help you navigate the world of pet-friendly plants, so you can enjoy a lush home without worrying about your pets’ safety.

Why Pet-Friendly Plants Matter

Anyone with pets knows that they tend to nibble on everything, including plants. What might look like a harmless bite of greenery could result in a trip to the emergency vet. Some plants can cause mild tummy troubles in pets, while others can be life-threatening. Ensuring that your houseplants are non-toxic not only contributes to a safer environment but also gives you peace of mind.

Safe Plants for Your Furry Friends

	Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) The Spider Plant is a favorite for many cat owners. It’s non-toxic to both cats and dogs, and its long, arching leaves add a touch of elegance to any room. Spider plants are also easy to care for, making them a great option for beginner plant parents.
	Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)   Also known as the butterfly palm, the Areca Palm is pet-friendly and can grow quite tall, making it a great statement piece for your living room. It's not just non-toxic; it also helps purify the air, adding another layer of health benefits to your home.
	Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)   If you love ferns, the Boston Fern is a superb option. This lush, full plant is non-toxic to pets and adds a touch of greenery with its feathery fronds. It's particularly great for hanging baskets, keeping it out of reach while still adding beauty to your space.
	Calathea (Calathea spp.)   Calatheas come in various types with different leaf patterns and colors, all of which are safe for pets. They're also known for their air-purifying qualities. However, they can be a bit more finicky, often requiring consistent moisture and indirect light.
	Maranta (Prayer Plant)   Similar to Calathea, Maranta plants have strikingly patterned leaves that curl up at night as if in prayer. They are non-toxic to both cats and dogs and can be a stunning addition to your home.
	Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)   Also known as a reed palm, the Bamboo Palm is safe for pets and has an elegant, tropical appearance. Its sprawling fronds can add a touch of nature to any indoor space.

Plants to Avoid

	Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) While it may look similar to the pet-friendly Areca Palm, the Sago Palm is extremely toxic to pets. Just a few seeds or leaves can cause severe liver damage and potentially be fatal.
	Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) Though its glossy leaves and elegant white flowers make it a popular houseplant, the Peace Lily contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in pets.
	English Ivy (Hedera helix)   This popular climbing plant is toxic to both cats and dogs. Ingesting it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, so it's best kept out of reach or avoided altogether.
	Aloe Vera   While it’s famous for its healing properties for humans, Aloe Vera is not safe for pets. Ingesting it can lead to lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
	Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)   Often touted for its air-purifying qualities and easy care, Pothos is unfortunately toxic to pets. It can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
	Philodendron   Another popular houseplant due to its heart-shaped leaves and low maintenance, the Philodendron contains calcium oxalate crystals that can lead to oral irritation and swelling when ingested by pets.

Tips for Keeping Your Pets and Plants Safe

Well, now you saw both lists and can determine plants safe for your pet and not so much. But, is it possible for your beloved pet and not pet-friendly plant to co-exist? As always, everything depends on your fluffy kid personality! If they can’t pass a day without trying to attack your plants, if their curiosity overcomes all your safety measures, if they simply choose your large pot as a favorite place to hang out - you probably should avoid not pet-friendly plants altogether. Next tips should help you make a proper decision as well.

Observation: Watch how your pets interact with your plants. If they seem overly curious, it might be best to relocate the plant to a hard-to-reach spot or reconsider your plant choices.

Elevation: Consider placing plants on high shelves, hanging baskets, or plant stands to minimize access. Of course consider the fact, that you fluffy kitty-acrobat can still reach those places and make even bigger mess with dropping some of those on a ground (being there, know that 😁)

Training: Train your pets to understand commands like “no” or “leave it” when they go near plants. We know, it’s kinda funny to watch them playing with leaves or trying to get into the pot, but it has to stop as soon as you say so. Safety first!

Research: Always double-check plant toxicity before bringing any new greenery into your home. One of the sources to find out more about pet-friendly plants and their care is this helpful article from the ASPCA

Conclusion

As a parent, you care greatly what your fluffy kid eats. You can surround your pet with the best food and treats, with the greatest bowls and placemats from At Buddy's Paws & Claws, but, from time to time, you can observe that your furry friend is interested in eating grass or even your house plants. Creating a harmonious, plant-filled space that’s safe for your pets is entirely possible with a little bit of knowledge and planning. With pet-friendly plants, you can bring the beauty of nature indoors without compromising your pet's safety.

With the right choices, you can enjoy both your plants and your pets in a beautiful and safe environment. Happy planting!