As a homeowner and pet owner, you want to create a safe and comfortable living environment for you and your animals. Houseplants add life and color to your living spaces, but not all plants are safe for pets. Some can be toxic and even deadly if ingested by cats or dogs. Fortunately, there are plenty of non-toxic houseplants. Here are a few of the most popular.
Common Non-Toxic Houseplants
Spider Plants are Non-Toxic Houseplants
This hardy plant is safe for pets and easy to care for. It has long, thin leaves that arch over the sides of the pot. It produces small, white flowers and small baby spider plants that hang from the parent plant. Spider plants are attractive in planters and hanging baskets.
Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm is non-toxic to pets and helps to improve indoor air quality, removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. This plant has long, thin leaves that grow from a central stem, giving it a palm-like appearance. It grows to be tall, so it’s best suited for larger rooms.
Boston Fern
This lush fern is safe for pets and adds a touch of elegance to any room. The Boston fern has long, feathery fronds that look lush and dramatic. It’s often grown in hanging baskets to show off its trailing foliage. It requires more care than other plants on this list, but it’s worth the effort.
Non-Toxic Houseplants: African Violet
Consider an African violet if you would enjoy colorful blooms on the windowsill or desk. These appealing plants come in a range of colors. The African violet has velvety leaves and produces small, delicate pink, purple, or white flower clusters.
Money Plant
Also known as Pilea peperomioides, the money plant enjoys indirect light and is said to bring good luck and prosperity to its owner. Its leaves are round and often have a glossy texture. The leaves grow on long, thin stems that originate from the center of the plant, giving it a rosette-like appearance. The plant can produce small white flowers if growing conditions are ideal.
Areca Palm
Like the bamboo palm, the areca palm is a great air purifier. It’s also relatively easy to care for, making it a popular choice for busy homeowners. This palm has long, feathery fronds that give it a tropical appearance.
Christmas Cactus
Consider a Christmas cactus if you’re looking for a plant that blooms. This plant has flat, segmented leaves. It produces bright, colorful flowers in shades of pink, red, or white that bloom around the winter holidays.
When choosing houseplants that are safe for pets, do your research. Some plants that are safe for dogs may not be safe for cats, and vice versa. And remember, even non-toxic plants can cause an upset stomach if ingested in large quantities, so keep an eye on your cat or dog and ensure they’re not nibbling on your houseplants.
With a bit of care and attention, you’ll create a beautiful and safe home for you and your pets.
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