Pet-Safe Plants for Your Home: Creating a Safe Green Space for Your Furry Friends
- May 26, 2024
- 6 min read
By: Carolina
As many of you might know, I have three beautiful fur babies: Lucy, our Chihuahua, and our two indoor cats, Shanti and Celeste. Watching them explore their world brings me immense joy, but ensuring their safety is my top priority. After catching Celeste nibbling on my Pothos plant, I knew I had to find houseplants that are both beautiful and non-toxic for our curious cats and dogs.
Given that our cats are exclusively indoor and enjoy munching on plants, I decided to grow cat grass indoors. While cat grass grows quickly, it also tends to die just as fast. Now, I'm giving catnip a try. I was surprised at the unique instructions, but it's been a week or two, and the little leaves are coming up nicely. Soon, they'll provide a delightful salad bar for my girls.
Let me tell you, there's a whole world of pet-friendly flora waiting to be discovered! After venturing down this green path (pun intended!), I joined a local Facebook group where the community swaps plants with each other. As I eagerly wait for pet-friendly plants to become available, I want to ensure I know what is safe for all my girls.
Additionally, I learned that even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. So, supervision is key, especially with curious kittens and young puppies.
Tips to Keep Your Plant-Loving Pets Safe:
Place plants out of reach: High shelves or hanging planters are ideal.
Use deterrents: Citrus peels or safely placed cayenne pepper can discourage nibbling.
Seek immediate help if needed: If you suspect your pet has ingested a plant, contact your veterinarian or animal poison control center right away.
Safe and Enriching Indoor Jungle for Your Furry Family
The top two pet-safe plants are Cat Grass and Catnip—both perfect for keeping your feline friends entertained and healthy!
Catnip (Nepeta cataria): This classic plant contains an essential oil that can trigger playful behavior in many felines. It's a safe and satisfying way to keep your cat entertained.
Cat Grass (Dactylis glomerata): This readily available grass provides a healthy alternative to your houseplants and helps with digestion.
Expanding Your Pet-Safe Plant Collection
The journey to creating a pet-friendly home doesn’t end with catnip and cat grass. Here are some additional plants that are not only safe but also add a touch of beauty and air purification to your space:
Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa): These stunning flowers come in vibrant shades of purple, pink, red, or blue, and are completely nontoxic to pets.
Lace Flower Vine (Alsobia dianthiflora): Also known as Chocolate Soldiers, these cascading plants are both beautiful and safe for pets.
African Violet (Saintpaulia): These charming flowers are not only safe for pets but also add a pop of color to any room.
Hoya (Hoya spp.): Also known as Wax Plants, Hoyas are durable, pet-safe plants with lovely, fragrant flowers.
Orchid (Orchidaceae): These elegant plants are pet-friendly and can thrive indoors with the right care.
Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans): Known for its vibrant red flowers, this plant is both beautiful and safe for pets.
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae): With their bright and cheerful blooms, bromeliads are a tropical touch that’s safe for pets.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): These lush, shaggy plants are great for filling up empty spaces and are completely harmless to pets.
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus): Also known as Creeping Charlie, this plant is safe for pets and can thrive in hanging planters.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Known for its air-purifying qualities, the spider plant is resilient and safe for pets.
Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei): Also called Watermelon Plant due to its unique leaf pattern, this plant is safe for pets.
Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii): These tiny, cascading leaves are a delightful and safe addition to any indoor garden.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium): This unique plant can be mounted on walls or hung, adding a touch of the tropics safely.
Royal Velvet Plant (Gynura aurantiaca): With its velvety purple leaves, this plant is both beautiful and safe for pets.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura): Named for its leaves that fold together at night, this plant is safe for pets and visually striking.
Calathea (Calathea spp.): These plants come in many varieties, each with unique patterns and colors, all safe for pets.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): With its zigzagged edges, this quirky fern is pet-safe and adds an interesting touch to your décor.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides): Known for its coin-shaped leaves, this trendy plant is also said to bring good luck.
Mosaic Plant (Fittonia albivenis): Also called Nerve Plant, it has intricate veining on its leaves and is safe for pets.
Banana Tree (Musa): Under the right conditions, you can grow this pet-safe plant indoors, and it might even bear fruit.
Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata): This plant is visually interesting with its wrinkled leaves and occasional flowers, all safe for pets.
Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata): Known for its vibrant, air-purifying leaves, this plant is safe for pets.
Outdoor Pet-Safe Plants
Creating a safe outdoor environment is just as important as maintaining an indoor one. Here are some pet-friendly plants that thrive outdoors:
Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula): These fascinating carnivorous plants are safe for pets and help control flies.
Air Plants (Tillandsia): These unique plants require no soil and are safe for pets.
Haworthia (Haworthiopsis attenuata): These succulent plants are great for bright spots indoors or out and are pet-safe.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica): This plant is believed to bring good fortune and is safe for pets.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Also known as Butterfly Palm, this tropical plant is safe for pets and adds a lush feel to any space.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): This versatile palm can grow quite tall and is safe for pets.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata): With its long, wispy fronds, this plant is a safe and intriguing addition to your indoor or outdoor garden.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): This hardy plant can tolerate various conditions and is safe for pets.
Bamboo (Bambusoideae): Ideal for creating natural barriers, bamboo is safe for pets.
Pet-Safe Herbs for Your Garden
For those who love gardening and cooking, these pet-safe herbs are a fantastic addition to any outdoor space:
Basil (Ocimum basilicum): A fragrant herb that's safe for pets and great for cooking.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): This versatile herb is safe for pets and can be used in many dishes.
Dill (Anethum graveolens): A safe herb for pets that adds a unique flavor to your meals.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): This herb is safe for pets and can be used fresh or dried in cooking.
Sage (Salvia officinalis): Known for its culinary uses, sage is also safe for pets.
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): This herb is great for cooking and safe for pets.
Savory (Satureja): This lesser-known herb is safe for pets and can add flavor to your dishes.
Pet-Friendly Succulents
Succulents are popular for their resilience and low maintenance. Here are some pet-safe options:
Echeveria (Echeveria spp.): These succulents come in many varieties and are safe for pets.
Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum): Known for its trailing stems, this succulent is safe for pets.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera): This festive plant is a safe and colorful addition to any home.
Pet-Friendly Flowering Plants
Brighten up your garden with these beautiful, pet-safe flowering plants:
Camellia (Camellia japonica): These flowers come in stunning shades and are safe for pets.
Honeysuckle Fuchsia (Fuchsia triphylla): These tubular blooms are great for hanging baskets and safe for pets.
Magnolia Bushes (Magnolia grandiflora): These bushes produce beautiful flowers and are safe for pets.
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum): These vibrant flowers are safe for pets and add a splash of color to any garden.
Sunflowers (Helianthus): Tall and cheerful, sunflowers are safe for pets and make a great garden addition.
Petunias (Petunia × atkinsiana): These flowers are easy to care for and safe for pets.
Coral Bells (Heuchera): Known for their bell-shaped flowers, these plants are safe for pets.
Create a Pet-Friendly Oasis Today!
Embark on your own journey to create a safe, green oasis for your furry family. By choosing pet-safe plants, you can enjoy the beauty of nature indoors without worrying about your pets' safety. Join local plant swap groups, share your experiences, and watch your pets thrive in their lush, new environment.
Want more tips and plant recommendations? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow our blog for the latest updates on pet-friendly gardening. Together, we can create a beautiful, safe haven for our beloved fur babies!
Remember, a little greenery goes a long way in making our homes feel vibrant and alive. With these pet-safe options, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a beautiful home and happy, healthy pets. Happy planting!
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