Today, houseplants are more popular than ever. With the numerous health benefits of indoor plants as well as their beauty and freshness, having plants in the home is a part of modern living. With many plant parents also having one or more fur babies in their home, it’s important to keep them safe by having non-toxic houseplants. Here at Shotwell Floral, Fargo’s top florist, we love plants and we love our pets, which is why we’ve put together for you this list of easy-to-care-for and beautiful houseplants that are pet friendly.
Safe Plants for Pets
Spider Plant
A popular houseplant due to its quick growth and interesting “spider” looking plantlets that it produces, the Spider Plant is easy to care for and is great for purifying the air. Spider Plants are pet-friendly and look great in hanging baskets.
Parlor Palm
One quick way to energize, refresh, and brighten a room is by adding to it a Parlor Palm. This lush, dark green plant is filled with texture and movement. Large fronds grow from a single trunk and break out into smaller leaflets. Native to the RAinforest, Parlor Palms are pet-friendly and can grow as high as 4 feet tall indoors.
Calathea Orbifolia
A beautiful, ornamental plant with large leaves that have silvery lines on them, the Calathea Orbifolia is eye-catching. This non-poisonous plant prefers high humidity and indirect sunlight to thrive.
Bird’s Nest Fern
This remarkable fern has a bit of a tropical vibe to it with fronds that resemble banana leaves. The crinkled edges give this plant a rhythm and texture that brings excitement and movement to any room. Just like the Boston Fern, the Bird’s Nest Fern is pet-friendly.
Ponytail Palm
Another houseplant with a lot of energy and movement is the fabulous Ponytail Palm. A succulent rather than a true palm, the trunk of this plant stores water. Long, skinny leaves shoot out from the top of the stem and cascade down in waves and curls resembling a ponytail. The Ponytail Palm is pet-friendly and a great way to add a little whimsy to your home.
Polka Dot Plant
If you want a little more color besides shades of green in your place, then pick up a Polka Dot Plant. This plant has large green leaves that look as if somebody shook paint off a paintbrush leaving a speckled pattern on its surface. The “dots” come in colors of pink, white, and red. Unique and colorful, the Polka Dot Plant is pet-friendly.
Watermelon Peperomia
A small-ish plant with decorative leaves that have the same pattern as a watermelon’s skin, the Watermelon Peperomia may be small in size but big in character. This plant with a cool pattern is non-toxic to pets.
Orchid
Orchid lovers rejoice! You can keep adding to your orchid collection because these exotic beauties are not toxic to cats or dogs. Elegant, balanced, and exotic, it’s hare to own just one.
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
Keep your pets safe by having any of the above pet-friendly plants. There are times, though, when you can’t help but fall in love with a plant that may be toxic to your pets. If you want to find out if a plant you have may be toxic, just visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website for a comprehensive list of toxic plants and flowers. Signs to look for if your pet has ingested something poisonous are lethargy, gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, and racing heart. If symptoms persist, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.
