We dove into oxygenating our indoor spaces with houseplants a couple of weeks ago, and now let’s continue our indoor discussion by investigate some superior pet-friendly options. As the weather continues to cool and the wind and rain ramp up, it becomes easier and easier to garden indoors and work outside a bit less. Many of us have pets, specifically cats and dogs, that are as treasured and loved as any member of the family. So instead of sacrificing your love of houseplants to keep your furry friends safe, simply shift your focus to the non-toxic varieties.
Some indoor plants (and many outdoor, for that matter) can be very toxic to animals. Toxicity is simply a defense mechanism with most plants - numerous species have evolved over eons to become thorny, less palatable, or even to exude varying levels of toxicity. Why? This is all to protect themselves against invaders, both large and small. When it comes to the home, where our furry companions like to hang with us, it is important to plan, select safe specimens and then care for them naturally. If your pet is an explorer and nibbler of foliage, take a moment to consider your houseplant options carefully.
There are many non-toxic and low-maintenance indoor plants that are safer choices, yet still useful and attractive specimens in the home. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are a few good ones to ponder that look great and are pet-friendly…
Holiday Cactus (Schlumbergera): Distinct species of these bloom around Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Easter. All are super long-lived succulents that like it dry, but they also provide precious flower power in many color options for the holiday season. Cactus are easy to propagate and can be passed on from generation to generation. They thrive best in indirect light and can even handle drafts.
African Violet (Saintpaulia): An ever-popular indoor choice with excellent foliage, from deep green to variegated. Plant them in a self-watering pot, simply keep the reservoir full and walk away. Grown best in indirect light, they bloom off and on throughout the whole year in many color options. An excellent office plant as well.
Peperomia: These are around in all kinds of shapes and sizes, and they offer very cool colored or variegated foliage. Leaves can be bold oranges to reds or more subtle silvers and pinks, depending on the type. Choose from small foliage, large foliage, trailing habit, or bushy growers – this plant has some seriously useful flavors. Best to grow them in bright to indirect light, just avoid anywhere too dark to read a book.
Prayer Plant (Calathea/Maranta): These have foliage in dynamic colors that really pop, adding texture with its soft young foliage that has more of a spreading habit. Locate them in brighter light (again, enough to read in) but not right in front of a southern facing window in direct sun. Pick the right one for you, as there are some that are super easy for beginners while others can be fussy and are geared for more experienced indoor enthusiasts.
Air Plants (Tillandsia): We call these the soil-less wonders; epiphytes that can be displayed in numerous ways. Brighter white foliage selections will take more heat and direct light, while greener specimens enjoy more low-light conditions. Be sure to mist them regularly, especially in drier homes, and then soak them bi-weekly to keep them happy and thriving.
Wax Plant (Hoya): These are about as easy peasy as it gets, most even thrive on some neglect. They sport very cool blooms in the spring and summer seasons, a few also add the bonus of fragrance. There are literally hundreds of lovely foliage options to choose from, all best in medium to brighter light locations. Some selections will trail, but most are fun to go vertical with - just allow them to climb up a stake, small trellis or moss pole.
Carnivorous Plants (like Venus Fly Trap): Why not grab a plant that serves two purposes indoors? These are safe for pets and they will help cut down the houseflies in your life. Protein anyone? These need to be bottom watered, kept moist, and frankly might be best simply living in a shallow saucer to stay moist and keep humidity at a maximum. No need to feed, Mr. Fly has you covered!
True Ferns: Some of the useful ferny favorites are Boston, Staghorn and Maidenhair - all of which are easy and popular. Boston Ferns like bright indirect light, Staghorn Ferns thrive in any light (even outside during the warm summer months) and Maidenhair Ferns prefer bright indirect light. Maidenhairs can be a bit fussier, but they do sport gorgeous textured foliage.
Succulents: There are a number of choices here, including varieties of Haworthia, Echeveria, along with other favorites like String of Hearts, Burrow Tail, and many more. These are my kind of houseplants; ones that tend to survive even though I may forget to water them more than once. There are several fun foliage options available and many succulents sport showy flowers to boot. Haworthia prefers indirect or low light, but most others will thrive on more intense light indoors.
Even more safe plants worthy of consideration for your home are out there, like Nerve Plant (Fittonia), Pony Tail Palm (Beaucarnea), the showy Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis), Money Tree (Pachira), Spider Plant (Chlorophytum) and many others.
Choosing pet-friendly indoor plants is always wise, and will allow you to leave home for the day and not worry if Frisky or Fido is safe (at least in regards to snacking on your houseplants). Unfortunately, I cannot help with the chewed up furniture, the gnawed extension cord, the fur balls, the missing favorite shoe and certainly not the “accident” on the floor. But I can (along with others here at Sunnyside) help you select some safe, easy and beautiful plants to enjoy indoors that ensure your home is indeed pet-friendly. When in doubt, always ask a houseplant expert at your local garden center, or investigate online with a reputable organization like the ASPCA. Try to keep pet-friendly indoor foliage top of mind when picking out your houseplants and I am sure you will find many happy plants for both you and your pets.
