Creating the perfect home environment might mean you fill your space with your favorite plants, furry friends, or both. If you fall into the category of being both a plant and pet parent, you might have thought about whether the plants you have in your home are safe for your fur baby. Luckily, your plant and pet-loving friends here at Bice’s Florist, the top flower shop in Fort Worth, are experts in knowing which of your favorite greens get the green light regarding your pet’s health. Take a look at our list below to ensure you are creating a safe and pet-friendly space for your dog and/or cat.
Safe Plants for Pets
Spider Plant
With a nickname like “cat’s whiskers,” it is only fitting that spider plants make it onto our list of pet-approved plants. While their non-toxic, grassy leaves resemble large cat whiskers, many pets cannot resist the urge to bat and bite this plant. Although generally safe, some furry felines experience digestive distress if they swallow too much. Therefore, hanging your spider plant is not only a good idea to keep four-legged friends happy and healthy, but it also creates a fun and flowing look for your home.
Calathea Orbifolia
Many species of cultivars are great go-to plants for pet parents, as they are typically safe for dogs, cats, and even horses. Calathea Orbifolio, also known as the peacock or zebra plant, offers deep, interesting hues thanks to its decorative leaves. Give this tropical plant a new home in your bathroom since it is sure to thrive in a humid environment with indirect light as well as make an excellent air purifier.
Haworthia / Echeveria
If you are ready to ditch the faux succulents but are leery about their maintenance and toxicity for pets, you cannot go wrong with haworthia and echeveria. When paired together, these succulents create a cute cluster and, unlike aloe plants, are perfectly safe for cats and dogs. Display them in bright light with ample water and plenty of soil drainage to ensure they thrive and survive.
Watermelon Peperomia
Just as their name hints, watermelon peperomia have vibrant green leaves with a unique pattern and texture which resembles the outside of a watermelon. A fun houseplant to incorporate into your summer decor, especially if you love watermelon, these greens are also ideal for hanging in baskets. In addition to being non-toxic to your fur babies, a watermelon peperomia also helps to remove toxins from the air.
African Violet
Our list cannot be complete without mentioning the colorful and bright African Violet. These plants are not only non-toxic but their blooms are consumed in some cultures. Their velvety, soft leaves paired with flowers of lavender, pink, red, blue, or white create an elegant way to brighten up your home with both texture and color. To be sure these blooms flourish all-year-round keep them away from direct sunlight and high enough where curious fur babies cannot reach.
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
Although you can do your best to keep harmful plants away from your pets, mistakes and accidents do happen. In the event your dog or cat has been exposed to a dangerous plant, look out for these signs of poisoning: lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, drooling, bleeding gum, and dehydration. If you think your pet could be suffering, please call your vet, animal hospital, or poison control. You can also find a full list of plants that are harmful to pets at ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
