Owning house plants can be complicated when you have pets because many popular house plants are toxic to your animals. As a pet parent, the last thing you want to do is bring something into your home that could lead to an illness. Still, there are many house plants you can own while protecting your pet. We’ve compiled a list of the top pet friendly plants to bring into your home to liven it up with some greenery, while also keeping your pet safe.
Spider Plant
This plant resembles its namesake with its long, wispy leaves. The spider plant is easy to take care of. They can withstand a little neglect and they are perfect for new plant owners or those who don’t necessarily have a green thumb.
Venus Fly Trap
Not only does this carnivorous plant not make your pets sick, but it also takes care of those pesky insects that can make their way into your home. The Venus Fly Trap lures pests with its nectar then snaps closed. While this plant is better for those with a wicked green thumb, it’s an awesome option for those not looking to get their pets sick.
Polka Dot Plant
This freckled friend is a perfect plant to add some color to your living space. It comes in a variety of colors from light green to pink! This plant does well in indirect sunlight and even gains more color with less light.
Prayer Plant
If you want an interactive plant, the Prayer Plant is for you. During the day, its leaves lie flat but at night, the leaves fold up like they’re praying. Although the Prayer Plant is a bit harder to maintain, it is a beautiful option to keep your pets safe if they think your greenery is a tasty treat.
Herbs
Grow yourself some herbs for dinner while also keeping your furry friends safe. Grow some catnip as a treat for your kitty, but you might have to hide it so they don’t eat it all in one sitting. You can also grow yourself some basil or thyme for those pasta dinners we all love!
Pygmy Date Palm
These plants are easy to grow and maintain, perfect for beginners! Unlike the original Date Palm plant, these ones are much smaller but still bring life and light into your space. They prefer a spot where they get both sunlight and shade, so a window facing the east or west would be best!
Orchid
Orchids can be fickle, so if you take on the challenge of owning one of these beauties, be prepared for anything, but if you take great care of it, it can live for years! They do best in indirect sunlight and need to be watered once a week with lukewarm water.
African Violet
Although African Violet plants have a reputation for being difficult, they are one of the most common house plants. Here are a few tips to keep them thriving! Place them in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. Water your African Violet with warm water and be careful of overwatering. Lastly, only repot these plants when they need to size up.
Peperomia
If you need something low maintenance and easy to take care of, get yourself a Peperomia! These plants can still live even if you forget to water them from time to time, just water them when the soil is dry. If you don’t know where to put it, keep it in a spot that gets a lot of indirect sunlight.
Money Tree
No, this plant cannot be exchanged for currency. A money tree is one of the bigger plants that you can keep in your home. On average, they grow to be about 3 to 6 feet tall. The best place to keep a money tree is in a bright, steamy bathroom, but if you cannot accommodate that, keep it out of direct sunlight and don’t overwater it.
When you have animals, the most important thing is to protect them. These plants are some of your best options to add some color to your space while also keeping your furry friend as safe as possible. Whether you want to add some green or some pink to your home, there is a pet-friendly plant for you! Check out your local nursery for their selection of houseplants and if you don’t know if a plant is toxic to animals, ask their staff. They’re the experts!
