Bringing greenery into your home offers numerous benefits, from purifying the air to boosting your mood. But if you’re a pet parent, the well-being of your furry companions is always top of mind. The good news is, you don’t have to choose between beautiful houseplants and a safe environment for your pets. Many stunning plants are non-toxic and perfectly safe to keep around cats and dogs.
According to veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan, selecting pet-friendly plants is crucial for homes with animals. Even the most well-behaved pets might occasionally nibble on a houseplant, and some plants can pose serious health risks if ingested. To help you create a pet-safe and plant-filled haven, we’ve curated a list of must-have Pet Friendly Plants that are as stylish as they are safe.
Let’s explore some fantastic options to get you started.
1. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides): The Lucky and Safe Choice
The Chinese Money Plant, also known as Pilea peperomioides, is a delightful and trendy houseplant that is completely safe for pets. Its unique, coin-shaped leaves bring a touch of whimsy to any space, and it’s known for being easy to propagate, producing “pups” that you can share with friends.
Pros:
- Unique Appearance: Its round, disc-like foliage adds a playful and modern aesthetic.
- Easy to Grow: Even beginner plant parents will find the Chinese Money Plant rewarding to care for.
- Pet-Safe: You can enjoy its beauty without worrying about your cats or dogs.
- Propagates Easily: Multiply your plant collection or share with friends thanks to its easy propagation.
Cons:
- Asymmetrical Growth: Without regular rotation, it can grow unevenly towards the light source.
Care Instructions:
To keep your Chinese Money Plant thriving, water it every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. To ensure even growth, rotate the pot 180 degrees each time you water it, encouraging balanced development on all sides. Medium to bright indirect light is ideal for this charming, pet friendly plant.
2. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica): Good Fortune and Pet Safety Combined
Bring a touch of good luck and pet-safe greenery into your home with the Money Tree (Pachira aquatica). This plant is not only believed to attract prosperity but is also non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a wonderful addition for pet-loving homes. Its distinctive braided trunk and lush, palmate leaves create a miniature tree-like appearance, adding a touch of the exotic indoors.
Pros:
- Resilient and Hardy: Money Trees are known for their ability to withstand neglect, making them great for busy pet owners.
- Fast Growing: You’ll enjoy watching your Money Tree flourish and add a significant green element to your space.
- Pet-Friendly: Safe for both cats and dogs, allowing you to enjoy its beauty without worry.
- Unique Appearance: Its braided trunk and lush foliage make it a visually appealing statement plant.
Cons:
- Potential to Outgrow Space: Given their fast-growing nature, Money Trees can become quite large over time, requiring adequate space.
Care Instructions:
Money Trees are relatively low-maintenance and forgiving. Place them in a location with medium to bright indirect light. Water every 1 to 2 weeks, ensuring the soil is mostly dry before rewatering. Their resilience means they can tolerate occasional bumps from playful pets, making them a practical choice for pet households.
3. Hoya Varieties: Endless Options for Pet-Safe Style
For plant enthusiasts seeking variety and pet-friendliness, Hoyas are an excellent choice. This diverse genus offers a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, all while being non-toxic to pets. From the popular Hoya carnosa with its variegated leaves to heart-shaped Hoyas and those with unique curly or tubular foliage, there’s a Hoya to suit every taste and décor.
Pros:
- Variety: Dozens of Hoya varieties offer diverse appearances to match any style.
- Resilient: Hoyas are generally hardy and can tolerate some neglect, similar to succulents in their care needs.
- Pet Safe: Enjoy collecting different Hoyas knowing they are all safe for your furry friends.
- Visually Appealing: Their thick, waxy leaves and often fragrant flowers add beauty and interest to your home.
Cons:
- Slow Growers: Hoyas are known for their slower growth rate, so patience is key.
Care Instructions:
Hoya care varies slightly depending on light conditions. In bright, indirect light, they’ll need more frequent watering, while in low light, watering can be reduced to about once a month. Water when the leaves begin to feel slightly thin, wrinkled, and lose their glossy appearance. Bright light encourages faster growth and more vibrant colors in variegated varieties, making them truly shine as pet friendly plants.
4. Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia): Striking Foliage, Safe for Pets
The Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia) is a visually striking houseplant with wavy, patterned leaves that resemble a rattlesnake’s markings. Not only is it a conversation starter, but it’s also a fantastic pet friendly plant choice. Its leaves move throughout the day, folding up at night and unfurling in the daylight, adding a dynamic element to your indoor garden.
Pros:
- Beautiful and Unique Foliage: Its striking leaf patterns and movement make it a visually captivating plant.
- Easy to Read Care Needs: Its leaves droop noticeably when thirsty, making it easy to know when to water.
- Pet-Friendly: Safe for cats and dogs, allowing you to enjoy its exotic beauty without concern.
Cons:
- Finicky About Light and Watering: Rattlesnake Plants prefer consistent conditions and can be sensitive to overwatering or improper light.
In conclusion, creating a home filled with plants and pets is absolutely achievable. By choosing pet friendly plants like the Chinese Money Plant, Money Tree, Hoyas, and Rattlesnake Plant, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of indoor greenery while ensuring the safety and well-being of your beloved animals. Always remember to double-check plant safety if you’re unsure, resources like the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant list are readily available for pet owners. Embrace the joy of a pet-friendly plant-filled home!
