Plant experts and veterinarians reveal the best indoor plants to buy for home if you have pets
When you have a pet at home, you have to be careful about how you design your space and what elements are kept. Things like plants are known to be harmful to animals and can cause allergies and other damage. In other cases, some plants may not be the best items your pets are comfortable with. Others may be hectic to take care of along with pets. Tom Knight, founder of Our House Plants, shared a few impressive plants pet owners can be carefree about, per The Washington Post. Sharing mindful pointers for picking plants, along with brilliant examples, these are a saving guide for all pet parents.
The two things to bear in mind while picking home plants if you have pets are all external factors. Firstly, any plant you pick shouldn’t have thorns or itchy petals or textures that would cause discomfort to your pet. Any external features that could be extreme should be avoided. Secondly, plants that use humidity and plenty of water can be an ideal pick for your pet-friendly home. “I generally tell people to prevent their pets access to houseplants, even just the fertilizer that the plant sits in can be a problem,” said Stephanie Liff of Pure Paws Veterinary, per the Strategist. It was noted that even common plants like aloe and mint, which humans love, can be problematic for pets.
A few examples of plants animals will love to experience include succulents, ferns, palms and flowering plants. However, every pet owner needs to pay careful attention as these categories have several items that may not be the best pick. Coming to succulents, most varieties are said to be easy to care for and harmless for dogs and cats. Echeverias, a broad, low succulent, and burro’s tail, a trailing succulent, are among the top options. Haworthias, another succulent, is also a convenient pick. You want essentially non-toxic stuff to be in your plants and simpler ones are primarily the better pick. Ferns, too, are mostly compatible with pets, except a few. Mike Davison, general manager of Platt Hill Nursery in Bloomingdale, suggested Holly ferns, considering their tolerance to low humidity.
If you have a smaller space, Boston ferns are the next best recommendation. It is to be noted that asparagus ferns, also known as emerald ferns or lace ferns, are a complete no-no for pet owners. The berries of the plant have a toxic steroid that you want to keep cats and dogs away from. The same can cause gastrointestinal issues in your furry pals. Next on the list, palms are your best friend if you have a pet. These plants do well in most home settings and with basic care, you can have lovely green leaves growing graciously in a vibrant aura. An exception here is the sago palm, which is lethal to pets and should be off-limits in pet-friendly homes.
If you’re looking for more color, there are quite a few flowering options that pets would enjoy being surrounded by. Davison suggests Gerbera daisies, star jasmine and Madagascar jasmine that are non-toxic. Several orchids, too, make a great colorful pick. The tiger orchid, pansy orchid, tailed orchid and moth orchids are excellent options. Spider plants, goldfish plants and zebra plants, rich in variety can also add a colorful touch to your home. There are plenty of plants to avoid but also plenty that pets wouldn’t mind sharing their space with, a thorough analysis before you buy these plants and careful observation after will ensure your furry and leafy friends are safe!
