Pet-Safe Houseplants

We love our furry, four-legged companions, but we also love houseplants! Many people want to have the best of both worlds. Designing a room with houseplants adds texture, purifies the air, and brings nature indoors! But our pets are such an important part of our lives that we do not want to put them in danger. While many houseplants are toxic to animals if ingested, there are some options that provide the greenery you are longing for, without the risk! Read on for a list of pet-safe houseplants!

Prayer Plants

Why do they call them “Prayer Plants’? Because as the evening hours approach, their leaves “pray” or move upward! Yes, their leaves move! In addition to their mobile leaves, Prayer Plants have unique leaf markings. Many varieties of Prayer Plants possess a purple underside to their leaf! Care for this type of houseplant is relatively simple. They prefer low t0 medium light (never direct sunlight) and like humidity.

Bird’s Nest Ferns

One of our favorites is the Bird’s Nest Fern. This houseplant adds a lot of greenery to the room. The Bird’s Nest Fern gets its name from the way new growth develops and grows. Deep in the middle of the plant, one will see the crown, which resembles a bird’s nest. When new fronds are developing, it resembles little eggs in a nest! Another low to medium light plant, this plant also likes to stay moist and does well with humidity. Pro tip: Do not water in the middle of the plant! Water the perimeter of the plant! You will rot the plant if you water in the middle!

Ponytail Palm

While the Ponytail Palm may resemble a palm, it is not a palm at all! The Ponytail Palm is a type of succulent and is in the agave family! Knowing this little fact will make it a little easier to care for this plant. Within the trunk, the Ponytail Palm stores its water. Because of this, you should only water this plant every 2-3 weeks. While the Ponytail Palm thrives in full, direct sun, it can also take minimal light for about 3-4 months at a time.

Spider Plant

Another pet-safe houseplant is the Spider Plant. The Spider Plant requires minimal care and is great for a novice houseplant owner. Named for its long blades and off-shoots of “babies” that resemble a spider, this houseplant thrives in bright, indirect sun, but can also tolerate low light situations. In the spring and summer, be sure to keep the soil moist to encourage new growth. In the fall and winter months, back off on the watering.

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