The best choices for flowers that are deemed secure for dogs and cats should be known to pet owners who also enjoy gardening. Pet-friendly plants should be used because canines and cats may eat your container plant out of interest or trouble.
Naturally, you’ll want to keep your seedlings out of your dogs’ normal reach for the protection of both the plants and the animals. But if your companion does ingest the foliage or stems of a container plant, you can feel more at ease by making sure to avoid plants that are poisonous to cats and canines. There are flora that are thought to be safe for dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty (ASPCA). Check out these 23 lovely interior flora that are suitable for both cats and canines.
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Soleirolia soleirolii’s spreading carpet of minuscule green leaves gives terrariums, little hanging containers, and as a companion plant around the base of interior trees character. The dirt is covered by baby tears plants, which may deter dogs from digging up your flowers.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
One of the most well-liked blooming plants that are secure for dogs indoors is the African violet (Saintpaulia). They are also in demand because they flourish in environments that people prefer, such as mild temps and normal humidity, and blossom in low light.
For the healthiest African violets, use a regulated fertilizer and a planting blend devoid of dirt. Although the plant’s foliage and blossoms are safe for dogs to eat, the manure you choose will be taken by the plant and could be harmful if your animal eats any of it. Find a non-toxic or natural fertilizer to use for your African violets if your cat or canine has a history of consuming your flowers.
Banana Tree (Musa spp.)
Musa species., a big pet-friendly banana tree, can reach heights of 6 feet or more and makes a striking ornamental plant, though smaller versions usually reach only 2 to 4 feet. In tropical cooking, a center stalk divides into long, broad leaves that are sometimes used to prepare or dish food. It’s not a big surprise to learn that this plant is classified as non-toxic by the ASPCA, making it a safe houseplant for cats and canines. It is safe enough to serve as sustenance.
For this tropical houseplant to flourish, the environment must resemble its native ecosystem. You must specifically give the banana tree rich loam, strong light, and consistent irrigation. Additionally, even though dogs and cats can occasionally consume bananas, don’t depend on your banana tree to provide them with any since interior plants rarely bear fruit.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Although it belongs to the nettle family (Urticaceae), this easy-keeper is a good option for houses with cats or pets. Its round, thick, bright green foliage are its distinguishing feature. Although it can live in circumstances of mild to low light, you should put it in a spot in your house that gets strong, diffused light. Water sparingly but thoroughly when necessary. Between irrigation periods, the earth ought to have time to air out. The plant’s disc-shaped foliage will start to decline as a warning sign if you’ve gone too long without hydrating.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)
The spider plant’s greenery cascades, making it an ideal choice for raised areas like windowsills, floating shelves, or suspended containers (as long as it doesn’t get too much light). It also goes by the names ribbon plant or aircraft plant. This resilient houseplant is non-toxic to cats and canines.
The spider plant can thrive in a variety of soil, wetness, and sunshine circumstances. Put it in a pot with porous, loamy dirt and moisten it frequently. The spider plant likes some shadow because complete darkness can inhibit development and too much light can burn the leaves. The spider plant got its popular moniker because as it grew, it sent out branches that produced baby plants.
Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)
Gloxinia varieties are small, blooming indoor plants that grow to a height of 6 to 10 inches. The planted plant is small enough to serve as a table decoration or to accommodate on a shelf. Whatever location you pick, keep in mind that this plant prefers low light and should be kept away from harsh, direct light. It needs to be watered frequently, and during the growth season the earth needs to be kept wet. Eventually, the flowers and foliage will fall off.
Gloxinia is a great option if you’re searching for a flowering houseplant that is suitable for dogs and cats. The single or double blossoms, which typically come in shades of white, red, pink, mauve, purple, or blue, and the thick, curled foliage are non-toxic to canines and cats. The form and color of the blooms vary greatly because Sinningia speciosa varieties make up the majority of these plants. The plants have a flowering cycle followed by an inactive stage, and they are frequently marketed as presents.
Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
Given that it’s non-toxic, this variety of vegetable is a good option if you live with canines or cats. Plump rosettes with hues varying from greenish-silver to blue-green or even lavender are produced by the echeveria shrub. While you won’t need to keep an eye on this interior houseplant like you would other plants, you should put it somewhere that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Hydrate once or twice a week, or when the earth is totally desiccated. This plant doesn’t do well with prolonged droughts, but it will also suffer from overwatering.
Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)
A collection of carnivorous plants is interesting and unique, but what happens if your cat tries to jump on one of the traps when they close? Since cats and canines are not poisoned by Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula), an inquisitive bite won’t necessitate a journey to the doctor. These pet-friendly plants will stay fly-catching by receiving bright light and watering with purified water.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The butterfly palm, also known as Dypsis lutescens, transforms any room into a tropical getaway. Knowing that the areca palm is safe for cats and canines to interact with is consoling because sometimes palm branches can arouse a cat’s fun scratching and biting impulses.
This type of interior palm tree requires a lot of light. It should ideally be put in a room that faces south or west. It is essential to use a container with good drainage, which enables the earth to air out between waterings. You should irrigate the areca palm with purified water or rainfall gathered because the areca palm is susceptible to fluorine in water.
Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Plants of the Calathea spp. family, also known as zebra plants or peacock plants, have enormous tropical foliage with eye-catching stippling or stripes. In the pet-friendly home, a calathea is a great option for a shaded area because too much light can cause the vegetation to lose its color. They’re not the easiest houseplant to care for, though.
Calatheas enjoy consistent temps of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (and never below 60 degrees). Regular watering is necessary, but you must be cautious not to overwater. Calatheas are tropical plants that prefer wet climates, so additional hydration may be required in the form of a stone dish filled with water.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis)
Although Boston ferns (Nephrolepis) have long been a favored indoor plant, pets may be tempted to gnaw on them due to their matted leaves. Its greenery, which is sometimes referred to as a sword fern, rises straight up from the middle of the plant before arching as the frond lengthens. It’s okay to add these verdant plants to your guest room or restroom because the greenery is safe for cats and canines. Boston fronds favor high levels of dampness and strong, indirect light.
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Because Hypoestes phyllostachya’s greenery is so beautiful, you won’t have to stress about creating the ideal environment that many flowers require to encourage flowering. Despite being non-toxic to cats and canines, the polka dot plant and other non-toxic plants may cause minor stomach distress in delicate animals.
Air Plant (Tillandsia stricta)
As epiphytes, air plants are not your standard houseplant; they don’t need a container of earth. You should fasten them to a board or other firm surface fix as an alternative. Secure this bromeliad to its frame with adhesive, wire, or string for the sake of your plant and to stop your cat from noticing the rigid foliage. Just bear in mind that you’ll need to hydrate the air plant by immersing it in water for 10 to 30 minutes once or twice every two weeks. If using your preferred surface attachment to submerge the plant is too difficult, you can severely spray the plant several times per week.
Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
A hanging plant known as Pilea involucrata that grows best in high humidity has delicate branches. It thrives in terrariums, which makes it even less likely that your cat or canine will sneak a bite. One of the best pet-friendly plants is one that you can show prominently in any area of your house, including the bedroom, where it will be secure.
