Ten pet-friendly houseplants to keep cats and dogs safe
Pet owners have been advised on the best houseplants to keep that won’t pose any potential dangers to curious furry friends.
Plant pros from LazyFlora.com have revealed 10 of the best pet-friendly houseplants that are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
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Hide AdWhile certain plants might look and smell beautiful, they can actually be harmful for our four-legged friends.
A spokesperson for Lazy Flora said: “When deciding which plants to put in your garden or in a pot in the house, do check first to make sure it isn’t toxic to your pets.
“We care deeply about our furry friends at Lazy Flora, which is why customers are able to choose subscription boxes containing only plants that are pet friendly, in case they live with cats or dogs, or are gifting a subscription to somebody who does.”
1. African VioletThis delicate little plant, also known as the Cape Marigold, will flower profusely given plenty of direct sun, as long as you don’t allow the roots to sit in water.Your furry friends probably won’t be very interested in this one, because it doesn’t have wavy leaves or petals, and has no scent.
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Hide Ad2. Boston FernThe Boston Fern has different light requirements at different times of the year. During the spring and summer, it needs a shady location.A north-facing window is ideal. During autumn and winter, it needs more light, and will benefit from at least a couple of hours’ direct sunlight per day.At all times of year, it will not tolerate full sun or total shade.
3. Burro’s TailBurro’s Tail is a succulent that loves sunshine and direct sunlight, as they originate in the dry heat of Honduras and Mexico.The stems will trail over the side of the pot as the plant grows, which may tempt curious pets to investigate, but this plant won’t do them any harm if they do. Keep them high or low – the burro’s tail is a beautiful addition to any home.
4. Calathea (red)This plant loves indirect light but does not enjoy direct sunlight as this will burn the leaves.North East or West-facing rooms are most suitable. The main attraction of this plant are the leaves, but it may occasionally throw up small white flowers too.Coming from rainforest, this plant enjoys humidity. Keep the soil slightly moist soil most of the time, but do not allow it to remain wet or waterlogged.
5. Dwarf Mountain PalmThe dwarf mountain palm is one of the best plants for purifying the air.This plant will grow well in almost any location within the home, although it is best kept out of direct sunlight.It is tolerant of varying light levels and will do well in a shady corner.This palm is a very slow-growing plant. It doesn’t require a lot of watering.Water it just a little when you notice that the soil has dried out. The tips of the leaves will turn brown if it doesn’t receive enough water.
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Hide Ad6. EcheveriaWith their vibrant colours, Echeveria are attractive to cats and dogs. MosEcheverias are pet safe, but always check the individual plant if you are unsure, as this is a large group of plants.
7. MarantaThe leaves on the Maranta move down during the day and raise up at night, as if in prayer – hence its nickname, the ‘Prayer plant’. But don’t worry about the position of this plant’s leaves, as they pose no risk to your pets!
8. Phalaenopsis OrchidOne of the most common plants in supermarkets these days, and for good reason, phalaenopsis orchids are some of the easiest-to-care-for and most spectacular orchids around.They require minimal watering and maintenance, and will flower twice a year if you keep them in the right conditions.
9. Spider plantThe spider plant is so-called because in summer it produces mini plants called ‘pups’ which look a bit like spiders.The ‘pups’ are often more brightly variegated than the parent plant.Don’t let too many babies hang on the mother plant, because they will take a lot of energy. You can always remove the babies and plant them elsewhere to create more spider plants.
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Hide Ad10. Vriesea (Flaming Sword)Vrieseas are a type of Bromeliad and are popular for their spectacular and long-lasting flowery spikes, which aren’t actually flowers at all but bracts.Bracts appear when the plant is 3-5 years old, and last for months. A Bromeliad plant will only ever produce one bract. Once it’s gone, the plant will not produce another.However, most excitingly, once the bract dies, the plant will start to produce ‘pups’, or baby plants, from its stem.Once big enough, these ‘pups’ can be removed and repotted, and they themselves will become a beautiful new plant.