Houseplants beautify living spaces and purify the air. Although there are many benefits of having houseplants, not all houseplants are safe for pets. Cats and dogs are curious and may decide to nibble on a plant. If you share your home with animals, make sure your greenery isn’t toxic. Here are seven pet-safe houseplants to consider.
Easy to Care For, Pet-Safe Houseplants
1. Spider Plant
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are resilient and simple to care for. They thrive in well-draining soil and are attractive in hanging baskets. Spider plants are great for beginners because they grow easily in most homes. A healthy spider plant sends out runners from which small plantlets form, and they occasionally bloom with small white flowers.
2. Peperomia
Peperomia (Peperomia albovittata) plants are another pet-safe, beginner-friendly plant. They do well in a humid environment with indirect light. A peperomia doesn’t need much water, and they are small enough to grow almost anywhere in the home.
3. Ponytail Palm
The Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is so-called because of the plant’s shape. Its long leaves spread out, resembling a curly ponytail. It’s a pet-safe houseplant which is good because a cat may find the leaves fun to play with.
4. Boston Ferns are Pet-Safe Houseplants
Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis) are an ideal plant to hang in a home. They enjoy humidity and like their leaves to be misted daily. This would be an excellent plant for a humid bathroom or kitchen with good lighting.
5. Thyme
A Thyme plant (Thymus vulgaris) is a pet-safe houseplant that adds fragrance to your home. It can also be used in cooking. Thyme loves sunlight, so special consideration should be made for its placement. Ten hours of direct sunlight daily for this plant is ideal.
6. Areca Palm
Another pet-friendly palm is the Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens). This plant does well in bright sunlight. It does not need to be watered frequently. Allow the soil to dry out between watering. Areca palms love humidity.
7. Pet-Safe Houseplants: Sage
Sage is practical, and it has been used for thousands of years to treat infections and ulcers. Sage loves light so putting it on a bright window sill is ideal. Use a potting mix that drains well and grow an attractive plant for adding flavor to food.
These plants are considered safe for pets, but it is still best for your plants to keep them out of the reach of pets. Eating too much plant material may cause stomachache or vomiting, even if the plant is non-toxic.
Appalachian Inspection Services offers inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in Western North Carolina. Contact us to request an appointment.