David Domoney has been a regular fixture on our screens for almost ten years, imparting all of his knowledge on horticulture. He established Houseplant Week UK, which takes place the second week in January each year. Winter is a terrific time to liven up your home because we’re less likely to be tempted to go outside into the garden. Numerous advantages of houseplants include air purification, stress reduction, and improved focus. Sadly, there are countless varieties of houseplants that might hurt your pets. We have selected just a few of the more popular ones for UK Houseplant Week.
Aloe Vera
Despite being a wonderful plant for humans thanks to its abilities to smooth skin, aloe plants may be quite dangerous to both cats and dogs. It can irritate a pet’s digestive tract and result in vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, depression, and a change in the colour of the urine if chewed on or consumed.
Lily
There are numerous lily kinds that are exceedingly toxic; some are for dogs, but the majority are quite harmful for cats if consumed. Vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, lethargy, and in some species, kidney failure and even death, are just a few of the symptoms. The continuous campaign against the hazards of lilies for cats is run by our friends at International Cat Care.
Jade Plant
The jade plant, often called a rubber plant or money plant, is poisonous to both cats and dogs. resulting in nausea, sadness, ataxia (lack of muscular coordination and control), and a sluggish heartbeat.
Ivy
There are numerous ivy species that are toxic to animals. Devil’s ivy can also cause oral irritation and respiratory difficulties in both cats and dogs. English ivy is deadly for dogs, producing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Even garden ivy can release dangerous spores that, if consumed, can result in a rash and breathing difficulties.
Dracaena
The Dracaena, often called a Dragon Tree, is a sizable indoor plant that can be harmful to both cats and dogs. Ingesting it results in drooling, vomiting, weakness, and in cats, dilated pupils.
Fig
For all animals, the Weeping Fig or Indian Rubber Plant is a nuisance. It can cause dermatitis and irritation when it comes into touch with the skin, and it can also cause vomiting, salivation, and mouth irritation when consumed.
There are numerous other plants that, if consumed by your cat or dog, can result in both minor and severe ailments. If you’re concerned about the plants you have at home, check out this more thorough list of dangerous houseplants for animals, and if you’re worried about anything your pet may have consumed, checkout this list of frequently poisonous plants, objects around the house, and meals.
Why does my cat keep eating the money tree?
For a variety of reasons, cats like to munch on plants like your money tree plant. Sometimes, when playing, a cat finds it difficult to resist the leaves; other times, a cat may graze to settle an unsettled stomach. Keeping plants away from Missy could be beneficial. Try spraying plants with a bitter, non-toxic solution if she can reach awkward places, though. Herbs or cat grass that she can nibble on on her own could divert her focus. Never yell at or spank your cat for consuming plants.
Before making any dietary, medication, or exercise changes for your pet, always with your veterinarian. The advice of a veterinarian is not to be replaced by this information.
Does the money tree harm animals?
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Some cats appear to have missed the memo that they should be carnivores. They adore various kinds of plants and will bite or gnaw on them. And the fear of plant poisoning is genuine for those of us who own pets. You might be wondering which indoor plants are safe to keep if your cat shows an interest in them. One of the finest solutions for cat owners who desire indoor plants is a money tree. They are attractive, simple to care for, and safe for cats. A money tree is a wonderful solution if you want to protect your cat from indoor plant poisoning.
Pet Friendly Houseplants
At Earth’s Ally, we care about our plants just as much as we do about our canine companions. However, pets and plants don’t appear to get along all that often. Many of our favourite plant species, as well as many popular herbal remedies, are toxic to cats and dogs. Learn more about our top 10 pet-friendly houseplants in the next paragraphs, as well as about the solutions we develop to keep our homes and gardens healthy without using harsh chemicals.
#1 Haworthia Succulent (Haworthia species)
Want to protect your pets while still enjoying the low-maintenance beauty of plants of the aloe genus? The best plant for you is a haworthia. This chic small succulent simply needs a little water once a week and would look wonderful in a sunny location.
#2 Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis)
The Boston Fern is a reliable houseplant with thick fronds that expand quickly with minimal attention. They thrive in a slightly humid climate, making bathrooms with some filtered sunlight an ideal location for them. Despite having what appear to be delicate leaves, Boston ferns are remarkably hardy.
#3 Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Several well-known and eye-catching plants, such as the trendy Chinese money plant, the variegated aluminium plant, and the simple-to-procreate friendship plant, belong to the Pilea genus. These plants prefer a lot of indirect light and are said to be safe for cats and dogs.
#4 Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Pets may have concerns about palms, but the parlour palm is thought to be non-toxic. This tall, graceful plant is suitable for pets and does well in dimmer lighting conditions as well. They usually grow to a height of around four feet, but with care, they can grow as tall as eight feet.
#5 Banana Palm (Musa acuminata)
The banana palm is another substantial accent plant that is secure for your dogs. If you have lots of space, a banana plant is a fantastic option because of its enormous, glossy leaves and remarkable size.
#6 African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
Look no further than the African violet for a pop of colour. The African violet, a native of Tanzania with alluring purple, pink, blue, or white blossoms, is regarded as safe for pets. This low-maintenance plant doesn’t worry if the light isn’t as strong.
#7 Gloxinia Flower (Sinningia Speciosa)
The Sinningia genus encompasses everything from the most extravagant flowers to the tiniest, most delicate ones. They are frequently called Gloxinia and are widely used as gift plants. If you get one of these gorgeous things as a gift from a friend, you don’t have to worry about your dogs.
#9 Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are a fantastic pet-friendly option because they are so simple to grow and maintain, produce festoons of eye-catching striped leaves, and are known as a “unkillable houseplant.” Best of all, spider plants produce babiesmini-plants that sprout from the main plant and propagate into their pots.
#10 Air Plants (Tillandsia)
These plants live on sunlight and water. They are safe for cats and dogs because there is no soil for your pets to spill. They can be grown in a variety of containers with weekly watering.
Pet Safe Plant Care
The first step in creating a safe habitat for pets is selecting a non-toxic plant. Due to sporadic overwatering, common pests including scale, aphids, spider mites, and fungus gnats virtually always affect indoor plants. Think about safe alternatives to common treatments when those annoying bugs appear.
For an immediate kill on soft-bodied insects, use an essential oil insecticide like Earth’s Ally Insect Control. When used as instructed, Earth’s Ally is extremely successful in treating pest issues and safe for People, Pets, & the Planet. It is made from rosemary, clove, and peppermint oils.
With the help of these suggestions, you may make a secure haven for your animal pals out of a lush oasis. We’d be interested to know how Earth’s Ally is assisting you in raising wholesome indoor plants that are safe for dogs and cats. Connect with the #EarthsAlly community on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share your pet photographs, have access to our most recent blog posts, giveaways, and special offers.
Is the deadly money tree plant?
Because of the idea that they bring prosperity and financial success, Pachira Aquatica, often known as the Money Tree, is a common indoor plant. But is this really the case? Are money trees truly fortunate? Let us share a Money Tree legend with you before we can explain the solution:
A little plant was growing in the land of a poor Taiwanese farmer. He was awed by its beauty and understood that he might use the plant to rise beyond his predicament. He made the decision to grow and market these plants, and he soon became very wealthy.
The Money Tree is among the most well-liked and suggested plants that might draw abundance, according to Feng Shui theory. In order to attract fame and health, experts strongly suggested that it should also be placed in the east or south section of your home. In addition, whether or not it brings good fortune, having a Money Tree in your home adds to the tropical atmosphere of the room. It’s also among the best plants for purifying the air.
FUN FACT: A Money Tree plant that has a stalk with seven leaves is believed to be extremely luckiest as it’s super unusual.
The marshes of Central and South America are the tree’s native habitat, and it can reach heights of 60 feet there. But indoor Money Tree plants can grow up to 6 feet tall. It’s one of the simplest indoor trees to cultivate, making it ideal for novices. It is also non-toxic and lovely anywhere you place it, with the exception of your bathroom, where experts think putting a Money Tree will drain or flush the good energy away.
The braided trunk of the money tree plant is not a natural feature. Cultivators braid this and attach it to young money trees. Here is all the additional information you require about the plant.
Money Tree Plant Care Tips
This plant is fairly hardy, so maintaining it doesn’t need any extra work. Simply follow our instructions on how to take care of your money tree plant, from the amount of sunshine it needs to typical issues and how to fix them.
Sunlight
Our first tip for caring for your money tree plant is to place it in an area with medium to strong indirect light. The best way to ensure uniform growth and leaf development is to rotate the plant frequently. If there isn’t enough natural light in your home, you can keep your money tree plant alive by placing it under fluorescent lighting. Never expose your plant to direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
Frequently Occurring Issue: If the leaves on your money tree plant are turning yellow, it signifies it isn’t getting enough light.
Solution: If the leaves of a money tree are burnt, too much sunshine was received by the plant. Yellow leaves indicate a low light environment for the plant. Yes, it can adapt to low light conditions, although like other houseplants, its growth may be slowed. Even so, it would be ideal if you could set it up in an area with direct or indirect bright sunlight.
Water
Watering your money tree plant when the top 2 to 4 inches of soil are dry comes next on our list of money tree maintenance instructions. This would typically occur every one to two weeks. Additionally, it depends on how much light it receives daily. For instance, you’ll need to water your Money Tree plant more frequently the more sunshine it receives to prevent the soil from being overly dry.
Frequently Occurring Issue: If the leaves on your money tree plant are turning yellow, you are overwatering it. However, irregular watering is indicated if the leaves are falling.
Solution: If you’re a beginner, it’s really simple to overwater a plant. It’s best to first determine whether the soil is dry. If you water your Money Tree plant when the soil is still damp or wet, the roots will rot and the plant will eventually die.
Your Money Tree will survive missed watering if you’re the kind of plant parent who frequently forgets to water a plant. Stick to your watering plan though, as it prefers to be watered when the top half of the soil is dry.
Humidity & Temperature
A further tip for caring for your money tree plant is to keep it in an exceptionally humid atmosphere, particularly in the winter. It is advisable to spray it frequently during the year and to place it on a pebble tray. Additionally, put your plant somewhere where the temperature ranges from 60 to 75 F.
Common Issue: If the leaves on your Money Tree plant are turning yellow, the soil is completely dry and the humidity level in the area is low.
Purchase a humidifier if at all possible for your plant. Experts agree that this is the wisest course of action, especially if you intend to take care of more plants in the future. But you may also regularly spray your Money Tree plant or put it in a pebble tray.
Food
Feeding your Money Tree plant a liquid plant food that has been diluted by half once a month in the spring and summer is another tip we have for caring for it. Never forget to inspect the soil for moisture before putting any fertiliser on it. During the winter, stop feeding your plant.
Common Issue: When leaves start to drop or turn yellow although there are no lighting or irrigation issues.
Solution: Applying too much fertiliser to your money tree will cause fertiliser burn, also known as plant burn. Salts used in fertiliser wick moisture away from plants. It’s best to apply fertiliser according to the suggested time and amount to prevent plant burn.
Pests & Other Problems
Aphids and spider mites, two typical plant pests, are prone to attack your Money Tree plant. These pests might dehydrate your plant. Increase the humidity, give the plant a shower, use insecticidal soap in warm water, or apply neem oil to get rid of these pests.
The maintenance of your Money Tree plant is now complete. This plant is suggested by feng shui experts and plant parents because it infuses interior areas with a positive aura. It also enhances the appearance of your house.
Expand your knowledge of plants. For additional information on various houseplants and advice on how to keep your plants alive and healthy, visit our blog on plant care.
How can I prevent my cat from destroying my indoor plants?
There are various ways to make your plants less interesting to your cat if you’re not ready to dedicate one to your feline friend or are simply sick of attempting to save the dead plants.
Top Tips to Keep Your Cat Away from Plants
Make your plant unattractive in #1. Anything citrus-flavored is strongly disliked by cats. To deter any cat invasion, you can spray the leaves of your plant with lemon, lime, or orange juice diluted with water.
Bodhi Dog produces a Bitter Lemon Spray if you don’t feel like making your own concoction. You don’t have to bother about using and cleaning out a regular plastic spray bottle, which is something I’ve found to work extremely well. If your cat determines the fragrance is insufficient to deter them, the taste usually works. They don’t want to go back because of that terrible taste.
2. Make Your Plant Impossible to Reach. You can strategically place your houseplants in a number of locations to prevent any maltreatment. It’s crucial to comprehend your cat and their capabilities whether you hang them or place them on a shelf high enough that even the best leaper can’t reach them.
Think beyond the box and use a huge dome birdcage, a terrarium, or an old fish tank as a planter. Although they are a bit pricy, they are a terrific way to protect your plants and give the space some elegance.
Safety Reminder: Lilies are poisonous to cats, therefore keeping one on a shelf far from your cat does not guarantee their safety. Even small exposures, like when flying pollen gets on their fur and they groom it off, might have lethal consequences.
3. Give your cat a plant of their own. Providing your cat with its own cat grass or indoor cat garden is another technique to divert their focus away from your plants. Usually, the seeds for these kinds of grass are made of wheat, barley, or rye.
Even if this is a safe alternative, you should still keep an eye on how much they are consuming. We urge you to discuss any dietary questions you may have with your vet to see if they endorse cat grass as a secure substitute for your cat.
4. Teach your cats to stay away from your plant. As with dogs, cats can be trained. You can educate your cat to do almost anything you desire, but it does require time, patience, and consistency. Others may leash train their cat so they can spend more time outside, while other people train their cats to perform tricks. With the correct reward, you may teach your cat to stay away from your plants and reroute them to behave differently.
When teaching your cat something new, Feline Behavior Solutions’ Dr. Marci Koski advises looking for their motivation. “Treats are very simple because they don’t require much time to administer if they are little and easily consumed. This allows you to continue the training process and repeat steps repeatedly. It’s love and admiration for some kitties.”
Pet Greens Cat Craves is one choice that I’ve discovered my cats adore. Additionally, these snacks contain Omega 3 Fatty Acids, have meat as the first ingredient, and have recognised ingredients.
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Pro tip: You might want to think about using adhesive putty for the bottom of your planter if your cat’s mischievous behaviour only results in your plants ending up on the floor. It’s under the majority of our ceramics, I’m sure (kids included)! The fact that sticky putty may be used again, is non-toxic, and doesn’t dry out is its best feature.