There is nothing like some greenery to bring color and vitality into your home, but it can be difficult to choose as many plants are hazardous to animals. We’ve compiled a list of eight indoor plants that are suitable for even the most curious of pets to help you choose houseplants a little bit more easily.
Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
The Kimberly Queen Fern maintains a neat, compact shape, unlike other ferns that can easily spread out and take over the space they’re in. Because of its long, almost sword-like leaves, which develop vertically, it is a good choice for a hanging basket. Another advantage of the Kimberly Queen Fern is its adaptability; in the summer, it thrives on balconies, and in the winter, it thrives in living rooms. Bloomscape has it for sale.
Zebra Plant (Haworthia)
There is no mystery as to why the Haworthia kind of succulent is frequently referred to as a zebra plant after just one glance. The zebra plant is completely safe for pets, despite having a shape and dimensions that are quite similar to aloe, which is harmful to cats and dogs. These durable succulents require little maintenance and add a unique ornamental element to any space, especially when placed in a unique pot.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is a superb indoor plant, as suggested by its name. This low-maintenance palm is renowned for its ability to purify the air and adds a touch of the tropics to any space it is placed in. The Parlor Palm, however, thrives in cooler temperatures and little light, unlike other tropical plants.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
The African Violet is ideal if you want to give your home a year-round splash of color. This indoor flowering plant comes in a rainbow of hues, ranging from pinks and lavenders to blues and reds and everything in between. They require very little upkeep, making them ideal for gardeners of any skill level.
Money tree (Pachira aquatica)
The money tree is a common sight in both homes and offices since it is believed to bestow good fortune and financial prosperity upon its owner. It is easily recognized by its distinctive braided trunk and needs little upkeep while developing swiftly. Money trees are a great option of plant for a bathroom because they do well in a humid environment with lots of light, so don’t worry if your bathroom isn’t particularly bright. By placing the plant on a shallow tray loaded with rocks that is just barely covered in water, you can boost the humidity around the plant.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Ponytail palms are drought-tolerant, slow-growing, and long-living plants that require little care while yet being attractive. And when we say ponytail palms are drought tolerant, we actually mean that they are content to go a few weeks without watering. As a result, it is the perfect houseplant for those who frequently travel or don’t have enough time to properly care for a more temperamental plant.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomioides)
Consider purchasing a Chinese money plant if you want to add some green to a bright spot in your home. These little plants have gained popularity due to their unusual look and the notion that they bestow prosperity, wealth, and abundance upon their owners. They are tough plants that like to air out a little between waterings. So this is the plant for you if you frequently forget to water it. Just be sure to put them in a pot with good drainage because they are prone to root rot.
Any artificial plant
You wouldn’t believe how far artificial plants have progressed in recent years. You don’t have to worry about choosing a type that is non-toxic because companies like Ikea and Terrain (Anthropologie’s gardening-focused sibling brand) provide a sizable range of plants that look as nice as real. There must be an artificial substitute for fans of lilies, aloe, and other plants that are harmful to animals.
All eight of the plants on this list are completely harmless, but the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best bet if your pet ever accidentally ingests one of the plants on this list. They also have a pet parent resource app that you can download, and their phone lines are available around-the-clock, 365 days a year.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, one of the most well-liked succulents, is regularly utilized for therapeutic and medicinal purposes. The plant’s extracts can be found in dietary supplements, cosmetics, and flavored waters, and its sap is traditionally used to heal sunburns.
However, pets may be poisoned by this succulent. Aloe has a reputation for causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in animals, as well as making them lethargic.
Long, pointed tendrils are a distinguishing feature of aloe plants. Some types have foliage with white spots, while others bloom sporadically. Pets should not be allowed near any types.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are prized for their profusion of flowers, which come in a variety of hues from soft pink to flamboyant orange. This tropical succulent is well-liked as a houseplant and goes by several names, including mother of millions, devil’s backbone, and mother-in-law plant.
This plant primarily causes vomiting and diarrhea by irritating the digestive system. Heart arrhythmias, however, can also happen.
Euphorbia
Euphorbia is a vast and diverse genus of plants that encompasses anything from tiny, low-growing plants to gigantic giants.
Many succulents of the genus Euphorbia are harmful to both cats and dogs, including the pencil cactus and crown of thorns.
Ingestion of this succulent can cause a variety of poisoning symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress and eye and skin irritation.
It is advised to stay away from all euphorbia species, including the deadly poinsettia, if you have pets.
Jade
Similar to aloe vera, jade is a widespread, simple-to-grow houseplant that is common on windowsills. Jade plants resemble trees because to their thick, woody stalks and hefty, oval leaves.
There are various types of jade, and each one should be kept out of reach of animals. Your cat or dog may exhibit signs such as gastrointestinal distress and uncoordination if they consume jade.
Which succulents are OK for cats?
One of the greatest options for trailing and hanging succulents that are safe for cats is Burro’s Tail.
Here, you can use your imagination to find a fantastic container to hang from a wall or ceiling. Adding some green on your walls will help you improve the appearance of your area!
- the rice grains (whose leaves are pointed) and
- the pearls, round (which have round leaves).
Depending on where you reside, you can grow both types outdoors and indoors. (If you live in a warmer area, you’ll have greater results with Burro’s Tail outside.)
Bright, indirect sunshine is ideal for it. The fleshy leaves will burn in direct sunlight.
This plant only has to be watered once a month and no more than that because the leaves store water.
To avoid root rot, it is essential to put the burro’s tail in a pot with well-draining soil.
If a cat eats a succulent, what happens?
Ingesting this succulent may cause vomiting, upset stomach, and (occasionally) tremors in animals, although cats may also display signs of intoxication.
If customers want to know which succulents won’t harm their pets, you might suggest this selection:
- Echeveria blue
- Horse’s tail, donkey’s tail, and lamb’s tail are other names for burro’s tail.
- Mother of Pearl is another name for ghost plant.
- Baby Hardy Tears
- Haworthia
- Chicken with hens
- also called Hens and Chickens, Mother Hens, and Chicks
Echeveria
The rose-shaped succulents in the Echeveria family come in a variety of exquisite hues and tones. Blue Atoll, Princess Lace, Tippy, Ebony, Wax Agave, Prolific, Mexican Hens, and Moonglow are a few popular Echeveria cultivars.
Haworthia (Zebra Plant)
Haworthia, sometimes referred to as Zebra Plant, is frequently compared to a tiny aloe plant. Haworthia is not poisonous to cats or dogs like Aloe Vera is. These succulents could potentially have flesh that is translucent and leaves that are fat and luscious.
Opuntia (Prickly Pear)
Opuntia, also referred to as prickly pears, is a genus of cacti. These cactus with flat joints may bear edible fruit, blooms, and pads. Santa Rita, Silver Dollar, Eastern, Beavertail, and Bunny Ears are typical kinds.
Sedums (Stonecrops)
A sizable genus of flowering plants is called Sedums, sometimes referred to as Stonecrops. Sedums can be tough or delicate. Burro’s Tail, Ghost Plant, or Mother of Pearl, and Hardy Baby Tears are a few common Sedum types.
Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)
Sempervivum, often known as Hens and Chicks or Houseleeks, are succulent perennials that grow in mats with rosettes of tufted leaves. Sempervivum succulents are the best choice if you want vibrant, hardy plants.
How can you prevent cats from eating succulents?
This is the most affordable and practical choice for every pet owner. You can spray your plant with a variety of pet-repellent sprays without causing any harm to it or the pet without buying them from a pet store or nursery.
With vinegar, orange, lemon, cayenne pepper, or chili pepper, you may also prepare a few at yourself. If you prefer, you can combine pepper with water and spray it on your succulents. Citrus fruits can be used in a similar way; simply use diluted lemon juice, orange juice, or white vinegar. If you have essential oils on hand, add 12 to 15 drops of oil to your spray container, give it a thorough shake, and then spray. Pets particularly dislike the scents of peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass. The process might need to be repeated two to three times per month as the odor will eventually go away.
What plants are the most hazardous to cats?
We looked into some of the most hazardous plants that your cat might come into contact with from the ASPCA’s list.
- Lilies.
- palm sago.
- Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
- Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
- Cannabis.
- Scorpion Plant.
- black violet
- Plant Air (Tillandsia)