Can our pets live with our houseplants? Good question. First, let’s be clear, when a plant dies, it can easily be replaced. However, our ball of fur is a full member of the household: when he falls ill, for example, there is general panic. We have such great affection for our pets that we cannot skimp on their health or safety. Moreover, when you plan to install plants at home, the first condition is to know if these plants are not dangerous for animals, but also for children. Because, in fact, some are very toxic and can trigger illnesses.
No matter how much you convince us that your poodle is very intelligent and very well trained, you have no assurance that once his back is turned, he would not want to venture towards an attractive plant. Hop, all he has to do is chew a small leaf for him to have a bad time: diarrhea, vomiting, palpitations, or even worse. Why then put him in front of the wolf’s mouth? To keep your dogs or cats safe, we’ve consulted the ASPCA’s Index of Pet-Safe Plants. Of course, these varieties are not necessarily edible, but at least they are safe plants for our four-legged friends.
How to give a touch of greenery to your decoration without poisoning your small pets? Discover without further delay this selection of 10 superb indoor plants that are both lush and non-toxic.
The Porcelain Flower (Hoya Carnosa)
Perfect for indoor cultivation: the one also called “Wax flower” is distinguished by its green, oval, shiny leaves, and its wonderfully fragrant star-shaped nectar-producing flowers. These grow in waxy clusters ranging from pink to white and produce a very delicate fragrant nectar. A great boon that this plant is not toxic. The advantage is that it perfectly tolerates very dry conditions and requires little watering, once or twice a week in summer. Of tropical origin, this perennial plant is easy to grow, can live a long time and flourishes very well indoors. Small feature: unlike others, you should not remove your faded flowers, because others may appear instead.
Venus Flytrap (Dionaea Muscipula)
Well known for its carnivorous nature, this plant is strangely beautiful, lined with eyelash-like teeth that bond when triggered by prey. Rest assured, it will not devour any member of the family, but on the contrary will rid you of flies and other small insects on which it feeds. Native to North America, precisely from the swamps of South and North Carolina, it likes bright light and a humid environment. Captivating, Dionaea is completely harmless to domestic animals. Install it near a window, water it from time to time and give it at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
The Haworthia
A very aesthetic succulent plant, from the succulent family, Haworthia reveals itself like a thornless cactus with long, pointed leaves. This low-growing plant has distinctive white studded bands on its leaves. Very easy to maintain, Haworthia only needs a little water and lots of indirect light. This plant thrives very well in moist conditions with good soil drainage. Its shape and size resemble Aloe-Vera, but unlike that plant, it is safe for cats and dogs.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
With its fuzzy green leaves and abundance of annual flowers, the African violet is a member of the Gesneriaceae family. Depending on the variety of shapes and colors, its flowers are tinted with a sumptuous shimmering palette ranging from white, blue, yellow, pink, red or purple. Some are even sometimes variegated and very pleasant to look at. Ideally, it should be placed near an east or west facing window. The one also called “Queen of indoor plants” thrives at a temperature maintained between 18 and 24°C. Easy to grow, its flowers are not at all toxic to cats and dogs. African Violet is therefore perfect for anyone looking for a low-maintenance houseplant.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Very popular for its frilly green leaves, the Boston Fern is a classic beauty that brings a real charm to any room. This plant grows best in a cool location with high humidity and indirect light. Not only is it a very easy type of fern to care for, but as an added bonus, it is also safe for pets.
The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
With fiery, trumpet-shaped flowers in midwinter, Christmas cacti are a real addition to any home. They offer a very pretty spectacle in winter with flowering in various colors. These succulents are very easy to live with: they require little care and adapt easily to low light conditions. Warning: if its leaves turn red, it is because the Christmas cactus is too exposed to the sun. It likes light but without direct sun. It is essential to alternate between moments of light and darkness to promote beautiful flowering. Also remember to keep the soil fresh with regular watering. And the good news is that this plant is not toxic to animals.
Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
A type of air plant, this fern grows best when mounted on a board and hung on a wall to benefit from air and humidity. With its fronds similar to the horns of an elk and its imposing silhouette, it has a quite fascinating and intriguing appearance. Like a living work of art, this plant has become very popular in interior decoration. Not to mention that it is not at all toxic or dangerous for animals!
The living room palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
As its name suggests, the living room palm is the indoor plant par excellence. Able to tolerate low light and low temperatures, this palm grows in clusters with its elegantly arching green leaflets forming a feathery canopy. It also produces small yellow flowers similar to mimosa, which turn into small berries. Originally from Mexico, also nicknamed “Dwarf Palm”, this plant grows in the shade and in the warmth. It is grown indoors and is easy to maintain. Above all, it is reassuring to know that this palm tree, which offers a real tropical touch to the setting, will not do any harm to your furballs. Place it in a bright room and let the soil dry out between waterings.
Guinea Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Adding a tropical touch to your home is easy with this pretty plant. It thrives in direct light. Although difficult to maintain when grown outside of temperate climates, once you tame it and know how to care for it properly, it will reward you with brilliant, spectacular flowers, perfectly suited to your pets . Also called “Karkadé”, originally from Africa, this type of Hibiscus also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and tonic properties.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)
With grass-like leaves that trail gracefully, the spider plant is very hardy and capable of growing in a wide range of conditions. Its cream-variegated foliage forms long, supple hanging ribbons. This depolluting and resistant plant is perfect for hanging: it germinates tiny spiders which drape themselves around the mother plant as if they were on a web. Provide a minimum amount of light without direct sunlight. The advantage is that this plant tolerates drought better than excess water. And it’s absolutely safe for all your little roommates!
