5 Pet-Friendly, Non-toxic Houseplants
Plants are a wonderful addition to any home. However, if you share your home with pets you'll want to be mindful of what plants you have in their reach. Our fuzzy friends' curiosity can often get the better of them and for that reason, your safest bet is to fill your home with non-toxic plants. Here are 5 pet-friendly, non-toxic houseplants that will add beauty to your home without harming your pets. Note that the plants listed are backed as being non-toxic by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
1. Spider Plant
This common houseplant is not only extremely resilient but also safe for pets. Its long spidery leaves add liveliness to any room. Hang your spider plant up where it will get bright indirect light, or keep it in a pot near your desk. Aside from being pet-safe, the spider plant is easy to grow. Additionally, it has been proven to reduce harmful chemicals in the air. Get your own and get some spider plants for your family and friends too!
2. Boston Fern
This lush, green plant will make your home feel like a verdant paradise. It also won't harm your pets as it's a well-known non-toxic plant. While this plant requires a bit more care than the aforementioned spider plant, it's well worth the effort! Be sure to keep your boston fern in a warm and well-lit area. As it typically grows in humid places, make sure your fern doesn't dry out. Mist the plant and water it frequently to keep its flowing fronds growing.
3. Sedum Donkey Tail
If you're a fan of succulents and have dogs and/or cats at home, this is the houseplant for you! Also known as burro's tail, this succulent is native to Mexico. This cascading, pet-safe plant is often hung up as its stems can grow up to 24 inches long. Like other succulents, this plant needs plenty of sunlight. It does require regular watering, however, to keep its leaves plump. Get a sedum donkey tail plant and add an exotic touch to your living space while keeping your pets safe.
4. Prayer Plant
These picturesque plants add color and vibrancy to any space. The best part is they are pet-safe! Prayer plants do require greenhouse-like conditions to thrive, so be prepared to provide them with care. Where does the prayer plant get its name you ask? It comes from its leaves that fold up at night in a prayer position. You and your pet will be mesmerized by the beauty (and movement) of the prayer plant!
5. Money Tree
Last but not least on our list is the money tree. Legend has it that a poor farmer prayed for money and found this plant. When he took it home and grew more of them for others to enjoy, he became wealthy by selling them. In the practice of feng shui, the money tree is thought to bring prosperity into one's life. Aside from being a symbol of good fortune, the money tree is also a non-toxic houseplant. Keep your pets happy and bring good luck to your home with a money tree.
Filling your home with pet-friendly houseplants is a great way to beautify your space without harming your four-legged friends. If you're unsure about a plant you already have in your home, search them on the ASPCA's site and keep your pets safe!