Non-Toxic Plants Recommended for Pet Owners

Plant enthusiasts who happen to own pets need to be conscious about the sort of plants they introduce into their homes. No matter how smart or well-behaved you think your pet is, there is the chance that they may stumble upon a toxic plant and ingest it. Common symptoms of plant poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, tremors, and in more severe cases, seizures.
Like the white oleander, flowers can be deceptive in appearance. Even seemingly innocuous plants such as lilies can cause kidney failure in cats. Keep your pets safe by filling your home with these safe, non-toxic houseplants. Although non-toxic houseplants have the reputation of being dull, there are many vibrant indoor plants with attractive appearance that are safe for pets. For a list of poisonous flowers to avoid in the garden, check out this blog article. The ASPCA can help you determine whether certain plants are non-toxic or not. 

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For those looking for an elegant way to display your plants, Vego Garden’s Elevated Rolling Garden Bed is the ideal solution. Perfect for your patio or balcony, this rolling bed features a shelf underneath to store your gardening essentials and a sturdy handle for easy rolling. Aside from dainty florals, you can also grow houseplants and vegetables.

Can you keep toxic plants with cats or dogs?

If you intend on having a plant that could be potentially toxic to your pets, it is important that you keep the plant off limits. Move them to a certain section of the house that is off-limits or place them in an elevated area that is out of reach. Teach cats not to come near the plants using a spray bottle or some other deterrent.

List of common plants that are poisonous to pets:

• Oleander
• Cyclamen
• Amaryllis
• Autumn Crocus 
• Chrysanthemum 
• Lily

Here are some safer varieties you can consider plants if you are a pet owner: 

1.Orchid     

Orchids are long-lived houseplants that bring a colorful accent to your décor. While some varieties slow their growth or become dormant, many Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium hybrids will bloom in the cold of winter, where they favor the partial light conditions. The light will fluctuate during this time of the year, so assess the light conditions carefully. To avoid sunburn, keep it away from direct sun exposure. 

Once only found in the greenhouses of the rich, orchids have now become as common as garden roses. However, many of the rarer varieties are still sought after. With their flamboyant colors and uncanny growths, they can look like animals, from ducks to birds in flight. 

2.  Purple Passion Vine (Gynura aurantiaca)

Related to asters, this unusual plant features velvety leaves that emit a deep purple sheen. In certain light, they can take on a neon tint. Its Latin name, derived from the color orange, refers to the tiny orange-yellow flowers that may appear during the fall. The brighter the light is, the darker and more vibrant the foliage coloration will be. While it grows rapidly, they tend to have a short lifespan of only a couple years. Some varieties, once they reach one to two feet tall, begin to trail, making them ideal for hanging containers.

3.  Bromeliad            

Bearing resemblance to a colorful pineapple, bromeliads have tough leaves that unfurl from a central rosette. The central cups are often drenched in striking florescent colors ranging from lemon yellow to vivid magenta and purple. Many varieties produce funnel-like leaves that can hold water.

Most bromeliads will only bloom once in their lifetime. After it flowers, it stops producing leaves and will eventually die off. However, it does produce “offsets” or “pups,” usually at the base of the plant. These pups will live off the parent plant until they are large enough to survive alone.

4. Air Plant (Tillandsia)

Air plants are one of the most well-known bromeliads. As epiphytes, they do not need soil. Air plants can be attached to virtually any surface, including terrariums, carved driftwood, and even crystals. Create interesting displays by choosing those with interesting-colored leaves or structures. Though commonly touted as needing air to survive, air plants do need to be watered. Every week or two, submerge it in lukewarm water for 30 to 60 minutes, preferably using rain water or lake water. They can also be occasionally misted to supplement your watering routine. 

5.Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) 

This curiously named plant comes from its habit of folding up its leaves at night, emulating the praying pose. A subtly decorative plant, the player plant contains claret-colored veins and light green splashes along its midrib, interspersed among dark green foliage. Most varieties prefer a high humidity level at 50% - some prefer around 60%. An easy way to maintain humidity levels is to purchase a humidifier. 

 

6. Christmas Cactus    

Once thought of as a seasonal plant, Christmas cactus is now a popular houseplant that can be kept year-round. During the long winter months, it can brighten up dreary areas in the house with a splash of exotic color. Native to Central and South America, its flowers come in shades of cream, hot-pink white, and red, with hybrid and cultivar varieties being the most common. Exceptionally long-lived, Christmas cactus can live up to a hundred years if properly tended, often being passed from generation to generation. With minimal upkeep, it can result in flourishing blossoms.

7.Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)

The lipstick plant is a show houseplant with waxy rouge-colored flowers reminiscent of tubes of lipstick. Its profuse blooms emerge in bright clusters of cascading vines. They perform particularly well in hanging baskets, but can also be grown in pots. They are easy to maintain, as long as they receive bright indirect light. To maintain humidity, place them next to a humidifier or mist them.

8.Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomioides)

The Chinese money plant is a fast-growing plant whose coin-shaped leaves are sure to bring visual interest to any room. Originating from Southwest China, the Chinese money plant is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to its owner. Like most houseplants, it prefers bright indirect light. Be careful not to leave it in strong direct light, which can scorch it. Water approximately once a week after checking to make sure that the soil is dry. Overwatering can cause the leaves to yellow and fall off. To prevent root rot, adjust the watering schedule and prune any infected areas. 

9.Ponytail Palm

Despite its bulbous trunk and palm-like appearance, the ponytail is actually not a true palm, but a type of succulent related to Agave and Yucca plants. Hair-like leaves sprout from the top of its trunk in an unkempt yet sweeping fashion. In the wild, they can reach up to 20 ft in height, but indoors, they are restrained to a maximum of 3 ft. In accordance with its rotund appearance, it is drought tolerant and shouldn’t be watered very often. Water only when the top layer of soil is completely dry.

10. Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)

This flowering houseplant is a popular plant due to its large, ruffled flowers that are velvet in texture. It requires frequent watering and bright indirect light. The soil should be kept evenly moist. Avoid watering the flowers or leaves, as this can lead to root rot. When the plant becomes dormant, it loses all its leaves. Gradually cut back on watering until all foliage falls off, then place in a dark spot.