Do you have curious pets? But also want to have plants? Same.
Many common houseplants can be actually be toxic to pets (and humans) if ingested. Our pets are a part of our family, and it's of utmost importance that we keep them happy and healthy.
How do I create a pet-friendly plant environment?
Place plants out of reach of curious pets or use hanging planters to keep them off the ground. You can also create designated plant areas by using pet gates or barriers to prevent access to certain plants.
What are some popular pet-friendly plants?
There are tons of pet-friendly plants families such as spider plants, ferns (excluding the asparagus fern), calatheas, marantas, palms (excluding sago palms), tillandsia , hoyas, fittonias, orchids, peperomias, pileas and so many more!
Some of our faves include:
Peperomia Watermelon
The Peperomia Watermelon is easily one of the most eye-catching houseplants, and it’s no surprise given how absolutely adorable they are! Featuring tear-shaped leaves that have a distinct watermelon-like variegation pattern, these compact little plants are not only colorful, but also beautifully shimmer when the light catches them.
Light: These plants prefer bright to medium indirect light. Avoid direct sun as the intense rays will burn their tender leaves.
Water: These plants prefer to be moist, but never soggy. Water when the soil is dry about two inches down in its container.
Neanthe Bella Palm "Parlor Palm"
The Neanthe Bella Palm is a classic houseplant that remains immensely popular to this day, and once you have one, you will understand why. The lush, bright green foliage offers a splash of the tropics to any space, and these relatively fast growers are also very easy to care for.
Light: This plant prefers bright, indirect light, but avoid direct sun, as it will scorch its tender leaves. It can survive in lower lighting conditions, but its leaves will turn a darker green color.
Water: This plant likes moderate moisture with a period of drought in between waterings. Water when your potting mix has dried out one to two inches down, and be sure to water thoroughly until you see water come out of the bottom of its container.
Humidity: We recommend adding a humidifier to your plant care routine to help provide humidity if your space is dry.
Staghorn Fern
Staghorns are visually striking specimens that get their name from their antler-like fronds that jut out from their crest. These fascinating weirdos are epiphytes, meaning they grow on the surface and in the nooks of trees in the wild and absorb most of their nutrients through their fronds.
Light: In their natural habitat, Staghorns receive dappled light and therefore are well-adapted to the indirect light of any home and can tolerate some medium light settings. Keep away from direct sunshine to avoid scorching the leaves.
Water: Like other epiphytes, Staghorns prefer their potting medium to stay on the drier side. When watering, take care to saturate the leaves and crest.
Humidity: Humidity plays an important factor in keeping your fern happy. We recommend adding a humidifier to your plant care routine if the air in your space is dry.
Hoya Macrophylla
Hoya macrophylla is unique for its broad leaves and interesting veining that forms ridges upon the leaves. New growth emerges from long, spindly tendrils that stick up out from the pot like tentacles before new leaves emerge from the stem. A fairly low-maintenance plant, this is a great option for those who don’t have the time to fuss with frequent watering and care tasks.
Light: These babies love light! Perfect for bright indirect lighting situations, but they can also tolerate a little bit of direct sun. These will not do well in low light conditions.
Water: Hoyas are very low maintenance and prefer to dry out between waterings. Wait until your potting mix feels completely dry before giving this friend a drink.
Humidity: Moderate to low humidity is best.
Autumn Fern
The Autumn Fern is a beautiful, woodland fern whose amber hues and broad, feathery fronds make this fluffy, versatile fern extra special. Young leaves unfurl an almost copper color and mature to a deep, emerald green. A dwarf fern, this bushy grower grows to only two feet tall when mature, making it a perfect choice for a tabletop accent.
Light: This fern is native to the forest floor, and therefor favors dappled, filtered sun, to medium light. A bright, indirect spot a few feet from a bright window is best. Be careful not to place in hot, direct sun to avoid scorching its fronds.
Water: Ferns love water, but like most plants, do not like to sit in soggy soil. Water your fern once the surface of the soil feels slightly dry to the touch, and make sure you give it a pot with a drainage hole.
Humidity: Ferns also thrive in a humid environment and will appreciate it if you add a humidifier or pebble tray to your plant care routine.
Finding the perfect balance between having a green oasis in your home and keeping your furry friends safe can be a challenge, but we're here to help!
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