Do you love plants but you never had one because (A) you don’t have a green thumb, (B) most plants are toxic to your pet? If your answer is YES for (A) or both, then you’ve landed on the right article.
According to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), certain plants can pose potential danger to dogs and cats. Hence, we’ve put together a list of some low maintenance and totally non-toxic plants for you to brighten your space. A few of them are even great for air purification.
1. Spider Plants
Why you need it: Spider plants are the easiest to take care of (even if you don’t have a green thumb). It is sturdy, safe and will sprout off dozens of shoots that are easy to clip and cultivate - which means you’ll grow more of these at home!
How to take care of it: You can place this plant anywhere that you want (doesn’t matter the temperature or light conditions) and it’ll grow just fine. It just needs a fair amount of water. That being said, the soil needs some drying out before watering again.
One thing to take note is, to place the plant high up in a hanging basket to avoid any pet-induced catastrophes because those stems can be enticing!
2. Areca/Golden Palm
Why you need it: If you have a fair amount of space and are looking for a plant with a tropical feel, then Areca/Golden Palm is the plant to opt for. It also offers better indoor air quality too.
How to take care of it: Good news is, it doesn’t require much care. Just water them often enough to keep the soil lightly moist and allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. It also likes bright and indirect light.
For your information, this plant can grow into a fairly large indoor tree, around 6 to 7 feet tall. So consider the tree’s potential height when picking a container size. If not, you might kill it.
3. Tradescantia Zebrina
Why you need it: Also known as Zebrina Pendula, this purple plant is great for hanging near a window or draped over at table’s end. It is also an easy and fast-growing plant appreciated for its lovely leaf colouration.
How to take care of it: Tradescantia Zebrina is an easy plant to grow and won’t mind a little under (don’t wait too long or the stems will go limp) or over-watering from time to time. This plant appreciates moist soil.
Apart from that, place the plant a place with at least some direct sunlight. However, it’s best to prevent full afternoon beam because the leaves might burn if the heat is too harsh.
4. Boston Ferns
Why you need it: With its mass of lush green foliage, Boston Fern is thought to be one of the best air purifying houseplants. Not only it helps to rid the home of harmful toxins, it can also help to restore moisture into the air naturally too.
How to take care of it: This plant does well in high humidity environment with indirect light. Just mist regularly and keep in a cool location.
5. African Violet
Why you need it: Another easy plant to maintain that is safe for your pets is the African Violet. These beautiful flowers will happily bloom all year round if you maintain it well and will definitely zest up your tabletops and mantels.
How to take care of it: Do keep the plant in a warm location, where it can get plenty of sunlight. Make sure to keep the soil lightly moist, loose and well-drained. Other than that, avoid getting the leaves wet because they are susceptible to rot.
6. Pachira Aquatica
Why you need it: Pachira Aquatica (also known as money tree) thrives near wetlands and swamps. Not only it is able to reduce toxins such as formaldehyde from the air, but is also a great choice for anyone with asthma, lung issues, or lives in a polluted city area.
How to take care of it: This plant loves moisture, so make sure to water it consistently. You should also water all the topsoil, just until the water starts leaking out the drain holes. Nevertheless, never let it stand in water, which means good drainage is essential.
Besides that, position the plant in bright area but away from indirect light. Don’t forget to turn it everytime you water for even growth and leafing.
Conclusion
There you have it. If you’re looking to add some greens into your home and avoid poisonous houseplants, add these pet safe indoor plants to your collection! They’re also fairly common, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding them at your local plant nursery. Additionally, you can search through ASPCA to find out if your favorite plants are safe for your furry friends.
In a different note, if you’re looking for a pet-friendly property, do check out PropSocial’s website, or simply drop your info at the Post Requirement section.
(Written by: Nisya Aziz, 6th June 2018)
