Pike Nurseries: Pet-Safe Houseplants

 

Do you live in a home with pets?  If so, Pike Nurseries is providing recommendations of non-toxic plants you can bring home that will keep your cats and dogs safe.  Plants and pets can coexist as long as plants cultivated indoors are non-toxic to your pets. Even the most well-behaved pets are bound to nibble on growing greenery added to new home offices and living spaces, so the experts at Pike Nurseries have a variety of suggestions on how to be a good plant parent – even with fur babies in the home. To celebrate National Indoor Plant Week, Pike Nurseries has done the legwork and fetched a go-to list of safe houseplants that will add color and texture to pet owners’ homes without posing a threat to their four-legged friends. Interested in some new plants for your home?  Check out Pike Nurseries' list of pet-safe indoor pets below. Pet-Safe Indoor Houseplants African Violets:  African violets will brighten up even the smallest space, with its flowers of pink, purple, or white.  These vintage darlings need medium to bright indirect light to grow best.  When watering African violets, use room temperature water and a saucer to apply water from the bottom and avoid damage to the flower and leaves. Aspidistra:  Durable and attractive, aspidistra (cast-iron plants) can tolerate the lowest light situations – whether inside or outside where it grows as a perennial.  The long-lasting plant comes in solid green and variegated colors with arching leaves.  This plant is known to be drought-tolerant so be sure to not over water during scheduled waterings. Calathea:  This low-to-medium light houseplant is an attractive choice offering striking variegated foliage with splashes of pink, white, and light green plus dark purple undersides for added interest.  Weekly watering is enough for this low-care beauty, and its preference for humidity makes it a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Ferns:  Soft, gorgeous foliage plants like Birds Nest, Boston, Maidenhair, and Staghorn ferns will flourish in the right conditions, including medium light and humidity.  Ferns make a wonderful addition to pet loving homes but remember to water consistently!   Orchids:  These elegant beauties thrive in medium to bright indirect light.          Place them in a course, well-draining planting medium like orchid bark and water once a week during the winter and twice a week during hotter months.  Orchids like moisture and humidity but drainage is key so that the plant is not sitting in water. Palm Trees:  Add a small tree to the indoors with a palm!  Parlor, Areca, and Ponytail palms are all pet safe.  These low-maintenance houseplants are also a good starting point for beginners.  Palm trees thrive in bright indirect light and are sensitive to over watering. Be sure to let the soil dry completely between watering. Peperomia:  Diverse in colors and textures, this non-toxic ornamental foliage plant is ideal for beginning houseplant enthusiasts!  Slow-growing, small, and low maintenance, these plants prefer medium to bright indirect light, infrequent watering, and good drainage.  All peperomia species have thick leaves that contribute to their drought-tolerant and attractive qualities.   Spider Plant:  One of the easiest plants to care for, spider plants grow best in bright indirect light but can also tolerate medium light.  The graceful arching of the long strapping foliage makes this houseplant perfect for hanging baskets, and white and bright green foliage adds variety to any houseplant collection.  Be sure to keep the soil moisture consistent for best performance. Succulents and Sedums:  Waterwise succulents including Burro’s Tail, Echeveria, Haworthia, Sempervivum (Hen and Chicks), Aeonium, and Lithop all provide texture and color as safe décor.  Bright light and infrequent watering will keep them thriving indoors. The experts at Pike Nurseries recommend being strategic with placement when curious pets are indoors.  Hanging plants and potted plants on tall shelves will be difficult for pets to access. Pet owners can also choose life-like versions of toxic houseplants, such as Fiddle-leaf Figs, or Monstera. For more information and care tips at Pike Nurseries, please visit pikenursery.com.