Two common ways to boost your mood and decrease stress daily are by bringing home vibrant green plants and/or a new furry friend. Whether you have recently become a pet parent, plant parent, both, or have always loved plants and animals, you know the importance of making sure your favorite plants are safe for your pets. As experts, your friends here at Campbell’s Flowers, the best florist in Pueblo, have created a shortlist of our favorite green plants that are perfect for creating a fresh, vibrant, and uplifting environment that is also conducive for your beloved cats and/or dogs.
Safe Plants for Pets
Parlor Palm
As they purify your air, which is a fabulous feature for pet-friendly homes, parlor palms make for brilliant statement pieces. These plants require low light and temperature in order for their slender leaves to flourish into a lush and rich canopy. To help keep paws off your palms, they can be displayed elegantly inside terrariums or on tabletops. We also recommend repotting larger parlor palms in tall heaver pots to deter dogs and cats from digging in the soil.
Bird’s Nest Fern
Safe for cats and dogs, bird’s nest ferns are among the easier ferns to care for, that is if Fido can keep his nose and paws to himself. Even though these tropical plants require low light and are slow-growing, it is important to pay attention to their propagation and watering needs. Their squiggly, crimpy, fun-textured leaves can make a bright addition to any kitchen or bathroom.
Watermelon Peperomia
If you got the hint from their name, watermelon peperomia grow vibrant green leaves that contain a unique texture and pattern which mimics the outside of a watermelon. A cheerful green that is perfect for incorporating into summer home decor, these houseplants are also great to include in a hanging basket. As watermelon peperomia prove to be non-toxic to pets, they also work to help eliminate toxins from the air.
Friendship Plant
Some may think that because friendship plants are soft and velvety to touch, they must be poisonous, especially to pets. However, friendship plants are actually one of the safest pet-friendly and low-maintenance plants. The specific and sometimes colorful pattern created by their intricate veins and occasional pink buds make these plants another eclectic addition to your collection. Friendship plants are also ideal for pet-friendly environments as they can thrive in terrariums, which can be a safe haven from furry paws.
Orchid
Orchids open up many doors for pet parents as they come in a wide array of colors and varieties to fit into your home decor and plant collection. Add this pop of color to any room in your home and enjoy the burst of uplifting energy. Orchids can continue blooming for weeks, as long as you keep them in a partially lit environment, manage their water intake based on the time of year, and ensure your furry companions peacefully coexist with these fascinating plants.
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
If your pet is accidentally exposed to a toxic plant, they may begin showing signs of poisoning such as vomiting, drooling, bleeding gums, loss of appetite, dehydration, and lethargy. In this case, please reach out to your trusted veterinarian, closest animal hospital, or poison control. To read a complete list of plants that you should keep away from your cats and dogs, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website.
