Plants are a wonderful addition to your home. They provide beautiful coloring, increase your aesthetic and clean the air, but you always want to make sure they are non-toxic to any furry friends living there. Even if a plant is non-toxic to your pet, if they continue to eat the leaves they might throw up, so be mindful and watch your pets. I’ve provided a list of five common (and easy to grow) houseplants to add to the ambiance of your space that are safe for cats, dogs and (generally) horses.
1. African Violet
This cute houseplant comes in a variety of shades and is 100 percent non-toxic to pets.
Care: These flowering houseplants need medium light, so place them near a bright window. Don't water the leaves. Instead, soak the base of the plant in an inch of water until moist or carefully water from the top and set the violet out to drain.
2. Bamboo Palm
Often described as a miniature fishtail palm, this bushy houseplant has an abundance of green leafy foliage that can accent just about any home style. The Bamboo Palm is not toxic to cats, dogs or horses.
Care: This plant requires medium to high light, so set it near a bright window where it will get plenty of sun; however, be sure not to set it directly on the windowsill. Water your palm well once a week and spot water as needed. Remember, it is easier to revive a dry plant than a wet one.
3. Boston Fern
This particular fern is the easiest and most well-known fern in the planting community and is non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Care: Ferns tend to thrive in shade so keep your fern away from bright light, consider instead situating it on the wall opposite or adjacent to the window. Boston ferns like to remain moist so make sure the soil is slightly damp majority of the time, and it will tell you when it needs water (they tend to droop).
4. Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis or moon orchids, like most orchids, are non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. These flowering houseplants are common in all floral shops, but it can be a challenge for some.
Care: Orchids thrive on neglect (but just the right amount). They take medium to high light, so be sure to place them next to a sunny spot. Give them a good soak every seven days or more, and do not place an ice cube on its roots. They are tropical plants, living nowhere near ice. I don’t know who started this trend, but don’t do it.
5. Zebra Plant
Care: Zebra plants like low light, so you’ll need to keep it on the wall opposite of the window. These plants know when they need water, as their leaves will droop. Be sure to water them at least once every four days or wait until they are relatively dry.
