Bringing the outdoors in is a great way to add life, a touch of color, and a burst of brightness into your home. However, be careful before grabbing any specimen from your local nursery. Even if you and the human members of your family know not to munch on leaves, flowers, or stems, your four-legged family members may not. The following plants, flowers, and herbs are not toxic to cats and dogs. But be sure to grow these bountiful beauties out of the reach of curious paws, as munching on them may cause upset tummies.
Budding beauty
For pops of green and irresistible shades of purple or pink, choose the pet-friendly African violet. The hearty plant does not need bright light and its petite size is perfect for small spaces. Just make sure to tend to the soil with enough water to keep it moist.
Edible delights
Indoor herb gardens offer easy access to fresh ingredients. You can optimize your recipes and add visual interest to your kitchen counter or shelves at the same time. Some herbs, although safe for human consumption, will harm your furry family members. According to Beck, avoid lavender and oregano and instead focus on sage, thyme, and basil. “Place herbs in a sunny window that gets at least four of five hours of direct sunlight every day, and water when the top inch of soil is dry,” she adds.
Exotic looks
The bold, two-toned look of Gloxinia, a native plant from Brazil, will be the focal point of any room. The bright blooms are trimmed in white and the leaves are big and a vibrant green. To help keep them looking their best, make sure the soil stays almost soaked and the plant is shielded from direct light.
Holiday cheer
If Christmas is your favorite time of year, you can keep the season alive year-round with the addition of a Christmas cactus. Although amaryllis is a more popular plant for the holidays, it threatens the health and safety of pets. Christmas cacti is a festive, nontoxic option for a house with pets, but your pets shouldn’t chew on it if they want to avoid a stomachache, according to Better Homes & Gardens writer Andrea Beck. The leaves of the Christmas cacti are green and the blooms, which emerge once a year, come in a variety of shades: pink, red, orange, and white. The plant requires bright, indirect light and regular watering, adds Beck.
Retro cool
Adding a spider plant to your home décor will add a touch of nostalgia, whimsy, and fun to your shelf, mantle, or hanging basket. “Thank you, spider plant (Chlorophytum), for looking just as cool today as you did in grandma’s kitchen in 1978,” says The Spruce writer Jamie McIntosh. “Also known as ribbon plant or airplane plant, the spider plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs and will tolerate a wide range of light, moisture, and soil conditions.” The spider plant offers plenty of dimension, shades of green, and often thrives under the hands of novice gardeners.
These plants and flowers will brighten up your home without sacrificing the safety of your pets. Be sure to follow care instructions so your plants, blooms, and herbs thrive.