Plants For Pets! 7 Indoor House Plants That Are Toxic to Pets, And Non-Toxic Plants Which Are Better!
The Plant Doctor is a big nerd who loves sharing the art of indoor plant care. Greenery is not only beautiful, but extremely good for our health and wellbeing. These blog posts are passionately written to help people learn more about plants.
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As much as we love having indoor plants to beautify our homes,
it's crucial to be aware that some of these green companions can pose a threat to our furry friends. Many common indoor plants contain toxic substances that can be harmful or even fatal to pets if ingested.
In this blog post, we'll explore some indoor plants that are toxic to pets and offer safer alternatives to keep both your plants and pets happy and healthy.
1.Lilies (Lilium spp.)
While lilies are known for their striking beauty and fragrance, they are highly toxic to cats. Ingesting even small amounts of lily leaves, petals, or pollen can cause severe kidney damage and be life-threatening. For non-toxic plants that have the beautiful peace lily shape, try an areca palm or bromeliad.
2. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
The sago palm is a popular ornamental plant, but all parts of this plant are toxic to both cats and dogs. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and liver failure. Consider pet-friendly palm alternatives like the ponytail palm or parlor palm for a safer indoor environment.
3. Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
Dieffenbachia, also known as dumb cane, contains oxalate crystals that can cause intense oral irritation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing if ingested by pets. Choose non-toxic alternatives like a prayer plant or calathea.
4. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons are popular indoor plants, but they contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty breathing if consumed by pets. Consider pet-safe options like a spider plant or Boston fern.
5. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties for humans, but it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors in pets if ingested. Keep aloe vera plants in areas that are inaccessible to pets and opt for safe options like Christmas cacti or haworthias.
Oh no kitty! Please don’t do that!
6. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a popular and easy-to-care-for indoor plant, but it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset in pets. If you’re keen for some trailing, vine like substitutes, choose pet-friendly string of turtles, or string of hearts. (Be careful the string of pearls plant is toxic to pets.)
7. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants, with their large, glossy leaves, are attractive but can be toxic to pets if ingested. The milky white sap in the plant can cause skin irritation, and ingestion can lead to vomiting and difficulty breathing. When looking for a similar plant friend who is non-toxic, and tall with big leaves, opt for a prayer plant or a banana tree! (They can be grown indoors, but won’t fruit with indirect light.)
When it comes to indoor plants, pet safety should always be a top priority. Understanding which indoor plants are toxic to pets is essential for creating a safe environment for both your plants and your furry companions. If you have pets at home, consider choosing non-toxic plants to avoid potential health risks. There are plenty of pet-safe options that are equally beautiful and rewarding to care for. By making informed choices and taking precautions, you can create a pet-friendly indoor garden where both your plants and pets can thrive happily together.
Happy gardening!
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