Thursday, May 2, 2024

9 Houseplants Safe for Cats

safe house plants for cats

Easy to grow and very low maintenance, house plants are a great way to bring the outside in. Granted, a cat might knock this fern over thinking an animal is hiding under it. But kitty will soon discover that those furry “feet” beneath the fronds are just rhizomes. The plant is sometimes called “deer’s foot fern” or “squirrel’s foot fern,” according to species. At any rate, none of those feet or their fronds are poisonous. Any time you’re concerned about possible exposure to something toxic, Dr. Rosen recommends contacting the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline immediately.

Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Safest Plants For Cats 2024 - Forbes

Safest Plants For Cats 2024.

Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Although the polka dot plant can grow to 20 inches, pinching back its stems frequently to prevent flowering can keep the plants from declining. Fortunately, they won’t cause your cat to do the same, since they are not poisonous. It does best in warm environments (room temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit) with medium humidity, but shouldn’t be kept in direct light—part shade is best.

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncate)

These 15 species are technically safe for cats and dogs, but it's still best to eliminate temptation and place all houseplants out of reach. Similar to many indoor plants, bright, indirect light is ideal, so avoid dark corners or direct sunlight from a south-facing window. Boston ferns like moist soil most of the time, so a well-draining, but moisture retentive soil is a good option. Achieve this with a peat moss based medium, with added perlite, to ensure sufficient drainage. On top of that, it’s spineless, so your curious feline won’t accidentally swallow anything sharp.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

As Poinsettia are toxic to cats and dogs, I like to use Polka Dot Plants instead at Christmas, and sprinkle them with a bit of gold dust for a real festive feel. These houseplants are non toxic and provide a brilliant splash of color to any room in the home. Plus, they’re fairly easy to maintain, requiring just some bright to full light and weekly watering in warmer seasons. They grow best in moderate indirect light but can tolerate slightly shadier environments too, perfect if you live in a darker house or apartment.

Featuring deep green fronds and fuzzy roots, the Kangaroo Fern loves moist and humid environments. Water them consistently to prevent drooping leaves and keep them away from drafty windows, especially if you notice their leaves starting to curl. Hang baskets from secure hooks or use elevated shelves or plant stands. During the summertime, regular watering is essential to keep the plant hydrated.

It’s native to tropical areas of South America, so needs a warm spot out of direct sun. Keep the compost moist and mist regularly to keep humidity levels high. Among the low-maintenance houseplants that are safe for cats are low-growing peperomias.

Growing more spider plants from the babies the mother plant produces is also simple. Spider plant grows best in bright, indirect light, but it can tolerate low light, too. Let the soil dry between waterings, and your plant can grow up to 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide and produce multiple baby plants.

This Catnip Grow Kit Provides Your Cat With a Houseplant They Can Actually Eatopens in a new tab

I’ve got more information on propagating echeveria here if you are interested. Some of the most popular varieties, and my personal favorites are the Peperomia caperate, Peperomia obtusifolia, Peperomia graveolens. With no delicate flowers to damage, even if your cat was to take a nibble of some leaves, or be a little rough with it, it won’t spoil the wonderful look of these plants. Though it won’t need too much hydration, you’ll want to water your peperomia when the top inch or two of the soil is dry to the touch. Water your pilea every week or two, and rotate it 180 degrees every time you water so it grows more symmetrically. Be careful when moving your burro's tail or taking it down from its perch for watering, as its tiny leaves are delicate and can easily fall off.

safe house plants for cats

A Heart-Leafed Beauty That Also Stuns In A Hanging Basket

Originating from Mexico and Guatemala, this little palm is popular because it grows well in low light conditions and at lower temperatures. To thrive, this cat-friendly plant requires indirect light, as being in full sun can burn the leaves. You should also err on the side of under-watering, as it doesn’t like standing water. You can wait until the first few inches of topsoil are dry before tipping the watering can. Don’t overwater - wait until the top inch of soil is dry and then water evenly.

Marigolds, or mary-buds (calendula officinalis) are common and easy to care for flowers perfect for the home. Set this mini tree in any room to give it a tropical feel, thanks to its braided stem and palm-like leaves. Along with being incredibly low-maintenance, it is said to bring positive energy and good luck to the owner, according to ancient Feng Shui philosophy. Opt for organic and natural fertilizers, as they are safer for pets. You can also look for fertilizers mentioned as safe for use around animals. Provide vertical options like cat trees, shelves, or window perches.

safe house plants for cats

If you love plants as well as cats, ensuring the two live harmoniously together can be a tricky business. Some plants simply don’t survive cats’ insatiable curiosity, and, in some cases, this can be dangerous as certain plant species are toxic to cats. Luckily, there are also several species that aren’t toxic, making them better choices for plant lovers with feline friends. The canary date palm (phoenix canariensis) is sure to provide a tropical feel to your home as it stands like a small palm tree. Keep this plant in full sunlight and it will do well indoors. Calathea Freddie's contrasting stripes really make an impact.

His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables. Tillandsia are not plants that are toxic to people and animals. The Zebra plant is native to Brazil and is one of the plants safe for cats. This succulent plant likes bright locations with plenty of direct sunlight all year round.

Bow down to the Majesty Palm, a palm from Madagascar that grows several feet tall. Its fronds are also concentrated towards the top of the plant, so even though it’s safe for cats, they’ll have trouble reaching up that high if they want to snack. Indirect sunlight is best, as direct, bright light can scorch the leaves. Water once every week to two weeks, making sure the soil is dry a few inches down. To really err on the side of caution, keep your blooms in a place where pets won't have easy access to them. Plant stands and hanging planters can be an excellent way to ensure this, especially with smaller dogs.

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