NEED TO KNOW INFORMATION ON INDOOR PLANTS
Well, we are now into the new year. Houseplants were very popular over the December holiday. I wrote a blog last week with a tip for gardeners to add some houseplants for the winter to help fight off the winter blues. Like everything in life, not all houseplants are equal—especially when it comes to being safe for our furry companions. Some cats and dogs are indifferent to indoor plants and rarely give them any notice. Others won’t hesitate to chow down on your houseplants once they are inside the house.
The bottom line is that some tropical plants are safe for your pets to nibble on. But, some houseplants are poisonous and can cause serious health issues if ingested.
Here is a List of Pet-Safe Houseplants
- African Violet
- Air plant
- Asparagus Fern
- Cast Iron Plant
- Chenille Plant
- Prayer Plant
- Spider Plant
- Zebra Plant
- Areca Palm
- Norfolk Island Pine
- Hibiscus
- Boston Fern
- Bird’s Nest Fern
- Peperomia
- Polka Dot Plant
- Corn Plant
- Coleus
- Gardenia
- Fuschia
- Hoya
- Kalanchoe
- Jade Plant
- Rubber Plants
- Snake Plant
- Swedish Ivy
- Umbrella Plant
- Weeping Fig
Remember that houseplants that are considered safe may cause digestive upset or other non–life-threatening problems.
Here is a List of Plants That Are Toxic to Animals
- Allamanda
- Alocasia
- Caladium
- Calla Lily
- Chinese Evergreen
- Croton
- Crown of Thorns
- Pothos
- Philodendron
- Oleander
- Spathiphyllum “Peace lily”
- Geranium
A few days ago, a customer brought into the store a Peace lily that a friend had given to her. She has a dog and a couple of cats and was concerned for her precious pets. We ended up taking back this Peace lily, issuing her a store credit, and then assisting her in finding a pet-safe plant. She left the garden center relieved and happy.
These lists of plants—both safe and toxic—are not all-inclusive. You may want to ask or do some research on your own. If unsure, contact the Central Virginia Poison Center for information on a particular plant. If your cat has a particularly voracious appetite for greens, we carry cat grass seed, which can be quickly grown in a sunny window.
HAPPY “INDOOR” GARDENING!!!!!!!!!!