Essential swap all dog and cat owners need to make in their homes
If you want to keep a safe home for your pets, this is the swap you need to make.
Having houseplants in your home is a great way to create a welcoming space filled with life. However, if you share your home with a furry friend or two, you need to make sure that you are filling your home with plants that are safe for curious cats and dogs.
Many houseplants may look beautiful, but if your pet takes a nibble of them, it could spell danger for your beloved animals. That’s why Nick Wood from gardeningexpress.co.uk has shared his ten favourite houseplants that not only look beautiful, but are non-toxic. These plants will create a lovely green space in your home and bedroom, but they won’t make your pets sick if they happen to have a little nibble.
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Nick said: “Filling your home with houseplants is a lovely way to brighten your space and refresh the air.
“They offer many health benefits to humans, but pet owners should be cautious when choosing which plants to have indoors, as some can be toxic to our furry friends.
“That doesn’t mean you have to miss out, though, as there are plenty of options that are non-toxic to pets.
“Many of these plants are also low-maintenance and widely available, making it easy to create a safe, green space at home.”
African Violet
This beautiful delicate plant, also known as the Cape Marigold, blooms beautifully when placed in direct sunlight.
It needs to be watered around once a week, but ensure that its roots don't sit in water. This plant is non-toxic, but also because it has no scent, pets likely won’t be interested in it anyway.
Boston Fern
These ferns are visually striking with their bright green leafy fronds that spill out from the pot. During spring and summer, it needs a shady location, such as a north-facing window, but when winter comes, it needs at least two hours of sunlight a day. Low maintenance and gorgeous, it makes for a perfect pet safe plant.
Parlor Palm
Small and low maintenance, these palms love bright indirect light but should be kept away from direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves. They need to be watered when the top 2-3cm of compost feels dry - but should not be waterlogged.
Calathea
This plant is truly stunning with long, striking leaves patterned in stripes. Although not a beginner friendly plant, if you have the right conditions for it, it's well worth the work.
Calatheas do not like direct sunlight as this will burn the leaves, and it also prefers soft water. If you live in an area with hard water, you can try collecting rainwater or let the water you plan to use sit out for 24 to 48 hours to allow the sediment to settle. Soil should be kept slightly moist at all times, but never wet or waterlogged.
Dwarf Mountain Palm
Not only is this plant non-toxic, but it also purifies the air. It grows well almost anywhere in your house, but prefers to be kept out of direct sunlight. However, it loves a nice shady corner, so it’s perfect for lower-light rooms like bathrooms. It also needs very little water - water only when the soil has dried out.
Chinese Money Plant
With its round, coin-shaped leaves, the Chinese Money Plant is said to bring good luck and prosperity. It’s non-toxic and loves bright indirect light. You also need to turn it occasionally as it tends to lean towards the light.
Maranta
Nicknamed the ‘prayer plant’ for the way its leaves move up and down throughout the day, this gorgeous plant is perfect for pets. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist soil.
Phalaenopsis Orchid
One of the most common plants in supermarkets these days, and for good reason, Phalaenopsis orchids are some of the easiest-to-care-for and most spectacular orchids around.
They require minimal watering and maintenance, and will flower twice a year if you keep them in the right conditions.
Spider plant
Named for the mini plants it produces, known as ‘pups’, which resemble spiders (only a little bit, don’t panic) this is a spectacularly easy plant to grow.
Low maintenance, hard to kill, and non-toxic, spider plants make a great addition to your home.
Polka Dot Plant
Last but certainly not least is the Polka Dot Plant, known for its brightly speckled leaves. This plant adds a lovely splash of colour to any room as its white, pink or red spots stand out brightly against the dark green foliage.
These prefer bright, indirect light to maintain their vibrant colouring and like the soil to be kept lightly moist. Pinch back the stems regularly to encourage a fuller shape and prevent them from becoming leggy.
