Most of us now know about the benefits of houseplants in the home, which probably explains why plant sales have gone up 50% in the last four years. Also on the rise is pet ownership with 57% of Americans owning at least one pet. This leads to many homes having plants and pets, which could cause a problem in your dog or cat likes to have a little greenery for dinner. Not all plants are safe for pets, so keeping your home full of pet-friendly plants will keep your furry friends happy and healthy. Here at McNamara Florist, Indianapolis’s premier flower shop, we have rounded up our favorite pet-friendly plants you’ll want to have in your home.

Pet-Friendly Houseplants

Spider Plant

A popular plant because it is easy to grow, Spider plants are pet-friendly. Their long, grassy leaves curve outwards which makes it perfect for hanging planters.

Parlor Palm

A gorgeous, lush green plant with numerous leaflets that provide movement and texture, the Parlor Palm is pet-safe. This easy-to-grow rainforest native can grow nearly 4 feet indoors.

Bird’s Nest Fern

A beautifully unique plant often found growing on trees, the Bird’s Nest Fern does well indoors, too, making it a great houseplant for the home. With light-green leaves crinkled on the edges, Bird’s Nest Ferns are pet-friendly and bring pizzazz and excitement to any room.

Ponytail Palm

A whimsical plant with leaves that fall in a visually stunning manner, the Ponytail Palm is pet-friendly and easy to grow. Being very forgiving and hardy tolerating a variety of lighting conditions, Ponytail Palms are excellent houseplants.

Polka Dot Plant

For a plant that provides air-purifying benefits and a bit of color, bring home a Polka Dot Plant. Its large leaves have a pattern of colored “dots” looking as if someone did a Jackson Pollock-type number on them. The color combos vary with pink, white, and red on the green leaves being the most common.  The Polka Dot Plant is not toxic to cats and dogs and is an eye-catching, easy-to-grow plant you’ll want to have in your home.

Watermelon Peperomia

Another plant with highly decorative leaves is the Watermelon Peperomia. This plant has a unique leaf design that resembles a watermelon. A hardy plant, the Watermelon Peperomia is pet-friendly and easy to grow.

Orchid

An elegant and exotic plant, Orchids are pet-friendly, too. A popular plant due to its magnificent blossoms that bloom in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, Orchids enhance any decor.

African Violet

The African Violet has a variety of leaf forms and colors, such as purple, yellow, white, pink, and blue. With care, it’s possible for this plant to bloom all year round. African Violets are pet-friendly so feel free to place them on your front porch or back patio.

Signs of Poisoning in Pets

If you think your pet ingested a toxic substance, take them to the vet immediately. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive drooling, and a racing heart. For a thorough list of plants toxic to cats and dogs, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website.

How to Protect your Pets from Toxic Plants

You can help protect your pets by keeping only pet-friendly plants and flowers around your home. Of course, there will be times when you fall in love with plants that may not be pet-friendly. In this case, keep the plant out of reach of furry paws and in places such as a hanging planter, high shelf, or an area closed off to your pets.

With pet-friendly plants in your home, you can enjoy the health benefits they bring and enjoy your furry companions, too.