A common challenge that many pet and plant parents face is ensuring that the plants and flowers brought into the home are safe for their furry friends. With so many types of botanicals, houseplants, and blooms, it can feel impossible to know which of your favorites are non-toxic to your cats or dogs. Luckily, the experts here at Adrian Durban Florist, the best flower shop in Cincinnati, are both pet and plant lovers with the knowledge to point you in the right direction. Check out a few of our favorite flowers and greenery perfect for keeping around your pets.
Safe Plants & Flowers for Pets
Spider Plant
Wonderfully unique looking with thin green and yellow leaves that bend and arch from every direction, spider plants are pet-friendly and easy to grow. They make great house plants for their resilience and their air-purifying properties.
Calathea Orbifolia
A tropical beauty with large oval leaves with silvery-green stripes on them, this is an exquisite house plant that needs partial shade. It’s perfect for the bedroom or on top of a bookshelf, and the Calathea oribifolia is pet-friendly.
Polka Dot Plant
A great houseplant for its colorful leaves, the Polka Dot plant grows well in an area with indirect light but develops the best color when in lower light situations. The leaves have a sprinkling of dots making them very decorous but never toxic – as polka dot plants are safe for pets.
Gerbera Daisies
It’s a good thing daisies are safe for pets, as these bright and cheerful blooms make a great gift for dog owners and cat owners alike.
Orchid
The elegant beauty of an orchid is beloved by many, making it a very popular houseplant. Place these exotic plants in areas with partial light and don’t worry about their striking blooms or stems, as orchids are safe for pets.
How to Protect your Pets from Toxic Plants & Flowers
While curating a safe, non-toxic collection of botanicals for your home is the first step in making sure your pets stay healthy and out of harm, there are a few other things to remember. When choosing the perfect home to display your new plants and flowers, high shelves, hanging baskets, and screened-in areas should be your go-to. If your furry friend begins to show signs of poisoning, such as lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite, or drooling, be sure to contact your vet, closest animal hospital, or poison control. Finally, be sure to review the comprehensive guide of toxic and non-toxic plants on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website.
