Paws and Plants: The Barlow’s Guide to Pet-Friendly Houseplants

Paws & Plants: The Barlow’s Guide to Pet-Friendly Houseplants

What’s better than having pets or plants around the house? How about having BOTH! We get it, making sure your fur babies are safe and happy is of the utmost importance (go you for being a good pet parent), but you don’t want to have to give up your love for houseplants in order to do that, so don’t!

The ASPCA -being the amazing organization that they are- has compiled an entire list of plants, both toxic and non-toxic, to make sure pet owners are informed and know how to keep their pets protected.

We’ve made our own list of the trendiest plants to keep around your house that are perfectly safe to keep around Buster (or Kevin, we love human pet names)!

Pet-Friendly (and Trendy) Houseplants

Spider Plant

The Spider Plant is great for those that want a low-maintenance plant they can forget about every now and then. Just water them once a week or so, and they’ll flourish, even giving you some Spiderettes you can pop in the soil and watch grow!

Majesty Palms

These regal palms really live up to their name! The Majesty Palm will grace your home given the right amount of attention. Needing 6-8 hours of sunlight, this palm definitely loves water. Make sure to never let the soil dry completely and repot when needed.

Calathea

Calathea plants are great houseplants for those that don’t get much bright light at home. Their bright green leaves are great for livening up otherwise dull rooms, and they don’t require much watering, making them a pretty laid back, low-maintenance plant.

Peperomia

Known as a sign for good luck in Brazil, Peperomia come in different shapes, sizes and colors, but are always sure to make an impact! These little beauties are super easy to take care of, only needing water once a week or so. They do best in medium to bright light but will survive in a low light setting.

Orchids

Orchids are known for their diversity, having over 25,000 species! Notorious for falling victim to root rot, it’s best to keep your Orchid in a pot with drainage holes and a drip tray. They also need a fast draining soil with strong, indirect sunlight. Because these plants can be a little finnicky, why don’t you check out our Free Orchid Class?

Ferns

Ferns (like the Boston Fern) are a funky, leafy plant that like warmer temperatures and indirect light. Since most ferns are forest derived, they appreciate nutrient rich, free draining soil. Make sure not to waterlog their little roots or they won’t make it!

Bromeliads

Bromeliads are a great way to bring an exotic touch to any room you place them in! They do best in medium to bright light and are adapted to withstand drought, so make sure not to over-water these little beauties!

African Violets

African Violets are great for those that want a houseplant that’s not only non-toxic to pets, but also yields bright flowers! While beautiful, African Violets tend to be a bit of a pain in the bud (see what we did there?), so we recommend using an African Violet potting mix. Plus, did you know they were voted NJ’s favorite houseplant?!

Sweetheart Hoya

With Valentine’s Day coming up, these little cuties are the PERFECT gift for your loved ones (or yourself, #singleandlovingit). They’re a crowd pleaser with their heart shaped leaves and require little attention! Simply pop them in a north-facing window and water once or twice a month, and you’ll have the cutest little heart-shaped plant to enjoy year-round!

Pilea Peperomioides

We’ve saved the best for last folks! Now presenting -drum roll please- the Pilea Peperomioides! Also known as the Chinese Money plant, the Pilea is all the rage at the moment! Known for its growing popularity on social media, Pilea Peperomioides like bright, indirect light and only need water every few days. (You can tell when your Pilea is thirsty because their little saucer-shaped leaves will begin to droop.)

No matter which houseplants you decide fit best in your life, we always encourage researching a plant’s toxicity to ensure your four-legged friends are safe. For a full list of toxic/non-toxic plants, please click here, and for cats, check out this list.